'Today, Brooke, you have tested my patience.'

I sit on a bench at a local ice cream truck as my parents sit opposite me. I take a spoonful of my cookies & cream ice cream as Mama sighed.

'Pardon, Mama.' I place my ice cream on the table as she looked at me. 'But my reason was justifiable, wasn't it?'

Mama's face softens. 'What if you couldn't graduate because of this? Your graduation is just days away and prom is two days from now. Charlie, you can explain this better.'

Dad flinches as he bites into his sorbet. He wipes his mouth and looks at me. 'Your mother is right. You could have lost your chance at getting your ATAR.'

'I've gotta go to work. I'll see you two at home. And Brooke, you are grounded until your suspension ends.' Mama stands up and pats Dad on the shoulder.

'See you at home, Nicole.' Dad smiles and holds Mama's hand. She shyly brushes it off and walks off to the car.

'So I guess we're walking home?' Dad softly smiles at my question.

'Yep.'

We reach Hollins Park which is a lot more crowded than usual.

Mostly filled with people in their 30s and elderly citizens enjoying the scenery. Dad and I walk through the park as the birds chirp and the strong smell of churros fills my nostrils.

'So, what's the plan? With you and Mama, I mean.' I face Dad as crosses onto a walkway.

'Well, she wants a trial period where I live in the house as usual. Just to see how things go. And then maybe, we can be the same old trio we used to be.' Dad holds my hand. 'I was able to find a few jobs offers as well. I can still be a chef if I want to which I can always try again. How about you? Still wanna be a chef?'

I tap my fingers against his hand. 'I don't know. I think, for now, I'll take a gap year to travel and find out what I want to do in life. I don't hate cooking enough to stay out of the culinary side but at the same time, being a chef isn't the end game. You know what I was thinking of, Dad?'

'What were you thinking of?'

'Well, I don't hate Science. It's like my third best subject and I do like making new things. I could try being a Food Technologist.'

Dad cringes. 'Isn't that the job where you're mostly in a lab all day, testing out food?'

'Kinda yeah. I don't mind making new products that potential companies can use. That sounds fun.'

'Well, whatever works for you, boo.'

***

The suspension has been treating me not that badly.

I recently decided to try embroidery just to see if it's fun. I'm horrible at it, which is understandable. Most of my time was spent sleeping, eating, making and cooking. Not really doing much as time would pass by very slowly. I hear my irritating ringtone go off and pick up the call.

It's from Sophie.

Brooke: Yeah, hey.

Sophie: Hi, how's suspension treating you?

Brooke: Not too bad. I feel pretty relaxed right now.

Sophie: That's good. I just thought I should give you an update on what's happening around school.

Brooke: Sure. Go ahead.

Sophie: Well, rumours have been spreading like wildfire. People are saying that Mariah is a victim even though that's not true. A lot of people think you were also being weird with Professor Neuman.

Brooke: Eww. No.

Sophie: Yeah, I know. Derek got really mad when he heard that. Turns out Steve was the one spreading those rumours. So, Derek confronted him, and they got into a fight.

Brooke: You gotta be kidding me.

Sophie: Nope. Derek got this large bruise on his face, but he gave Steve a black eye. It was insane. He did that for you, Brooke.

Knowing Derek, he probably went out of his way to make sure Steve was unconscious...oh lord.

Sophie: I felt bad for Principal Walters. he had to deal with two fights in one day. Derek got suspended for two days and the same with Steve. Have you heard from Derek?

Brooke: No. I didn't even know that happened. That's bad.

Sophie: According to Principal Walters, if one more fight happens, he's cancelling prom. So, let's hope there is no more drama for the last three days.

Brooke: Yeah. I'm hoping as well.

Sophie: Well, that's the latest update. I'm hanging with Ava and Eloise and they're pretty chill so that's good.

Brooke: Have fun on your last few days. I'll be there on the last day.

Sophie: Righto, cya soon Brooke.

Brooke: Cya soon.

The line cuts off and I lay on my bed. Too much drama in one month. I'm so glad it's all over.