House of Goths

Chapter 6

In the days that followed, life around the House of Goths became pleasantly comfortable for Becky. While for the most part, the guys came and went without bothering to say hello or goodbye, at least, at breakfast, and dinner time, they would gather around long enough to touch base.

Certain rules were established too. For example, strict bathroom etiquette was put into place first. Simple really, when the door was open, it was available. When it was shut, one would have to knock first before entering. Becky was ever grateful for that rule in particular.

Secondly, no below the waist nudity was allowed for all parties involved. Boxers were permitted but briefs were not. Crispin had suggested that to be fair, Hello Kitty pyjamas, should be included in the what not to wear list.

His ridiculous request was quickly stricken down by Becky's protests. Confused at the silly suggestion, and further perplexed by the fits of laughter from all three guys, Becky could only frown. She would never understand their adverse repulsion at such a benign creature.

Thirdly, everyone was responsible for looking after their own messes such as dishes, laundry, and general all around cleanliness.

Fourthly, groceries and household supplies were to be put on a list located on the refrigerator door for Kell to purchase with the money collected from rent. Everything else of a more personal nature was to be purchased by the individual.

Lastly, a special rule was put in place, specifically for Becky which both shocked and angered her. After much protest on her part it was unanimously agreed upon by all three male members of the jury, including a very reluctant Crispin, that she was not permitted outside after dark without the accompaniment of, at least, one of her housemates!

Given that is was October and already dark by 5 PM, Becky didn't know how that could possibly work. Be that as it may, she was vehemently informed by a very serious Kelley that it was the one rule that would make or break her deal to reside at the House of Goths!

That was all, really, as far as rules went. Becky was once again grateful for that. She didn't want to be looked upon as a party pooper. After all, this was the House of Goths, first and foremost. She was just happy to be allowed to stay.

Thankfully, Becky was allocated a small corner of the turreted art studio for her to use. Kelley was good enough to bring up a spare easel from the basement for her.

"Thank you, that'll be just perfect," she said, excitedly hovering around him as he set it up next to his easel by the window.

"You sure?" he asked sarcastically.

"Yes, just perfect!" She enthusiastically patted him on the shoulder. "Thank you, Kelley."

He stiffened slightly at the sound of his name on her voice. He really wished she would stop calling him that. It never ceased to cause him to die a little inside. At the same time, he reluctantly realized that he would miss it if she did. "Right, you're welcome then." He smirked, playfully chucking her under the chin with his finger.

She found herself spending most of her free time in that room, painting and drawing away. Sometimes, Kell and the others would join her, doing their thing. Mostly they worked quietly. Other times, music blared loudly, usually when Crispin decided to join them.

She learned quickly not to react to Crispin's outbursts of frustration at himself, which happened quite often. He would be working away on some painting and all of a sudden, lose it, throwing his brush at his canvas in a huff, and stalking away.

"Such a drama queen," Dorian would say, while working diligently on his graphic comic book illustrations.

Becky was impressed with all of their individual skills, if not a tad confused by some of the subject matter.