Page 1 of Puck with Karma
Chapter 1
Abby
16-years-old
Maybe love shouldn’t be such hard work…
“I can’t believe you’re watching this garbage again, Abigail.” My mother’s voice calls from behind me, making me jump in my spot on the couch.
“It’s my favorite movie, mom.”
I’ve been telling her for years thatJerry Maguireis my favorite movie ever. The main reason for it is my older brother, Brandon. He is not a sports agent, but he is a professional athlete. Since he is in no contact with our family, I have decided that I will become a famous sports agent, then he will beg me to represent him.
“You need to pick out something more educational, my daughter.” Mom rolls her eyes toward the ceiling before taking a seat right next to me. “Why are you so obsessed with this anyway?”
Now it is my turn to roll my eyes. “I want to be a sports agent.” I’ve told her this a million times.
“Abigail,” mom sighs in disappointment. “That is not a job fit for a lady. We’ll find you something more appropriate when the time comes.”
“Why can’t I do whatever I want?” My voice raises a bit with each word I say. “My friends…”
“Yes, about that,” mom cuts me off. “We need to discuss your choice in friends.”
My heart feels like it’s about to beat out of my chest as I prepare myself for yet another lecture. I always get overly agitated and with high anxiety by the time she is done with me.
“Your father and I pay for a very expensive school for you. Your peers there should also be your friends. These girls you hang out with…” She moves her hands around. “I don’t even remember their names,” she finally admits.
“Riley and Hannah,” I whisper in response.
“Ugh, even their names sound like they’re low class.”
I hate that I am about to cry at hearing her words. This is not the first time I’ve heard her insulting my friends to me. At least she doesn’t say these vile things to their faces. She just takes these passive aggressive jabs at them.
“Bottom line is,” mom continues like it’s the most natural conversation to have. “After college, you’ll get married, then have children. You’ll have plenty to do, no time to worry about having a job.”
Before I became friends with Riley and Hannah, I would’ve been perfectly fine with my mother’s plans for my future. But now, I am aware of how the real world works. I don’t want to follow this weird path my parents want me on.
“Is that what you did?”
The question comes out before I can stop it. I know that’s exactly what she did, so it’s useless for me to ask. I am surprised, however, when I detect a slight hesitation when she answers.
“Well, y-yes, of course. I’ve always been happy with my life,” she assures me.
“Even though out of your three children, one barely gives you the time of the day, and one doesn’t give you anything at all?”
I lower my eyes and bite on my tongue as soon as the words leave my lips. I hate the way her face gets sad in an instant. But the reality is that my oldest brother, Jonathan, only comes around when he feels obligated to do so.
Our other brother, Brandon, left home when I was in elementary school. He went against our parents’ wishes regarding his career. They wanted him to step into our father’s footsteps and become a successful financier, a path that Jonathan followed, but he doesn’t look happy about it.
Brandon on the other hand wanted to play hockey. That’s all he wanted, and they fought him at every corner. He worked hard and got a full scholarship at the college in Texas. After that, we only saw him a couple of times. He tried, but it was a disaster. Our parents gave him an ultimatum. He didn’t fall for it.
I hate him for it, I realize with a start. I had been a lot closer to him than to Jonathan, and when he stopped visiting, it broke my heart.
“Well, good thing I have you then, wouldn’t you say?” Mom wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me into her. “You are my perfect child.”
I place my head against her and take a deep breath in. I hate thinking of this as manipulation, but I need to take advantage of the sort of soft spot she has for me.
“I really want to go to college and get a degree in sports management, mom. Please.”
