“Graciela, I want you off of the game in five minutes,” Jeff told his daughter.
“What? Come on dad! I haven’t even reached the checkpoint yet. If I log off now, I’ll have to do the whole level all over again!” She cried. “I’ve been at this all day.”
“Don’t argue. Just do it,” Jeff told the girl. “Unless you want to get grounded and stay home when the others get to sleep over Harmony’s house next weekend.”
“Dad, that isn’t fair,” Graciela answered. “If this was Pax playing, you’d let him do it all day.”
“When Pax plays he’s doing it with Camilla,” Jeff replied. “Your mother and I don’t think it’s good that you’re not socializing.”
She paused her game and jumped off the chair. “Are you saying that I have to have friends or I can’t play games? That’s not cool dad.” She glared at him.
“That’s not what I’m saying. We just want you to go out and do something with the others. You’ve even been ignoring Nerissa.”
She shook her head. “Nuh-uh. Nerissa is the one ignoring ME. All she cares about is Pax. And all Camilla cares about is Pax. When Harmony was over, all she cared about was Pax. I just want to play some games on my own without those dumb kids. I hate them all.”
“Gracie, you don’t mean that,” Jeff began. “They don’t like Pax more than you.”
“Yeah dad, they obviously do.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Now goodnight. I hope you’re happy knowing that I have to start the level all over again tomorrow!” She stomped out of the room angrily.
“Gracie!” Her dad shouted after her.
Watching from the doorway opposite him, Charlotte shook her head. “Sibling rivalries are my thing. Let me handle it, hon. I know all about wanting some attention.”
A Graying World 