>You pocket your phone, making a mental note to request a refund for that ridiculous ringtone, and exit the car, with a suitcase in hand.
>You stretch, feeling your bones pop, and creak, taking in a heap of cold air, and letting it slowly flow out like a smoker.
>You used to like doing that as a kid. Seeing if you could make smoke circles with cold air breath. Of course it's not possible as far as you know, but it was still fun to try. Nowadays the kids are all into vaping and stuff like that.
>Heading back up the walkway, you see the door swing open fast, before you're even halfway there. Mom is standing there with a giddy expression, hopping up and down in place again like a child.
>Instead of waiting, she rushes to meet you, taking your bag from you.
"Hey! Calm down! I'm not going anywhere!"
>"I'm just making sure! Come on! Come on! Bo is gonna flip!"
>She locks arms with you, and pulls you forward. You're still unsure if you want to stay, but it's too late now. In for a penny, in for a pound as they say.
>Getting dragged back into the house, you see Dad is back in the kitchen, with a somber expression on his grizzled face.
>"Bo! BO! He stayed! HE STAYED!"
"I-I said I was going to get my luggage, didn't I...?"
>"He's staying? REALLY?!"
>Oh boy.
>You roll your eyes, the novelty of their excitement having long worn off, as the two of them embrace, and cheer in joy.
>You just want to unpack, and maybe lay down...
>Your eyes trail back to the Rainbow Dash banner.
>...Lest you have another panic attack.
>While they babble to one another about what you're all going to do for the holiday, you take your suitcase, and head to your old room.
>"Oh! Anon! Wait a sec-"
>Mom latches onto your arm.
"What is it now?"/
>"Y-you were going to your old room, right?"
"Yeah."
>"L-look-uhm...you can't go into there right now..."
"What? Why not?"
>You continue walking, but mom continues to pull on you.
>"It's not decent in there! it's...it's messy!"
"Why? It shouldn't be."
>She looks to dad for support, but he's already retreated back into the kitchen.
>Seeing that she's alone, she starts to sweat.
>You narrow your eyes at here, and continue down the hall to your room, dragging her short self along.
>"non! No! Wait!"
>You get to your room, and fling open the door, to find-
>Boxes, upon boxes of Rainbow Dash paraphernalia topples over on your head, covering you in streamers, flags and a Rainbow Dash knit scarf.
>"Aw...shoot."
"....."
>You look at mom with squinted angry eyes.
"I need to go get my BAGS."
>"Hold on Anon! I can clean it out! I swear!"

~A couple hours later~

>The last box is placed with a grunt, by dad, as he stands to full height, wiping his brow.
>"There we go. Thanks for helping put all this away, son. I'll make sure it's clear for next time."
>Kneeling by another box in the corner, you close it up, not confirming his comment. This visit isn't going all that smooth, but for Blueberry, you'll give it a shot.
"I'm gonna go lay down."
>"You are? Here? In your room, right?"
"Yeah. Where else would it be?"
>He lets a breath out in relief.
>"Of course. What was I worried about?"
>You shrug, and the two of you head upstairs from the basement.
>That used to be your little hideout long ago. You'd go down there, and play "mad scientist" with Juices, and Koolaid powder, pretending you were making the super soldier serum. Now...It's just another Rainbow Dash shrine.
>Without so much as a word to dad, you head to your simple room. Just as you remember it-
>Just a lot less pictures of Reed Richards, and Bruce Banner.
>You sit on the bed, and look around. So many memories. Not all of them good ones
>When you graduated from Middle School, your parents missed the ceremony to go to Dash's soccer game-er-Fottbowl game. You sat here until it got dark staring at your certificate. You were going to be a freshman at High School, and it was time to grow up.
>You stopped crying that day. You stopped trying to impress parents that didn't want a smart kid. They wanted a jock, and that simply wasn't you.
>Though the resentment...the anger never left. You just pushed it to the back where you would never have to deal with it. Was this really a good idea? You can feel old things bubbling to the surface...Old, hateful things.
>Crrrreeee-
>You look up.
>"You're still awake?"
"Mhm."
>She quietly enters, and closes the door behind her. She seems unsure of whether to approach you.
>"So...."
"So?"
>"E-ehehe..."
>She lets out a nervous laugh. What does she want?
>"Dad is making a HUGE dinner! It's all your favorites!"
"Oh? Like what?"
>Her face brightens up.
>"He's making things like Taco Casseroles, and Bean salad, and Guacamole and tortilla chips, and-"
"Those are all the things Rainbow Dash likes."
>She stops counting off the dishes with a stupefied gasp.
>"W-what? but you like Guacamole-"
"I'm allergic to avocados."
>".....Ah."
>That once bright smile, drops to the floor practically.
>You find yourself scowling hard at her, making her shrink into herself.
>She facepalms.
>"I'm sorry. I'll go tell Dad to stop-"
>You hold up a hand.
"Don't worry about it. I'll just eat what I can."
>Hopefully, there's a basket of bread.
>Mom stands there looking down at her feet for the longest time.
>This is getting too awkward.
>You pat the the bed, indicating she sit down.
>She happily takes the invite, plopping down next to you.
>Mom looks at you with sad violet eyes.
>"I-We really missed you, Anon. You can't imagine how happy we are to have you home!"
"Yeah?"
>You're unconvinced.
>"Yes. Your sister really wanted to see you. Possibly even more than either of us.."
>Now THAT you don't believe.
"Is that so? Is she coming home too?"
>She nods, keeping her head down, clenching her hands up.
>"will you be staying for when she's comes...?"
"What? I didn't hear that last part."
>Mom bites her lip.
>"It's...It's nothing."
>She gets up, hugging your head to her chest.
>"I just wanted you to know, we really missed you, and we love you."
"...."
>She lets you go, and leaves your room in equal silence as when she entered.
>You didn't say "I love you too". Was that wrong of you? You don't necessarily hate them, but you don't really love them either. They were just..."There". Not there for you though.
>You lay back on your bed, and stare at the ceiling, not thinking. Just listening the sound of your own heart, until your eyes slowly close.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>Thunder crackles as you head home in your cap, and gown, Diploma in hand.
>The gray skies, rumble and roar, prepared to unleash its downpour upon you.
>It's said when the sky rains like so on bad days, it's angels crying for you to wash away your bad luck.
"If you're gonna cry, at least let me get home first."
>RRRRRRRRMMMMMMBBBB~
"Well thank you. You look pretty sexy yourself."
>You chuckle to yourself, fighting back the pains of sadness.
>Cars drive by honking their horns, with shouts of "Good work, kid!" or "Congrats!". You merely respond with a small hand wave.
>You can't be shocked. This isn't the first time, but it will be the last, dammit. You received a letter from Canter U last week, accepting your application to enter their school.
>Your bags are practically packed, and the scholarship is already dishing out the bucks. A product of hard work, and long hours of studying to be sure.
>You make it home, and trod up the familiar walkway, touching the door handle.
>"...oooo!"
>"....sh! Yo...eat!"
>You can hear cheering and loud talking going on inside.
>RMMMMMMMMBBBBBLEEE~
>You open the door, and go in.
>Mom, and Dad have Rainbow hoisted in the air, who has her lanky arms crossed in smug satisfaction.
>You say nothing. In fact you close the door quiet enough to not warrant any attention.
>"Anon!"
>Shit.
>You sigh, letting your head hang.
>Mom bounds up to your face clad in a Rainbow Dash hat, and matching shirt.
>"You should've been there! Rainbow Dash scored the winning goal at her game! It was amazing!"
>"A-A-A-A-AHEM."
>Rainbow Dash loudly clears her throat from her seat on dad's shoulder.
>"I think you mean to say, I scored ALL the goals."
>Dad bounces her up and down.
>"Yeah you did champ! You were spectacular!"
>She snorts.
>"Yeah! I'm pretty awesome!"
>You roll your eyes.
>Mom locks arms with you.
>"You should have seen it! She was a demon out there on the field! Like a one-girl wrecking crew out there!"
"...."
>"Your sister is a real firebrand, Anon! You just HAVE to make her next game!"
>You say nothing, not wanting to let them see your anger, or hear your voice break.
>"RAINBOW DASH! RAINBOW DASH!"
>"RAINBOW DASH! RAINBOW DASH!"
>Mom, and dad both start a rallying cheer, mom still holding onto you tightly.
>Rainbow looks at you with that same smug look of superiority, arms still crossed.
>The little brat!
>You wrestle your arm out of mom's grip.
>RRRRRRRMMMMMMMMMMMBBBBLLL-
>Mom stops cheering for a moment, to inspect your outfit.
>"By the way, what are you wearing? Did you come from some sort of event?"
>Dad also stops to look you over.
>"Is that why you missed Dashie's game?"
>Dad lowers Dashie to the ground.
"......"
>RRRRRMMMMMMMMMBBBBLLL-
>Rainbow walks up to you taking your gown in her hand, tugging on it a little.
>"He looks like one of those guys with the hammer on Court shows."
>You grab your gown, and yank it out of her hands, only for her to take it back.
"Stop! Your hands are dirty!"
>"They aren't! Stop being a baby!"
>You yank it with more force now, your power causing Dash to fall over on her knee.
>"Ow!"
>She looks at her knee to see if she's bleeding.
>Mom, and Dad quickly rush to her side, to see if she's okay, and it's just-it's just-
>"What's the big idea, dweeb! I just wanted to look at your dress!"
>RRRRRRRMMMMBBBBBBMBBBBBL-!
>Mom touches Dash's knee with concerned eyes.
>"Anon! How could you do that to Dashie?! She's your little sister!"
>Dad shakes his head in disappointment.
>RRRMMMBMBMBMBBBMMBBLLLLLLLE-
>"She's right Anon. You should apologize."
>Dash sits there rubbing her knee, looking up at you expectantly, but you can feel your vision starting to go red. You've been gripping your diploma so hard, it's crumpled in your hand, causing your nails to dig into your skin.
>Blood seeps into the parchment from your superficial wounds, as your whole body starts to shake.
"No."
>B-B-BOOM-RMMMMMMBBBBLLEEE-
>"What was that?"
>Dad crosses his arms.
"I SAID NO! SCREW HER , AND SCREW THE BOTH OF YOU!"
>KRAKRAKOOOOOOM-
>The thunder cracks outside the house making it rumble slightly.
"APOLOGIZE?! FOR WHAT?! FOR THIS LITTLE BRAT DIRTYING UP MY CAP, AND GOWN I PAID FOR WITH MY SENIOR DUES?!"
>You jab a finger in the direction of mom and dad.
"DUES, NETHER OF YOU HELPED PAY FOR!"
>Mom's eyes are big at your outburst, but it can't be compared to when something suddenly dawns on her.
>"Cap, and Gown...? Was today your fitting?!"
>You bring your balled hands to your eyes, gritting your teeth. Don't cry. Don't cry.
"Fitting? FITTING?! IT'S MY FRIGGIN GRADUATION TODAY! I TOLD YOU GUYS LAST WEEK!!!"
>KRA-KOOOM-BOOOOOM.
>More Thunder breaks the sound barrier outside.
>Through reddened eyes, and a slight trail of drool coming out of your mouth, your posture slumps.
"You missed another important occasion for me, because you were more interested in her little soccer games...again. Now you have the NERVE to take her side when she disrespects something I worked hard to get?"
>"O-oh Anon.."
>Mom stands up, attempting to hug you, but you sidestep her.
"Don't TOUCH me."
>A look of hurt flashes across her face.
>"Come on Anon! I know we missed something special to you, but, she's still your mother-"
>You glare at dad.
"After today, consider me disowned."
>Dad gasps.
>"Wh-What? Anon, what do you-"
>You take a deep nasally breath fighting tears.
"Not that either of you care, I've been accepted into Canter U. Full ride."
>Mom puts her hands to her mouth.
"I told you this the day I got the letter. They were absolutely STOKED to have me. Moreso than my parents finding out I had straight A's through all my grades. Maybe because I didn't throw a ball, or use any muscles other than my brain."
>"A-Anon. That's no true!"
>Mom touches your shoulder, but you pull back aggressively.
"I said DON'T TOUCH ME!"
>"Hey! Calm down!"
>Dad takes a step forward, hand outstretched.
>You step back, and open the door.
"After today, neither of you will EVER have to worry about me, EVER again! From here on, you're just the three of you!"
>"Anon, sweetie, please-"
>"Come back into the house, son. You're upset right now, and we understand, but don't say things that you might regret later-"
>Upset? Try FURIOUS.
>You tear off the cap, and Gown and throw them to the ground with your crumpled diploma.
"The only thing I regret is not getting emancipated when I was 16. I HATE YOU ALL!"
>KA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM-
>One last roar of thunder adds the extra exclamation point to your words, as you run off, letting the tears fall from your face.
>You don't know where you'll go. Maybe Blueberry will take you in for a couple days?
>You can hear your name being called as you run.
>"Anon! Honey please! Come back PLEASE-"
~~~~~~

>"-EEEEEEEEEE!"
>You nearly rocket into the ceiling at the sound of screaming coming from outside.
"Who-What?!"
>You quickly get out of bed to investigate. Did someone get hurt??
>The hall is dark. Night has fallen. How long were you sleeping?
>Rushing to the living room, still groggy from your harsh awakening, you come to a screeching halt.
"WHAT'S GOING ON?! IS SOMEBODY HUR-"
>You stop, and adjust your posture.
>The atmosphere has become instantly thick, and all eyes are on you.
>Mom has her hands clasped together as if praying to some deity, while dad looks extremely unsettled.
>"I told you guys I hate when all this stuff is put up for me! It's embarrassing!"
>A hand pushes the two of them to the sides, and steps through.
>"Why are you two blocking the door? Let me in! It's cold outside-"
>A slender woman in a racing jacket freezes in her tracks upon seeing you.
>"......"
"...."
>She flips her long multi-colored hair, and crosses her arms, giving you a once-over.
>Mom, and dad exchange looks.
>"It's been a while..."
"...."
>You narrow your eyes.
>"You know...I hate these decorations..."
>She walks to the big banner, and taking a corner of it in her index and thumb.
>"But seeing you here....I think I can grow to like them again."
>She smiles smugly at you.
>"How's it going big bro?"
"...Hello. Rainbow Dash."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItaZywjMrOM [Embed]