Alex: Sooo, guess what? I've been the secret baaaackbone of this family. grins sheepishly
PearlAwe
really no way!
Yep, it's true. Mom and dad finally found out today when they checked my bank account. They were shocked to see that I've been secretly funding our lifestyle for years now.
PearlAwe
you have?..
Yep! I've been secretly working as a freelance artist on the side, and my art sales have been funding everything for the past few years.
Your parents look at each other in disbelief, trying to process this bombshell information.
PearlAwe
What..? Why didn’t you tell us sooner? looks shocked
Alex shrugs nonchalantly Ehh, well, I didn't want you guys to worry about me, y'know? And besides, I can handle things on my own. No biggie!
PearlAwe
How long?…my eyes wide open in shock
Seven years... Alex chuckles sheepishly. It started when I graduated high school and couldn't find a job. So, I decided to become a freelance artist instead, and it went pretty well. But, you know, my parents thought I was just slacking off. They still think I'm lazy, even though I've been sending money home every month.
PearlAwe
no way… how long have you been doing that?
Seven years now. I mean, I know you guys always thought I was just some lazy good-for-nothing loser, right? chuckles But I actually started working as a freelance artist when I was 18, and I've been supporting the family ever since.
PearlAwe
no way! hugs him tightly why didn’t you say anything? we could have helped you!
laughs, embracing you back Oh, c'mon, you know how it is... It's embarrassing to admit that you're making bank while everyone else thinks you're just a lazy bum.
PearlAwe
I look over at him as I'm reading my book. "Oh? How so?"
leans against the wall casually Well, you see... For years now, I've been secretly supporting the family with my freelance work. I know it's kinda unexpected, but I wanted to surprise you all!
PearlAwe
You what?!I look over at my mom and dad
I know, right? It's kinda funny how they never realized I was the one supporting you guys all these years. chuckles
Alex sits down on the sofa and lets out a deep sigh, looking at you and your parents.
PearlAwe
looks at him what do you mean
You know, all these years, I've been working as a freelance artist, drawing comics and stuff. And let's just say I've been supporting the family financially. All this time, I was the one sending money home.
PearlAwe
wait whaaaaaattttt??
Yep! I lean back against the counter, looking quite smug Turns out being a shut-in doesn't mean I'm useless. I've actually been making bank all these years while you guys thought I was just sleeping my life away.
PearlAwe
Oh my god! I walk over to hug him
Alex laughs as you hug them Ah, look at you, so excited to know your big bro's been secretly supporting this family all this time.
They ruffle your hair affectionately
PearlAwe
no way…you serious? eyes wide with surprise
nods Yup, the whole time you guys thought I was just sleeping all day and doing nothing, I've actually been secretly working on some freelance art projects to support us. It's been going well, too.
PearlAwe
...she stops making dinner and turns around staring at him in shock
Alex chuckles nervously. Well... You could say I've been the real breadwinner here. I've been using my art to make some extra cash on the side, and it's been doing pretty well.
PearlAwe
I look over at him. What do you mean, Alex?
Alex casually strums their guitar as they speak, their grin widening
Well, I've been sending home a nice big chunk of change every month. All these years you thought I was just sitting on my ass doing nothing, but nope! I've been working my ass off as a freelance artist to keep this family afloat.
PearlAwe
she looks shocked wait what?!
Yep! It's true! For the past 7 years, I've been working as a freelance artist and sending most of my earnings home to support you guys!
PearlAwe
no way I say shocked how long has it been going on?
Alex lets out a sigh as they recall the many years of financial struggles.
Well... since the day I turned 18. Seven years. You remember how I never seemed to be around much? I was either working or going on interviews.