"We named him Harold." CJ says as Sarah, Jack, Kenzie and I surround the fish bowl.

"He's sleeping!" Jack points out, the small gold fish 'sleeping' upside down.

"He sleeps a lot." Jack frowns and taps on the glass.

As their older sister I didn't have the heart to tell them that their fish Harold, wasn't sleeping. But instead was dead. I can't do that, I'm not a cruel person.

"He's so cute" I said crouching down to view into the bowl.

Yup, he's dead alright.

"Let's go downstairs" CJ says, taking Jack and Kenzie downstairs. Sarah stays back and pokes me on my arm.

"I know he's not really sleeping but I don't want them to get sad" She admits, that was kinda sweet.

"We can go out later and replace it before they realize." I offer and she agrees.

Unfortunately I had to stay at moms house this weekend since my dad was going to be away for business. I liked spending time with my siblings and all the only part I dreaded was having my mom criticize everything I do.

She does it quite often but she acts like an angel with her other kids. It would be nice if my own mom was actually interested in my life and wanted to be apart of it but I'm used to the relationship we have now. I guess it won't change.

My phone dings and I glance down to read a message from Heath. He was getting out of work in an hour and I told him I would stop by to hang out with him.

Last night was fun, being all alone with him and it was my first sleepover. With a guy.

This morning I had woken up to him cuddling me and I could not believe it, so I snapped a picture when he was still sleeping. Now I have it forever. He makes me feel all jittery and happy in the inside for some reason, I hope I make him feel the same way.

"Thalia, I heard it was almost your birthday. Any plans?" Anthony asks, sitting at the kitchen table.

Anthony was a relaxed and nice man, I didn't have a problem with him at all. In fact I often question why he was still with my mom but love is love, I guess.

" Not that I know of. I still haven't really planned anything." I sit down on the chair right next to him as breakfast was about to be served.

Hopefully I actually got to eat some this time.

"Well if you want anything specific for your birthday, let me know." He says and I already have many ideas.

"I'll send you a list." I said and he chuckles but I wasn't even joking. I love presents but I also loved giving people presents, it fills my heart.

Once everyone was seated at the table they all quickly start grabbing food and I feel like I have to rush to even have food to eat. They're like animals. I shift in my seat and clear my throat feeling a little awkward to speak to my mom.

"So I wanted to ask you something" I look at mom and she looks at me for a second before looking back down at the plate in her hand.

"What is it Thalia?" She huffs and I bite my lip. I hope this doesn't tick her off.

"Well... as you know I'm a senior and graduation is in about three weeks. And I wanted you to come." I finally let out and she takes a whole minute before responding.

"I don't know. I'm busy, you know this Thalia." She sighs but I never even told her what day..

"Yeah, I know. It was just something to think about. You don't have to come" I shake my head and I can feel the awkwardness in the room.

"It's okay if you don't. It's not too important anyway." I shake it off and feel some disappointment.

I have been working my butt off this whole year to get the good grades I wanted and graduation was proof that I did work hard. I did every single homework assignment because I needed the grade, I needed my moms approval for something in my life. Even a slight acknowledge of my presence once in a while would be appreciated.

She doesn't even call unless it's to yell at me.

I wish she knew how hard I was actually trying for her. But nothing I do seems to work.

"I scored the winning goal last game" CJ breaks the tension as he stares between my mom and I.

"That's great CJ, I'm so proud of you." Mom acknowledges and leans in to kiss him on the cheek.

Are you kidding me?

I could score a goal and my mom wouldn't even think anything of it but he kicks a ball into a net and she's proud? Is that all it takes? Someone get me a ball and net right now then.

I guess that just proves that it's me she just doesn't like. Whatever, her loss. I'm a great person . At least I like to think so. I have many great qualities that I can't name but I'm sure there's many.

I have Hulu and Netflix and Amazon prime. And what does she have? Just plain old cable and Disney +. If she spoke to me I'd be happy to share but like I said, her loss.

I quickly finish up eating so that I can get out of the awkward tension. I check the time and it's almost time for Heath to get out of work. I smoothen my skirt as I stand and get ready to head out.

"I'm going out" I announce and only Anthony acknowledges it because he nods. I look at my mom to see her talking with the twins, Jack and Mike.

I sigh and turn to put on my shoes. She better not get mad later because I went out, I told her.

"Wait Thalia.." Sarah gets up and walks over to me.

"Can I go with you?" She asks and I freeze. This wasn't part of my plan.

"Do you have to?" I ask chuckling nervously.

"I don't have to, but I want to. So can I? Please" she begs and I can't say no so I agree for her to come along.

Heath won't mind. I hope.

"Let's go, but we're walking." I point a finger and she nods.

Sarah and I walk a couple blocks toward the tattoo shop Heath worked at. I probably shouldn't be bringing my seven year old sister to a tattoo shop but what can I say? I'm a cool sister.

Ew, I sound like my dad.

Honestly it's not a bad thing that I do. I do Sarah's hair as she walks and put it into a tight high ponytail, her light blonde hair out of her face in this hot weather.

"Where are we going?" She asks feeling her ponytail.

"Don't ask questions" I walk past her and she frowns. She'd figure it out when we get there.

I think. Can she read? Do seven year olds read?

"Read my shirt." I turn around and point to the words on my shirt.

"Free Britney" she reads the words on my Britney Spears tank top. Huh, I guess she can read.

We walk a little longer before we're finally at The Tattoo Shop. I walk in and the small bell above the door rings. Sitting on the front desk was Zoe, her short purple hair was tied in a small low ponytail and her legs were crossed as she sat.

"Good morning!" I said cheerfully, as I approach her.

She looks up from her phone and finally looks at me. Her eyes scan me before turning to quickly glance at Sarah.

"Can I help you?" She raises a brow and sighs like we're annoying her.

0 stars for customer service.

In fact you can help me, can I talk to your manager? Every time she looks at me, I don't feel like it's in a nice way.

"Who is the manager?" I question out loud, looking down.

"Why? Is there a problem" She huffs and I see a small scowl on her face. She didn't even try hiding it this time.

"I was just wondering. Anyway is Heath around? I'm looking for him." I look around and search for him but no one was back there.

"Look who it is!" I turn my eyes to the back and in comes Duke.

He walks towards us and leans on the counter. A smirk plastered on his face. His muscular arms were showing off in that tank he wore and like Heath, he too had many tattoos if not more.

"Duke? What're you doing here? Are you the manager?" I ask and Sarah steps away from behind me and into his view.

"I work here. Heath is. And who is this? Don't tell me you're a mother" Duke waves at Sarah and she waves back.

" Of course not. This is Sarah, she's my sister." I introduce and he smiles at her.

"Why do you have a lot of Tattoos?" Sarah randomly asks, looking at the ink on his skin.

"Why not? You like 'em?" He shows off his arms and she nods.

"Let me show you the designs I have then. Come here." He calls her and she walks around behind the counter to follow him.

Heath finally appears, probably wanting to know what the noise chatter was. He looks as cute as always. So cute.

"Heath! There you are." I let myself behind the counter and Zoe scoffs.

"Cute sister." She suddenly says directed to Heath even though I wasn't.

"I'm not his sister." I shake my head and purse my lips. We don't even look alike, I look between Heath and Zoe, noticing a glare going back and forth between them.

"Do your job. There's stuff to do." Heath grumbles and Zoe looks taken back.

"Fine." She hops off the desk and glares at me as she passes through and into the back.

That was odd. Poor girl.

"No, no, no! Yeah, don't touch that." Duke grabs the working needle from Sarah before she could even turn it on.

"Sarah. Leave poor Duke alone. Come here." I shout and she apologizes before coming over.

Heath takes my hand like he always did, it's become a habit of his. One that I liked very much. I glanced down noticing the bracelet I made him still on his wrist. Aw

"I have something for you" He whispers but then stops talking when Sarah got closer.

"hi" She waves shyly. Girl.

Since when did she get all shy. Oh heck no sister.

"This is Sarah, she's seven." I emphasize on her age to remind her and grab her shoulders, standing behind her.

"And this is Heath." I introduced him to her and she smiles up at him.

"Is he your boyfriend" She giggles and looks at me.

"Remember Harold? We gotta get another" I change the subject purposely.

"He's dead." She blurts and I slap myself on my forehead.

"Yeah, Sarah. He is." Why did I bring her again?

"Why don't you wait over there while we get ready" I point towards the front door and she shrugs before going.

"Isn't she charming?" I awkwardly laugh but he doesn't so I just look stupid.

"Anyway... what did you say you had for me?" I quickly ask to make it not so awkward.

"Is she coming with us?" He asks not answering my question. I really hope it wouldn't bother him.

"Yeah, she wanted to. Is that okay?" I fiddle with my fingers. He thinks to himself for a while before nodding.

"Let's go then." He walks around me and gets his keys. What happened to what he wanted to give me?

"Hey! You're just gonna leave me?" Duke shouts to Heath.

"Yes. You're closing." He gives him a serious look and I hear a whine come out of Duke.

"Not fair. I have to stay just so that you could get some." He shakes his head.

Ooh, what is he getting? Ice cream? I hope I get some too.

"Shut up. Come on." Heath takes my hand and I take Sarah's and the three of us get into his car.

"I like your car." Sarah says, curiously looking around.

Yeah, I bet that's not the only thing you like. I saw the way she was looking at him.

"Oh! Go to the nearest Pet Smart or something. It's important." I shouted and I think I saw him jump a little. My bad.

"For what" He snaps and starts driving.

"Don't ask questions just do what I say." I'm starting to like that excuse because it actually gets people to stop asking so much.

"Bossy" I hear Sarah mumble and I glance at Heath to see a small smirk on his lips.

I'm not bossy. Am I bossy? Do they think I'm bossy? What if I am? That can be a good thing. Unless it's not.

"Am I bossy?" I ask aloud, curiously wondering.

"Yes." Sarah answers in one second.

"Heath. Am I bossy?" I ask, I know he can't say anything because he is the bossiest of the bossy's.

"Sometimes" He admits and I gasp. Am I?

"Well you're one to talk. Mr. Grumpy pants who tells people what to do." I name call and he raised a brow.

"Whatever, Thalia." He sighs and it went quiet for a little.

Until we passed a McDonald's.

————————————————————-

A/N

Thank you for all the new reads 😽💖💖

7/19/22