Corrupt pg.1

Equipped with their plump backpacks and boxed lunches, the children marched out their front door with the appearance of tiny soldiers prepared to endure a long day in battle. As they approached the silver Honda Civic parked by the curb, their father jogs up to them to ask, “Do you guys wanna walk to school for a change? It’s such a nice day!” Thirteen-year-old Armande and her nine-year-old twin siblings--Kally and Caleb--halted mid-step. Armande could feel her face light up; and she observed how Kally and Caleb’s demeanor also brightened as they awaited their eldest sister’s answer. Even up close, the twins barely resembled each other. Kally was a full foot taller than Caleb’s three foot ten inches. Armande secretly favored Caleb due to his abnormally short height, and extrovert behavior. Another difference was that Caleb had a narrow bone structure, while Kally’s was more baby-round. The only resemblance they seemed to bear was their large, dark hazelnut eyes; which had widened to achieve their well-practiced, impersonation of the irresistible, puppy-dog eyes.

Armande gave them a knowing smile and a shake of her head. Really, she was too accustomed to fall prey to their petty attempts of subterfuge. She casually spun around to face her father and shrugged, “Sure. Why not”? Although she behaved with nonchalance, she could feel anticipation bubbling up inside. The Chinese-American family had always driven the car everywhere. And though it was a ridiculous dream, Armande had always yearned to walk rather than drive.

Kally and Caleb screeched in excitement as they dashed up ahead, while Armande strolled with her father. She watched the small forms of her siblings as they chased each other around. Always the cautious sister, Armande shouted, “Don’t go too far!”

Finally, Armande gazed at her surroundings in appreciation and a sense of tranquility.  The morning wasn’t too hot, or too cold, with the occasionally light breeze. The sun was shining. The blue sky was clear with the exception of the small, scattered, cotton-looking clouds. Armande admired the mammoth, Victorian-styled houses that lined the block, with their immaculate lawns gleaming like emeralds. She gasped in delight as a vast, grass-park filled with flourishing trees, adorable puppies, and small, wild creatures, came into view across the street. Glancing away, she regarded the spotless, long street which seemed to be bare of cars; which, no doubt, was good for the environment. Even the sidewalks were sparkly! And when she listened closely, she could hear the melodic chirps of birds, and the flow of water. There was probably a beach nearby too! This was definitely almost like paradise. But where were the people Armande wondered. And if every day was like this, it would be positively boring.

Suddenly, her bromidic, very traditional father asked the unexpected, “Hey you guys! Wanna rob this house?” Armande turned to her father and gawked. Pulling herself together from the brief shock, she reassured herself that she must have been momentarily delusional! Just in case, Armande asked, “Excuse me? Did you just ask if we wanted to rob a house!?!”

Her father replied. “Yup!”

She hissed, “Are you insane!?!”

Her father explained, “Nope. Look, if we rob this house, we’ll be filthy rich! And we won’t have to worry about money issues.”

Her father sounded so pragmatic Armande thought with dry humor. She rolled her eyes to the sky. Right…sorry to burst your bubble, but we’ve never suffered from money problems. I have absolutely no clue what he’s rambling about. Seriously, is he high? Ha-ha. Not my father. Why would he even suggest this insanity! And he’s acting like its normal! As Armande’s mind raced about, her siblings came skipping back.

TBC...