Sam & Cresco 2

Click here to read the previous chapter.

I can’t lie. This is a pretty dope experience. It beats first, second, and third period with Donnie Sullivan. I hate that guy. He’s always picking on me and talking about the way I look and dress.

Donnie and his friends claim that he’s just playing around, but it hurts my feelings. Every time I see bystanders or hear someone laughing at my pain, I die a little inside. I slowly get closer and closer into the darkness. I don’t know why I just can’t stick up for myself…

Last week I told my entire social studies class about moving to Mars. I couldn’t wait to share the news. I thought everyone would finally think I was cool. Donnie said he thought I always resembled an alien. The whole class died laughing, and I was humiliated. Cresco was in band class when this happened, so I decided not to tell him. I didn’t wanna relive that kind of embarrassment.

A waitress approaches me and my brother. “Can I get you two anything? Our mixologist makes the best Shirley Temple.”

Cresco answers. “Sam, go ahead and order.” I’m not sure what I want, so I insist that he goes first. He doesn’t hesitate at all. He orders everything on the dessert menu that has chocolate and two Shirley Temples; one for me and one for him. I think…

I hear Dad listening to his favorite political podcast. He’s a republican; extremely right wing Christian man. Mom’s a democrat and an atheist, so I figure that’s probably why he never married her.

I just can’t seem to understand why they decided to have kids together. When Trump was elected, Mom almost had a heart attack. Meanwhile, Dad threw the biggest party of the year. He says all the time that Joe is too old to be in the White House and only people that don’t think for themselves would vote for him. I don’t know what side to be on, so I just stay in a child’s place.

Cresco’s dessert platter arrived to the table. He offers me some, and I can’t resist. We eat every last crumb and lick the plate! We slap five, because life is so great right now.

I love having a twin brother. We take care of each other no matter what. I’m a little nervous to go to Mars, but I wouldn’t wanna experience this with anyone else.

Though I was never able to make friends at school, I have my twin, and that’s enough. Cresco is a pure light, and I know he’s destined to shine brighter than I ever will.

Dad calls my name, and I walk over to where he’s sitting. “Sweetie, call your Mom. Let her know you guys are safe and will arrive to the base in one week.” I’m in shock. It’s only gonna take a week to get all the way to Mars.

I ask my Dad, “How is that even possible?” He answers. “With the help of a special source, I created a ship that can travel four hundred and eighty million kilometers in only seven days. Reduce your screen time, and you could do great things too. That tablet of yours is a miniature slave maker. It’s programming you into becoming a mediocre, obese consumer that doesn’t ask questions. Now go call you mother before she has a panic attack.”

I rarely understand what he’s talking about. I ask my tablet questions twenty-four seven. How does he think I passed Algebra last semester? Sometimes my Dad doesn’t seem so smart. I walk away and text mom that we’re fine. I take a selfie and send it to her. I don’t like talking on the phone.