Sam & Cresco

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Dad’s going back to Mars, and this time he’s bringing me and my sister, Sam, with him. He has been many times with Elon Musk, because he works for the space agency. My Dad is literally a rocket scientist, which is pretty damn cool.

When Dad told us about the new middle school opening at the base on Mars, I was thrilled. I told all of my friends. They were happy for me, but I still rubbed it in a little. Not many kids get to say they have lived on Mars. I feel like the luckiest boy on Earth and soon to be Mars!

Although, I am sort of upset to leave Mom behind. Since Dad and her never married, she’s not allowed on the base…

Sam isn’t so excited to be light years away from Mom; girls are so emotional. She should be jumping at the opportunity to bring spark into her boring lifestyle. All she does is take selfies and confuse her pronouns; some days, she’s a they. What the hell is a they? She’s my twin sister, so I love her. But, come on! Sam needs this move more than me. Maybe she’ll learn a thing or two about science, since Earth is clearly getting it wrong…

I hear my Dad yelling downstairs by the front door. “Cresco! Grab the suitcases, and come on! Our ride is outside.” Dad’s the kind of guy that never has to repeat himself. When he tells me to do something, I just listen. Don’t misunderstand. He’s a great Dad; he just doesn’t play around. I look up to him so much; I wanna be him. A genius scientist with mad respect and multiple black shirts and pants. My Dad wears the same outfit everyday. He’s so brave! My friends would roast me.

My sister comes thumping down the stairs. I don’t know why she’s so angry. I’m the one carrying her bags. Yup! My Dad raised a gentleman. I know that’s hard to believe by the way this generation is turning out.

My Dad holds the door open for us, and we walk out of the house and into the black suburban. My Dad is silent. The driver starts to make small talk with Dad to break the ice, but my sister interjects. “Dad, why didn’t you marry Mom? Are you gay? You can tell me. I would respect your sexual preference. I learned that in health class.”

Dad replies, “Honey, I’m not gay. Why we’re not married is none of your business. Just like it’s not the governments responsibility to teach my children about sexuality and gender identity…”

He really shut Sam up! I completely agree with Dad, and it’s not because he’s my superhero. It’s just because it’s true! It’s so awkward hearing my teachers talk about things my own parents aren’t ready to discuss with us. We should be focusing our attention on robotics and engineering. It’s so much more fascinating.

We arrive at a ship that looks like an unidentified flying object built by aliens; I’m blown away. There are so many lights. I bet the inside has a chocolate fountain and heated seats. I close my eyes and imagine a robot feeding me finger sandwiches and grapes.

We get out of the vehicle and enter the spaceship. Dad goes first. I’m right behind him. Almost stepping on his heels. Sam is a few feet behind me. This is it. This is the moment when my life changes forever. I’m apart of the very first class to attend school on Mars. I’m going to make history…