The Sinister Screen Queen

Tanya sat at the dinner table, her fork prodding at her food without much purpose.

Her father, John Pendragon, was talking to Keira, while her stepmother, Sonya, smiled and nodded along. Tanya couldn't help but tune in as Keira's voice lifted.

"So, Keira." John said with interest. "Tell us about this role you're up for?"

Keira brightened, her eyes lighting up. "It's about football! And I have to train for it—like, actual football training. And."

"I'm one of the leads!" She added proudly

Tanya suppressed a groan and rolled her eyes. Was she always this loud?

You can complain, but inside we know you're a big softie. Casey remarked.

Casey and her conversed mentally together to distract her from the dinner chatter.

What role could this be any way? Tanya wondered, her thoughts drifting as she tried to place the descriptions.

A vague sense of familiarity tickled her memory. Football... training... a lead role...

It hit her suddenly.

Of course, it's that movie.

Bend It Like Beckham.

The title alone had been irritating to her because it had absolutely nothing to do with Beckham.

Other than the stupid airport cameo where they weren't even given lines.

Cheapskates.

Tanya thought he was a pretty decent player, not that she was a United fan or anything.

He was … cool.

Just as she lost herself in thought, her father's voice pulled her back.

"Tanya." John said firmly, his gaze settling on her with a hint of concern.

"You've been missing a lot of school lately. That's not going to fly young lady."

Tanya frowned, glancing down at her plate. "I don't need school."

+37 EP

The idea of redoing her school years from scratch made her want to twist someone's intestines.

Easy there tiger.

"That's not an option." Her father insisted firmly.

"You need an education."

She rolled her eyes, shrugging. "I don't need it. School is for poor people. I'm rich."

+55 EP

John's expression didn't soften. "Your mother's family is wealthy, yes, but that doesn't mean you'll always have access to that money."

"What happens if they withhold it from you?"

Tanya blinked, internally asking Casey, Can they do that?

Highly unlikely Casey commented dryly.

But then again, you never know...

Tanya's worry crept in.

The thought of having to work hard again, of facing the same gruelling grind as her past life, made her feel…

10+ EP

Thankfully, her stepmother Sonya spoke up.

"She's still young, John." Sonya placed a comforting hand on his arm.

"I'll make sure both girls get to school on time. I can drop them off just before I head to work."

John smiled, clearly grateful. "You sure that's all right for you?"

"It's no trouble." She leaned over to give him a quick kiss.

Keira and Tanya simultaneously exclaimed. "Eww!"

+3 EP

Their parents laughed, then stood up and left the room together, exchanging affectionate smiles.

With the adults gone, Keira shot Tanya a look. "It's your turn to do the dishes."

Tanya crossed her arms, scoffing. "I wear the pants, and you wear the dress, so don't get confused."

Keira glared down at her. "I did the dishes last night. So, it's your turn."

Tanya let out an exaggerated sigh, fully prepared to walk away and let the argument die there, but then she paused.

"Please don't leave me please, I love you."

An odd memory of her previous life and the all-too-familiar taste of resentment bubbled up.

Tanya let out a reluctant sigh, deciding to get it over with.

+17 EP

Keira stares as her stuck-up sister goes to wash the dishes without any additional bullying.

Tanya headed to the sink and began washing, though her scowl stayed fixed.

Ain't you glad to have gotten the dishwashing skill now?

Do, not try your luck right now.

Puh, you're no fun. Casey whines.

 After a few moments, Keira joined her, grabbing a dish towel to dry.

"Oh wow." Tanya said sarcastically.

"The high and mighty queen herself does dishes too. What a humanitarian."

Keira gave her a playful shove with her shoulder. "Just don't go telling the whole world, alright? My reputation's on the line here."

Tanya tried to keep her tone snarky. "Yeah, yeah."

But despite herself, she felt a little happier, the task passing quicker with Keira helping.

And in the back of her mind, a familiar ding sounded, notifying her that she'd earned some "Emotion points."

They finished up the last of the dishes, and Tanya threw down the towel with a flourish, flashing a triumphant look at her sister. Keira smirked back.

Hey, would you look at that. Casey murmured in her mind.

Working together suits you two.