Steve's Cousin

It was the first of December 2001. It was a Saturday morning, and everybody was about to get their weekend started. Until Kevin Sr. got an unexpected call.

He answered it. And while he was talking, you could only hear one side of the conversation. When he hung up the phone, Anna came up to him. "Who was that sweetheart?", said Anna.

"It was my big sister. She keeps arguing with her troublemaking teen, and can't handle it anymore. So, she's staying with us temporarily until she gets her act together.", said Kevin Sr. "Well, she can sleep in our guest bedroom. How long is she gonna be staying?", said, Anna. "Only for a week. She's arriving today, so we better tell the kids. , said Kevin Sr.

"Honey, I don't think the kids will be too happy about having her around. She's a thief, a lier, a loudmouth, disrespectful, a bad influence, a bully, always getting into fights, and just not a good kid overall. You're saying you want her around our kids Kevin?", said Anna. "Don't worry honey. I'll make sure she doesn't cause too much trouble here. Besides, it's the least I could do considering what she's putting my sister through.", said Kevin Sr. "Fine. And she better not bully my boys either.", said Anna.

"Well, who knows? They might just get along. But we'll see.", said Kevin Sr. "Well, I'm gonna start preparing breakfast for everybody. You want me to fix something for her too when she arrives?", said Anna. "That'd be wonderful. Thanks, sweetie.", said Kevin Sr. "You're welcome honey.", said Anna as she kissed her husband and left the room. "It's gonna be a long, long week.", Kevin Sr. said to himself.

***

Moments later, it was time for everybody to eat breakfast. Everybody sat down, said grace, and started eating. At the table, Kevin Sr. put down his newspaper and made an announcement.

"Boys, you're cousin is coming over to stay with us temporarily.", said Kevin Sr. "Which cousin?", said Kevin. "Wait a minute?! Please tell me you've got the first of April and the first of December mixed up, and you're just joking! You're joking on the wrong date! Right?!", said Kevin. "I wish I was joking on the wrong date son, but I'm not.", said Kevin Sr.

"But dad, she used to bully all of us at every family get together.", said Steve. "And every chance she got. You forgot that part, Steve.", said Kevin. "No, I didn't.", said Kevin.

"Don't worry guys. She's only staying over for a week. And if she doesn't treat you boys right, I'm taking away more and more of her privileges every time it happens.", said Kevin Sr. "Take away her privileges? How about call the police and send her to jail?", said Steve. "Boys, I know this week is gonna seem like an eternity to you, but she's still our cousin. And she's only staying so that her mother can get a break from her. Now if you love your auntie, you would be happy to have her over here.", said Anna.

"Alright, fine. She can stay for a little while.", said Kevin. "Thank God it's not permanent.", said Steve. "Now, let's just all enjoy our Saturday, and wait until she arrives.", said Kevin Sr. Then Kevin Sr. picked up his newspaper, and started reading again while drinking his coffee. And the day continued.

It was early in the afternoon. And a car pulled up to the apartment complex. After the car drove off, somebody knocked on Steve's door.

The whole family was in the living room to welcome her to their home. Kevin Sr. opened the door, and there she was. She was an attractive looking 17-year-old girl, but the physical attractiveness proved that you can't judge a book by its cover.

She came in wearing all black, and her hair was black. She was caucasian of course. And she was a high school senior but in danger of failing high school.

"There's my niece! Welcome! Come on in!", Kevin Sr. said happily. "Hi dear. It's been a long time. How are you doing?", said Anna. "Leave me alone! Is there any food around here?! I'm starving!", Steve's cousin said.

"Yes. I've made lunch for you since you were gonna be arriving past noon.", said Anna. "I'm gonna go get it for you. Please, have a seat.", said Anna. "Whatever.", said Steve's cousin. Then Steve's cousin took her seat.

"Hey, you remember your cousins?", said Kevin Sr. "Yeah, I'm gonna go now.", said Steve. "Steve.", said Kevin Sr. Then Steve went back to his seat in the living room.

"Aren't you gonna say hi to them?", said Kevin Sr. "Hi. Now get lost!", said Steve's cousin. "Well, she said it. Goodbye.", said Kevin. "Kevin.", said Steve. Then Kevin went back to his seat in the living room.

"And what's taking her so long with my food!", said Steve's cousin. "Okay, here you go.", said Anna. "Since this is your first time staying with us, you can eat your lunch whenever you want. But every meal will be eaten at the dining room table from here on out.", said Anna.

"Where is my room.", said Steve's cousin. "I'll show it to you very shortly. Just remember that you're gonna have to start following some simple guidelines while you're under my roof.", said Kevin Sr. "Number one above everything else is to treat everybody here with respect. I'll go over all the other ones later, but failure to comply with any of these guidelines will result in privileges being taken away. Are we all clear?", said Kevin Sr. "Yeah, I'll start treating everybody here more respectfully and follow the rules of this house.", said Steve's cousin unpleasantly.

"Just what I needed to hear!", said Kevin Sr. "And now that that's settled, I'll show you to your room. Follow me.", said Kevin Sr. Then Steve's cousin got up to follow her uncle to her room.

"Yeah, I'm not sure "get lost' and 'where's my food' are very respectful", said Steve. "Mom, the first time she messes with us, please take away her eating privileges.", said Kevin. "Now, Kevin, I-", said Anna. "On second thought, that is a good idea.", said Anna.

Meanwhile, Kevin Sr. took his niece to her temporary room. "Alright, this is where you'll be sleeping.", said Kevin Sr. "You can unpack your stuff, and if you ever need anything you just contact me or your auntie.", said Kevin Sr.

***

Later on that day, Steve was listening to the Christmas music that was playing on 100.3 WNIC. And then this sudden burst of noise was heard. Steve's cousin was blasting heavy metal. It was heard throughout the whole household.

Kevin put down his magazine. "What's that noise?!", said, Kevin. "Sounds like heavy metal!", said Steve. "Dude, I was listening to holiday music!", said Steve. "And I was reading!", said Kevin.

"Ok, who's gonna be the first one to tell her to turn it down or off!", said Kevin. "You're the oldest, you tell her!", said Steve. "I think our parents will eventually tell her to cut it down or something!", said Kevin.

Then Kevin Sr. knocked on the door of Steve's cousin's temporary room. "Yes!", said Steve's cousin. "Can you turn that down?! Thanks!", said, Kevin Sr.

Then she plugged her headphones into her CD player. "Thank God that's over.", said Kevin. "Yeah, now I can listen to my holiday music in peace.", said Steve.

***

The next day, I came over to visit Steve which is what we previously agreed to on the phone the night before. I knocked on the door, and Steve answered the door. "Hey, buddy. Come on in.", said Steve.

Then I came in. "Hey, I know you don't watch football, but the Lions are on today. You wanna watch the game in our room with me and Kevin?", said Steve. "Sure. Why not?", I said.

"Great. The pregame is on right now. Let's go to my room before the game starts.", said Steve. Then we went to our room. Kevin was in there as well, and ready to watch the game with us.

"So, who are the Lions playing?", I said. "They're on the road in Chicago to face the Bears.", said Kevin. "It's been a terrible season so far. We haven't gotten at least one win yet this season.", said Steve.

"I think they'll eventually win a game. I don't think there's ever been an 0-16 team in the NFL before.", said Kevin. "In December, that's hard to believe.", said Steve. Kevin Sr. was watching the game in the living room, but Steve's cousin was watching TV in the living room.

"I'm gonna need the TV.", said Kevin Sr. Then Steve's cousin just rolled her eyes while Kevin Sr. wasn't looking, and just left the living room. Steve's cousin went to her room while Kevin Sr. watched the rest of the pregame in the living room.

Then the game started. When the 1st quarter ended, I had to go to the bathroom. "I gotta use the restroom guys.", I said.

I got up to use the restroom. Somebody was already in there. I knocked on the door. "Whoever is in there, I gotta use it badly?", I said.

"Can it kid! I'll leave the bathroom when I get ready! Get lost!", said Steve's cousin. Then Kevin Sr. went to the bathroom. "Now, that's not the way to treat any of our guests here. Not only do you have to respect us, but you also have to respect our guests as well. Are we understood?", said Kevin Sr.

Then Steve's cousin just rolled her eyes again. "Understood.", said Steve's cousin. "Now, my kid's friend has to use it. Can you speed it up?", said Kevin Sr. " Yes, sir.", said Steve's cousin. "Thank you.", said Kevin Sr.

Then Kevin Sr. went back to the living room to watch the rest of the game, and Steve's cousin went out. I looked at her while questioning in my mind who is she. Then I quickly went into the bathroom.

After I used it, I went back to Steve and Kevin's room to watch the rest of the game with them. I came in, and Steve and Kevin had their eyes glued to the television screen. "Guys.", I said. "Yeah.", said Steve and Kevin while both of their eyes were still fully focused on the TV.

"Who was that lady in the bathroom?", I said. "You mean our mom?", said Kevin. "Dude, I don't think that's the lady she's talking about.", said Steve.

"Oh, the other lady. Yeah, that's our older cousin. She's in the 12th grade, and she's gonna be staying with us until this coming Saturday.", said Kevin. "She seems like a real...", I said. "Jerk? I know.", said Steve.

"Why is she staying with you all?", I said. "She's just not a good person overall.", said Kevin. "Yeah, she's always starting some trouble, getting into trouble, failing in school, arguing with her mother, etc.", said, Steven. "Oh, ok. I get it now. She's one of those people.", I said.

"She's staying with us because of our parents and auntie. Our cousin has been a pain in a but to her mother, so she's staying with us to take some of the stress off of our auntie.", said Steve. "Is it mathematically possible for an 0-16 team to win the Super Bowl?", said Kevin while looking at the TV screen. "Well, if every other team goes 0-16, but I think somebody would eventually have to win.", said Steve.

"I thought she was an adult.", I said. "Yeah, I can see how people might make that mistake.", said Kevin. "But enough about her, let's continue watching Lions football.", said Steve.

***

It was now a Monday. Nathan and Brad came over to play video games with us. Nathan and Brad came to the door, and Brad knocked on it.

Steve opened the door. "Hey, guys! Come on in!", said Steve. Then Steve's cousin was sitting in the living room.

One look from Nathan and Brad made them instantly fell in love with her. In their mind, her hair was blowing, her beauty was heavenly, and My First, My Last, My Everything by Barry White was playing. Then Steve just waved at them while they were staring at her.

"Guys? Are you ok? Guys?!", said Steve. "What?! Oh, yeah! Carrots are good for your eyes.", said Brad. "What?! Who said something about carrots?!", said Steve.

"Hi, lady. Can I give you my number? I know I'm not 18 yet, so just wait for about 10 or 11 years, and you'll soon be with Mr. Right.", said Nathan. "No way dude! I saw her first!", said Brad. "Wrong! I'm the one that spoke to her first. Therefore, it should be me she should be with!", said Nathan.

"In your dreams!", said Brad. "Hi, my name is Brad, but you can call me sweetheart my love.", said Brad. Then Steve turned into an NFL referee himself and held up the sign signaling timeout. "Timeout.", said Steve. Then everybody just paused.

Then Steve's cousin laughed hard. It was a long laugh, so it was gonna take a while for her to finish. She was laughing her lungs out, but she had to get it out.

Once she got all of that out, she was going to say something regarding that whole situation. "Why would I want to go out with any of you two losers?!", said Steve's cousin. "Yes! Wait, what?!", said Nathan.

"First of all, I'm 17, so I'm technically still a minor. Second of all, I wouldn't go out with a couple of losers like you even if my life depended on it.", said Steve's cousin. "Wait a minute? How are we losers?", said Brad? "You just are. Plus you're both ways too young for me. I'd be out of my mind to wait 10-11 years to start dating you weirdos. Now get lost you freaks! I'm busy watching MTV.", said Steve's cousin.

"Dude, that's my cousin!", said Steve. " She's your what?!", said Brad. "Blood-related or through marriage?", said Nathan. "Through blood Nathan. Although I wish I wasn't blood-related to her.", said Steve.

"Well, maybe you'll change your mind someday. In the meantime, let me give you my number.", said Nathan. "And mines as well.", said Brad. "Get lost you lames!", said Steve's cousin. "Alright, you heard the girl! Let's get lost!", said Steve. Then Steve softly pushed Nathan and Brad into Steve's room.

"Nice meeting you!", said Nathan. "Hope to see you soon!", said Brad. Then Steve's cousin just rolled her eyes and continued to watch TV.

Steve pushed both of them into his room and wanted to set one thing straight with them. "Guys, you can't date my cousin!", said Steve. "Why not?!", said Nathan. "Yeah, why not?!", said Brad.

"First of all, she's way too old for you. No person in his/her right mind is gonna wait 10 or 11 years for somebody to become an adult just so they can date them. That would be the scenario once she turns 18.", said Steve. "Second of all, she's a bad influence. She's a bad individual to be around and is only staying with us temporarily. She's been getting on her mom's nerves a lot, so my dad decided to take some of the stress off of her sister until it's time for her to come back home.", said Steve. "Whatever reason she's here, I don't have a care in the world. I will stop at nothing to make her my wife.", said Nathan. "She finds me to be the more handsome loser!", said Brad.

"Are you guys done? I thought you guys came here to chill and hang out and stuff.", said Steve. "You're right Steve. Look, we apologize man. We'll respect you and your cousin's wishes and leave her alone.", said Nathan. "For good?", said Steve. Then Brad just sighed and said "Yes Steve. For good.".

"Good.", said Steve. Then that was settled. And the rest of the day continued.

***

The next day, it was a Tuesday. It was the start of the evening and the whole family was getting together for Family Game Night. This was something that was randomly planned. And the choice of game was decided by vote or any other tiebreaker.

Kevin Sr. knocked on Steve's cousin's door. "Come in!", said Steve's cousin. Then Kevin Sr. came into the room.

Kevin Sr. said, "The whole family is getting ready for our Family Game Night. Why don't you come to join us?". "Thanks, but no thanks.", said Steve's cousin. "Are you sure? You might have a wonderful time. We all will take a vote on what board game we'll play.", said, Kevin Sr.

"Alright, I changed my mind. I'll join you all.", said Steve's cousin. "Now that's the spirit. Family Game Night starts at 8, so you should be in the living room at 7ish. See you there.", said Kevin Sr. Then Kevin Sr. left, and closed Steve's cousin's door.

Steve's cousin came into the living room at 7ish. "There she is!", said Kevin Sr. "I'm glad you could come to join us for Family Game Night!", said Anna.

"She's joining us?", said Kevin. "She sure is Kevin.", said Kevin Sr. "She didn't have a choice.", said Steve.

"I let her decide. She chose no at first, and then she changed her mind.", said Kevin Sr. "Well, I think it's about time for us to take a vote on what game we're gonna play.", said Anna. "You got it, my lovely wife.", said, Kevin Sr.

"Alright, we've got seven people here. I and your dad/uncle chose two games for all of us to vote on. The game that gets to four votes is the game we're gonna play.", said Anna. "The two games are Monopoly and Life, so let's get this voting thing started.", said Kevin Sr. "We will all vote by raising our hands. Alright, here we go!", said Anna.

"Everybody put up their hands if they wanna play Monopoly.", said Kevin Sr. And then Steve's parents along with the eldest brother raised their hands. "Everybody put up their hands if they wanna play Life.", said Anna. Then Steve raised his hands along with the two youngest brothers.

"Well, it's 3 votes on each game. It looks like you're the tiebreaker.", Kevin Sr. said to Steve's cousin. "Which one will you choose?", Kevin Sr. said to Steve's cousin. Then everybody just stared at Steve's cousin in complete silence. They were waiting for her answer that would ultimately decide the game they were going to play.

"Wow! This is a really tough decision.", said Steve's cousin. "Well, take as much time as you need to make a decision.", said Anna. "Yeah, but don't take too long. It's almost 8:00.", said, Kevin Sr.

"I choose Monopoly.", said Steve's cousin. "Monopoly it is! Alright, where is the Monopoly game?", said, Kevin Sr. "It's in our room, I'll go get it.", said Anna. Then Anna left the room to go get the Monopoly board game.

"So, anybody here knows how to play Monopoly?", said Kevin Sr. "I don't think Cody and Matthew know how to play yet.", said Steve. "I think I and Steve know all the rules of Monopoly.", said Kevin.

"What about you? You know the rules of Monopoly?", said Kevin Sr. "I've never played Monopoly before.", said Steve's cousin. "I see.", said Kevin Sr.

"Why don't we make up our own rules?", said Kevin Sr. "That sounds like a great idea!", said Kevin. "Count me in as well. That sounds way easier than spending all night trying to figure out all the rules.", said Steve.

"Is that ok with the rest of you all?", said, Kevin Sr. Then Cody and Matthew nodded their heads in agreement. "Whatever.", said, Steve's cousin.

"Then it's settled! Your mother/auntie should be bringing the game in here very shortly.", said Kevin Sr. "Alright, I'm back! And I've got the Monopoly board game. Does everybody know how to play Monopoly?", said Anna. "Everybody doesn't know how to play Monopoly sweetie, so we've decided to make up our own rules.", said Kevin Sr. "Oh, well, I'm fine with that.", said Anna.

"Well, let's open this game up and get this thing started.", said Kevin Sr. Then Steve's parents got everything set up along with the help of Steve and Kevin. And then they got everything set up just in time before the clock hit 8:00 pm.

Once the clock hit 8:00 pm, the game officially started. "Alright, how are we gonna play?", said Steve. "How about this? Whatever we land on, we have to buy. Whoever goes into debt gets eliminated.", said Kevin. "The last person standing wins the game.", said Kevin.

"That's a great idea, Kevin.", said Anna. "Great idea son! We'll go with those rules. Let's play.", said Kevin Sr. And everybody started to play.

"I'll roll first.", said Kevin Sr. Then Kevin Sr. rolled both of the dies. He rolled a 9, so he moved 9 spaces on the board.

"I landed on Connecticut Avenue. Therefore, I have to buy it.", said Kevin Sr. Then Kevin Sr. bought his first property of the game. "Oh, I forgot, if you land on somebody else's property, you have to pay rent.", said Kevin. "Alright, so we'll go with that as well.", said Kevin Sr.

"Your turn honey.", said Kevin. And then Anna rolled the die. She rolled the dice, and it was a 9.

"I landed on Connecticut Avenue.", said Anna. "That means you got to pay me.", said Kevin Sr. And then Anna paid her husband.

And the night continued along with the game. Everybody was having a great time and that included Steve's cousin. And then the game concluded along with Family Game Night.

"Well, that was a fun game. Well, it's getting kind of late. Therefore, I think it's about time for everybody to call it a night.", said Steve's dad. "Yeah, I'm getting pretty tired.", said Anna. "And the kids have to go to school, so let's put this game up.", said Kevin Sr. "You can go back to your room.", Kevin Sr. said to Steve's cousin.

Then Steve's cousin went back to her temporary room. "You guys can go to your rooms as well.", said Anna. "Alright, goodnight everybody.", said Kevin. "Goodnight mom and dad. Catch you in the morning.", said, Steven.

"Goodnight.", Kevin Sr. said to all of his kids. Then all the kids left to go to bed just as their cousin did. "Honey, do you ever think that girl will turn her life around. She's failing high school. And if she doesn't get her act together real soon, I'm worried she may have to repeat the 12th grade or get a Certificate of Completion.", said Anna.

"Well, her father abandoned her and her mother a long time ago.", said Kevin Sr. "Really?! Wow! You never told me that part about her.", said Anna. "Yeah, she was just a baby when that happened. That's where she gets all of her characteristics from.", said Kevin Sr.

"So, her father was a troublemaker, thief, rude person, initiator of fights, mean, and everything else similar to that?", said Anna. "Oh yeah. My sister has told me a lot of terrible things about him.", said Kevin Sr. "So, it's just her and her mother with no father/male figure in the household?", said Anna. "Yep, but her bad behavior comes from her father.", said Kevin Sr.

"No wonder my sister-in-law asked for a break.", said Anna. "Still that young lady needs to turn her life around.", said Anna. "All we can do is pray for her.", said Kevin Sr. "And besides, if she fails high school, she can always get her GED.", said Kevin Sr. "Well, I guess that's true.", said Anna.

On Wednesday, the kids at Steve's place were getting ready for school and daycare. The TV was on FOX 2 News, and they reported that school was out at Robert Burns Elementary School due to the harsh snowy weather. Therefore, Steve didn't have to go to school.

"Mom, look! No school today!", said Steve. "I already know Steve. It's also I and your father's day off from work due to this snowy weather.", said Anna. "Good morning ladies and gents! What's for breakfast this morning?", said Kevin.

"Breakfast is gonna be a little later sweetie. School is out because of the snow, and I and your father are staying home because of the snow as well.", said Anna. "Yeah, I mean just look outside.", said Steve. "Mother Nature gave us more than enough of a white Christmas.", said Steve.

"Well, I guess I'll sleep in for a couple more hours.", said Steve. "Yeah, me too.", said Kevin. "And when you get up, I'll have breakfast waiting for the both of you guys.", said Anna. "Thanks, mom.", said Steve. "You're very welcome.", said Anna.

Then Steve and Kevin went back to their room to get a couple more hours of sleep before starting their day. More than a couple of hours later, their alarm went off. It was now 10 am, and they got up ready for this snowy day.

"Hey, Steve, maybe we both can play in the snow later today?", said Kevin. "I'd like that. Sounds like a plan to me big bro.", said Steve. "Sweet. I'll see you out there.", said Kevin. "You got it.", said Steve.

Then Kevin left the room to go eat breakfast. Then Steve did the same thing. And both of their days got started.

***

It was the afternoon, and the snowfall stopped for a little while. The view was more than enough for a winter wonderland, and it wasn't even officially winter yet. Steve and Kevin came outside with their coats on to do something fun in the snow.

Meanwhile, Steve's cousin was inside watching VH1. Then Kevin Sr. turned off the TV. "Hey, I was watching that!", said Steve's cousin. "I know. However, I think you should start spending time with more of your cousins. I think you might enjoy it.", said Kevin Sr.

"Ugh, do I have to? Do I at least have a choice?", said Steve's cousin. "I'm afraid not. Look, I know your childhood has been tough with no male or father figure around, but that doesn't mean you should follow in your dad's same footsteps.", said Kevin Sr. "I don't want to talk about him.", said Steve's cousin.

"I know you don't, but I'm just saying don't follow in his footsteps. Now when we send you back home to your mother, I and my wife want you to start treating her with more respect. Otherwise, you're gonna end up back here. Are we understood?", said Kevin Sr. "Yes sir.", said Steve's cousin. "Now the reason your father left was that he was just a selfish and rotten individual. And I don't think he was fit to be a father. And this is pretty sad, but there are probably more men like that out there who abandon their families for selfish reasons.", said Kevin Sr.

Then Steve's cousin started tearing up and cried silently. "But why would you just leave your flesh and blood like that? He wasn't there for any of my birthdays, Christmas, New Year's, Easter, Father's Day, or any other special occasion. I was only a baby the last time I saw him, and I'm was too young to even remember seeing him.", said Steve's cousin as she got emotional. Then Kevin Sr. got a Kleenex to wipe from a nearby table and gave it to her niece. "Thank you.", said Steve's cousin as she used it to wipe away her tears.

"I know things haven't been the best, but if you continue to keep doing what you're doing, you're gonna fail high school and likely get a Certificate of Completion.", said Kevin Sr. "Then you won't get much luck when searching for a job. Few people can get a job easily without a high school diploma or GED.", said Kevin Sr. "You won't get into any college either.", said Kevin Sr.

"And with the choices you are making, if you keep living your life as this so-called 'bad girl' you might end up in jail or six feet under. Now I know you don't want that, do you?", said Kevin Sr. Then Steve's cousin shook her head no while the tears were still coming down her face. "Then what you need to do is start making some positive changes to your life. Whatever that may be, it will be worth it in the long run. The first set of things you need to do is stop stealing, respect your mother, get good grades, treat everybody else with respect, think about your future, etc.", said Kevin Sr. "And start becoming the opposite of your father. Can you do that not only for me but for yourself?", said Kevin Sr. "I'll try.", said Steve's cousin.

"Look, I'm sorry for how I came off at you guys when I first came here. I'll try my best not to be like my father. And start doing right instead of doing wrong all the time.", said Steve's cousin. "Apology accepted. You want a hug?", said Kevin Sr. Then Steve's cousin quickly hugged him while tears were still coming down her face.

"Thank you, I needed that.", said Steve's cousin. "No problem. Now it looks like a few of your cousins are having fun out there. Why don't you go join them?", said Kevin Sr. Then Steve's cousin went outside after she stopped crying, and joined Steve and Kevin. "Yep, you're gonna be an alright kid.", Kevin Sr. said while looking outside.