Hate Me (Black Mountain Academy)

by Ashley Jade

“Kermit?” Reptiles didn’t typically respond to humans like dogs did, but I was just a kid, so I didn’t know any better. In my defense, I had taught him a few things, like how to eat from my hand, so maybe he’d come when called, too…but no such luck. Worried, I checked every nook and cranny in the basement. Every hiding spot I could think of for a lizard. But he was nowhere to be found. It didn’t make sense because I always made sure to put him back in his cage after I played with him. I asked my mom if she’d seen him earlier, but she said she hadn’t. Dad would be home from work any minute now, so the sooner I found him, the better. He’d be angry if he stumbled upon Kermit, and I shuddered to think of what he would do. “Every action has a consequence.” Although I suppose I could play dumb and let him think Kermit just wandered into the house. But then he’d blame my mother for not keeping things tidy and Kermit would be out on the street. “Trenton,” my dad bellowed from upstairs. “Get upstairs. Now.” Shoot. I quickly straightened my spine and marched up the staircase. “Go wash your hands for dinner,” my mother instructed when I wandered into the kitchen. I watched in confusion as she grabbed a few plates and dishes from the cabinet. I expected my mother to be cooking dinner because she always did, but my father was pulling what looked like takeout from a paper bag. We rarely had takeout, so I was excited. After doing as I was told, I sat down at the table...

NO FUCKING WAYYYYY