• "TYLER JAMES PERRY, GET DOWN THIS INSTANT!" My mom yelled at me from below. I gripped on to the edge of the pole and shook my head harshly.
    "NO! I WILL NOT GET DOWN! I'M GOING TO JUMP!" I swallowed gallons of air as I peered down again.
    "IF YOU JUMP FROM THERE, YOU'RE GOING TO GET HELL FROM ME!" I could barely see a tiny frustrated vein make itself visible through a thin layer of skin on my mother's forehead. The crowd was already gathering in front of the school. People whispering to themselves, and covering their mouths, and talking to someone on the phone, all looking at me. Poor old me on the roof, threatening to jump.
    "I'LL DO IT! I'LL DO IT! I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYBODY SAYS!"
    "TYLER! I'M GOING TO COUNT TO THREE! IF YOU DON'T COME DOWN HERE..." She looked at me so fiercely, I could almost feel her words carve into my brain. "I will kick. Your. a**." She mouthed. I gulped again and retreated. The crowd let out a breath of relieved, fallowed by more whispering and chattering.

    BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BEE- I woke up. God, that dream freaks me out. I pulled the covers down and sat at the edge of my bed. I sighed. I squeezed the sleep from my eyes and turned to look at the guy in the mirror. I nodded. He nodded back. I stood up and went into the bathroom.

    <<<<<>>>>>

    I walked down the stairs and made myself a pop-tart. As the toaster er... toasted, my mom came down the stairs.
    "Mornin'" She mumbled. She went straight to the coffee maker. I watched my zombie mom move about the kitchen on an adventurous quest in search of the milk, coffee, sugar, and cup. The pop-tart jumped from the toaster and I did too. It always startles me. I grabbed my 'tart and wrapped it around a towel before I scalded my fingers.
    "Bye, ma." I said as I walked out the door. She grunted in response.

    I closed the door to the house and turned to what was a beautiful Saturday morning. Very few people understand why I wake up so damn early on weekends. I guess they just don't understand I'm a morning person... or maybe there is no such thing as a morning person and I'm just a freak of nature. I shrugged. Yeah, that's probably it. I slid my head into the pockets of my sweatshirt and began walking. Where I was going, I didn't know. Probably into town. Find something cool to do.

    The thing about mornings... it's not that I love mornings. Hell nah. I hate the waking up and the dragging myself out of bed and the getting ready for something, as much as you guys do. But one day I realized that a morning is just... the start of a new day. Now now, calm down and lower your bats. I know it's obvious but what I mean is that... I want to enjoy my day to the fullest. Besides, that drag you feel in the morning is mental. And if it isn't, it goes away in a jiffy. So, I can deal with taking a shower, and getting dress, and warding off evil monsters of the dawn (aka mom and sister) because in the end, once I step out that door, everyone will be too sleepy to give a damn. While the world is sleeping, I'm free to do whatever I please. That is of course, Saturday mornings only.

    Any morning from Sunday to Friday sucks as bad as having to wait 15 minutes for a video to load because your internet sucks. But not today. Saturday. I chuckled. They should call it Standurdays. I flinched, glad people can't read my thoughts. Had I said that out loud at school, those who matter would probably kick my a**.

    And just like that, I made it to the grocery store. I smiled. Getting lost in thought... literally. I grabbed a cart and walked inside. It was empty besides a few early risers like myself except... these early risers were probably in their late 70's. I chuckled. I pushed my cart into the produce section. I was never much of a shopper but hey, this is were my Standurday took me. I looked at all the vegetables and squinted to read the tags. I barely knew the names of half of these things. I picked up two gingers and wondered how to differ which one's better and for what do I use a ginger. I shrugged, then grabbed two tomatoes.

    I spent the next fifteen minutes looking at vegetables and mixing and matching in my head. See what goes better with what. I looked at all the weird potatoes (I'll call them weird potatoes because I really don't know their names). I was glancing at the cherries, trying to see if they all looked good when suddenly...
    "So are you going to pick one already?" I heard a voice and looked up. She was wearing a pink tee shirt, jeans, an unzipped jacket, and sneakers. Her hair was up in a pony tail and she was smiling at me. She looked somewhere around my age and I couldn't help the feeling that I've seen her before.
    I looked around too see if maybe she mistook me for someone else. But the only other person in the isle was an elder lady and she had just walked away.
    "Me?" I looked at her. She had green eyes and... are those dimples? Aww.
    "Yeah. I noticed you've been looking at everything but..." She glanced at my empty cart. "You're not shopping are you?" I smiled. I looked at her cart. It had a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, sugar, cookies, and other stuff.
    "Ah no actually. I'm not shopping. I-I mean... not for anything in particular."
    "Ah I get it. You want to cook something but don't know what so you just come here hoping inspiration follows." I looked at her. That wasn't exactly it but...
    "Yeah. Pretty much." I looked at her cart again. "You too?"
    "No. I actually... um I'm pretty much the opposite. I got the inspiration but... I need the ingredients."
    "What are you gonna make?"
    "A cake." She said simply. She motioned to all the stuff in her cart. "I've never made cake before. But I figured it's nothing Youtube can't teach." We laughed at that. "Oh I'm sorry. My name is Nelly." She extended her hand. I took it and shook it.
    "Tyler. Nice to meet you." And it was. There was something about Nelly... I wasn't sure what to call it but she let off this feeling... this sensation that everything was going to be okay. Eh, not that anything was wrong in particular.
    "Okay well... I'll see you around." She smiled and pushed her cart down the isle. She grabbed some strawberries, examined them, and placed them in her cart. She turned and smiled one last time before she left me all alone in the hall. I looked at the cherries I was still holding then looked back to where she had disappeared. Did I just make a new friend?

    <<<<<>>>>>

    When I got home and was safely in my room, I grabbed my journal (which I only used on Saturdays) and wrote all previous events. Then I scribbled "STANDURDAYS" with a Sharpie across the cover. I smiled and kicked back in my bed. I looked at my roof, with my hands behind my head, and drifted off to sleep.

    Chapter 2

    "Wake up, kid! Time for church." My mom slapped my forehead. I flinched and opened my eyes. I was dreaming about Nelly, wondering what her first cake tasted good. I bet it did. She seems like the kind who doesn't settle for so-so things. Unlike... my mom. An angry woman in her mid-thirties glared down at me in her Sunday best. I know some people have REALLY REALLY bad parents. I also know some people have REALLY REALLY awesome parents. But don't the ones with so-so parents have it worse? Knowing that, if their luck had spared, their parents would've been almost (or at least somewhat) okay in another life? I wonder if Nelly's parents are so-so too.

    Well, anyhoo, meet Sandra Perry, also known as mom. She's the I-put-up-with-my-parent's-crap-now-you-put-up-with-mine-type of mom. Oh and she's also very, very, VERY prejudiced about teenagers. She thinks we're all rebellious little devils that should be kept locked and bolted until further notice when it's not like that... well at least not all of us. At least not me anyways. Out of every question, she assumes the worst. Like this one night, I asked her if she'd locked the doors and she thought I wanted to sneak out! Can you believe that!? Me? Sneak out? Boy, I'm as innocent as a mouse... a non-existent mouse but nonetheless.

    She stalked out of my room and left me in utter solitude.
    Good.
    I got up and went to the bathroom: the one place I can get rid of morning-lag completely. I peed, took a quick shower, shaved, brushed my teeth, styled my hair, and walked out in a towel.
    "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!" I heard someone squeal. I turned and saw my sister covering her face but looking between her fingers.
    "Eeew" I mimicked and made a face. She covered her eyes and walked back to her room. I rolled my eyes and went back to mine. Why can't siblings ever come with a satisfaction-guaranteed-or-your-money-back thingy? I mean, not that I gave any money for her but, hey, time is money, and she's definitely wasted some of my time throughout my life.

    Meet my sister, Katie Perry... Yes, I know, right? You wouldn't BELIEVE the huge deal she made when Katy Perry rose to the spotlight. I still have nightmares of her singing Teenage Dream. I mean, if she could at LEAST sing.
    Anyways, her full name is Katherine Love Perry... I KNOW, RIGHT?! There are so many things I could say like "Love"? My mom must've been high on some hospital med or something. Not that it's bad... it's just... not common. And, oh wow, Katie Love Perry. That was an even bigger deal she made when she joined the Katy Perry fan club. Her usernames aren't any different either. Katie Loves Perry...

    Yikes.

    I was now fully dressed and waiting in the car for Katie. Mom was impatiently tapping the steering wheel.
    "We're going to be late. What is taking that girl so long?" She looked back at the still-closed door. "I tell ya, adolescence is the worst." I took a deep breath. I prayed in my head for Katie to pop out that door before...
    and she started.
    Mom began giving this speech about how teenagers nowadays are blah blah blah yada yada yada and smack. I sighed. When I heard a door slam shut. Both mom and I twisted our necks in what would've been a painful move, had we done it the other way and saw...
    "What the..." Mom couldn't have said something better. My jaw landed on my lap.

    Katie walked out wearing her version of a Sunday best. Light blue, scratched skinny jeans, and gray boots with the thinnest heel I've ever seen (I'm surprised it didn't snap under the weight of her HUGE hoop earrings). She had a pink top and a loose, light orange camisole on her, with a bunch of bangles and bracelets, a shiny necklace, and a make-up that any artist would be proud of. And her hair was a loose pony tail with big locks (curling iron, I'm sure. She WISHES her hair was that extravagant) and some renegade curls framed her face. All that was missing was a huge fan for her to walk out in slow motion and background music. BAO-CHIKA-WA-WAO!
    "Teenagers." Mom muttered and got out of the car. She was already yelling "KATHERINE LOVE PERRY, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF-" before she closed the door. I saw her drag Katie back inside the house to get her version of a Sunday best and chuckled. There was something satisfactory about seeing a sibling get grounded that you just, ah, you wouldn't miss it for the world. They can't say I'm selfish 'cause I'm sure they as well love it when I get a taste of mom's wrath.
    Ah sibling hood, how lovely, no?

    Fifteen minutes later mom came out rolling her sleeves back down to her wrist. Katie fallowed, make-up-less, boot-less, and fashion-less. Now she had an ugly purple dress covered in yellow flowers that looked more like polka dots and a pair of flats. Katie got in the back seat and mom backed out the driveway.
    "I mean, Jesus, Katie. How could you even THINK of going to church with such an outfit?"
    "But, mom-" I smiled on the inside. "But, mom" should be considered an all-timer classic line.
    "No, Katie." Mom cut her off. "You weren't like this." Katie slumped back in her seat. She knows as well as I do that it's useless to argue with mom. She always win... no matter what. Wanna know why? Because she's "the mom", as she like to point out so often.

    My thoughts drifted back to Nelly. I feel like I've seen her before somewhere but I just don't know where. I was wrecking my brain trying to remember where when mom interrupted my thoughts.
    "I hate being late for church." I rolled my eyes.
    "Geez, mom, it's church. They won't crucify you for being late." She gave me this look... boy, if her eyes could shoot lasers...
    "No, Tyler." She said gritting her teeth. "They don't crucify you. You just don't find parking space or a good seat. That is all." She gripped the wheel so tight her knuckled went white. What the heck is wrong with this woman? Is her temper really THAT short or does she just really hate teens THAT much? I mean, wow, was she ever sixteen? I'm going to ask her someday.

    We got to church. Luckily we found a parking space quickly and good seats. So much for that. We sat down just as they were going to do a prayer.
    "Amen." Everyone said together. I opened my eyes and turned to look at Katie. She checking out her nails. I wondered if she prayed. I looked at Katie although she wasn't looking at me. I sorta understood her. SORTA. I agree the outfit she planned to bring wasn't the right one but I get why she did. Occasionally, Katie has her sleep overs. But she never really gets to wear her favorite clothes. There is a dress code at school and mom rarely ever lets us go out. So I get why she'd take any opportunity to try her fashion skills out. She was desperate. I know that feeling well. She was so desperate, she got dressed like that for church when she KNEW mom wouldn't let her. That is why she kept quiet when mom scolded her.
    My mom is not the best mom in the world. I also know there are worst parents out there. But like the teenager I am, I'd lie if I said that I've never wished for a better mom. It sounds ungrateful, but I have. And I'm sure Katie has as well. I understand what it's like to leave with a mother like mine. She's my sister, she gets it too. We both share this one thing we wish we didn't. She's not the best or the worst mom ever but we sure wouldn't anyone else this fate... as bad as that would sound.
    I thought about my Saturdays. The whole reason I wake up early on Saturdays is so I can escape the madness of home for a few hours. Maybe I'll bring Katie with me one day. She goes through the same crap I do, so she deserves an outlet too.

    I looked up and saw "Nelly?" I whispered but no one heard me because they were too busy listening to her singing in the front. Then it hit me, I've seen her before. Once, when they were passing the baskets for the offering, she was there. I smiled. As she sang, the baskets flew around the room. Sounds of wallets, and zippers being opened filed the room.
    "Oh Lord, words are not enough to say how grateful we are for what you've given us." She sang. I deposited my dollar and so did Katie and away went the basket.

    After Nelly finished her song, the baskets were back near the podium, and they gave thanks for the offerings we made, the preacher said a few LOOOOOONG words and a final prayer. His last announcement for the morning was "Giving free snacks outside". Mom perked up at this. Who wouldn't perk up at the mention of free food? As soon as possible, she was dragging us outside. I tried to look for Nelly over the rushing crowd of Christians walking out but didn't see her. I sighed. I fallowed mom, and, oh, waddaya know? She was there, handing out snacks to everyone. I automatically raked my fingers through my hair and checked my breath.
    "Hey, Nelly." She looked at the mention of her name and smiled at me. I noted her hair was loose this time.
    "Oh my God, Tyler?" I looked down at the floor as if to say: "Aw shucks" but I looked back at her.
    "How's it going?" She giggled and I got to see her dimples again. Aww.
    "I'm good. I'm good. And you? I didn't know you came here." She said as she gave someone a cup cake.
    "Yeah, me either. I mean, I didn't know you came here. Not that I didn't know I did. That's silly." Shut up, man. You're wrecking it. Change the subject. "So um, how did your cake turn out?" She smiled.
    "Find out for yourself." she gave me a slice of cake. I made a tiny o with my mouth and grabbed the plate. She apologized for not having spoons but i said it was okay and took a bite.
    I don't know if maybe what I expected was the most amazing cake in the whole wide world or if it was just the fact that it was for free but when I tried that cake, I swear I tasted nothing. I took another bite. Was it possible for a cake to be flavorless? Nelly looked at me, waiting for my opinion. I smiled.
    "This is the most delicious cake I've ever eaten!" I lied. Dammit. Well, what was I supposed to say? "Gee, Nelly, this tastes like cardboard. I love it!"?
    "Really?" Her eyes glowed. Well, too late to take it back now. I nodded and then ate what was left.

    I felt someone tug on my shirt. It was Katie.
    "What is it?"
    "It's time to go and hurry before mom nags another muffin." Ever since this morning's incident, Katie has been like a zombie. There but not really there. Body but not in soul, as the dramatic term would be. She walked away and disappeared in the crowd. I turned back at Nelly.
    "My sister." I gestured to the spot Katie had been. "Well, I guess I gotta go. See you next Sunday, then?" Nelly smiled and nodded
    "Goodbye, Tyler. Take care." I walked away from Nelly and searched for my sister and our mother. They were waiting for me in the parking lot.


    We stopped for lunch at Arby's. You just gotta love their curly fries. Hey, what can I say? Arby's, it's good mood food. And I was definitely in a good mood unlike Katie who sat next to me while mom ordered our food. She sighed a billionth time and I felt extremely sorry for her although I wasn't sure why. Hey, I may be a monster but I'm still her brother. The one who said would protect his baby sister from the monster in the closet. Katie looked at her nails again. Then she made a face a little kid would do when he heard his name being called at the dentist office. I smiled on the inside. You know, when you get lost in thought, you're so deep and... well, lost in it that you don't notice all the faces you're making. Well, you wouldn't know. You don't see the faces you make, duh. Anyway, Katie was clearly pondering something inside her head. I wondered how teenage girls analyzed things.
    Ugh. I'm starting to sound like mom.
    "Okaaay,"Mom popped with a tray full of food. "A french dip-n-Swiss sub for you," She placed the sandwich in front of me. "And the Arby's melt sandwich for you." She handed the sandwich to Katie and she just looked at it, sighed, and grabbed it. Seriously, this girl could go for a world record with all the sighing she's done. But whatever, I got meself a sub. Hmm hmm hmmmmmm. I dove into my meal. So engrossed in the awesomeness of roast beef that I didn't notice the stare down mom and Katie were having until AFTER Katie excused herself and said she'd wait in the car. Mom didn't watch her leave. She was focused on the uneaten sandwich Katie left behind.
    The silence she left was deafening. It was worst in the car. We got caught in a downpour on our ride back home. There was something about the sound of bullet-like raindrops in a music-less car that made the silence even more DEEP. Mom hadn't stopped glancing at Katie through the rear view mirror since we left the restaurant. I was listening to my iPod when I heard mom say: "I'm sorry." Both Katie and I looked up at the same time. Did we hear something just now? It sounded like an apology but that can't be right considering it sounded like it came from MY MOM!!
    "W-what?" Katie was the one to speak.
    "I might've overreacted this morning." I could almost hear Katie trying to keep herself from scoffing and rolling her eyes. But Katie said nothing. Neither did I. Neither did mom.

    Everything was silent.