Chapter 12- Neon T-shirts

Slowly opening up my eyes, I came to the realization that it was yet another morning. Another day I woke up like this; soaked in my own sweat, feeling exhausted for not having been granted a decent night sleep. Tossing and turning in bed almost everything night had become a routine for me for the past years.

I wish I could just filter it all. These persistent nightmares that won't leave me alone, no matter how early I decide to go to sleep the night before in an attempt to prevent them from appearing, the thoughts, the memories, all of it.

Sighing, I decided it would be best to just get up and start the day.

Gosh, I'm so excited.

Entering my bathroom, I started the shower, hoping it would wash both my foul mood and perspiration away. It usually worked.

"Collin?" Matthew called from the other side of the door.

"Yes?" I said, rubbing my head with shampoo.

"Are you going to take too long in there? I don't want to be late for school!"

"No, Matt. I'll be quick, I promise."

"You always say that! Please, I can't be late today!"

I groaned. Why is he so annoying?

"Tell me, when was the last time I dropped you off late?"

"Well, um..."

"That's right, now if you shut up and let me shower in peace I'll be even quicker."

I heard him heave a big sigh before drawling a 'fine'.

Finally.

Like I said, it usually worked.

-

I got out and dressed myself, having brushed my teeth in the shower. Other businesses were also performed in there, but I don't see a reason to get specific with that.

I got downstairs after a total of fifteen minutes. It didn't make sense to me how people could take longer than that. What else do you have to do in the morning? Slay dragons?

Laughing quietly, I reached for the granola box on the highest shelf of the pantry. I liked to place it up there so that Mel couldn't reach it, even though she wasn't currently living here. Perhaps it's become a habit. But well, there was also Matthew. And yes, I know some could take this as mean, but I prefer viewing it as me doing both of them a favor. I got cranky when I didn't have the breakfast I liked.

So you're welcome, sis and little bro.

"Good morning, Collin." Linda greeted me animatedly, as if mornings were the most exciting thing in the world and I had to hold back from rolling my eyes at that.

She wore her usual morning attire, which consisted of leggings and a sleeveless neon gym shirt. Tank top, is it? Whatever. I should be grateful for it not being just a tiny revealing top today. I fought the urge to grimace at the image implanted in my brain.

Each day she wore a different color. Always neon. Does she plan on making me go blind with those? I asked no one but the bowl before me as I furrowed my eyebrows and placed another spoonful into my mouth.

"I see you woke up earlier than usual today." She smiled at me, taking a mug from the cupboard.

And I see you went for the traffic cone look. Let me tell you, that orange shirt was not a good choice.

"Yeah. Couldn't sleep well." It was the best reply I could think of to dismiss her without sounding offensive.

"Oh? Well, I could make you some herbal tea. I'm sure it will help you relax your muscles a bit." She offered, already taking another cup from that same cupboard.

"Thanks, but I'm gonna be late." I said with my mouth full, getting up from the stool and making sure I left my unfinished bowl on the counter. She began saying something else, but I didn't wait for her to finish.

"Matthew!" I yelled, my head tilting upward as I now stood by the end of the staircase. "Are you coming downstairs or what? Now we are going to be late, man!"

"Coming!" He exclaimed, bouncing on the steps, "Here." The kid smiled with a huff, starting to make his way to the kitchen before I grabbed his backpack and started pulling him towards the front door.

"Wait, what about breakfast?"

"No time." I grunted.

"But-"

I groaned, "Just grab something quick and get back here."

"Ooh, can I get a granola bar?" He asked hopeful, the two vacant spots which his upcoming teeth were yet to fill showing on his smile.

"No, those are mine- ugh, fine. Go on."

"Yes!" He beamed, making his way to the kitchen once more.

I rolled my eyes upon hearing him greet Linda in a rather cheerful tone before we made our way outside after the little thief came back with his conquest, shoving five bars in his backpack.

"Bye, boys! Have a great day!" The traffic cone, I mean Linda, yelled from the kitchen.

Yeah, yeah.

-

"So..."

I remained quiet, my eyes focusing on the street.

"What's gotten up your ass?"

My eyes widened and head snapped to my right after hearing such words come out of my little brother's mouth.

"Excuse me?" I asked in disbelief.

The little brat only shrugged. "You're crankier than usual today. The space between your brows is all wrinkled from how much you're... Uh, stressing it. You're gonna look like a raisin when you become an old man." He shook his head.

When did this kid become such a smart-ass?

"One, you don't use that expression. It's not nice. Two, I'm not crankier than usual, that's just your impression."

"Alright, so you're moody. Sorry."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes you are." He chanted, opening up one of the bars and taking a bite.

I began to estimate how much time would it take me to throw him out the window.

"No I'm-" I cut myself off, "I'm not having this conversation with a little crybaby like you." I informed him as my hand reached to turn on the radio in order to tune out the whines that were sure to be ensued by the way I called him. He hated it when I called him that.

"Hey!" See?

"I'm not a crybaby!" He whined.

"Well, that's debatable." I turned the volume up as he began grumbling incoherent things.

After a while, I heard his voice again, "Every time you talk to mom you get like this." He mumbled over the song and I stiffened, gripping the wheel tighter.

"Linda." I reprimanded in a firm tone.

Matthew rolled his eyes at my correction, "Okay, Linda. Whatever, but you do."

I chose to ignore his observation and the rest of the ride was quiet until we arrived at his school.

"Have a nice day, behave and don't get expelled." I told him vaguely as he opened the door to get out of the car.

"I won't", He giggled.

"Have a nice day, behave or get expelled?" I asked, faking confusion.

"Get expelled", the boy said presumptuously, almost finishing with a duh. What, the kid can't get a joke?

"You better, because no one's homeschooling you, child."

"Bye, Collin." He laughed again, shutting the door and I waved at him, watching as he strolled towards the gates.

Okay. Next stop, hell. Or school. Depends on how the day goes.

I sure hope it's the latter.