Noella's eyes popped open, jaw practically hitting the floor. Her apartment complex, once zapped by what looked like Thor's lightning bolt, was now standing proud and tall. She blinked so much she could've been in a blinking contest, yet there it was—an irresistible pancake aroma wafting from the kitchen. Her parents and guests, who had previously looked like they'd auditioned for a disaster movie, were now laughing and clinking mimosas, as if nothing had ever happened. Without a second thought, she bolted over, hugging her parents like a koala on a eucalyptus tree. "Mommy, Daddy! I promise to be good and ace my grades," she sobbed, tears of joy streaming down like a mini waterfall.
" Your daughter is so sweet."
The landline rang like an alarm clock in a horror movie. Noella glanced at the caller ID and her spirits plummeted like a deflated balloon. She reached for the phone, but her mom intercepted with the speed of a ninja, eyes blazing with the fury of a thousand suns. "How dare you, Noella! You claimed straight A's and B's, but you're flunking like it's a sport! You're grounded until forever!" her mom declared, looking like she'd just taken a vacation in Hades. Noella's laptop and phone were confiscated, and her dad yanked the TV off the wall like it owed him money.
" I can do better! Please don't take my babies away from me."Noella turned on the waterworks and begged like a pro.
"Noella Annie, you will be able to regain everything once you graduate from the eighth grade, provided you achieve that milestone. We are aware that the school will likely pass you; however, as your parents, we will take measures to hold you back and consider enrolling you in a school overseas if you do not achieve straight A's."
"Daddy, you've got to tell Mom she's being unfair!" Noella pleaded, fluttering her eyelashes because she knew her dad, her partner-in-crime and only child superstar, would totally have her back.
" Noelly, my dear, I choose my battles and my victories, and this particular issue is not one of them. Your mother is correct, and I will stand by her side. One day, when you are older, you will come to understand." Her father stated.
"Ugh, this is totally unfair!" Noel stomped her feet like a kid denied candy, then bolted upstairs to her room. She would've slammed the door dramatically, but her parents had a genius idea—they took it right off the hinges! "I really wish you weren't my parents! I hate you" she shouted.
"Do you reckon you're being a tad tough on the kid?" the guest inquired. "I mean, we were all little rascals once. Maybe she just needs a tutor? If memory serves, neither of you were exactly the golden egg!"
Noella's eyes were waterfalls as she sobbed into her pillow. Lifting her head, she felt a gentle nudge from her fluffy white bunny on her arm. She gave the bunny a tender pat. "It was just a dream, right?"she sighed, and then—chomp!—the bunny went for a nibble!
Just you wait! You going to the humane society.."