Ryker

Ryker

Ryker

For guys, life is a party or a good time. The guys coast by not giving a shit what happens. As long as girls, drinking, smoking, or whatever is there. That is them, not me. That was my twin. He thinks about the next notch on his bedpost or the next score while hiding behind a persona. I prefer to be real.

People may call me a pessimist, but I’m a realist. I don’t consider the glass half empty or half full but as the truth. I’m not into drinking or drugs. I’m not even into a casual fling because it’s not my thing.

I’m not a goody goody by any means. I fight, I have a mouth, and I’m always looking for engaging conversation.

People assumed things about me since I don’t have a girl hanging on me. People think I’m gay, far from it. I’ve never been into casual flings with girls. Oh, they have tried. Yeah, I will admit. I’ve messed around. As far as going further, nah, I’ll pass.

My parents are always on my ass. Ryker, when will you do something? There’s more to life than your bed. Ryker, do something. Yeah, you get the drift. I get they care, but damn, a little leeway is nice.

School bores me. It serves no purpose. Anything I do, I pass. My grades are impeccable, but it bears no interest to me. Call me moody, but I could do without it.

You encounter the same thing and people. I grew up with the people I have known throughout the years. My family goes there while the others had scattered. My parents settling in the town where they grew up is beyond me. I’m still wondering what is wrong with my family that made them stay.

Besides my parents, my two uncles stuck around as well. The others left this godforsaken town. I’m not too fond of it here and hate it. The minute I get a chance, I am going and never coming back.

“Ryker! Breakfast!” Mom yelled, breaking me from my thoughts. I exhaled, rubbing my face. I glimpsed at the clock, seven a.m. Then turned back to face the ceiling. One more year in this forsaken town, then I’m out of here.

My door flung open.

“Did you understand your mother? She said breakfast.”

I turned and looked at Dad.

“Yeah, I’m not deaf.”

“Sometimes, I have to wonder.”

He leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed. His auburn hair flopped on his forehead. I didn’t dare defy him to the point of him losing his shit. He could wipe the floor with me.

He straightened up and headed to the kitchen. I sat up, pulling on a pair of black jeans and a black tee-shirt. I shoved my feet into my boots and tied them. Then I left my room, heading to the kitchen.

I walked in to see mom at the stove and dad, my twin, and sister at the table. They were talking, but I wasn’t paying attention. I grabbed a plate and started dishing food onto it. Mom pointed to her cheek, wanting a kiss. I gave her a quick peck before taking a seat next to my other half.

My twin and I could not be more different. While he presented himself better, I went with the flow. Our personalities differed from each other. He was upbeat and always ready to make conversation while I stuck with my thoughts. They call it being an introvert. I call it being real.

My sister was about a year older, who graduated last year. She was starting college today. She and my other cousin were heading out to the local college before they transferred.

As we ate, I listen to everyone talk with a nod here and there. I didn’t need to speak this morning. A few minutes later, my other cousins strolled into the house. Sasha goes to school with my sister, and her younger brother, Frisco, was a senior like us. Then our other cousin Evan walked in behind them.

“You boys ready for your last year?” Dad asked.

“Oh, hell, yeah. I can’t wait,” Frisco said.

“Language,” mom said.

“It’s time for us to get going,” my brother said.

He scarfed his food as I finished mine. With that, we headed out.

Once inside the car, my brother turned over the engine, and we were off. Yep, it’ll be one hell of a year. I can already taste it.