Snippet #1205488

Chloe

I sat curled up with War and Peace in my favorite place on the window seat, staring outside into the grey London streets. There'd been nothing but drizzle for a week, and it was bringing everyone done, especially me. When the weather was bad, it forced everyone inside, meaning more time with my family. At least I still had Elliot to talk to. Just because he was a dog doesn't mean I played with him. No, he's who I confide all my dreams and sadness in.

"Hey, weirdo," said my older brother Nate as he walked into the room. Nate was the eldest of my siblings, and often the cruelest to me. "What are you doing here? And why are you reading War and Peace? You're like, ten."

"I'm twelve, Nathaniel, and just because you're illiterate doesn't mean we all are."

Nathaniel was stupid, but even he understood when he was being insulted. He walked over and slapped me on the side of my head, bringing tears to my eyes. I willed not even one to roll down my cheek; I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing he caused me pain. Even still, I probably shouldn't have said anything. I usually didn't...I don't know if it was the rain or what it was. I was feeling more cynical than usual.

"It's time for supper, you little brat."

I marked my place in my book, and got up from the window. I followed Nate into the dining room to find the rest of my family already at the table. My second eldest sibling, Max, and my older sister Amy. I took my place next to Amy, who didn't take one look at me. None of my family looked at me, really. It's like I was completely invisible. And of course, the entire supper was spent with talk about my siblings achievements. And of course, I was never brought up or addressed once.

I got up from my table once I was finished eating to put my dishes in the sink and go find Elliot.

"Just one moment, young lady. Your mother and I have something we want to discuss with you," said my father. I looked back at our table in astonishment--my parents never paid me any attention. I didn't exist to them. But one look at my father and mother's solemn expressions, and my siblings smirks told me that I was probably going to wish I was still invisible instead.