Finding Joy

Chapter 4

My half-sister’s an i***t. She says I’m Mom’s favorite, which isn’t true. I just don’t mess up like she does. I mean, if she would just think once in a while, maybe she wouldn’t be grounded all the time. Or if she planned, she might have some money, and wouldn’t keep begging for me to break into my savings

But I didn’t put a Strongbox Secret Cash Box on my Christmas list for its name. I wanted a piggy bank that looked like a vault, so I’d think twice before pulling money out. I’m not inserting coins in the slot for no reason, I have big plans. A Black Knight Sidewalk Skateboard with Cadillac wheels that will make me king of the streets.

And I’m almost there. So far, I’ve saved $7.43. Just $2.56 more and I’ll have the $9.99 I need. Then Kyle Wright will be like one of the skater boys, cruising over sidewalks till I hit Wheeler Hill. I’ll be perched at the top waiting for that light to turn green. Then, with a quick kick, I’ll jet down that asphalt wave, and the only sound will be the wind whooshing past my face. I won’t hear slamming doors or Mom crying.

It’s all stupid Joy’s fault, anyhow. Stupid head. If she hadn’t screeched, “You’re not my father, you can’t tell me what to do,” Dad wouldn’t have had to put her in her place. I mean, you just can’t have a seventeen-year-old talking like that.

Then Mom wouldn’t have tried to get between them. And Dad wouldn’t have hit her instead of Joy.

He didn’t mean it. I know, ‘cause he came back later with a big bouquet of flowers for Mom. Said he was sorry.

Dumb Joy. Dumb name. Doesn’t fit her at all, since all she seems to do is tick off everyone, arguing with her stupid hippie stuff. Doesn’t she realize the hippies are gone? Move on already and get a brain. And keep your hands off my bank.