Chapter 42

The Meaning Of Life

That's right, there was yet another badminton night that evening. Apparently my family wants to torture me again. "Should I play?" I asked the Magic 8 Ball.

My sources say no.

The Magic 8 Ball almost always said no to badminton night. That was probably a good thing though. I was simply a mediocre badminton player and my dad wouldn't stand for mediocrity.

"Come on Jimmy," Dad said. "We're about to get started."

"Lemme finish this," he said, playing on his phone. He shoved it in his pocket. "Do I have to play?" he asked.

"Yes," Dad said.

"Why isn't Isabelle playing then?"

"Isabelle's not good at this. You are," Dad stated.

"Fine," Jimmy said, picking up his racket.

They started playing. It was Jimmy and Dad vs. Mom and Olivia as usual.

"Hey Mom," Olivia said in the middle of the game. "Can we switch it up and have Jimmy and I play against you and Dad?"

"No," Mom snapped. "This arrangement makes it even."

"Oh. Okay," Olivia said quietly. The game continued. The birdie flew back and forth across the court. I never understood the satisfaction that my family members got from that game. It was the glue that was barely keeping them together and it never included me. Badminton was the whole reason my family wasn't as messed up as it could be.

I couldn't help but to feel a little jealous of Olivia, the "perfect child." She wasn't perfect, far from it, but at least our parents paid attention to her. Even Jimmy was better off than I was. He acted like a rebel to get attention from society, but it worked. I, on the other hand, was completely ignored by everyone. If the Barnswell project worked, maybe I could become part of the family. Maybe.

For now, I was content, if not a little disenchanted, in my cage. Change wasn't something I liked or was looking forward to. It was just part of life and I wasn't trying to rush it.

I didn't really know what I was doing anymore. I was lost, but I was afraid to admit it. Whatever. I would find a way.

"Come on Olivia," Dad said. "You need to get your skills up before badminton season starts."

"I don't want to," Olivia whined.

"What?" Dad said. "Of course you do."

"No I don't!" Olivia shouted. "I quit."

Everyone went silent. Olivia threw her racket on the ground and stormed away. All of a sudden, the perfect child wasn't so perfect anymore.

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A/N: It's Chapter 42! I HAD to title it The Meaning Of Life! 42 is the answer to the universe and a Coldplay song! Anyways, hope you liked this chapter and thanks again for all of the support. :)