Narrator's pov

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"I think it's an excellent idea"

"Papa, no-"

"Mija it's good for you to get involved with the church"

"But papa-"

"You know your mother is going to be hard on you if you tell her you don't want to do it"

"But I didn't agree to this-"

"Summer, I think it's an excellent idea. You need a new change in your life, something that's actually uplifting and not negative. You're always in stuff that makes you feel bad about yourself or leaves you stressing. Don't you think it's time for a new chapter in your life?"

"By ironing robes and wiping MICROPHONES!? AND SWEEPING THE CHURCH!?"

"I know it sounds like alot but it isn't. When I was around your age-"

"Oh God. Here it comes" Summer groaned, allowing her head to fall flat on the kitchen counter

Her father chuckled as he went around the corner of the kitchen island, pulling a stool

"Your uncles and I used to mop the church every morning at 5am, then we'd brush the chairs and wash the windows. It wasn't hard, especially having my brothers with me. It gave us a bond, it brought us much closer as a family, especially in worship. And right after, there was a lake out back where we'd jump in and spend the next couple hours floating. Maybe it'll be a great experience for you" He said

"Father. As much as I appreciate that story, I don't have brothers to help me clean"

"Oh sure you do-"

"I would rather drown in a dog's period blood than have him with me"

"Oh come on, I'm sure he'll-"

"No"

"Okay. Well here's what, I'll talk to Pastor Robbins and see if he can help me get someone to clean with you. I promise you'll have fun" He said

At this point, Summer had no idea why she thought she could escape the decision either way

She thought her father would help her out of it but oh boy was she wrong. He even seemed more excited for her to do it than anyone else

Actually. He was the only one excited.

But if he wasn't against it then he would only encourage her mother to force her some more

"Okay okay. I know it's going to be tough for you but here's what I'll do. If you agree to do this then you can go out every weekend that you want-"

Little stars began to twinkle in Summer's eyes and her head quickly propped up from the counter to face her father

A smile plastered across her lips so wide that the man had to lean back in his chair to avoid it

"And curfew?"

"Hmm.... 12am"

"Make it 3am and it's a deal"

"Wha- 3 is ridiculous-"

"3 or nothing father" Summer smirked

"Aghhhh. On one condition"

"What's that?"

"You tell your mother you want to do this. Not that someone is forcing you to"

Summer furrowed her brows for a bit as she watched the man

She knew he means well despite everything that's happened, he never paid attention to her sexuality and sometimes Summer mistook that as he as he didn't care

Which gave her a closure she thought she needed between one parent, hence the frustration to her mother

But deep down inside, she knew her father was just like her. But calm.

"Bet"

"Ahh yes, I'm proud of you" he chuckled

It didn't take long for a feeling begin to sink inside her chest, as if her heart fell. It was amazing how parents never realize how much their words impact their children

Just one sentence determined the way they felt about them. The way they are comfortable around them. And the way they respected each other

With his little ball of excitement, he hopped off his stool and wrapped his arms around the girl

Summer gave a small smile as she avoided his eyes, turning to face her phone

Suddenly, the garage door swung open to reveal the ruthless woman Summer dreaded

"Oh brother" She groaned

"What's going on?" she asked

"I don't know. Why don't you ask Summer" he said

All eyes then turned to face the girl and she sighed

"I've decided to lead the church choir, go early and clean up before service and I'm not apart of Bible study classes in school as the head of the committee alongside Melanie" She rolled her eyes at the last part

Her mother's smile went viral, infecting her insides by bringing light to her entire body. It was like the peaceful morning, the clouds covered the sky and nothing but the chirping of birds could be heard

It was like winning a medal for her mother hearing Summer's words

The smoke plastered across her face as she squealed excitedly

"YESSSS" the woman screamed

Summer rolled her eyes knowing the only reason she was excited in the first place was for one reason and one reason only

The hope that she would 'change' her ways and be set on the right path

Watching their mother smile was something every child would want for a woman that struggled to raise them. But when that smile is for the downfall of your life, it was surely bittersweet

But there was nothing she could do another it

Atleast she was on their good side now. Instead of arguing to not be apart of the church choir, she now had her parents assuming she was excited to do so

The only thing left for her now was to take full advantage of her little agreement with her father

She will abuse it until a smile on their faces was rare to be seen

Why stop there? Hell, everyday she'll be out. Who want want to live in her house either way

It was mentally exhausting to be under the same roof as people who think you being better was being a person you're not

People who want the best for you while they use everything in their might to destroy you

Break you. Bend you and tear you down until you're nothing more but hallow sediment, awaiting life to take its course

What they want is a perfect family, but that's something they would never get if they continued to look through glasses hand crafted by society, cleaned by rumors and framed by the fucked up mindset their old asses had

Oh someone needed to change alright, but Summer knew damn well it wasn't going to be her

"I'm leaving" Summer muttered, peeling away from the kitchen island

"Where are you going, I'm about to order us someth-"

"It's okay, let her go" her father grinned

The raven hair girl simply sighed, grabbing the car keys from the counter and heading towards the garage

"Drive safe my love"

Summer almost scrunched her face in disgust. It was the way of parents, when they were overly excited or having a good day they would find the most affectionate names to call you

But on a regular day you were more of a stray dog than their child

Could you tell she didn't have love in her life?

Cause same-

"Where are you?" Summer questioned

Her feet pressed against the gas and she pulled out on the road with her phone on speaker in her lap

"Just left the skate park, heading to get some Chinese food" Axel said

"I'll meet you there"

"Hey, you okay over there?"

A question we often run into. So simple to respond, yet so overlooked

Our answers scream for help but fall on deaf ears constantly

"Yeah I'm fine"

-
A/N
Happy new years kiddos