Chapter Forty-Nine: Forgive but Not Forget-1

Chapter Forty-Nine: Forgive but Not Forget “Don’t people ever get tired of the same colors of froot loops?” I mumbled, to myself. Swirling around the four remaining froot loops in my bowl. “Honestly, change it up a bit.” I sighed, finishing up my last few bites and drinking the remaining milk left in my bowl. “Hey Alice,” I looked up from my bowl to see Thomas stroll into the breakfast room. “How you feeling?” I shrugged, lately Thomas has been really concerned with my feelings. It has been three weeks since I left the house and every single day he would ask me how I was doing. He was also being strangely nice to me, like I was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. “You know you don’t have to ask me every single day how I am doing.” I said, to him. “I am feeling a lot better now. Honest, to God.” I said, raising up my right hand and placing it over my heart. “Alright, whatever you say sis.” He muttered, not believing me. I shook my head, “No. I am serious, I am even thinking of going back to school and getting some knowledge implanted in this brain of mine.” “You’re actually going to go back? That’s great!” He said, looking genuinely happy for me. “Yeah. But, not the school you are thinking of. I am coming back to homeschooling.” “What? Why wouldn’t you just go back to school? Real school, the place where you can socialize with other human beings.” Thomas said, not looking very happy with my decision now. “Thomas,” I began. “I socialize enough here, why would I want to go and socialize out there? In the real world?” My brother just slapped his hand on his forehead in return. “Something is really wrong with this generation.” He muttered, to himself. “Look Thomas, if you think that I am actually going back to where Ben, Holly and Gavin are. Than for a smart kid you are pretty stupid because there is no way in hell that I am stepping foot in that school ever again.” Marco came into the breakfast room, placing Thomas’ orange juice and eggs in front of him. Not saying a word as he left the room with his head down. Thomas turned back to look at me, “Did you know that statistics show that around 72 million kids are not in school?” “Okay?” I responded, not knowing where he was going with this. “Don’t you realize that some children dream of going to school? They would kill to be in your position and have the opportunity that you have.” Thomas continued on. “Don’t you ever stop and realize that I am one of those children too?” My eyes widened, slightly. “Thomas,” I called out to him, as he just got up from his chair taking his breakfast with him and walking out of the room without a backwards glance. I just stared at the spot my brother once sat, looking at it for a couple of minutes. I think I knew what I had to do. * “Dad?” I asked, knocking on the door to the oval office. The situation felt all too familiar. “Yeah, that is fine. No, no. you just do your job and I will do mine and I will get it sorted it as soon as possible.” My dad looked, at me as he continued to speak on the phone. “Yes, I will be meeting with him in the next few days so don’t worry about it.” He nodded his head, “Alright thank you. Alright, goodbye now.” My father said, hanging up the phone. He looked down at his desk, writing something on his paper. “What do you need Alice, because I am terribly busy at the moment.” He spoke, not bothering to look up at me. “I was talking to Thomas and he said some things that really made me open up my eyes.” I said, walking over to the chair in front of my dad’s desk and taking a seat. “Yes, Thomas does have that effect on people.” “Well, yeah. But, I was kind of wondering what would you say if I asked you that I wanted to go back to school again?” I asked, scratching the back of my neck. “I would say you are crazy, then say no.” “But, why not?” I questioned. “Alice, did you not see what happened three weeks ago? You were in your room for the last two weeks moping around and refusing to come out. And when you finally do, you want to go back to school? I am sorry, but that is not happening.” My dad said, in his final tone. “But, I have rights. You out of all people should know that.” “Alice, you are not going back to school and my decision is final.” My dad said, leaving no room for argument. But, knowing me I just had to say something in order to get him to understand my situation a little better. “You and mom, taught me from a young age never to give up on my dreams.” “So, now going to school is a dream for you? I can make that happen, there is still homeschooling available.” “No, dad you aren’t listening.” I complained, “School is a dream for 72 million children worldwide and believe it or not Thomas made me realize.” My dad looked genuinely surprised, I nodded my head. “I know. The boy who thought the sun was a planet, made me realize that I was wrong.” “Alice, I just don’t think it is a good idea or a good time. I am in the middle of so many projects-“ “Dad?” I whispered, cutting him off. “I am finally getting back on my feet after three weeks and here you are trying to tear me back down. Aren’t father’s supposed to help the child rise up, above and beyond?” “You are not listening to me, Alice.” “And you aren’t listening to me either, dad.” Just then the phone started ringing. “I think you should just go.” He said, making a move to pick up the phone. I let out a snort, “And you wonder why I get arrested? Or why Thomas spies on the security cameras in this house for a living.” “You’re brother does what?” He asked, as if he didn't hear me the first time, stopping himself before he could answer the phone. I shook my head. “Forget it.” I said, turning around and walking out of the room. “Alice!” He called out, calling me over. I turned back around, crossing my arms over my chest and began to tap my foot, repeatedly. “I was supposed to give this to you a week ago, but things came up.” He said, opening his drawer and fishing through some papers before he held an envelope out to me. I took it, cautiously. As I looked down at the * “You got ten minutes. No more, no less.” My mother instructed, glancing at her watch. “You are not to sign any autographs, chitchat with anybody or whatever you teenage girls do now a days.” My mom said, “Do you understand or do we have to go through it twice, like your brother?” I rolled my eyes, “Don’t worry I get it. And you wouldn’t have to worry about me signing any autographs, I am pretty sure I am labeled as the school’s liar. So, I doubt I have to worry about anyone fan girling over me.”