High listeners, I'm Ashley Flowers, and I have a story I want to tell you.

A story about a selfish teen who makes a sacrifice for family.

So gather around and listen close.

I hate my mom so much.

She's always breathing down my neck like she's some freaking life coach.

Where this, do this, say this, smile like this.

I mean, for real, give me some freaking room to breathe.

But I listened to her anyway, not to please her though, God no.

If I could light the match that sets fire to her perfect little dolly world,

I would douse it in lighter fluid.

No, I do what she asks because it's easier than turning everything into another fight.

Everyone in mom's little social group all act the same and it's just expected of me to follow their example.

In this case, I would rather endure their egotistical BS than have little misself-righteous bite my ear off over some crap about my attitude.

I mean, come on, I think if I plan to see my girlfriends this weekend three weeks ago, I've got every right to be freaking pissed when mom tells me last minute that I have to stay home and help prepare for another one of their spontaneous social gatherings.

I mean, it's not like they don't meet enough as it is.

And what makes their plans so much more important than mine?

Mom tries feeding me the same crap saying, they're more than just friends. They're family.

But it's bull.

They're not an actual family and you're a damn well loser if you consider them friends.

But if she wants to be an old hag with no life that she can join whatever stupid club she wants, but that gives her no right to drag me into it.

I'm 16 now and I'm more than capable of making my own damn decisions.

Maybe when I was like 12, it was cool to be with the grownups, but now that's just pathetic and boring as hell.

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