My 18th disaster
Today was supposed to be normal, and the best day ever. But no, my dead grandma had to ruin it. I’d turn 18 today and I thought it’d be perfect. This was the day I’d finally become an adult. My mom was going to throw me this huge party and invite my friends. There’d be games, karaoke, dancing and food. Lots of food. For me, today was a big deal; therefore, I woke up in a great mood.
After hitting snooze a few times, I finally got up and got dressed. I was wearing a baggy white shirt tucked into a pair of loose black jeans and yellow canvas shoes. I put my hair into two dutch braids then brushed my teeth and headed downstairs to the kitchen. I was met by my mom holding a box, smiling. “Good morning, Liz! Happy birthday.” “Thanks, mom. What’s… this?” I said, pointing to the golden box my mom was holding. Her smile left her face as she took a deep breath.
“Well. I have some disappointing news for you,” she took a brief pause before continuing, “you won’t be able to have your birthday party. I know it’s not something that you want to hear but I have to go away on a work trip so you have to stay and watch your brother and make sure he stays out of trouble.” I didn’t respond but instead looked away from her sadly.
“It’s fine…” I mumbled. She looked at me apologetically before her smile returned.
“I found this box from your grandma, though. She told me to give it to you when I think you’re responsible enough to handle what’s inside. And I think you are.” I looked back up at the box and was about to take it before my 14-year-old brother burst into the room yelling and shooting rubber bands at us. “CUT IT OUT YOU–”
“Michael! You’re supposed to be at school!” my mom yelled, interrupting me, with a hint of confusion. “Hah! You thought,” he grinned slyly.
“You’re such an immature rat,” I growled at him. My mom gave me a look and turned to Michael saying, “You need to get to school. In the car. Now.” Michael glared at me then walked out. My mom handed me the box then left the room following him. I opened the golden box and lying inside was a dark brown wand. Hm? Why’s my grandma give me a toy wand? This is such a childish gift. I shrugged it o while sticking back in the box before I went to school.
When I got to school it was so hard to focus. Why would my grandma want to give me a wand? Why would she tell my mom to give it to me when I’m ‘responsible enough’? Am I overthinking this? Is the wand actually magical? No, that’d be crazy. But one thing is certain. This wand is making me insane. There has to be more to the story than just some weird stick.
Eventually I began to forget about the ‘wand’ until I was back home in my room unpacking my bag. I started to mess around with the stick and
make little poses with it.
“Ok. Go o Potter,” my brother remarked as he rushed in, startling me.
“How many times have I told you not to come into my room!? Especially without knocking!” I yelled at him. He laughed in response. “You’re impossible! Out!” Michael rolled his eyes before he sauntered out of the room.
“Kids! Come down here I wanna say goodbye to you before I leave!” mom called. I hurried downstairs with michael to see my mom. “Bye mom,” I mumbled. She frowned at me.
“You okay?” she asked. I sighed then said, “You’ll be back soon, right?” She scratched the back of her neck and looked at my with guilt.
“I’m going to be gone for a week and a half–” “Are you serious mom?” I interrupted her. “Now, there’s no need to get all upset I–”
“No! There is a need to get upset! What’s wrong with you?” I interrupted again. Michael took a step back away from my fuming body.
“Let’s just calm down. I’m sure you’ll be ok.” I glared at her before I continued to rant, “No. You’re not telling me what to do! First you say I can’t have my party then you say you’re flying o for over a WEEK. You give me some weird shiny stick in a box,” I paused and held up the wand for emphasis before continuing, “plus you’re leaving me alone with this moron!” A tear trickled down my cheek. My mom’s expression turned from upset to angry.
“The world doesn’t revolve around you! Do you know how incredibly selfish you’re being right now? You know, some kinds in the world have it worse than you do,” she commented.
“I know, but this was supposed to be my special day! I’m an adult now, it’s not like this is some irrelevant number such as seven or eight. And what’s with you always comparing me to other people? Sometimes I wish you and my dumb annoying brother would just go away! Disappear! Gone! Poof! Forever.” My mom put her hand on her chest, astonished. She opened her mouth to say something, but I just stormed away.
Was I too rude? Did I actually mean those things? It was just in the heat of the moment, right? I went back down to apologize, but found nobody in the house. Did she leave already? No she couldn’t have. I need to say sorry, and Michael would still be here. I widened my eyes as realization hit me. The wand. It was real.
“No! Come back! I wish you were here again. Hello? Wand? WORK!” Tears streamed down my face. I was alone now. Forever. I would never see my pesky little brother or my mom ever again. Because of my stupid temper.