Chapter 11

Ameline: Do you celebrate Valentine's Day?

Gabe: If I had a girlfriend, probably.

Ameline: So, you don't think it's a pathetic holiday created by companies to exploit male suckers to do things they're not ready for?

Gabe: You got to hear Cedric's rant, too, huh?

Ameline: Yes, who knew Jamie would have wanted a ring since Christmas Day, and New Year's, and now . . .

Gabe: So, is he gonna propose?

Ameline: Nope. Dad forbade him. According to our father, he's not ready for marriage.

Gabe: So he gets to decide your brother's future?

Ameline: "If you want me to continue paying for your career, you better do as I say, Cedric Gregory Lewis." (insert Dad's severe voice)

Ameline: :shrug: emoji

Ameline: I really don't understand their dynamic or why my family is the way it is. Dad really likes to control us, and with Helen's help he's doing it even more than before. At least Izzy is away, and with her grades and scholarships he can't tell her to come back, or he won't pay for school.

Gabe: That reminds me, you should look into the grants I sent you. You might offset some costs and save what your dad gives you, especially if he won't let you work while in college (which is pretty weird).

Ameline: He says that my job is to get good grades. Which I'm terrible at, by the way.

Gabe: Why would you say that?

Ameline: I just get B's.

Gabe: What is wrong with B's?

Ameline: He wants me to be exceptional. Dad expects A's. Only A's.

Gabe: I know plenty of people who had A's during their twelve years of school and when they got to college they were so burnt out that they quit. Life isn't a race, it's a marathon.

Ameline: Ooh, that sounds deep. Any more deep thoughts for Valentine's Day?

Gabe: Yes, never offer to babysit your younger siblings so your parents can go out. :rolling-eyes: emoji

Ameline: You're telling me you're babysitting right now?

Gabe: Yes, and my cousins, too. It's so the adults could celebrate.

Ameline: I'm the youngest of my cousins and no one ever offered to babysit me. It was always Izzy or Cedric until I was thirteen.

Gabe: Did you babysit?

Ameline: Yeah, some of my cousins. It was mostly when Dad was out of town and Karla (wife number four) didn't want to go out. Cedric didn't love that I left them behind, but it was cool to go and play responsible teenager with toddlers.

Gabe: Hey, John just texted me. Your brother just arrived, drunk. Let me check on him.

Ameline: Should I drive over to help?

Gabe: Nope. We got it.

Ameline: Do you think Jamie broke up with him?

Gabe: Probably.

Ameline: Call or text if you need anything.

Gabe: Don't worry about him.