"Thirteen days to go," I said to myself as I marked off a date on the calendar.
I was set for school. Mom had finished shopping for my school items some days back and helped me to arrange my luggage.
I was beginning to get bored as Fred no longer stays at home again. He makes sure to leave for the mini-mart every day with Dad without fail leaving me all alone at home. Even on days that I do get swamped with work, I'll finish them all and spend the rest of the day doing nothing. Either I was watching a movie or reading a novel. I had practically read all the novels in our small library in the study repeatedly. I didn't go close to my dad's library because the books there were voluminous and seemed complex to me.
"Why is Katie not yet back ?" I asked as I kicked off the blanket and sat up on my bed.
"Did she change school? If she's still going to Pristine, she ought to have been back by now. Did she get admitted to another school? It seems like I'll have to reach out to her?" I thought to myself.
Katie's school was resuming on the seventh of September and today is the last day of July and she's yet to return. I decided to visit her place in the evening and inquire about her from her parents.
*******************
"Welcome Daddy, good evening," I greeted as I opened the door.
"Good evening dear. " Dad replied.
Fred was carrying Dad's bag and walked briskly past me without saying a word.
"Dad, what's wrong with Fred? Why is he wearing a long face?"
"Ooh, I didn't buy ice cream for him today and also reduced his screen time." Dad casually replied.
"Why?"
"Your mom said I should watch out for his sugar intake and make sure he doesn't spend the whole day staring at a screen."
"Oooh!"
"Dad, did you get anything for me?" I stretched out my palm.
"No, I didn't. You are also included in watching your sugar intake." Dad hit away my palm.
"Hmmm, you should have bought something for me like a snack. I didn't specifically ask for ice cream." I grumbled as I folded my arms.
"Don't you usually ask for ice cream?"
"Dad, you are just trying not to buy us anything. It's not as if you can't make the decision yourself." I accused him.
"No! I can't ooh" Dad exclaimed.
"Do you want your mom to flog me?" Dad chuckled.
"Seriously! Dad, Mom can't flog you." I sneered.
"Enough of this your questioning young lady. Mom has said no."
"Now if you won't mind leaving the door so I can go upstairs and shower." Dad requested as he gently pushed me aside and went upstairs.
"If you want some snacks. I bought some apples. They should be with Fred." Dad informed me.
I quickly went to the kitchen and saw the fruits. Fred had dropped them on the counter before going upstairs. I washed the apples and divided them equally before I sat down to eat my share.
I began to think about the little saga that occurred now. I felt I was a bit disrespectful to Dad. He was usually rigid and didn't fail to reprimand us whenever we went overboard. Fred wasn't so into anything food and that means he was wearing a long face because of the screen time and not the ice cream.
"I have to apologise to Dad," I said to myself.
I jumped down from the kitchen stool that I was sitting down on and went to reheat the food we will be having for dinner. I wanted it to be ready before Dad comes downstairs again. It was a good way to start apologising for my actions.
**************
"Daddy, are you angry?" I asked as we ate dinner.
"Angry about what?"
I refused to speak and kept looking at him. I wanted him to take a cue from my facial expression.
"Ooh! Is it about you and Fred throwing a tantrum and acting like spoilt kids?" He hit the nail on the head with a very serious tone.
At this instant, Fred and I looked at each other as we both realised he was angry with us.
"Dad, we are sorry." Fred and I apologised.
"It's okay. I hope you have now realised your mistakes.
We are not doing it because we hate you but because we want the best for you."
"Do you want to suffer from diabetes or get operated on for appendicitis?"
"No! That's scary," Fred replied.
"Or do you want to lose your eyesight or use glasses like me at a young age?"
"No, Dad." We chorused.
"Then follow our instructions. We are not stopping it entirely but reducing how often you have it." Dad said as he patted us on our heads.
"Eat up your food Fred. After eating, you can have some apples."
"Apples!" Fred exclaimed.
"Yes, I bought some apples on our way back. You were busy throwing a tantrum that you didn't check what was in the bag you were carrying."
Fred chuckled and continued eating.
"Dad, pls I want to visit Katie's place and ask after her from her parents." I pleaded.
"By this time?"
"It's 7 pm and it's not yet dark, please!!!"
"Finish your food first." He pointed at my plate.
"I am done eating." I took the last spoon of food on my plate and wiped my mouth.
"I give you ten minutes. If you are not back by then....."
"Yes, I'll be back before then." I ran off immediately.