My acquaintance Natalie's father died last week. That makes her a seventeen-year-old orphan.
I call her an acquaintance because I never really knew her. We were in school together for years, but I've no idea where she goes to high school. I mean, she could be at mine for all I know. We aren't friends. She was always too popular for that.
But Mom's making me go to the funeral tonight.
I hate funerals. Call them what you like - memorial service, celebration of life - I hate them. I prefer to grieve in my own way, which does not involve wasting my time, wearing itchy clothes, and being comforted.
It will probably be even worse tonight, because I didn't know Natalie's father at all. I must go simply to show sympathy. Isn't it enough to feel it? She probably hardly remembers who I am.
I wonder if I can get away with writing a clause into my will that forbids all kinds of funerals for me and punishes offenders by taking away their inheritance.
I call her an acquaintance because I never really knew her. We were in school together for years, but I've no idea where she goes to high school. I mean, she could be at mine for all I know. We aren't friends. She was always too popular for that.
But Mom's making me go to the funeral tonight.
I hate funerals. Call them what you like - memorial service, celebration of life - I hate them. I prefer to grieve in my own way, which does not involve wasting my time, wearing itchy clothes, and being comforted.
It will probably be even worse tonight, because I didn't know Natalie's father at all. I must go simply to show sympathy. Isn't it enough to feel it? She probably hardly remembers who I am.
I wonder if I can get away with writing a clause into my will that forbids all kinds of funerals for me and punishes offenders by taking away their inheritance.
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Yes, they'll take that so well.
You get a long comment 'cause I had to log in as Susan and for once I totally remembered to go back to my journal. Um, um, okay, there.
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It's just that Mom has issues with me inviting your friends places. She's all, "Play with your own friends, dear." And I'm all, "WTF, they're my friends, too." And she's all, "They don't go to your school!"
We could say it's Alysa's birthday and we're throwing a surprise party. Except then what shall we do for her actual birthday? When is that, anyway?
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Her real birthday's in September. The, um, 19th maybe? 9th? Bad with numbers. Your mom won't believe we just like to get together occasionally for fun? If Alysa does something for her birthday, it'll be at her place, and we could say that's just an evening gathering. I've done a few of those before.
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You're not licensed to use that against me, mind.
Anyway, she'd believe it, but she wouldn't let me have a party at my grandparents' house just for fun, especially not on short notice. Especially not with four people. Usually when I have parties there it's because I want all my friends with me.
It's mostly them that need convincing, anyway. Grandpa usually says yes to things like that immediately 'cause he loves me, and Grandma can be swayed. I'll see about going over there on Thursday and cleaning for her and worming my way into her graces. God knows Mom should welcome the time without me.
But, uh, if this is going to work, you have to help me. I can't even think of asking for something like this without cleaning a lot first. I was totally going to clean my room today and I didn't.
I should go - it's 10:30 and I've yet to take a bath.
(Mind, that means I'm likely to stay on.)
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Could we get away with saying we're going to do the actual presents at her actual birthday, d'you think?
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So we'll clean tomorrow and stay offline so she can call and not be pissed, and when she gets home she'll be all, "Oh, you cleaned for your brother's birthday, how adorable!" and it will be a family night of presents for him and stuff, except I think Dad's going golfing, and then we can clean more on Thursday and when she gets home she'll be all, "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" and I can totally tell her.
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Totem pole?
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I feel so touched.