Another boring evening at home.

The rest of the day is quick, and it’s over before I know it. I let out a sigh as I climb into the bus, because I’m happier at school than I am at home. I sit a few rows back from the front, where all the nerds and kids with musical instruments and kids with elaborate orthodontic headgear sit. I keep to myself.

Some burnouts come onto the bus, a couple of guys in sweatpants and dirty hoodies, and a girl with a nose ring and bright red dyed hair. I raise my eyebrows because I can’t help but think that I smelled a skunk, but I don’t know where it is.

My mom is cooking dinner when I get home, and I head upstairs to get started on my homework. I’ve got maybe an hour of grace before asshole comes home from work.

That hour doesn’t last too long, but he tends to leave me alone while I’m doing schoolwork. I finish up all of my work and head downstairs for dinner.

When he asks me about school, I certainly don’t tell him about Gabby. I know he wouldn’t approve of her, and wouldn’t want me anywhere near her. Obviously I don’t tell him about Justin, because he would be furious that I talked to a boy.

After dinner he sics me on my long list of chores. I see my neighbor when I take out the garbage and give him a little wave, which he returns. He’s a pretty average looking man, probably in his late thirties. He lives by himself.

When I’m finally done, I sneak up into the bliss of my room to see if I can get few moments of relaxation before my dad notices that I’m not doing anything.

But he has a sense for this. It’s only a few short minutes before he comes into my room with a stack of papers and books.

“What are you doing?” He asks me.

“Nothing.” I tell him.

“Nothing, huh?” He sneers. “While you’re doing nothing, you can start working on these.”

He puts the stack of papers down on my desk with a thud.

“These are practice books to prepare you for the MCAT. You’ll need to know these inside and out if you ever want to get into medical school and be a doctor.”

“What if I don’t want to be a doctor?” I ask. I can’t believe that I let that out. How could I not stop myself? Surely a swift and painful **** is coming my way.

“I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that, young lady.” He snarls. “You’re going to be a doctor. You’re going to graduate at the top of your class and you’re going to ace that MCAT and you’re getting into medical school and you’re gonna like it! Now get your ass up and get busy!”

He slams my door on his way out.