Blowing Off Smoke

Monae Robinson

"Monae!" my father's voice boomed from downstairs.
I sigh, jumping off my bed and walking down the stairs.
"Dad!" I yelled back, smiling. I hear his hearty laugh in the living room.
He sits on the couch, shaking with laughter. His brown hair is short and eyes are closed.
"What's up?" I ask, standing in the doorway of the living room.
It's bright and the big T.V. plays loud commercials.
"Come watch the game with me," he smiles. I sigh and sit next to him.
I hate basketball, but he loves it.
"So how was your day?"
"Good," I answer, even though it's a lie.
I got partnered with the worst person possible today.

Carson Reed

"Dicari, stop!" mom yells at my little brother.
I chuckle as I hide behind the kitchen wall.
"That's not me, Mom!" he screeches.
"Carson!" Mom screams with annoyance.
"Yeah, Ma," I yell back after a few seconds, standing up and walking into the kitchen.
"Where were you just now?" she raises her eyebrow at me.
"In my room," I lie with an innocent expression.
"Then it was you. Dicari, I told you not to mess with stuff while I'm cooking."
"It wasn't me, Ma!" Dicari whines. I hold in a smile.
"Next time," Ma says and she doesn't have to finish.
Her I-will-throw-shoes-at-you look says everything.
I smile and wink at my brother as Mom turns back to the stove.
His gray eyes widen. "Ma!"
I sprint to my room and crack up.
I do that to him all the time.
One day, when I move out, and stuff like that doesn't happen anymore, Ma will realize it was me.

"You're such an asshole, Carson," Dicari mumbles, walking into my room.
I stifle a laugh and give him a stern look.
"Watch it, kid," I smirk.
"Mom's gonna hate me soon," he glares.
I'm leaving in a couple months. You'll be fine."
He sighs sadly and leaves the room.
I know he's gonna miss me when I'm gone.
I hop up after him, close my door, and open my window.
Sitting on the sill, I grab my joint and light it up, blowing off smoke.