Chain Reaction 2.6: The Freakazoid

Emily Taylor

     After answering Drake's incessantly excited knocking, I open the door and walk out onto the front porch.

     "I got an A!" he tells me and starts jumping up and down.

     "Of course you did. That was easy, but did you take the time to learn what to do for your final?" I ask. I'd done his science paper for him. It took quite a bit of effort to dumb it down so it wouldn't look suspicious. I did it on frogs, something Drake is moderately interested in anyway.

     He waves both hands in a downward motion as if to push away a worry. "Nah. Big deal. My grades are going to be fine."

     "I got the highest score in my class on my chemistry exam!" I tell him happily, deciding to join in on his celebrating. Ethan and I are in the same level in school; however, they placed us in different classes. I sit in the front, and most of the other students pretend I don't exist....except when I blow the curve.

     My classmates aren't exactly rude to me. In fact, some of the girls in my classes treat me nicely, and I have to wonder if it's so they can have a chance with my brother. He only has eyes for Claire, so their efforts are all in vain.

     "Emily, you are so weird," Drake tells me carte blanche.

     My face falls, and that only encourages him. "When are you going to stop being weird and just go to class with kids your age?" He laughs. "People are calling you 'the freakazoid.' Max made that up."

     "I already know all the elementary material. I don't know why I learn so quickly. I just...do," I say to the floorboards of the front porch.

     "Whatever. Can we go inside and watch Monster Mashers of Mayhem now?"

     I nod. Drake's parents don't let him watch that show at home. They say it rots his brain.

     The title sequence for the show ends, and it goes to commercial. Drake turns to me with a small smile and says, "You're really cool for letting me come over and watch this here." He leans back and puts his hands behind his head, his elbows jutting out in a super-casual manner. "Cliff and Randy aren't allowed to watch it, and they rely on me to let them know what happened. Max has thought about charging a fee for kids to come watch it at his house, so you're potentially saving me money, which is really cool." He sits up again and smiles at me.

     He has strange eyes. They're not strange inasmuch as they're bizarre for someone to have, but they look strange with his coloring. His eyes contrast with his black hair, making them look like they're made of glass. They're just like his mom's eyes, only that color looks more natural on her with her blonde hair.

     I remind myself to participate in the conversation. "I'm glad to help. However, I still don't understand the fascination with the monster mashing. I've been able to deconstruct with ease the plot of every episode they've aired. It's not a very well-thought-out show."

     The commercials end.

     "Stop talking now," Drake says pointedly, and I don't have to look to know he's rolling his eyes.

     We sit and watch the show, and I quickly get bored. I'd go upstairs to play with my chemistry set, but I don't want to be rude when I have a guest over. Thankfully, the show doesn't last but thirty minutes, twenty-two if you don't count commercials, and Drake leaves almost immediately afterward.

    I go upstairs and discover a health potion!

     The following morning, I discover my brother engrossed in the television set. He's standing way too close, and I can't help but decide to tease him.

     "Do you need glasses, Ethan?" I ask facetiously.

     He starts like I surprised him. "Huh? No. I was walking by and got sucked in." He pauses. "Do you think it'll ever snow here? I mean like during our lifetime."

     I put my finger on my chin and ponder. "I'm not sure. It probably depends upon how often the Maker plays with our save."

     "Yeah. And how soon she buys the expansion pack when it comes out, if it comes out."

     "Oh, they'll make it, rest assured." My mind jumps from thinking about the Maker and then a rumor I heard. "You know, I've heard some people in my class talk about how they think Kelsie's mom is the Maker's simself."

     "People are just trying to tease Kelsie. I wouldn't believe it."

     I can understand people wanting to tease Kelsie. She's one of the 'nice' girls in my class. She really is sweet, but she is an AIRHEAD! Still, I try not to talk down to her or tease her. I have to maintain whatever allies I can.

     I finished my homework during class today because we had a substitute teacher, so when I get home, I play four or five games of chess against myself. I tried to get Ethan to play with me, but he's in his room struggling with his homework. He doesn't want my help.

     We have leftover camper's stew for breakfast the next morning.

     "Are you ready for the geography test today?" I ask conversationally.

     Ethan stares at me with his mouth agape and full of food, his eyes wide. "That's TODAY?"

     "Yes," I answer simply, used to Ethan talking with his mouth full.

     He puts his head in his hands. "Aw, plum! And I just brought that grade UP!"

     "You still have time to study if you hurry," I remind him.

     "I could help!" I offer, expecting the answer no.

     "You know what? That would be awesome," he answers, using his favorite word.

     "Wait, really?" I ask. "Okay!" I jump up, breakfast forgotten. I get to help my big brother cram!

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I had all these pics of Emily since I still wasn't 100% sure Ethan would be my heir, and I wanted to use them. It was so nice to use words with more than two or three syllables! For now at least, 'big' words don't work well with Ethan.

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