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SISTERLY HATE [CHAPTER 4]

Dad: (honking) Come on, girls! Let's go! You're going to be late for school, and I'm running behind for work.

Through the window I watch Hazel walk out of the house with her headset on, and plop herself down in the front seat of the car.

Dad: Where's your sister?

Hazel: ... (silently staring blankly ahead)

Dad: (sighs, taking off Hazel's headset) Hazel, I said where is your sister?

Hazel: (shrugs) I don't know, Dad. She might still be in her room, applying more makeup to look pretty. (rolls her eyes)

Dad: What's wrong with her? That girl has been becoming increasingly hectic these days. I'm late for work, please go get her.

Hazel: (sighs, annoyed) Dad, you made me wake her up, and now you're making me go get her? She is the oldest remember? I don't know why we're waiting. Just leave her, she can find her way to school.

Dad: Don't say that, Hazel. She's your sister. Now go get her!

Hazel: (gets out of the car, muttering under her breath) Ugh... Sister, my ass.

DAD: And hey, did you take your medication?

HAZEL: (pausing, avoiding eye contact) Oh, yeah... the meds. Uh, yeah, I took them.

DAD: How are you feeling now?

HAZEL: (nervously) Much better... yeah, I'm good.

I trudged out of the house, my feet heavy with reluctance, and stood in front of the car.

Hazel: (whispering to her self with hint of bitterness and envy) Oh great, here comes the Miss perfect

Ava: Dad, I'm feeling really sick, and I don't want to go to school today. Please can I stay home?

Dad: (skeptical) Oh, come on, Ava. Why do you always get sick when you have to go to school? You're not fooling me. Get in the car now; we're already running late.

Ava: (desperate) Dad, please, I'm telling the truth! I'm not just trying to get out of school.

Hazel: (cutting in) Stop with the act, Ava, and get in the car already!

Ava: (sighs) I wasn't talking to you, Hazel, so why don't you mind your own business?

Hazel: (smirking) Well, it is my business because I do not want to be late for school.

Ava: Why not skip the whole drama and walk to school if you care so much about being on time?

Hazel: (exasperated) Stop being so immature and get in the car!

Ava: Look who's talking about maturity.. Do you even have any idea that I'm older than you?

Hazel: Yeah, I do. But I don't think one year makes you any more sensible.

Ava: (smirking) Oh, so you think you're just as grown as me now? Please, Hazel, you're still a baby compared to me.

Hazel: (defensive) Hey, I'm not a baby! And just because you're older doesn't mean you're automatically right.

Ava: (teasing) Oh, poor Hazel, still trying to prove herself.

Hazel: (angrily) Shut up, Ava! You're not as perfect-

Dad: (interrupted, his patience wearing thin) That's enough, both of you! Can't you see I'm right here in front of you? Show some respect! Ava, get in the car now, or you're grounded for a week!

Angrily, I opened the car door and slid into the backseat. Dad zoomed off, the tension in the car palpable.

It wasn't long before we arrived at my school, Nova High. The tension from the fight between Hazel and me still lingered in the air as we pulled into the parking lot. Dad found a spot, turned off the car, and let out a deep sigh.

Dad: We're here.

Hazel and I were about to storm out of the car, but Dad's firm tone stopped us.

Dad: Hold on, both of you.

Hazel: (sighs) Dad, please, I'm already late.

Dad: I know, but listen to me first... (pauses, taking a deep breath) I want you girls to stop fighting. You're sisters, and sisters are supposed to love and support each other. This constant arguing and hating is not healthy.

Hazel: (interrupting) Dad, can we not have this conversation right now, please?

Dad: (firmly) No, Hazel, we need to talk about this. You're both hurting each other, and it's affecting your relationships and your well-being. (Pause a bit and then continue) You know, it's been a long time since I've seen you two get along and behave like actual sisters.

Hazel: (cut in groaning) Please Dad, can we not talk-

DAD: (ignoring Hazel's interruption) And it's breaks my heart, seeing you both drifting apart. You used to be inseparable, and now it feels like you're just coexisting. Family is supposed to be a source of comfort and strength, not stress and pain. Can't you see that you're hurting each other and yourselves with this behavior? I want to see you both happy and getting along..

Hazel: (voice cracked slightly) Okay, Dad, are we done? (Sniffle) Because I'm leaving.

Ava: (frustrated) Can't you just be patient and respectful for once? Dad is still talking.

Hazel: (sighing) I've heard him, so? Ugh, please, I can't stand this right now. I'm leaving. Bye, Dad!

With that, Hazel unlocked the door and stepped out, leaving Dad and I behind.

Ava: (shaking her head) Dad, you see what I'm talking about? She's become something else... How rude of her!

Dad took a deep breath and just sat there with anger, confusion and disappointment in his face.

Ava: (In a soft, low and concerned tone) Dad, I hear you... (pauses, then slowly continues) I love Hazel, and I miss her. I miss the old Hazel. I don't know what's gotten into her. She used to be so calm and nice, but these days, I don't seem to get her anymore. I am fed up with her nasty behavior that's why I get even with her. Because I don't want to look weak, if I don't stand up for myself or push back, she'll walk all over me. It's all exhausting and frustrating with the new her... I just want the old, sweet Hazel back.

Dad: Sweetie, as the older sibling, you set the tone. Don't let her get to you. Show her kindness.

Ava: (sighs) I'll try, Dad. She's just so... frustrating and knows how to get on my nerves.

Dad: I know, but you're mature and kind. Show her what that means. Yeah, so I have to get going...

Ava: Okay, Dad. Sorry again for keeping you late. (steps out of the car)

Dad: Love you, sweetie. Have a great day!

Ava: Love you too, Dad. Have a good day at work!

With a gentle smile, Dad nodded and Waved me good bye before driving off.