My everything

Chapter eight - Moving out

Luke's POV:

Things between my parents and I haven't been great. That is for the last few days. We keep arguing about the same things. I don't know what they want from me. Of course, they don't forget to mention my precious brother, Sam. I have nothing against him, but the fact they use him as a way to show how bad I am makes me mad. Sam and I have never argued over anything. Even he told me not to be like him. I don't know why my parents can't understand that we are not the same person. I don't want to have much money and barely go home. They might get mad at me when I tell them I don't want to study more. I mean, going to university. I know I have to work, and I will do it. Many people haven't been to university but work and earn enough money. It's about the effort, not the degree. At least, that is my opinion. I don't know how I will deal with this. It won't be easy, especially when my parents want me to be someone I'm not. Also, I got tired of being compared to my brother. He has a good job and a family. I'm happy for him, but I don't want this. I have my way of doing everything. I wish I had some support. Maybe Abby will be on my side for this. Sam too, but he is far away. I don't want to keep arguing with my parents. The fight is stupid, and I want it to end. I'm not giving up, so they have to do it. I'm not a little kid anymore. I know what is good for me. There must be a way how I can convince my parents. I can make my brother talk with them, but I don't want to. It's not like he hasn't tried. The thing is that my mom and dad don't even listen to him. My grandparents are my last option. My dad's parents died when I was only thirteen. Only my mom's parents left me. I don't want to involve them in this. I hope that one day this fight will be over.

The weekend ended, and I had to go back to school. Honestly, I prefer being there instead of at home. My parents are driving me crazy. Soon, I have to get my Science test result back. It won't be an A, but I don't care. Well, my parents do. Since I am not like Sam, I am not a good kid. I wish they could appreciate the fact that I'm here. Sam is living in another city. If I move out, they will be alone. It's not like I haven't planned it. If my mom and dad keep arguing with me over the same things, I will live with my grandparents. I'm sure they will have space for me.

I woke up and went to get ready. I checked my phone, but there were no new messages. I texted Abby that I would see her in school. When I was ready, I walked to the kitchen for food. My parents were talking about something. I ignored them and started eating. I don't want them to ruin my day from the morning. No, thank you. It's not like I haven't been in a bad mood for a while now. Abby probably has noticed it. Well, she didn't say anything. As I was eating, they looked at me.

- What?

- Will you get your test results today? - mom asked

- Yes, so?

- We need to see them.

- If the teacher lets us bring the test home.

- They always do. If you don't do it, I will see it personally.

- Do whatever you want. I don't care.

- Why don't you want to understand us?

- No, you don't want to understand me. I don't want to be like Sam.

- We don't want you to get the same job, but only to study.

- What if I don't want to? I want to work, not study.

- What?

- That's right. I don't want to go to university.

- That is not your choice.

- See? You keep telling me what to do. As if I am a little kid.

- I want my son to be successful.

- I want to do things my way.

- I won't let my son be a failure.

- The award for parents of the year goes to you. Note the sarcasm. - I said and left

I took my things and walked to school. That's it. I got tired of arguing with them. Granny will have a guest for some time. I'm sure she won't mind me. Soon, I arrived. I walked to my locker and took what I needed for the first class.

- Are you ok?

- Oh, hey, Abby.

- What's wrong? You look mad.

- Nothing.

- Won't you tell me?

- It's not something you have to worry about right now.

- That makes me worried even more.

- I fought with my parents.

- Again? Lately, this happens often.

- I know. I decided to move out.

- What? Where will you go?

- My grandparents will have a guest.

- Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, moving out is something serious.

- I don't want to keep arguing with them, Abby.

- I know, but I'm sure there is another solution.

- Sorry, but I already made this decision. I have been thinking about it for a while.

- Can I still come to see you?

- Of course. Granny is lovely. She will like you.

- Thanks.

I got my test result, and it was a C. It's not that bad. On the lunch break, Abby and I went for food. Some girls looked at me, but I ignored that. I'm not in the mood for that. Also, now I have a girlfriend. I'm not allowed to do whatever it is with anyone. Well, with a girl. Soon, one of them came to our table.

- Hey, how are you today?

- Fine.

- My friends are over there. Do you want to come?

- No. Now leave.

- Come on. What will you do here alone?

- I am here, and if you don't leave now, I will rip off your head. Stay away, or I will step in. Trust me. You won't like it. - Abby said

- Did you hear something?

- Let's see if you will like this. - Abby said, pulling out scissors and cutting a piece of her hair

- What the hell?

- That is only the beginning. Leave. Now!

- I will report you.

- I don't care. As long as you leave, I am good. - Abby said, and the girl left

- Why? - I asked

- There is something called keeping territory. - she said, and I laughed

- You are good.

- Thanks. Let's eat now. I go hungry.

After school, I walked home. I told Abby that I would call her later. I didn't talk with my grandparents, but I don't think they will mind. I walked into my room and started packing some things. After all, I was patient enough. I don't want to keep fighting with my parents. Maybe my grandparents will help me with this. I put all my books for school in my backpack. All the clothes and accessories are in a suitcase. That's not everything, but I will come for the rest another day. Of course, I left a note for my parents. They need to know where I am. I called a taxi and went there. The ride was only twenty minutes. I knocked on the door, and my granny opened it.

- Hey, granny.

- Oh my god, Luke. What are you doing here?

- Can I come in?

- Of course. What are these bags?

- I will tell you in a minute.

- Hey, how is my favorite grandson? - my grandpa asked, coming in

- He is good.

Here is the thing. Mom and dad favored my brother, Sam, and my grandparents, me. Honestly, they always treated my brother and me the same. Sometimes, I received more candy than him.

- What's up, boy? It looks like you are moving in. - my grandpa said, laughing

- That's what I wanted to ask. Can I stay here for a while?

- Why? What happened? - granny asked

- Mom and dad have different opinions than me.

- What did they do to you?

- Nothing. Well, except for comparing me with Sam.

- Again? I told her to stop doing this. Otherwise, you two will start arguing.

- I have talked with Sam. He tried to talk with them about that but without result.

- Poor boy. Come here. I want a hug.

- Thanks, granny. - I said and gave her one

- Let's set your room, boy. Do your parents know you are here? - grandpa asked

- I left them a note.

- Good.

- I can carry my things. It might be heavy for you.

Both my grandpa and I walked to my new room. I have been here before. Sam and I used to spend some time with our grandparents during summer vacation. When I was done unpacking, I went for a shower. Later, I called Abby. After all, I promised her to do it. I used FaceTime so I could see her.

- Hello.

- Hey. Where are you?

- In my grandparents' house.

- So you did it?

- Yes. I officially moved out.

- I still think it's ridiculous, but maybe this will make your parents realize what they did.

- Honestly, I don't care. All I wanted was to be away from them.

- Well, you did it.

- Here, I will live like a king. - I said, chuckling

- Yeah, you wish.

- No, it's true. My parents love Sam more, but my grandparents love me.

- If you say so.

- Knock, knock. Does my favorite grandson need something? - my granny asked, coming in

- No, but thank you.

- Oh, who is his? Hi. You are pretty.

- Thanks. I am Abby.

- Granny, meet my girlfriend. Abby, this is my granny.

- Hi, Luke's granny.

- I want you to come for dinner. That is a historical moment. - my granny said, and I laughed

- Granny, leave her alone.

- I would love to come.

- See. Dear, tell me when you are free. Also, what your favorite food is.

- Ok, I will. I won't deny getting spoiled.

- Hey, that is my job. - I said

- Then do it.

- Ok, I will.

- I will go to prepare dinner. Call me if you need anything. - my granny said, kissed my forehead, and left

- She is a lovely woman.

- I told you.

- I can't wait to meet her.

- You don't have to come if you don't want to.

- Oh, no. I will come. I want to see your new home.

- You can come whenever you want. My grandparents won't mind.

- She loves taking care of you.

- I was a spoiled kid.

- And you still are. Thanks to you, I will get some benefits.

- No problem. You can tell me what you want. Granny will make it.

- Let's not use her.

- Ok, ok.

- What will you do for the rest of the night?

- I might stay at home. I haven't seen my grandparents for a while. Also, I'm sure my granny will ask many questions about you.

- It's good that you have a place to stay.

- Yes, it is. I will go to help my granny with dinner.

- You should've moved out earlier. - Abby said, chuckling

- Very funny. I don't want to live here for granted.

- It's good that you value things.

- I'm trying.

- Ok, go now. I'll see you at school tomorrow.

- For sure, you will. Bye, Abby.

- Bye, Luke. - she said and ended the call

I walked into the kitchen. It looks like my granny will make chicken. I asked her if I could do something. She didn't let me. In that case, I will help my grandpa. He was doing something in the garage. I climbed on a small ladder and took a box. My grandpa can do it, but he will probably fall. I don't want this to happen. We talked until my granny called us for dinner. He told me stories about Sam and me when we were little. I remember some things, but not much. I was too little. Later, all of us sat around the table.

- Here you go. I hope you will like it.

- Granny, everything made from you is delicious.

- You need to tell me what Abby likes to eat.

- I don't know. We haven't talked about that.

- How you don't know your girlfriend's favorite food.

- I never asked, ok? - I said, chuckling

- I will do this myself.

- How is Sam? We haven't heard from him in a while. - grandpa said

- He is good. Sam has a baby with his girlfriend. She is almost five months old.

- He had a difficult childhood. - granny said

- Why?

- Because your brother was doing everything your parents told him.

- That's why they love him so much. I am the bad guy.

- Dear, you are not a bad boy. Just because you don't have good grades doesn't mean you are that bad. I have told your mom a million times to stop wanting things from her kids. Sam is a doctor because she wants him to have a job with a lot of money. Listen to me. You will be way more successful. Also, you will be richer than him. Sam has money, but you will be happier. Do whatever you want with your life. After a couple of years, you will see the difference between you and your brother. That's why we liked you more. Poor Sam was doing everything to please your parents. You didn't care about that and did whatever you wanted. Trust me. You will have way more than him. All your parents cared about when it came to both of you was to be successful. They didn't care if this made you happy. I don't believe that Sam loves what he does.

- No, he doesn't. Sam said he barely has time for his family.

- See? Don't listen to your parents. You have to do what you think it's best for you.

- I don't want to go to university. I want to work.

- Then do it. No one said you have to be in university to get a job. It only helps you to get a better one.

- My parents said that was not my decision.

- No, it is. Luke, you are eighteen, soon to be nineteen. They can't keep telling you what to do.

- They don't understand that.

- I'll deal with this. You have to focus on yourself and Abby. After all, you love her. Right?

- I guess. I have never said it to her.

- Do you like being with her?

- Yes.

- Do you enjoy every single thing that you two do together?

- Yes, I do.

- That is love.

- I hope that it won't fade away.

- Why do you think like that?

- I went to dinner at her house. Let's say that I didn't get approved by her dad.

- Everything will be fine.

- Your granny is right. You can count on us. - grandpa said

- Can Abby come here?

- I told you I wanted to meet her for dinner.

- No, I meant during the other time. Also, my mom and dad don't know about her. I didn't want to tell them.

- She is always welcome here.

- Thank you. I should've moved here earlier.

- Yes, you should. - my granny said and hugged me

The rest of the night I spend with my grandparents. We kept talking about my future and me. I wish my parents could understand me the way my grandparents do. They liked me, but I didn't think things were that deep. What my granny said made me think about myself. I don't know if I will be better than Sam. Also, this is not a competition. Both of us have different visions of the world and our lives. We have never competed with each other for anything. Well, except for when we played games as little kids. That doesn't count. My brother always has my back, and I appreciate it. I hope that my parents and I will find a solution to our problems.