No more tattlebug!

The day after Mom’s meltdown, the tattlebug was kicked out of the house and a blessed peace settled over us.  Dad had finally backed down, and the tattlebug would now only be paid to escort Tark to and from school.  It’s nice not to hear constant updates on my brother’s disgusting personal habits, and of course I feel a little more secure sneaking out to visit Melissa.  I’ve figured out how to play some kind of bird game on her phone, and it’s really surprising how time flies when you’re playing.  I’ve hardly gotten any sleep the last couple of nights!  Fortunately, I’ve also discovered a treat she keeps in her room, that helps me stay awake—chocolate-covered coffee beans!   I figure she won’t miss one or two, and it takes a couple of days to finish one.  They keep me awake all day, if I break them apart and take pieces to school with me.

I still can’t figure out what to get Mom for Mothers’ Day.  She’s been happier since the tattlebug was banned from the house, but I still think she’s upset about the whole thing with Tark.  I wish there were some way to make her feel better.  It must be hard to be the mother of a juvenile delinquent and a self-righteous plantist who tries to make everyone feel guilty about enjoying a few aphid fries.  I must be a genuine relief to her, hardly ever causing trouble and going a whole three days without detention!  Of course, there is that less-than-stellar grade I got in Ancient Lore, but honestly, who can concentrate with a boring teacher like Mr. S?

This might sound weird, but I think Tark might be genuinely sorry about the whole fermented honey debacle.   I heard him talking to Dad one night while I was cleaning cricket vomit (don’t ask!) out of a shoe I had carelessly left outside the shoe closet, right in Squeaker’s line of fire.

“Dad, I’m really sorry!  I shouldn’t have let Damien talk me into it!”

Dad snorted.  “Don’t blame this on your friends!  You are old enough to make your own decisions.”

“I know, but…”

“No buts!”  Dad’s voice actually shook.  “Do you realize what could have happened?  What if you had flown into a tree?  Or if a cat found you while you were incapacitated?  Do you know how often drunk fairies get caught by cats?  Do You?”

For the first time, I realized that my father had actually been afraid for Tark.  I had just assumed that he was embarrassed because of his position on the Honey Control Board.  I felt a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach as I realized that Tark could have been seriously hurt.  Or worse.  I mean, he is the worst brother who ever lived and is definitely the scum of the Earth.  Once he told everybody in school that I was in love with Feonn O’shea, and I got teased for months.  Months!!!  I never even liked Feonn, but after Tark’s stupid comments I blushed every time Feonn was near, so of course everybody thought I really was—Oh, never mind.

Still, the thought of Tark not being there anymore bothers me.  I wonder why.