My New Beginning…? (!)

By Gingee

Following my miraculous awakening and the “new me” that had actually taken form, I was startled to see the effect it had on the public persona. Consequently, immediately following my remarkable awakening and the celebration that followed thereafter, it had been brought to my attention that my life would no longer be the same as it once was. I soon learned that this was due entirely to the fact that I now possessed two particular unwanted characteristics that surprisingly caused me to be vilified by those of which I, at one time, considered to be my friends. Specifically speaking, following this unforeseen tragedy that befell me and the change of life that resulted thereafter, I was to remain with slightly impaired speech and also a slightly dysfunctional gait. Despite the fact that the overall effects that this tragic event had on my body and mind were relatively minimal, taking into account the overall essence of what had actually taken place, the actual effects that it had on my entire existence were well beyond reasoning. This was so, taking into account the ambiguous nature of that often-misconstrued term disABLED. With that in mind, I would like for the reader(s) of this forthcoming narrative to take heed to the fact that I am no longer in a catatonic state of mind and that this fortuitous event that occurred in my life, which I’ve chosen to write about, is based entirely on truth and is, therefore, entirely factual. However, before I say another syllable or utter another adjective, I would like for the reader(s) of this narrative to kindly take heed and, at the same time, pay credence to the ultimate power that the often-overgeneralized term love possesses. After all, my ultimate survival is a prime example of the veracity of the aforementioned statement.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984526854

Book preview

Copyright © 2018 by Silbe.

Cover design by Author

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 09/19/2019

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

726209

Contents

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Acknowledgments

DEDICATION

This forthcoming narrative is dedicated exclusively to the two unsung heroes in my life, my parents Anna and Larry, who are unquestionably the greatest parents that a son could ever have.

PROLOGUE

Suddenly, I keep feeling the tremendous rush of wind constantly blowing through my hair, the speed, the speed, the speed, and then, the uncontrollable motions of my entire body being tossed violently from side to side and then, and then, and then, the abrupt stop.

What the hell is happening to me?

Will this roller coaster ride that I seem to be on ever end?

Spin! Spin! Spin!

Around and around I go, back and forth, up and down, followed by the involuntary movements of my entire body briskly swaying back and forth.

Cut it out, already!

Would everyone just leave me alone already and let me rest, rest in peace!

What the hell is going on here?

Isn’t there any rest for the weary?

Lights, lights, lights, and more lights!

What’s with all these bright lights that someone keeps flashing in my eyes, and all the whispering that’s constantly going on around me?

Did somebody die, or something?

Why won’t everyone stop bothering me and leave me alone, already.

Home when. Home when. Home when.

Where the hell is my home, anyway?

Now I’m really confused? Why the hell can’t I find my home?

I’m warning you, you all better leave me alone.

I’m really getting tired of this shit, already!

Push! Push! Push!

Why are people constantly gabbing my arms and my legs and telling me to push?

What the hell are they talking about, anyway? Push what?

Pain, pain and more pain!

I really wish that everyone would stop grabbing me and pushing me around and around, and around, because I told you once, and I’ll tell you again; I’ve had enough of this shit."

CHAPTER ONE

In The Beginning…

‘If you were to ask me, that’s where I think that both of you are wrong. O.K., it’s true that I may not be Steven, but I’ll tell you one thing’s for sure, if I was either one of you, right now I’d be very worried. What I’m trying to say to both of you is this. I think that both of you should take into account the fact that not only is Steven going to be living in a brand new state, but he’s also going to be attending class in an entirely new school, where he’s going to be meeting a lot of new people. After all, you have to remember that he is only a child which, as both of you already know, is the period in his upbringing that is primarily concerned with his overall development, both intellectually and socially.’

‘HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!’

Come on, Dad! Would you tell her to mind her own business and leave me alone, already! I’m sick of her always pretending to be my mother.

‘You know dad, this really isn’t a joke, and I really wish that you’d stop laughing so much.’

‘After all, you are a psychologist, and I know that you know that what I’m saying about Steven is true. I just don’t think that at his age he really knows exactly what he’s going to be getting into.’

‘HA! HA! HA! Excuse me Lena, but I firmly believe in giving credit where credit is due, because this time, I certainly agree with what you just said. HA! HA! HA!’

‘You see that Steven, I always knew that dad would agree with what I was saying. Now you could yell and scream all you want, but the truth is, I’m older than you are and I know what I’m talking about.’

What are you talking about, anyway? You’re just three years older than me. Big whoop!

‘What was that? Did you hear what your son just said to me! I think that before you even consider sending Steven to a new school, I think that he should first learn how to speak English properly before he goes.’

‘HA! HA! HA! Excuse me, once again, for laughing so much Steven, HA! HA! HA! but I was just agreeing with what your sister just said, that’s all.’

‘Don’t worry Steven. It may take a few years, but when you finally decide to grow up and stop being so immature by constantly throwing tantrums and always trying to be the center of attention, you’ll discover for yourself that what I’m saying to you now is for your own good.’

‘Well said Lena, well said.’

Well said?

Why don’t you tell her to mind her own business for a change and leave me alone, already?

‘The truth is Steven, I really don’t think that you should get so upset over what your sister just said to you. To tell you the truth, you should be happy to know that she was just being truthful.’

I really can’t believe what I just heard you say. Do you really think that I should be happy about what she just said to me?

‘That’s right Steven, you heard what dad just said. Come to think of it, I really think that it would be nice if you finally learned to have some respect for your elders and began listening for a change to what other people are telling you.’

‘That really makes sense, and I want to thank you very much for saying it. However, even though I do agree with what I heard you say, there is one suggestion that I would like to make.’

‘Go right ahead, dad.’

Just a minute!

It’s not fair! How come you’re always on her side?

‘There he goes, again.’

‘Did it ever occur to you that dad is always on my side simply because I’m always right?’

‘‘The truth is Steven, even though Lena may not necessarily agree with this suggestion that I’m going to give her, I feel confident that you’ll discover for yourself that what I heard her say about you will become true in even less than a few years.’

There, you see Steven, I knew that dad would agree with what I am saying.’

‘That’s right Lena, I’ve got to hand it to you once again, because this time you were absolutely right.’

‘There you have it, Steven. I hope that you finally got all of the junk out of your ears and you heard what dad just said.’

For your information Lena, there’s no junk in my ears, and it’s really none of your business whether I heard him, or not!

‘You know Steven, there’s really no need for you to get so angry at your sister. After all, she was only being truthful.’

It’s not fair, and if you really want to know the truth, I’ll tell you what the truth is. The truth is that she’s not my mother and the way I live my life is really none of her business!

‘Wait a minute Steven, did I just hear right?’

‘You never told me that now she thinks that she’s your mother, also. Now I’m really confused. I was just about to accept the fact that she said that she might not be you, and now you’re trying to tell me that she’s not your mother, also?’

My what?

Oh yah, my mother! I get it. HA! HA! HA!

‘You could both laugh at this all you want, but the truth is, this is really no joking matter.’

‘Just a minute Steven, I just got through convincing your sister that she really wasn’t you, but now you say that she thinks that she’s your mother, also? I really wish that she’d make up her mind, already.’

‘I mean, which is it going to be?’

‘Come to think of it Ann, I think that it’s a real shame that I left my appointment book in the office.’

‘HA. HA. HA. Very funny, dad. To tell you the truth, that was so funny that I forgot to laugh.’

‘For your information Lena, I look at the bright side. Even though I don’t think that it’s a very good idea for you to think that you were me, you have to think that you’re Steven’s mother, at least you finally stopped thinking that you’re not going to be him, also. After all, you remember that before you would even consider becoming Steven, you would first have to first dye your hair red and, then, cut it just a little bit shorter on the sides and a little bit in the back. As for becoming his mother, also, is concerned, well, even though they do say that nothing’s impossible, that’s an entirely different story.’

HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! Go on. You tell her, dad. HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! Come to think of it Lena, I really think that you should try getting all of the junk out of your ears for a change and listen to what dad just told you. HA! HA! HA!

‘You know Steven, why don’t you just do all of us a favor and grow up.’

Just a minute Lena, in case you didn’t exactly hear what dad just told you, let me refresh your memory. HA! HA! HA! He said that you should shut your big mouth and mind your own business and stay out of my life once and for all! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA

‘Come to think of it Steven, that really wasn’t a very nice thing to say to your sister. The truth is, I was sitting right here and I never heard your father say any such thing.’

‘It’s perfectly all right, mom. By now I’ve come to accept the fact that Steven just refuses to grow up and act his age. Even though I realize that this is just the way he is, it’s really beginning to concern me that he always insists upon being immature, by never actually acting his chronological age.’

‘If you ask me, you might want to consider getting him some sort of professional help in order to explain this apparent stunting of his growth, at least as far as his mental development is concerned.’

‘HA! HA! HA! See that Lena, I, once again, agree with what you said; it’s a good thing that your mother and I didn’t ask you in the first place. HA! HA! HA!’

‘You could laugh at me all you want right now, but I’m warning you. I really think that both of you should take my advice before this matter gets anymore out of hand then it already is.’

‘I’m sorry Lena for laughing so much, but right now it’s really not my hands that I’m worrying so much about. HA! HA! HA!’

‘You know dad, you could joke about this all you want, but the truth is, this really isn’t a laughing matter.’

‘HA! HA! HA! I’m sorry, Lena. HA! HA! HA! I’m sorry. HA! HA! HA! The truth is, I’m really not laughing at what you just said, I’m just laughing at how I think you’d look wearing gym shorts and sneakers and playing basketball along with Steven’s friends. That is, of course, once you actually became Steven. HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!’

HA! HA! HA! Come to think of it dad, knowing how my friends are when it comes to letting girls even play basketball with them in the first place, Lena would be lucky if they’d even let her step on the court, let alone jinx them by being there while they’re out there shooting hoop.. HA! HA! HA!

‘There he goes, again. I really wish that the two of you would grow up already and tried being serious for a change.’

Ring! Ring! Ring!

I got it! I got it!

‘I’m warning you Steven, if it’s for me, you better give me the phone.’

Ring! Ring! Ring!

Would you relax, already?

Hello.

‘What took you so long? It’s about time you answered the phone. You’re lucky as shit that I didn’t hang up.’

Listen up, and before you say another word, I gotta tell you something first, but before I say anything, you gotta hold on a minute.

‘Say what? Who the hell do you think you are, trying to tell me what to do? Let’s get one thing straight. I ain’t gotta do nothing for no one that I don’t want to do.’

Would you cool your jets, already? I think that you’ll be happy to know that I just wanna shut the door so my nosey-ass sister can’t listen in to our conservation like she always tries to do.

‘That’s cool.’

‘Why didn’t you say that in the first place?’

‘You just better make it fast, because there’s something that’s real important that I gotta tell you.’

Cool.

SLAM!

There, that’s better.

‘You’re damn right that’s better. That is, until your dumb ass sister begins to get jealous like she always does and starts bitchin’ to your dad, saying that you’ve been talking on the phone to long.’

Hey, I got an idea.. How ’bout if the both of us out smart her by talking real fast.

‘I can’t believe what I just heard you say. Did you actually say that we should talk fast? You could talk fast all you want, but I’ve got news for you, I’m gonna talk as slow as I damn well please, and that’s final!’

That’s cool.

So tell me, already, what it is that’s so important that you wanted to tell me?

‘Check this out. I’ve been doing some thinking about you and the fact that tomorrow is the first day of school.’

Holy shit, it can’t be true! I don’t believe it!

‘What the hell are you talking about this time?’

I hate to say it, but you’re beginning to sound just like my sister.

‘You better hope that it ain’t true what I just heard you say.’

HA! HA! HA! Sorry ’bout that. HA! HA! HA! I just think that whenever I hear anyone say anything that has to do with school, I just think of her, that’s all.

‘Listen up closely asshole, ’cause I ain’t going to say this to you, again. If I was you, right now I’d be counting my blessings that I ain’t there, because if I was, I’d kick your ass so hard that you’d have to shit standing up, because you wouldn’t be able to sit down on it for a week.’

Sorry ’bout that. I promise that it won’t happen, again.

I promise.

‘Sorry ’bout that my ass. I’m gonna warn’ you just one last time. You had better not even mention my name in the same breath as hers ever again.’

I swear that it won’t ever happen, again.

‘It better not.’

‘Anyway, as I was about to say before I was so rudely interrupted.’

‘Before I tell you anything I think that you should consider yourself lucky as shit that I accept the fact that you’ve got that faggot red hair and that gay as shit pink skin.’

Why the hell are you making fun of my red hair and pink skin?

Let’s get one thing straight. It really ain’t my fault that I’ve got it.

If anything, don’t blame me, blame nature. HA! HA! HA!

‘You could laugh about it all you want, and you could blame whomever the hell you feel like blaming, but I just look at it this way. You’re lucky that I’ve somehow managed to accept the fact that you’ve got that gay as shit red hair, but as far as your pink skin is concerned, well, that’s another story that I ain’t got the time to tell.’

Click.

Well, I look at it this way; one out of two ain’t so bad. HA! HA! HA!

‘Excuse me.’

‘Oh, hello Squeal.’

‘Hello.’

‘Excuse me for interrupting the conversation that you were having with Steven, but don’t you think that enough is enough.’

Just a minute Lena, can’t you see that I’m, still, on the phone?

‘Look here Steven, I’m going to ask you nicely just one last time. Please get off the phone now, because if you don’t, I’m going to tell dad and get you into lots of trouble, and that’s a promise.’

For your information, I’m not done talking, and I refuse to get off of the phone.

‘Maybe you forgot, but I, already, told you not to stay on very long, because I was expecting a very important phone call.’

Did you just say too much longer? What are you talking about! I haven’t even been on the phone for more than five minutes.

‘Come to think of it Steven, I really think it’s sad. If you stopped talking to your friends all day long only about cars and sports, and you’d concentrate on doing your homework, you’d learn how to tell time. For your information, according to my watch, you’ve been on the phone for over ten minutes, already.’

Ten minutes! How do you figure? Did it ever occur to you that if you stopped picking up the phone every second, and constantly interrupting the conversation that I was having, I would have already been off five minutes ago?

‘Look Steven, I refuse to occupy anymore of my precious time with you and your childish behavior. In case you forgot, I already told you that you had better be off the phone within the next five minutes, or else I’m going to tell dad and get you in lots of trouble, and that’s final!’

SLAM!

Well, I guess that that time we just heard it straight from the horses mouth.

‘Who are you kidding? Did I just hear you say horse? If you ask me, I was thinking of something more like a jackASS.’

Jackass! HA! HA! HA! I agree with you, there. HA! HA! HA! Yah, but you gotta tell me how a jackASS can possibly speak bullshit? HA! HA! HA!

‘I couldn’t tell ya’. For that one I guess that you’re going to have to ask your dad.’

You’re right about that because, knowing him, that’s something that he’d probably have an answer to.

‘You better listen up and pay attention to what I’m about to say, ’cause I’m gonna say one more thing before we hang up, something that ain’t no bullshit.’

Go for it. I’m listening.

‘You better be.’

‘I going to remind you one last time what I told you about that orange hair and that pink skin that you got.’

Wait a minute, did I just hear you right? Did you say something about my hair and my skin?

‘What the hell is your problem! Don’t tell me that your ears are also all screwed up like the rest of you is? I didn’t just say your hair and your skin, I said your orange hair and your pink skin.’

Looks to me like the two of us have got something in common; after all, I’ve got hair and skin and you’ve got hair and skin, also. HA! HA! HA!

‘I better not have just heard you say what I think that I just heard you say, because as far as both of us having hair and skin is concerned, is where any similarities that we may have ends.’

‘I suggest that you get the shit out of your ears and listen up closely to what I’m about to say, because I’m warning you, I ain’t gonna tell you this, again.’

Sorry ’bout that.

‘You better be.’

‘I wanna warn you that you better not come cryin’ to me during school tomorrow saying that everyone keeps calling you an albino.’

A what?

‘You heard what I said the first time, I said, an albino.’

HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! An albino! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! Why the hell would they be calling me an albino?

‘I really don’t know what the hell are you laughin’ about? I know that it must be hard for you to do, seeing as how you’re so fuckin’ ugly, but didn’t you ever look at yourself in the mirror?’

HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! An albino, he says! HA! HA! HA! An albino! HA! HA! HA!

‘You could laugh all you want, but just remember that I warned you.’

Click!

‘Excuse me.’

‘Hello again, Squeal.’

‘Pardon me for interrupting the conversation that you were having with Steven, but it’s time for both of you to get off the phone right now because the additional time that I gave Steven is up.’

You are making a big mistake here, because it’s not me that has got to get off the phone right now, it’s you. What’s wrong, are you jealous that I’m doing something that you never did before, talk to a friend?

‘I’m warning you Steven, if you aren’t off the phone the next time I pick it up again, I’m going to tell dad and get you into a lot of trouble.’

‘This is the last time that I’m going to tell you. I’m going to hang up the phone now, and when I pick it up, you had better be off.’

SLAM!

Guess what?

‘I ain’t got to guess, because I, already, know that you’re going to do whatever it is that bitch tells you to do. Look, I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of that shit, and I ain’t gonna waste my time with it anymore.’

‘I’m out of here.’

But, Squeal.

‘Don’t give me any of that but Squeal shit. You heard what I said, and I ain’t gonna say it again.’

Are you sure about that?

‘I don’t believe that you’re actually asking me if I’m sure. Put it this way. Even- though it really ain’t my ass that I’m worried about, I would just love to see what would happen to your ass if you didn’t follow the orders that you were just given.’

I’ll tell you one thing. Knowing how Lena is when it comes to getting her way, whatever would happen, wouldn’t be pretty.

Hey, there’s one more thing that I want to ask you before I hang up.

‘Whatever it is, I suggest that you make it fast.’

Aren’t you gonna wish me luck?

‘Did you just say that I should wish you luck?’

‘What the hell are you talking about this time?’

You heard me right the first time. I said that you should wish me luck.

Cut the shit, asshole! Why the hell do you want me to wish you luck?

Well, I look at it this way. If Lena doesn’t get her way, it really ain’t my ass that I’m worried about.

‘Say what?’

I’m talking about this. If she starts bitchin’ to my mom and my dad, I want you to wish me luck that I survive the hurricane that she’ll start.

‘Look, I ain’t got time for any more of your shit. I guess that I’ll catch ya’ later.’

‘I’m out of here.’

Bye.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Who’s there?

‘It’s just us Steven, could we please come in?’

Sure, just a minute.

Let’s get one thing straight, before either of you say a word, it’s not true what she told you, I’m off the phone.

‘Wait a minute, Steven. Before either one of us can tell you what she told us, I’ve first got to find out who she is.’

Come on, you know what I’m talking about. Don’t tell me that Lena didn’t accuse me like she always does, saying that I’ve been on the phone too long?

‘I don’t know about your mother, but she didn’t say any such thing to me. Did she say anything like that to you, Ann?’

‘No, she didn’t, at least, not yet.’

‘Please excuse me for saying this, but since tomorrow is your first day of school, your father and I were thinking of how excited you must be.’

Me, excited about going to school? Believe me, I just can’t wait. To tell you the truth, I’m so excited that I just can’t seem to shut my eyes and go to sleep. That’s right, I can’t shut my eyes and go to sleep because I’m so excited about going to school tomorrow, and that’s why I’m still awake.

‘HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! Look at the bright side, Steven. At least this time you’ve got a good excuse why you’re, still, up at this time of the night. HA! HA! HA!’

‘Your mother and I just figured that since it’s going to be a brand new school that you’re going to be going to, in a brand new state, let alone a brand new city, also, for you, it’s going be an entirely new experience.’

‘That’s right Steven, I agree with what you’re father just said. Just think of all of the new teachers that you’re going to be meeting in all of those new classes that you’re going to be going to. Wow! You must be so excited!’

‘We really just want you to be ready for what you’re going to experience on your first day.’

‘It sounds to me like it’s going to be terrific! Can you imagine all of the new textbooks, and all the lots of new homework that you’re going to be getting! It sounds so exciting that I bet you just can’t wait!’

Did you just say new teachers, new books, and lots of new homework? Believe me, I just can’t wait. What I mean to say is this; I can’t wait until the day is finally over so I could go home and watch TV. Can’t you tell how excited I am?

‘That explains what Steven said to us before when he said that he must be so excited about going to school tomorrow that he just can’t sleep. HA! HA! HA!’

‘Even though I really can’t blame him for feeling the way he does, I think that he should have been in bed and gone to sleep an hour ago, just like Lena did.’

Oh know, here she goes again. Lena this, and Lena that.

‘Wait a minute, Steven. I really don’t think that’s what your mother meant when she used Lena as an example. She just feels that you must really be looking forward to going to school tomorrow, because of all the new friends that you’re going to be making in all of your new classes.’

‘Excuse me Steven, but do you mind very much if I say something? After all, I feel it’s only proper for me ask you first for your permission first before I interrupt the conversation that you’re having with your father.’

I’ll tell you what ma, let’s make a deal. How about if I give you permission to say something only if you promise me that whatever it is that you want to ask me doesn’t involve Lena.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Go away!

‘Nobody’s home!"

‘Wait just a minute, Steven. Since it’s most probably Lena whose knocking, she’s probably got something very important that she wants to tell us.’

‘Please come in.’

‘Hello Lena, is there something that we could do for you?

Wait a minute. Before anyone says anything, I want to tell you what she could do for me. She could leave my room faster than she came.

‘That really wasn’t a very nice thing to say to your sister. Now, why don’t you say you’re sorry to her and I wish that both of you will make up with each other.’

‘It’s really all right, mom. I figure that since it came from Steven’s mouth, an apology really isn’t necessary. The truth is, I’m no longer bothered by the fact that he just refuses to grow up and act his age. Besides, the only reason why I knocked on the door in the first place this late at night was because I was very concerned if everything was all right in here.’

‘It’s very was nice of you to be so concerned, but why shouldn’t everything be alright?’

‘I just figured that since you and dad have been in here for so long, I was just worried that maybe something terrible could’ve happened.’

Just a minute Lena, take a look at the clock. Why are you here in the first place?

Isn’t it past your bedtime?

‘For your information Steven, it’s really none of your business when I go to bed.’

It isn’t any of my business, you say? Hey mom, I seem to remember you saying that I should be asleep, already, like Lena is, right?

‘Excuse me for saying this mom and dad, but the truth is I really don’t have the strength to waste any more of my precious time on Steven and his immature behavior.’

‘Seeing as how tomorrow is the first day of school, I don’t know about him, but I intend to get a full night sleep.’

‘That’s definitely a good idea that you have. I hope that you heard what your sister just said. Tomorrow is definitely going to be a big day for everybody.’

‘Thank you for saying that mom, and I hope that you and dad have yourselves a good night sleep, and Eugh! Eugh! good night to you too, Steven.’

‘That really was a very nice thing for you to say to us and your mother and I want to wish you a good night, also.’

‘What are you waiting for, Steven? Aren’t you going to wish your sister a good night, also?’

Must I?

‘Well, seeing as how she just wished all of us a good night, I think that it’s only proper for you to do the same for her.’

Fine., in that case, good night.

There, I hope that you’re happy now that I said good night to her, and now that I said good night to her, she could leave.

‘Did you hear what your son just said to me?’

‘You know Steven, I heard what you just said to your sister and she’s right. That really wasn’t a very nice thing that you said to her.’

‘I agree with you, Larry. I think that Steven should say he’s sorry to Lena, and after he finishes apologizing to her for what he said, he should wish her a good night sleep the right way, one that’s filled with nothing but sweet dreams.’

Did you actually say that I should apologize to her? Now what’s wrong? She should be happy that I wished her a good night in the first place.

‘Don’t get us wrong Steven, I’m not saying that your mother and I didn’t appreciate the fact that you wished your sister a good night.’

So, if that’s the case, then what’s the problem?

‘The problem is that your mother and I and I’m sure that Lena, also, isn’t very pleased with what you said to her after you wished her good night.’

Oh brother. I’m warning you, this is going to be the last time. Good night Lena and please get out of my room now because I’ve got to get to bed. That’s right, because I’ve got to get to bed. There, I hope that you’re all happy, now.

‘That’s better. Even though I’m very proud of you Steven, because that was definitely much better, there’s just one more thing that you said that I’m not very comfortable with.’

Do you mean to tell me that there is something else?

‘Come to think of it, I really don’t think that you should have had such a mean voice when you asked Lena to leave your room. To be honest with you, it sounded to me like you weren’t exactly asking her to leave, it’s more like you were telling her to.’

Hold on a minute. Before we go any further, you’ve got to tell me why is it that you’re always on her side, and that you always think that she’s right?

‘Excuse me for saying this Ann, but this time I’ve got to agree with Steven. Even though he may have sounded like he was a little bit annoyed when he asked her to leave, he did say please.’

That’s right! At least, somebody’s finally on my side.

‘I suppose that you’re right, Larry.’

‘I honestly believe in giving credit where credit is due and I definitely feel that by, at least, saying please, Steven is definitely making a step in the right direction.’

I hope you hear that, Lena? I hope that you’re listening to what dad just said. In case you didn’t hear exactly what he said, I’ll repeat it for you. He said that you should stop complaining so much, because I asked you nicely to leave my room, and that’s final.

‘Not so fast, Steven. Even though your mother and I appreciate the fact that you did say please, I do want to point out to you something that you said that just wasn’t right.’

Oh no, here we go, again.

‘Well, it’s just that after your mother and I told you that we weren’t very pleased with the way that you wished your sister a good night, I heard you say; Oh, brother.’

Now you’re really confusing me. What’s wrong with that?

‘To tell you the truth, nothing at all, that is, if you had a brother, but seeing as how you don’t and you were talking to your sister, I really don’t think that it was the right thing for you to say to her.’

I really don’t believe what I think I just heard.

‘I agree with what your saying, dad. If you ask me, I think that it was very rude of him to say that to me. The sad thing is, I really don’t know where he learned how to talk like that, because he certainly didn’t learn it here.’

‘That’s right Steven, you should listen to what your sister just said, because she knows better than you. After all, she is older that you are.’

‘You know ma, there’s really no need for you to waste anymore of your breath on that subject, because I’ve come to accept the fact that talking to Steven is like talking to a wall. Besides, since it’s already nine thirty, Steven really should have gone to bed an hour ago."

‘You’re right Lena, but before everybody finally goes to bed, I want to take a moment to make sure that I explain something to him, so that he’ll understand what he should have said so that he doesn’t make the same mistake twice.’

‘I have nothing against that, but just remember the time and that tomorrow’s the first day of school.’

Why don’t you tell that to all of us ten thousand more times.

‘It would be real nice if you did us all a favor and grow up, already.’

‘It goes to show you that at least some of us here are concerned about something else beside just ourselves.’

For the ten thousand and one time, why don’t you keep it to yourself, because nobody asked you.

‘See that, Ann. I told you that school wasn’t a complete waste. Do you see how good Steven can count? HA! HA! HA!’

‘I see, but you know something Larry, Lena is right. We should have all been in bed an hour ago.’

‘I know you’re right, but there’s just one more thing that I want to tell Steven before he goes to bed.’

‘What ever it is, please make it fast.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I just want to let him know that unless Lena got a sex change that I didn’t know about, it would have been much more appropriate if you would have said oh, sister instead of saying oh, brother.’

Slam.

HA! HA! HA! Oops! I slipped. I wanted Lena’s sex change to come as surprise. HA! HA! HA!

‘HA! HA! HA! To tell you the truth Steven, it wasn’t really you that gave it away. HA! HA! HA!’

‘I fail to see any humor in that. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve got to go to sleep, because it’s past my bedtime.’

‘You’re right Lena, and I hope that everybody has a good night.’

I hope this means that she’s finally gone.

‘Excuse me Steven, but I hope that before you go to bed you’re not going to get mad at me for asking you this question.’

I was afraid you’d say that.

Alright, I’m ready.

Go for it.

‘Well, I figure that since it’s already well past your bedtime, I just want to know if you brushed your teeth, yet?’

First Lena, now you.

The all that I’m going to say is this; don’t worry, I promise I will.

‘You know Steven, since it’s just about nine thirty now, I suggest that you take your mothers advice and brush your teeth now and, then, go right to sleep.’

‘I’m waking you and Lena up at 7:00 in the morning and I want everyone to have a full night’s rest..’

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Oh no, here we go, again.

What do you want now!

‘Hello again, Lena.’

‘As a matter of fact, we were just talking about you. Is there something else that you need?’

Wait a minute! Before anybody says another word, let’s get one thing straight. This is my room and when it comes down to talking about Lena, maybe you were, but I surely wasn’t, so you better not be including me in that list.

‘I really don’t believe what I just heard.’

‘I can’t believer that he’s starting up with me, already. For your information Steven, I was doing something that you never do. I was thinking about someone else beside just myself.’

‘To tell you the truth Lena, I think that was a very nice thing for you to say. Is there something else that you need from your father or me?’

‘Thank you very much for saying that. At least somebody here appreciates the constant concern that I have for my family’s well being.’

‘You know Lena, I agree with what your mother just said.’

‘That really was a very nice thing for you to say.’

‘The truth is, I just figured that since you’ve all been in here for so long, I was just wondering if everything was all right.’

‘As far as I know, everything’s all right in here. After all, why wouldn’t it be?

‘That’s really good to hear. Come to think of it, since I’m already here, I might as well make sure that Steven didn’t forget to brush his teeth before he goes to bed.’

Even though it’s really none of your business you’ll be happy to know that I already brushed my teeth.

‘Is he really telling the truth?’

Wait a minute! Who do you think you are, anyway? Let me help you out in case you forgot. Now repeat after me. I’m not your mother and it’s none of my business whether or not, I brushed my teeth in the first place.

‘Just a minute Steven, there’s really no need for you to get so upset and yell at your sister. She was just wondering whether or not you brushed your teeth, because she’s very concerned about your well being, that’s all.’

For your information, she’s not my mother and it’s really none of her business whether or not I brushed my teeth!

‘To tell you the truth, I think that you should appreciate the fact that she is so concerned about your health and well being.’

Do you really think that she said that to me because she’s concerned about my well-being? Well, she could fool you all she wants, but she ain’t going to fool me.

‘I don’t believe it. Did you hear what your son just said?’

‘Come to think of it Steven, I wonder sometimes who it was that taught you how to speak English, because, one thing’s for sure, you didn’t learn to speak it that way here. It just goes to show you what happens to a person when he hangs around with trash.’

Did I actually hear you say that my friends are trash?

‘You know Steven, I know that you’re not going to want to hear me say this, but this tine I think that your sister’s right. I’m not saying that your friends are trash, because I like all of your friends, I’m just saying that there isn’t any such word that I know of in the English language as ain’t.’

‘You know something Ann, this time I agree with what you’re saying. To the best of my knowledge, there sure ain’t no word in the English language as ain’t. HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!’

HA! HA! HA! Well, seeing as how even dad agrees with what I said, I guess that this time I’m outvoted three to one. HA! HA! HA!

Please excuse the interruption Steven, but do you mind if I say something?’

Well, I guess that it all depends on whether you’re asking me, or telling me.

‘Here he goes, again.’

‘That’s your mother that’s talking to you, not one of those mindless creatures that you actually consider to be one of your friends.’

‘That’s all right Lena, there’s really no need for you to get so upset with Steven. I was just trying to explain to him that he should appreciate the fact that you were so concerned whether or not he brushed his teeth so he wouldn’t get any cavities, that’s all.’

You know ma, the point isn’t whether, or not I’ll get any cavities, the point is that you’re avoiding the main problem here.

‘That’s funny because I really don’t think that I was, but if you say that I did, maybe I’m wrong and I did.’

It’s just that your not taking into consideration the fact that everything was going good until Lena came in, because whenever she comes in, she always interrupts the conversation that we’re having and starts bossing me around by always pretending to be my mother.

‘I don’t think that that’s true and I really don’t think that was a very nice thing to say about your sister.’

‘Come to think of it, I think that it would be a very good idea if you went over to her right now and apologized to her for saying what you just said.’

‘That’s all right mom. Since it came from Steven’s mouth, an apology really isn’t necessary.’

‘Believe me, I’ve, already, grown accustomed to the fact that he always insists upon acting extremely immature by never actually acting his chronological age. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the next thing you’ll discover is that he’ll want to start wearing diapers, again.’

Did you hear what she just said! She actually said that I should be wearing diapers, again!

‘HA! HA! HA! Excuse me for laughing so much, HA! HA! HA! but right now I’m the one who should be angry, and not you. After all, at your age could you imagine how hard it’s going to be for me to find diapers that are going to be big enough to fit you?’

HA. HA. HA. Give me a break. To tell you the truth dad, that was so funny that I forgot to laugh.

‘If you insist Steven, but first you’re going to have to tell me if you want me to break your arm or your leg? Come to think of it, you’re in luck. Since I’m running a special on fingers and toes this week, maybe we could work something out.’

Come to think of it dad, I see that you must, also, be running a special on bad jokes this week. As far as Lena is concerned, now that she found that everything’s alright in here, I think that it would be a great idea if she left now faster than she came.

‘That really wasn’t a very nice thing to say to your sister, and I think that you owe her an apology. If you ask me, I think that it was very nice of her to be so concerned about your well being.’

Come to think of it ma, I really don’t remember anyone asking you.

‘HA! HA! HA! You know something Ann, I hate to say it, but Steven’s got a point, there. HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!’

‘I really can’t believe what I’m hearing. I just want you to know that I really don’t appreciate it that you’re laughing at the extremely immature thing that Steven just said to me. I, myself, really don’t find it to be funny at all and I really don’t consider it to be a laughing matter. I really feel that if this isn’t taken care of real soon, this is something that won’t just affect Steven’s life now, but even more so as he gets older.’

‘Actually Lena, I was laughing, because I was just trying to be polite. HA! HA! HA! Since Steven said that it was funny that he didn’t remember anybody asking your mother for her opinion, I was just being courteous by laughing, that’s all. HA! HA! HA!’

‘I really don’t believe what I just heard. You know, you’re lucky that I’m not your mother, because if I was your mother, I’d wash your mouth out with soap.’

I’ve got news for you, if you were my mother, I’d probably move to another planet.

‘Not so fast, Steven. That really may not be such a bad idea that you have. For one thing, I heard that Mars is a very pretty place to be this time of year.’

HA! HA! HA! Speaking of long distance, could you imagine how much it’s gonna cost you each time Lena calls me up to see if I brushed my teeth, yet. HA! HA! HA!

‘You know Steven, you’ve got a point, there.’

‘But, once I figure in all the money that I’ll save on not having to buy you sun tan lotion, I suppose that it’ll all balance out.’

‘Excuse me for saying this, but I really wish that the two of you boys would knock it off and finally try to be serious for a change. Come to think of it, I think that it’s really sad that you actually allow your son to associate with those creatures that he considers to be his friends, in the first place.’

‘HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! Excuse me kids, but may I say something? HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!’

Before you say a word to either one of us, I want you to know that I really don’t appreciate it that you’re laughing so much, because, as far as I’m concerned, this really isn’t a laughing matter.’

‘Just a minute Lena, before you jump to any conclusions, please let me say what I want to say, first.’

That’s right Lena., you heard what dad just said, so you better stop jumping to conclusions.

‘First of all Steven, for your information, dad never said any such thing.’

‘Come to think of it, I think that you better say whatever it is that you want to say real fast, because hearing Steven talk is like listening to a scratched record.’

‘But before you say anything, I just want you to know that if you ask me, I think it’s about time that Steven learns right from wrong.’

‘Well, I’ll tell you one thing’s for sure Lena, it sure is a good thing that nobody asked you.’

That’s right Lena, in case you didn’t hear what dad just said, let me repeat it for you. He said that nobody asked you, so you better keep your mouth shut and mind your own business.

‘Would you grow up, already and stop acting so immature.’

‘Please continue, dad.’

‘I guess that we’re just going to have to accept the fact that Steven constantly insists upon acting immature, by never actually acting his chronological age.’

‘HA! HA! HA! Thank you very much, Lena. HA! HA! HA! Thank you very much. HA! HA! HA! I just want to say that before we start pointing fingers and blaming one another, I think that we should first take into account the fact that Steven was only speaking the truth.’

‘I can’t believe that it’s true what I just heard you say.’

‘Did you actually say that he was speaking the truth? If you ask me, he was being downright rude and disrespectful. Which, by the way, is nothing new.’

‘I’m sorry to say this Lena, but this time I feel that Steven’s right. The truth is, I never heard him ask you, or for that matter, your mother for your opinion.’

See that, I told you that I was right.

‘I’m sorry to say this dad, but this time I disagree with what you just said. I really feel that whether or not he asked me for my opinion really doesn’t matter very much. The point that I’m trying to make is that I think that it would be a very good idea if Steven finally grows up and acts his age and finally learns to respect his elders.’

You must be deaf, or something.

In case you didn’t hear exactly what dad just said, let me repeat it for you. He told you that you should mind your own business and stay out of my life once and for all, and stop acting like something your not, my mother.

‘The truth is Steven, I never once said that I was against Lena giving us her opinion about the issue that we were discussing. I was just saying that I, also, never heard you ask her for her opinion.’

‘You’re right dad, and come to think of it, now I realize exactly what I did wrong, and I’m very sorry if you feel that I spoke out of place about things that weren’t really any of my business.’

‘Do you forgive me?’

‘Thank you Lena for being so courteous, and, of course, I forgive you.

Now, where was I?’

I really can’t believe what I just heard. You finally admitted to somebody other than yourself that you were wrong about something that you did.

‘For your information Steven, just because I apologized to dad, doesn’t mean that I apologized to you. Besides, as far as I’m concerned, it’s you who should be apologizing to me for acting as immature as you always do.’

Look Lena, if you’d stop complaining so much and look at the clock, you’d see that it’s, already, well past your bedtime.

‘Did I just hear right? Did you just say that it was past my bedtime?’

‘Look whose talking. At least I don’t always have to be reminded to brush my teeth before I go to bed.’

‘Excuse me for saying this Lena, but this time Steven’s right, because he just said something that made sense. I just looked at the clock and it’s already well past all of our bedtimes, and since your father has already told you that he’s waking us up at 7:00 in the morning, I suggest that we all just call it a night and go to sleep right now.’

‘Come to think of it ma, you’re absolutely right about that, and I’m sorry if I kept you up.’

‘I suppose that it’s time for me to say goodnight to you mom, and goodnight to you dad and goodnight to you too, Steven.’

‘Goodnight Lena, and your mother and I hope that you have a goodnights sleep that’s filled with nothing but sweet dreams.’

‘Thank you very much mom and dad, and the same goes for both of you.’

Now that that’s done I really wish that everyone would get out of my room already so I could finally get some sleep.

‘You’re absolutely right about that Steven, but before we finally go, I’m wondering if you know that there’s something that you forgot to do?’

"You mean there’s something else?

Just a minute, before you say another word, let me see. Seeing as how I already brushed my teeth and I put on a pair of gym shorts, and I’m already in bed, I really don’t think so.

‘Pardon me for saying this Steven, but I think that your father and I are just waiting for you to wish everybody a goodnights sleep before you finally go to bed.’

Well, if that’s the only way to get everyone to get out of my room and leave me alone already, I guess that I’m left no other choice.

In that case, good night everybody.

There, now that I said good night to everybody, including Lena, could all of you get out of my room already so I could finally get to sleep?

‘I don’t believe what I just heard.’

‘Can you believe what your son just said?’

Oh know, what is it this time?

Don’t tell me that I did something else wrong.

‘It’s really getting late, and I really don’t want to start this all over again.’

‘Come to think of it dad, but there is something else that Steven did that was wrong that I feel should be corrected before it’s too late.’

Before it’s too late! Come on already Miss know it all, look at the time! Maybe you forgot, we’ve got to go to school tomorrow.

‘This time I’ve got to agree with what Steven just said, because the truth is, it really is getting late and I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m really exhausted.’

‘Come to think of it dad, I’m also very tired and I know that it is getting late, but before we finally go to bed, there’s just one more mistake that Steven made that I really think that you should make him aware of.’

‘I really don’t know what could possibly be the problem, because I, myself, heard Steven say good night to everyone.’

‘I’m not saying that he didn’t wish everyone a good night, it’s just the way that he said it that’s really bothering me.’

‘If, for some reason you really don’t like the way that he said it, I think that you should just take it for what it’s worth. After all, look at the time, and he did say please.’

‘Now, don’t get me wrong, it was good that he was finally mature enough to say please. I just really feel that it would be a good idea if you finally taught him to have some manners, also. Then, maybe he wouldn’t always be so rude, especially to people like me who are older than he is.’

‘I never said that it was right for Steven to say what he said in the manner in which he said it. I’m just saying that since it’s really getting late and we are all waking up very early in the morning, I’m recommending that we all just call it a night.’

‘You’re absolutely right dad, and since he did say please to me, I really shouldn’t be complaining. After all, I should really take into consideration the fact that for Steven to actually be courteous enough and say please to anyone, should definitely be considered an accomplishment.’

‘Well said, Lena. Well said.’

‘Besides that, since tomorrow’s going to be the first day of the new school year, it’s going to be an especially big day for both of you. After all, you’re both going to be going to an entirely new school that’s in a brand new area, and since that’s the case, I suggest that both of you get to sleep already, and have yourselves a good night’s sleep.’

‘You’re right about that dad, and I don’t know about the rest of you, but I really don’t know how I’m going to be able to get to sleep because right now I’m so excited.

I just can’t wait to experience all of the new things that I’m going to discover in this new school tomorrow.’

‘With that in mind, I hope that you and mom have a real good night’s sleep.’

‘That was really a very nice thing for you to say, and your mother and I hope that you have yourself a good night’s sleep, also.’

Wait a moment, dad.

‘Excuse me Steven, but is there something else that you wanted to say?’

You really don’t have to bother wasting your breath and saying it all over again, because I heard you the first time.

Goodnight mom goodnight dad, and last but not least, goodnight Lena.

There, I hope that you’re happy.

Now, can I please go to bed, already?

‘See that Steven, that wasn’t so hard to say, now was it, and your mother and I are very proud of you, because that definitely sounded much better than before.’

‘So, I guess that your mother and I will see both of you in the morning.’

‘Sweet dreams.’

‘Goodnight.’

I really can’t believe that they finally said good night already, so I could finally get some sleep. What a relief!

‘Steven! Steven! It’s time to wake up.’

Ahhhh.

Leave me alone already, I want to sleep.

‘I’d really love to, but the truth is, it’s almost time for you to go to school.’

Just give me five more minutes. After that, I promise I’ll wake up. I promise.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

‘Excuse me boys, may I come in?’

‘It’s perfectly all right with me, and something tells me that Steven won’t mind very much either, at least, not right now.’

‘What seems to be the problem with Steven? Why isn’t he out of bed and dressed for school, already?’

‘Did you just ask me why Steven isn’t out of bed and dressed, already? Well, the truth is, I’m having a very difficult time waking him up in the first place.’

‘What’s this I hear?’

‘For your information Steven, I want you to know that not only did Lena wake up all by herself forty five minutes ago but, she has already gotten dressed and brushed her teeth, and now she’s just sitting at the table and eating breakfast like a good girl.’

Lena did this, and Lena did that. What a way to start the day. The truth is, I really don’t care what Lena is doing right now. Would you all just leave me alone already and let me sleep.

‘I know that you’re not going to want to hear this, but your mother’s right. If you don’t get yourself out of bed right now and get dressed and brush your teeth, we’re all going to be late.’

"Would you all give me a break and stop worrying so much, already.

I’m coming."

‘See what a good idea it was that I prepared the cloths that you’re going to be wearing to school today, last night.’

There, I hope that you’re both happy, I’m out of bed.

‘Come to think of it Ann, I think that Steven deserves a hand for getting out of bed, but since I need both of mine for work today, you’re going to have to give him one of yours. That is, if it would be, still, be all right with