by Sangeetha Narayan

Created on: January 25, 2008   Last Updated: August 21, 2010

Title: Daddy's Little Girl!

"If you have to daydream, could you at least dream about algebraic equations?" said the booming voice bringing me back to earth with a thud. It was my math teacher Mr. Thomas.

"Yes, dad," I said , burying my face in the book, as if that would make everything clear. I must have studied for a half-hour before I threw my pencil across the room in frustration. "I just don't get math!"

"You might get it, if you studied more often, and not just before some class test," said my dad, catching my pencil and throwing it back at me.

"Aren't you supposed to be mowing the lawn or something?" I asked sweetly.

" Let's see where your smartness takes you tomorrow," and there we were back to square one.

It seems to me that all of our conversations end with us arguing. My dad never really cared about my grades before. Then, I entered 6th grade and my world turned upside down. Overnight, I changed from a confident, bubbly elementary schooler to a scared -to-death junior in middle school. Even the lockers seem more complicated here and to add salt on my wounds, my dad became my teacher.

I always had an easygoing relationship with my dad. I guess, I simply was not prepared for the massive change in my dad's attitude. His favorite and oh-so- repeated statement was, "Math is the most logical subject in the world." For a subject that is supposed to be so logical, it sure makes no sense to me. So, here I was, struggling with algebraic equations and wondering whether the world would come to a stop, if I don't ace tomorrow's test.

"Whatever you're planning, it won't work," said my brother rudely bringing me back to the present for the second time.

"What makes you think I'm planning something?" I asked annoyed.

"Your look! I've seen that look.. in the mirror." He peered over my shoulder. " And judging from the book you're reading, I guess it's something to do with Dad."

"Just because you're a math whiz doesn't mean you know everything," I said refusing to look into his eyes.

" You're my little sister." I hate that patronizing tone. " And it's my job to give you the benefit of my experience. It's no use lying to Dad . No matter what, you get caught! There are outside forces conspiring against us."

Yeah right, I truly believe my brother belongs in the nuthouse! I immediately set out to prove him wrong. When my dad entered the kitchen, I calmly shut my book and gave him a brilliant smile.

"You look pretty happy for a person who didn't get math an hour ago." He

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>