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Chapter 3

“Homeschool???" my mom yelled and slammed on the brakes, instantly causing me to lurch forward and hit my head against the window. “What do you mean by homeschooling? I thought you always wanted to go to high school. What changed?" “Nothing changed, Mom. I just want to experience that aspect of schooling. Besides, I could lend a helping hand while I'm at home."

“If that's what you want, then so be it. But if you ever want to change your mind, your dad and I will be willing to support you." I nodded in understanding. “How about we grab some ice cream on our way back home? What do you think about that?" “That's a perfect idea, Mom."

“Hello, guys, we're home!!!" I shouted at the top of my voice. Mom needed help with lifting the groceries, so I needed to call them over. “What's with all the noise, Milly?" Miles said, heading down the stairs with Chad following closely behind. “Mom needs help with the groceries; my hands are full." Chad offered a smile and kindly took the bags full of groceries from my hands. Miles had already gone outside.

“How did your trip with Mom go?" Chad asked with a smile. “If I were you, Chad, I wouldn't want to know. It was really awkward. You know how Mom is, making new friends everywhere she goes. The same thing happened today. I was left in the car after our ice cream break while Mom was busy talking to a certain woman from God knows where. She basically left me all alone in the car for thirty minutes." Chad burst into laughter after listening to my explanation.

“I wonder how Dad puts up with her all the time," Chad asked. “It's called love," I said with a giggle. “Eeww, I don't want to know," Miles spoke directly behind me, startling me. “When did you arrive? I didn't see you enter. You're going to give me a heart attack one of these days," I said with a frown. “Chad saw me entering." I looked between my brothers and knew they were up to no good.

“Millie, can we talk after dinner?" Miles spoke, scratching the back of his head. “Your room or mine?" I asked. “Your room has girlish features that I find disgusting, so let's stick with mine. Chad, you're invited." I rushed to Miles' room right after dinner. Well, it's not how I like my room; the colors are really dark with rock 'n' roll artists displayed on the walls. Chad walked in a couple of minutes later and sat beside Miles on his bed, while I opted to relax in Miles' favorite gaming chair.

“So, I wanted to say, the next academic year is officially next month, and Chad, you'll be leaving for college. Although you're right here in Florida, it's far from home and you'll be living on your own. I'm going to be stuck here with Millie. Back to the main reason I called us here, as much as I hate to say this, I would like Millie and me to enroll in the same high school so I can protect you from bullies. I'll be in my senior year," Miles spoke with a grin.

“Why do you all feel like I'm going to get bullied in high school when I was never bullied in middle school? I don't understand you at all," I retorted, clearly pissed by his statement. “Chill, Millie. We have your best interests at heart, and you're so easy to pick on. Considering your looks, your bangs, braces, and freckles make you resemble a nerd, and nerds are mostly targeted by bullies and popular kids in high school. Middle school was different," Miles explained in frustration.

“I don't need your help, and I don't want to go to school with you in the same high school. It's going to be an eyesore. That's why I'm homeschooling." With that, I left for my room, closing the door with a loud thud.

Days had passed since that awkward conversation with my brothers, and I had been avoiding Miles like the plague. Avoiding Miles was no easy feat when he seemed to be everywhere in the house. Today wasn't any different, as Chad had to drive me to the hospital for my dentist and optometrist appointments. I was excited because I was going to get a new glasses frame, and I couldn't wait to get rid of my multicolored braces, which I was currently wearing. I had always wanted the diamond ones.

“Are you ready for the ride to your appointment?" Chad asked, tossing his car keys. “More ready than I'll ever be. I'm just nervous about the whole procedure." “You'll be fine, Millie bear. Now buckle up your seat belt; we've got a ride to embark on." I giggled at Chad's facial expressions; he looked funny. We arrived at the hospital sooner than expected, and I provided my details to the nurse in the lobby.

Waiting in line to be called for my doctor's appointment didn't help dispel my nervousness at all. “Millie Easton," a nurse called, and I stood up. “You've got this," Chad whispered, and I faked a smile.

“Hello, dear. I'm Dr. Anderson, by the way, and my nurse who will be working with me today is Stacelyn." I offered a shy greeting and climbed up into the high chair. “It seems your teeth are looking better. I received your previous dentist reports via mail from your parents, and there's been an improvement." Dr. Anderson spoke while examining my mouth with a small flashlight. I nodded in understanding.

“Stacelyn, can you pass me the dose of anesthesia?" The nurse drew a small amount of anesthesia liquid from the vial into the syringe and handed it over to the doctor. I winced as the injection was administered to my gum. My gum felt numb afterward, and I watched as the doctor removed my old braces and fitted the new set onto my teeth.

“How do you like it?" the doctor asked, handing me a mirror. “It's perfect. Thanks!" “I must warn you to avoid solid foods today. Stick to liquids, and they shouldn't be too cold or too hot. I'll prescribe some painkillers for you, as the anesthesia will soon wear off," Dr. Anderson added. I nodded, and the nurse helped me to my feet.

“How did it go?" Chad said, hugging me tightly. I felt a bit suffocated in his hold. “I can't feel my teeth for now, and it's really painful, but it's worth it," I explained through gritted teeth. Opening my mouth to speak made the pain worse. “These braces look amazing," Chad exclaimed, trying to make me feel better. “I wish I could postpone the optometry appointment. I'm really tired," I sighed, feeling exhausted. Chad laughed and held my hand, leading me in the direction of the optometry unit.

“You look amazing, sweetheart," Dad said during dinner. It had been a while since we returned home from the hospital. I had taken a nap and woke up around dinner time. Unfortunately, it didn't help much; I was sitting in front of the grilled chicken and appetizing salad Mom had prepared for dinner, and I couldn't eat any of it. My stomach grumbled in response, and Mom passed me a glass of orange juice, which I gulped down in one go. I pushed my cup for a refill, and my brothers laughed at my grumpiness.

The new lens frame made everything so much more visible and vibrant, and I wished I had gotten it sooner. As bedtime approached, I texted Daisy about today's events. She requested pictures, and I gladly sent her the ones I had taken with my phone while in the car with Chad. She liked my new look, though her response sounded a bit cringey. I bid her farewell and settled onto my bed, ready for sleep. Tomorrow was bound to be a brighter day.

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