Things Not Said

Chapter 17: Andrew

Andrew

Coming home from a lunch date with Rita, I walk into the house and pick up the mail in the box by the front door. I take it inside with me and throw the letters onto the table. Out of the fridge, I take a soda and put two breads in the toaster. On the table I set the ham, lettuce, tomatoes, and mustard with a plate in the middle and a knife on the side.

Although I’ve just eaten lunch, my stomach protests, asking for more food. The toasts jumping surprise me and I put a hand to my heart. Really? Even at eighteen you’re still scared of toast? Grow up man.

I shake off the feeling and make my sandwich. Taking a sip of my soda, I take the envelopes into my hand. Bill after bill, I decide my dad would never get an interesting letter in centuries. I take a bite out of my sandwich the minute I find a blue envelope with paint designs on the folds and a stamp on the opening. I almost choke on my food when I recognize the stamp as the one from Arte Di Casa.

My breath is short and I swallow my bite followed by a drink of soda to stop the coughing. The letter is trembling in my hands and I realize how nervous I am about this whole affair of getting my art accepted into the exposition in three months.

Just do it quick, like ripping off a Band-Aid. I take a deep breath and rip open the envelope, staring at the letter inside.

Dear Mr. Carter.

It’s my pleasure to inform you your art will be up in the annual exposition at Arte Di Casa. Attached is your check to pay for the wonderful piece of art you granted us with.

Yours truly,

Roe Cook

I read the letter over and over, making sure what I’m reading is true and I’m not dreaming. I find myself biting my lip and pinching my skin. This is really happening! My art was accepted! My heart leaps and I brush my fingers through my hair. Wiggling my hips and throwing my hands in the air, I finish my happy dance with a spin and a punch upward.

Grabbing my backpack, I swing it onto my shoulder and race out of the apartment. I’m going to see Allie, and I’m going to tell her everything about my art, and my dad, and me. And she would understand, I know she would. There’s no reason in me being scared anymore. I’m going to see her today. As myself.

When I’m halfway across the driveway, I hear the front door swing open behind me and I look back to see my dad standing with a tear stained face.

“Andrew,” he says, “It’s-”

I don’t stay long enough to hear him finish his thought. He has no right to hold me back from going to see my sister and telling her the truth. This man hasn’t cared for me, hasn’t looked after me for four years. Not me, not Allie, not even himself. I’m not about to start caring about him now.

I rush into the hospital and don’t bother signing in. I hear the receptionist say my name behind me, but I ignore her. All I can think of is Allie. Today is the day everything turns out okay. My heart fills with joy at the thought that she might even be feeling good enough to come to my exposition. I laugh and burst into the room.

***

MY STORY'S ALMOST OVER D: I'm sad. 

But anyways, the next two chapters will be short and will include both Kyle and Andrew's POVs. I hope you like the ending :)

You know the drill: comment, vote, follow <3

THANKS ALOT TO YOU, YOU READING THIS.

Kthxbai.

-Readingandstuffs-