My Enigmatic Life

          Well, the time has come. I've now graduated from high school, meaning that in a few days' time I can make my return home to Dover. That's what I would say if I hadn't been caught up in the mess I'm in.

"Govvy-chan, is it that bad for you to smile, even just a little, when it comes to taking family photos?"

Oba asks me this because I'm donning my usual stoic facial expression in the family photo we took to celebrate the occasion. By the way, Yoko wasn't smiling either. Before I could think of an excuse, Yoko herself intervenes.

"Why don't you ask  the old bat that question? I'm certain that she'll  be glad to let you know.", she bitterly remarks.

"Yoko! You shouldn't call your grandmother such a thing!", Oba chastises.

"Leave it be, love.", Oji interrupts. "Yoko and mum's relationship is well beyond repair."

"It sure is. As a matter of fact, I can't wait until she croaks.", Yoko continues. "That condesending old c-mhphf...!"

I stop her tirade by covering up her mouth. Just as she so lightly put it, the reason that I don't smile for the photos that will be going into The Colen Family Album anymore is because of a bad experience with our nan. 

Graciously, Oba drops the conversation and continues preparing the celebratory feast. All of the delicious aromas wafting out of the kitchen are making me especially hungry, but before I can get the opportunity to see what Oba's cooking, Yoko drags me away and plops me down on the settee next to the sleeping Naoya.

"Aniki, why do you even bother to defend that old bat?"

"Listen, Yoko. I understand that nan is an....irksome person-"

"Irksome?", Yoko says incredulously. "That's like saying that getting ran over by a lorry would smart a little."

"But that doesn't give you the right to disrespect her like that.", I conclude.

Yoko falls silent and folds her arms as she sits down besides me.

"Respect is earned, it's not something you get just because you get old.", Yoko huffs.

I can only smile wryly at her indignation. I haven't told her, or anyone else this yet, but I put an ad out online for English lessons. I told dad to not bother sending me an allowance anymore, since I'll be in Japan for a bit longer. Of course, I'm only doing this until we officially become an Enigma Squadron, which is in about a week or so.

Not to mention, I taught Akane how to speak English, and even my mates know a good amount of it too.

So, I'll actually be able to have an easy go of it for once. Shocking, I know.