The Timing Of a Crow

The sound of an alarm caused the sleep-deprived boy to leave his bed. Although he knew what day it was, he regretted every step and every moment that got him here.

School.

He looked at the ceiling in boredom as he reassessed his situation. It wasn't too bad. He had a nice summer. He worked like a normal teen should, and even had some time to hang out with his friends. One last summer. One last summer for being a teen. After this, he'd be an adult. Summer won't even be a thing. It just is another day of life. With days like this coming to an end, he had no choice but to cherish what he had. And this was the final night of not having any homework. 

"Roman" The sound of the door swinging sliced his thoughts in half as he watched his mother pace through the room. "Have you seen my keys, I've been looking for them everywhere?" As she moved her hands moved things to and fro looking for an item that wouldn't even have any semblance of being in his room.

"No Mom," he angled his body to start making his way off the bed. Although his hair was messy, all he had to do was wash it before making sure it was in a somewhat decent style. As his mother continued to smash through his belongings, Roman made his way to the bathroom carrying a towel and other bath accessories. Since it was hit the night before, Roman had made his own personal slip in his mind to shower. As he places his hand on the knob and turns, he is only met with a locked door, which could only mean one person.

Rita.

Roman juggled the door again, hoping that would give her some signal to hurry up. Time in the bathroom was already little enough, due to their being no lack of siblings, but to have a drama queen constantly run into it anytime she felt like a pimple was even beginning to form on her face made things even worse.

"Hold up, I'll be out in a second." Her voice echoed throughout the house giving everyone a due update.

"Dammit, Ri!" The sound sent a cold thud down His spine as he turned to see His older brother there, his face covered in sweat and leaning on the door. His hair grew out a bit over the summer, so he had resorted to tying it up whenever he could.. his eyes priced past his little brother and directly to the door as he spoke. "Some of us need to use the bathroom, so get a move on."

Alfred had always been direct. Roman could remember the times he would straight up tell people what to do. Which made him a great leader. But a terrible brother. 

Soon the bathroom door opened, shining a light on the shadowy hallway. In front of them, Rita wore her long jet-black hair in a ponytail while still leaving some frays in the front. She wore a light amount of makeup and lashes as the real blinder was the outfit. She wore a basic white tee, a classic blue and black plaid skirt, and a leather jacket decorated with jewels. Not to mention her neck was shining with many jewels themselves. She wore rings, earrings, and other things to ensure that her first day would be perfect.

"Ai, about time!" Alfred moved his arms between us before any of us had a chance to speak. Why was she even wearing that? Did mom say she could? Did she even know? When the door slammed, Roman couldn't help but feel more shock.

"Uh," He started to talk but stopped. What was he going to say? Who are you dressing for? Or does mom know you're wearing that? Either option posed no difference. She was her own person. God knows how many outfits he snuck to school after Mom went to work. He wasn't her father. 

He wasn't here, not yet anyway.

"You look nice," Roman spoke low, to not draw any attention to what was happening. "What time did you get up?" He didn't want her to feel like sneaking was the best answer so why not give some encouragement? She knew the limit at least, right? He listened as Rita told him her whole step-by-step routine. She couldn't sleep due to excitement, so she started to get ready around two in the morning, Which was insane. Roman knew some people cared about their appearance, but not to that extent. After a while of listening, he could swear he saw her face turn more and more red. 

Did she get ready for someone? 

"And…yeah. I just wanted to look good." she played with her crimped waves as her eyes traced the pattern in the wallpaper. " I'm pretty nervous about school. If you couldn't tell." he only nodded in response. It was her first day of high school in general and a lot of kids would be starting this year coming from different middle schools, and even high schools due to the high rates of school shutting down. "Oi! Is anyone up? Or am I gonna have to get you guys?" Another sibling's voice made its way up the stairs, Anthony. He was essentially the second father of the family. He cooked, he cleaned. He did it all. As we walked towards the great-smelling food, they watched as Anthony turned his back to fix the plates. Although he was the oldest. Height seemed to fail him as he Barely passed Roman. While it seemed like everyone in the house had to work hard to maintain any type of curl, his just sat naturally on his head. 

"Ouuuuuu," The woman who worked so hard to get them there strode into the kitchen wearing work attire, which was a simple black button-up with her khakis. "se ve bien hijo." Her eyes widened at the array of fruits, waffles, and other heart-treating things that sat on the counter. As she praised his work, his only way of taking it in was handing her lunchbox and ushering her towards the door. "Don't push me! I'm talking to my kids, dammit." Before the mother leaves, she manages to grab both Roman and Rita's heads and plant a kiss on them. "Enjoy school, okay? And tell me everything when I get home." She speaks fast, but they could feel the sentiment in her words. She loved them

Right?

"Is she gone?" Alfred finally walked into the kitchen wearing a white tank top and blue basketball shorts. Not like he played the sport anyways. Before anyone could confirm or deny his claim he began to speak again. "Psh, good riddance." His voice leaves silence in the air as he starts to place bacon onto his plate.

"Don't say anything like that." Anthony was the first to break the silence. "Go in your room if you have that much to whine about." 

"Says you."

"Yes, says me." His voice grew louder as he glared daggers into his younger brother. "Either eat or go to work. Your choice." His sternness was only met with more remarks. Al lowered his body to meet him. Leaning over the small table that settled in the kitchen. As Roman looked, He could feel Rita's arm grabbing my arm, basically begging him to intervene. But he couldn't. He couldn't help but hear the same words being tossed around once more. 

And he meant the same arguments.

He's heart about how hard Al worked, just to help pay for Anthony's college. Of Course, when he graduates he'll pay him back, but it never really satisfies him. He needed it now. What about his life? The repetition of words always made its way through Alfred's mouth. What about his life? It seemed pretty selfish to be honest. Everyone was giving up something. He wasn't the only one. While he worked to help pay for certain things. Anthony would work around the house. He'd do the dishes without asking anyone else to help. He'd do the laundry without asking. Shit, when did he ask anyone for help. He was a modern-day housewife. Since Alfred and Anthony were a lot older than the younger two, he'd always seen Anthony act mature.

"I'm not gonna entertain this." The older man raised his hand to shut down the bickering. Feeling the sound die down, he stands up and takes the remaining plate to the sink. "It feels like every day, we have the same arguments. If you hate me so much. Then leave." No one dared to even find the guts to respond. The only sound that filled the room was the echo of water filling the sink.

Finally, Rita stood up. "Ray, get ready so we can go." Her words sounded more like demands than a suggestion causing him to nod in response. Not wanting to bring any attention. He turns to walk up the stairs. With only running water making its waves.