20 July 2011

Mind Over Matter, Chapter 3

An hour later I'm sitting on my living room couch, squished in between my parents, across from Liz Wood. She's just explained why she flew all the way here to talk to me. Apparently I participated in a nation wide acting thing last year, and out of my entire state, I was the only one picked. I've always been interested in becoming an actress, so it's pretty convincing. Liz even has a separate brochure for the "school" I'm going to. I look at it and do a mental eye-roll. It's looks too jazzed up and fakey to me, but my parents seem to be buying it. They might actually let me go. I can't believe this.

"So, Mr and Mrs Slate. What do you think? Gemma is an exceptional actress. I wouldn't want to let this opportunity pass her by." I glance up at my dad. He seems to really be considering it.

"Please dad? At least let me try it out? If I don't like it I can always come right back." He sighs and looks over at my mom. She shrugs and looks down at me. To my surprise, she smiles and squeezes my shoulder.

"I vote yes." Yes! I smile over at Liz. My dad might be the man of the house, but he knows when my mom makes up her mind, there's no which way about it. I jump up and do a little dance around the room. Now that I know I'm going, I'm really excited.

"Okay then, Gemma, you can go. But on one condition." I stop mid-jig and look at my dad. "You need to finish out the semester here first. You can leave after Christmas."

"But, that's two months away! That's not fair." He stands up and lets the brochure float to the coffee table. There's no room for argument.

"Take it or leave it, Gemma." I cross my arms and glare at him through narrowed eyes. Bitter old bastard. A moment of happiness from me and he has to ruin it. Like always.

"I'll take it." I stomp up to my room without another word. I can't believe him! I rip my phone from my pocket and dial Jarrod.

"Yeah, hey?"

"Hi."

"Uh oh. They said no, eh?" I slam my door shut and sit heavily on my bed.

"No, they said yes. But I can't go until after Christmas!"

"What? That's crazy. That's over two months away."

"I know. That's what I said. It's just like him." Just then there's a knock at my door.

"Gemma, let me in."

"Sorry Jarrod, I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye." I hang up and call my dad in. I cross my arms again.

"Stop with the theatrics Gemma. I think it's perfectly reasonable for you to finish the semester here."

"Yeah cause you're not the one going. I can get my stuff transferred and finish it there."

"Wouldn't you rather be here for your sister's birthday?"

"Why? So I can watch the kids you invite over while you're at work and mom's up nursing a hangover? Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not a built-in baby sitter." That struck a nerve and for a small second, I'm afraid he's going to hit me.

"Until you adjust that attitude of yours, you're not going anywhere."

"I'll be 18 in two weeks. After that you can't tell me shit."

"Well if that's how you feel then as soon as that day comes, you are no longer welcome here." Without giving me a chance to say something, he turns around and stalks out of my room. I stare after him, in some state of shock. Did he really just disown me? Well if that's how they feel then there's no reason to stick around tonight.

I quickly pack a bag with things I'll need for the next few days. Clothes, toothbrush, cellphone, money. I've had a savings account since I was 10 and there's over $2,000 in it. I just need to get to a bank tonight before my dad has a chance to close it. I sit for a few minutes before calling Jarrod, trying to collect my thoughts. I ignore my mom when she calls me down for supper. It would be the perfect time to get out without anyone noticing.

I creep down the hall and peer over the railing. Everyone's in the dining room eating. I make my way back to my room and dial Jarrod again. "Hello?"

"Hey, I need you to come pick me up."

"I thought you're not allowed out. Are you finally free?"

"In a manner of speaking. Look, I just need you to come get me. I'll explain everything when I see you okay?"

"I can't make it out now. My parents are having their date night, remember?"

"Shit, right, I forgot. You can't get someone to watch them for half an hour?"

"Well. I guess I could ask my grandma. But I can't be long or I'll get in trouble."

"Okay, that's fine. Meet me at the corner."

"I'll be there in 10."

"Thanks, Jarrod."

"Yep. Bye." I shut my phone and grab my bag, wondering how I'm going to get out the door. From the dining room you can see the front door. A sudden inspiration has me stuffing random school books into my bag. I do a double check and then walk down the stairs. I'm putting my shoes on as I'm stopped.

"Where do you think you're going?" I slip my shoes on and look at my dad.

"I'm going to the library. There's a couple books I need for a project I'm doing in English."

"Not happening. If you're not going to eat dinner you can go back to your room."

"Would you rather me fail then? It's due tomorrow."

"Just let her go, Darren. Gemma, you call when you're done and your dad will go get you." I open the door and flash my dad a smile that my mom can't see. He's about to grab for my arm but I run outside before he can get me, not stopping until I'm 3 blocks away from the house.