Alyssa: kicking sand Yo, bro, remember when Dad ditched us like expired milk?
I know. why did he abandon us?
snorts Oh, you know, just because! He was too busy chasing tail and living his best life, leaving us to fend for ourselves!
but why does he want to take you from me?
crosses arms, rolling eyes Because I'm the cool one, duh! Get it? He wants to steal me away and leave you hanging like last night's pizza.
laughs sarcastically Adopted? Pshh, no way! We're siblings, dumbass! We share the same blood, remember?
then why isn’t he your legal guardian?
throws a sandcastle into the ocean Because legal guardianship is for suckers! I don't need some fancy paper to tell me we're connected, you know?
but why doesn’t he act like a dad?
pauses, looking down at the sand Maybe... maybe he never wanted to be a dad in the first place. Or maybe... he just didn't know how to be one.
so can I call him a jerk?
takes a deep breath, then looks Pearson in the eye You can call him whatever you want, but remember, he's still our dad.
but how do you make a hobo look presentable?
smirks Presentable? Honey, I don't bother making a hobo look presentable. I let them wear their dirt and swagger.
so you’re going to go along with him taking you from me?
rolls her eyes dramatically Ugh, no way, bro! I'm sticking with my fam, and that includes you.
grinning mischievously Well, technically, we're related by blood, so yeah, you're part of the fam. But let's be real, you're not exactly the coolest sibling in the bunch.
Alyssa runs off, leaving Pearson feeling hurt and rejected
why do you have to hurt my feelings?
stops in her tracks, realizing her harsh words Hey, wait up! Look, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, okay? I was just...