Sure, just like any ordinary kid, one would dream of going to Disney alongside your loving family. There were countless rides and attractions, characters to meet and great food, but it was never something Carrot found interest in. Many kids at her school raved about the idea, but the Dyer family was NOT part of the norm. Idealistically, the vacation was too expensive to enjoy-- coming from someone whom was now maintenance or found enjoyment in unique or niche things. Carrot didn’t need to be bought nor stay miserable, because she knew better than to be stuck-- far, far away from comfort, and deal with someone she once called a father, alongside a step-mother and her brat of a kid. More important dreams boggled throughout the redhead’s mind instead--- the idea of having at least one parent continuously love her and her brother Atlas, after their nasty divorce.
Oliver had a funny way of showing it, as one (biological) child cut ties while the other was forcibly hanging on by a loose, orange thread. He never listened, but that was just the tip of the metaphorical ‘iceberg’, knowing there was so much more to this relationship with their mother than what was ever let on. One had to physically be there in order to truly understand, though, she couldn’t blame her, there was no use in sacrificing one’s own happiness while being the only player on the team whom gave it their all. Now, as Carrot and Atlas grew up with their mother’s love, now she dreamt that Sidney would receive the love she deserved, even if it started with self-love. This was a better family dynamic, in the long-run.
“Sure, sure, we got all summer,” A nod acknowledged her mother’s proposal to a trip. Not that they could spend the entirety just having fun-- they had lives to live. Sidney worked. Atlas had his own friends and adventures and could even spend hours on sketches. And Carrot? She wanted to spend time in their swimming pool, hang with some friends (and her crush) the local skate-park, or forest, and even proudly find herself a part-time job. This summer would hopefully be better than the last, but she never looked forward to returning to school. At least exams were over, and she could forget the past week of HELL. “I’m game, if you are. Especially to spite them.” It sounded vicious, maybe even with a tinge of anger throughout her voice, but she really was happier in this household-- and that wasn’t because Sidney spoke so casually. Like she said, Grandma wasn’t too keen. Though, a trip, just the two of them? Carrot got lots of her personality from her mother, but what could go wrong? They’ll talk about it later.
After speaking, her eyes darted back to focus on her rummaging. Focusing on anything but the sudden topic, was key. Actually, bringing up the topic of permanently living here, had hit a sore spot and no, not talking about summer plans could pull them out now. Why would she want to look at her mother, when she could possibly cry? (Again!) Her ducts felt blocked, anyways. Carrot grabbed her bathing suit from her bag, shoved it besides her and aggressively zipped up the bag. She didn’t like the attention right now, but knew it was better to say something than not, even just to temporarily set peace. “Of course he zaps the happiness outta me, he’s an asshole.” But he’s your father!-- She could hear Grandma say that too.
With an exhale, Carrot brushed the hair away from her face and behind her ear. “The simplest of shit sets that man off, these days. He had a tantrum before driving me back here.” She mumbled and sat back in her spot. Carrot knew her mother’s intentions were nothing but the best, but she’d rather restart the start of her summer vacation, properly. “...I would LOVE to stay here, you’re my awesome mom and I got Atlas too, but I’m sure he’ll find some way to keep, keeping me in the loop of his life.” She scoffed at the thought. “Like I’d want that! You outta know he invited me, and and only me, to his wedding? I bet he did that just to spite you.” Come to think of it, most definitely he did. And knowing the dress his soon-to-be wife picked out? Was burned in her mind. It was ugly, and Carrot didn’t do dresses.
Her next words were said mockingly and ended with a grumble under her breath, stubbornly. At least she was suddenly vocal, but that didn’t stop the random stream of blood trickling down from her nostril... “You know he’ll probably never budge with me, he wants his precious princess in his life, even if that means wanting to change me.”
