A girl always needs a little love by Z. Timol (classic novels for teens txt) 📖

What you gonna be when you grow up?

 After sitting on my bed in my towel, staring off into space, for about 10 minutes, my tummy growled. It was time to eat. I slipped on loose black pants and a white T-shirt with black bows. After tying my hair into a high ponytail and applying some cream, and lip balm, I looked at myself in the mirror. I was satisfied. I cleaned up and headed downstairs.

 

''So Lizzie, what are you planning on becoming?'' Mr.Mathew asked me

 

We had just finished having tea and biscuits and were all sitting in the lounge. I and Linda were sitting cross-legged opposite grandma.

 

''I think a doctor. Maybe a pediatrician. I'd love to work with children'' I said

''Yes, that's nice and what about you Linda?''

''Probably a psychologist. If not, then a cardiologist'' she said

''What's that?'' Marcus asked

''It's got something to do with the heart and stuff'' I said

''Oh ok. I think I'm going to go for being a scientist or a psychologist. Maybe even a pediatrician''

''Well, my boy. You have to choose fast because you're not too far away from college'' Mr.Mathew said

''Yes, he's right. It's about time you start thinking about the future you've got ahead of you. It's not going to be all laughs and jokes, my dears'' grandma said

 

From the time I was old enough to know that one day I've got to get a job and earn money, I've always wanted to do something in the doctor's department. But I didn't quite get that I have to work real hard for it. I can't imagine going to college. High school is killing me as it is, how in the world am I going to make it to college?. Although I am looking forward to the whole dorm thing, with a roommate. It's just another step in my life that I have to take, but it's going to be much harder without my parents. I've always imagined that they'll be there throughout the whole thing.

 

**********

We were all sitting in the lounge waiting for daddy to come home from work when I heard a car outside and ran to the front door to open. I waited for him to grab his work bag and lock the car and then I jumped into his arms. He came home a lot later that day than usual.

 

''Daddy!'' I said hugging him

''Hey sweetpea, I missed you'' 

 

He picked Daisy up and gave mom a quick kiss on her cheeks. We all went to the lounge and I helped him take off his coat and put his bag away.

 

''Why so late today?'' Mom asked

''There was a bit off an emergency at the office, so I had to fill in for John while he went to sort things out'' he said

 

John was daddy's working friend. He always told us stories of what he and John did in the office and all the different types of clients they had. Mom cooked pasta and beans that night so we all sat down and ate. After we finished I helped mom clean up while dad washed Daisy off. She was always making such a mess with her food. We sat down in the lounge in front of the heater and talked.

 

''Daddy? Why do you have to go to work every day?'' I asked

''So I can get money and buy nice things for my pretty ladies'' he said

''Yes, but why every day? And you come home so late.'' I complained

''Lizzie darling, when you get older you'll want to have your own house and buy your own things, so that's why you're going to school. Eventually, you're going to go to big school and then college. You'll learn so many things and you can become whatever you want.''

''I want to become a doctor, so I can help people feel better'' I said

''Yes. And to do that, you have to study hard and do good like how I did, then you can become a doctor and have your own money to buy anything you want''

''And when daddy and mommy get old, then you can look after us. We'll come stay with you at your house and you'll have to make up all the rules'' Mom said

''That would be fun. You promise you'll come stay with me forever?'' I asked

''Yes sweety. We'll be with you the whole time you're growing up. And when you're big like us, you know what I'll say?'' Mommy asked

''What?''

''I'll say 'This is my daughter Lizzie, she's such an amazing doctor and I'm so proud of her. But even if she wasn't we would still love her because she's our little princess. Isn't she daddy?''

''Yes she most definitely is'' 

''Goo goo, mom, dad'' Daisy smiled

''Of course, you too Daisy. You're both the best'' We laughed

 

**********

 

It seemed so much easier then. I would imagine my parents clapping for me as I graduate and then crying because they were sad to let me go. I'd tell Daisy that one day she'll get her chance. Poor Daisy, she hardly even lived her life. She was so young. But you can't change what had already been planned. If only I was in that car with them.

 

''Well, I better be on my way. Don't want to keep the ice cream waiting'' Mr.Mathew said getting up.

''It was nice of you to stay for a while'' grandma smiled

''Yes, thank you for the wonderful tea. Now, Marcus, you better behave. Just call me if his of any trouble''

''Very funny dad, I'm not small anymore'' Marcus said, embarrassed

''Hey Marco, nothing to be embarrassed about. All parents have that'' I nudged him

''Yeah, my mom still does that, no matter how many times I beg her to stop'' Linda said

''Eish, these kids grow up too fast'' grandma laughed

''No doubt on that one'' Mr.Mathew said

 

After a few more minutes he drove off. It must be so nice working in a shop with ice cream all around you. We all stepped inside and plunked down on the sofas. It was kind of weird because Marcus was with us. It was normally just Linda and I. Grandma asked what we wanted for lunch and we agreed to order take out Chinese food from this really good restaurant. It's called 'A taste of China'. After ordering what we wanted, grandma went up to her room to relax, leaving the three of us alone.

 

''Let's start taking these boxes up to your room Liz. Then we'll eat and start packing'' Linda said

''Yeah, come on'' Marcus said

''Hey Marcus. I'm gonna start calling you Marco from now. Is that okay?''

''Yeah me too'' Linda agreed

''Fine with me. And you're Liz and Lin'' He said, pointing to us

''Cool'' we both said

 

After our nickname naming, we carried as many boxes as we could up to my room.

 

People! Let the packing begin!

Secret drama

We had to make the boxes because it was all flat, so I found two rolls of tape and we got to work. I made 4, Linda, oh sorry, Lin made 4 and Marco made 5. We decided that if we needed more we would make later. It's better if we start off with my room so it's out of the way. And I have a lot of stuff, like literally.

 

''So, where are we going to start?'' Lin asked

''I don't know'' I sighed

''How about your cupboards? You gonna put your clothes it suitcases or boxes?'' Marco asked

''Wait here, I'm going to get my suitcase'' I said

 

I left them alone and headed towards the store room with all the stuff. Which reminds me, the garage sale, I've got to ask grandma, so I went to her room first.

 

''Hey grandma. What are you doing?''

''Nothing much. Lizzie, those people who are coming to see the house will be here in an hour, so can you please just neaten up around the house?''

''Ok no problem. Grandma, I was wondering. We have so much stuff that we don't need, just taking up space, so maybe we can have like a kind of yard sale. Please.''

''I was thinking the same thing. It would be less transporting. Why don't we pack up everything that we're taking with us, then the rest we'll have a yard sale? I've put up the furniture for sale too, so I'm hoping it'll all get sold.''

''Oh thank you, thank you, grandma. I promise I'll try to make all this easier than it sounds'' 

''I know you will. I'm so lucky to have you with me, darling'' she kissed me on my head.

 

I went downstairs and put anything that was lying around, trying to make the place looking nice. I got my purple suitcase out from all the mess in the store room and headed back into my room. What I saw next got me furious and embarrassed.

 

''WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU TWO ARE DOING?'' I screamed

 

They both froze. Suprised. Marcus had the picture in his hand and Linda was holding the box with all my stuff in it. I never wanted anyone to find that box, it was personal. 

 

''We...Um...'' Marcus stammered

''It was by...Um...mistake'' Linda said next

''Mistake? Well, that is the stupidest mistake anyone's ever made. Especially since the box is covered with the words 'DO NOT OPEN'. Can you two not read?'' I said

 

I don't know how I did what I did next but I picked up pillows and started throwing at them, I jumped on Linda and hit her with the pillow, Marcus tried to pull me off her but I was losing my mind.

 

''Linda! We have to stop her, she's getting one of her attacks'' he shouted.

''Don't touch me Marcus'' I screamed

 

Grandma ran into the room and tried to stop me. After a few minutes of screaming and kicking, I suddenly stopped. I got off Linda and backed off. In my head, I kept on repeating 'I'm a star, I will go far, be happy, don't be snappy. Love yourself, love the world. You are brave, you are a wonderful girl. Close your eyes and imagine the best, don't cry, you shall pass this test. Take a breath and smile as wide as you can. Chase away the devil by hitting him hard with a frying pan'. I didn't let anyone touch me, I wanted to calm down myself. Mom appeared next to me.

 

''Calm down Lizzie. You're a strong girl. Don't lose it'' she whispered

 

I wanted to hug her but she was gone. They were all looking at me cautiously, to see if I'd go crazy again. I whispered 'I'm sorry' and ran into the bathroom, locking the door. I didn't faint, I didn't forget. I managed to control myself. I splashed my face with cold water and then stared at myself in