Chapter Text
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“Children begin by loving their parents; after a time they judge them; rarely, if ever, do they forgive them.”
— Oscar Wilde
Wednesday
The afternoon sun hung low, casting long golden shadows across the sidewalk and street. As Greg and Rowley made their usual path back home, the only sounds were the occasional passing car and the sound of shoes hitting the concrete sidewalk qq.
Neither of them said much.
Greg kicked a loose pebble ahead of him, watching it bounce across the sidewalk before rolling into the road.
As they passed a small park, Greg noticed a father and daughter playing baseball together. The girl giggled as the ball flew over her head and ran after it while her father laughed, letting her go find the ball.
Greg looked back down before he could think about it more.
"Man that science test sucked" he muttered.
Rowley laughed quietly. "Yeah it was. Hopefully we pass though!"
Greg hummed in agreement. He really hoped that he'd pass. If he didn't he was sure that mom would be on his case for in least a week, lecturing and lecturing him about how it's important to study and remind him that: ‘you need to study for your future! ’ or that; ‘Your future self will thank you. ’ while dad would give him an silent, disappointed stare.
(they were just trying to make sure he didn't turn into Roderick )
It was always the same.
They walked in comfortable silence. As they started to reach the houses in the neighborhood Rowley spoke up;
"So.. can you come over my house later?"
"No..I don't think I can. Mom probably wants me to help set up the table and watch over Manny..or something" Greg replied avoiding the gum that was stuck to the sidewalk so it doesn't get stuck to his shoe.
"Oh- well maybe next time!"
"Yeah.. maybe."
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They both finally reached Greg's house.
"See ya tomorrow Greg!" Rowley said, giving a small wave.
"Yeah. Later" Greg watched him disappear down the sidewalk before turning toward his own house. By the time he reached his front door that familiar feeling settled back into his chest.
He slipped his key into the lock and pushed the door open then stepped inside. The TV was already on, Manny sat cross-legged on the living room floor, completely absorbed in a cartoon.
His Mom looked up from the pot that she was stirring. It smelled like pasta
"Oh Greg! You're home. How was school?" She smiled politely, her eyes turning into half moons behind her glasses.
"It...was fine.."
She nodded before turning back to the food she was cooking. "Okay- you can go upstairs and wash your hands. And please set up the table. —Your dad should be coming home early."
"Okay mom"
Greg let out a quiet breath. So far, nobody had asked about the science test or mentioned a test at all.
He started climbing up the rest of the stairs and headed for the bathroom. He washed his hands looking at his reflection for a second before drying his hands.
Greg headed back downstairs and grabbed a stack of plates from the top cabinet.
He started to place them onto the table, then went back into the kitchen to open the drawer beside the fridge and pulled out the forks. Then he placed each one with the corresponding plate.
Just then the front door opened and Dad stepped inside carrying his briefcase before setting it down next to the front door as he loosened his tie and took off his shoes.
Mom looked up from the pasta and smiled while she wiped her hands with a kitchen towel. Walking towards Dad.
"Frank! You're home early this time" she said brightly before wrapping her arms around her husband. Then she finally let go.
He smiled slightly then briefly glanced at Greg.
"How was school?"
"Uh it was fine..." Dad nodded as mom started putting the pasta on everyone's plates.
"Greg. Sweetie could you get Rodrick to come down for dinner?" Greg momentarily hesatied glancing back at the stairs.
"Do I have to..."
"Yes, now, you know that you're a big enough to get your older brother to come down stairs."
Greg sighed before resigning himself to his fate.
"Alright.."
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Greg stood outside Rodrick's room. He could hear the music leaking through the door and walls. It wasn't loud enough to shake the entire house or make Dad angry.
Greg knocked hard, in hopes of it breaking through the music. No Answer
Greg knocked again. Harder. When he didn't hear anything he yelled;
"Rodrick!" He was about to knock again for the third time before feeling a gust of air from the door being pulled open abruptly.
"What do you want wimp?" Roderick asked leaning against the doorframe as the music was still playing in the background, still loud as ever.
"Mom said it's time for dinner." Greg answered, Rodrick rolled his eyes in return.
"Yeah,yeah tell her I'll be there"
"Fine.."
As Greg walked back downstairs, he caught a glimpse of a picture hanging on the wall; it was the family photo. He was standing in between Mom and Dad. Rodrick was standing next to dad ,arms crossed, and Manny was being held in Mom's arms.
They looked normal. They were a normal family just like mom kept insisting they were (or she was just saying that to feel better about herself) ...right?
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Right?