Freckle Boy

04: button ups and flowy dresses

POV: OWEN WALKER

I hate people named Peter.

I've technically only ever met one Peter and he was the guy who catered my 15th birthday party after moving in with Mr. and Ms. London. He was a bitch.

But I guess turns out that the Peter reputation lives on even today, as I watch the jackass turn to Leah again. Ms. Johnson flips through the pages of the curriculum as I try and make out the words escaping from Peters lips. Whatever he is saying is having an awful effect on Leah, and I see her eyes glassing over, slick with tears that haven't fallen yet.

What the fuck is going on in this place?

—————

"Ms. London! Mr. Lon—," I call up the stairs.

"Third floor!" I hear Mr. Londons loud voice resonate throughout the house.

I climb the steep steps to the second floor, turn left into the hallway and climb the steps up to the third.

I hear voices coming from their room and knock on the door before entering.

"Yes, come in," I hear Ms. London's voice.

I open the door and find them both standing in front of their mirror, Damien adjusting his tie and Linda putting on her earrings. Linda turns to me slightly, her hand still attached to her ear and her eyes still focused on the mirror.

"Hey, Dots," she says.

"Hey," I respond back.

"Son," Mr. London addresses me. "How was your first day?"

"It was fine," I say, sitting down on the edge of their neatly made bed. The green floral design compliments the rich emerald color of the walls. The room is softly lit by the elegant ceiling fan high up, and the two lamps on either side of their bed.

"Well, hurry and get ready for the gala tonight. Is your tux clean?" Linda says, and I double back in surprise.

"Wait, what? Since when was I going?"

"Since right now. I know it's last minute but we need some extra hands to set up the event. A bunch of the employees called in sick. Must be that flu going around."

"Such a shame," Damien adds from the corner, as he ties his shoes on a leather chair.

"Indeed. Wear your plain black tux," she says as I start to exit the room.

"Alright," I say, opening the door.

From the corner of my eye, I see Damien walk behind Linda and wrap his arms around her waist, pulling her in, digging his nose into the side of her neck. I step into the hallway and close the door softly. I sigh to myself.

I really want that kind of love someday.

—————

My shoe is half on my foot by the time I make it to the car door.

I hop around for a couple moments, securing the shoe onto my left heel, before opening the door of the Porsche and getting in.

"So what's this charity event for again?" I ask as Damien starts the car. I'm surprise they didn't opt for a limo to take us this time. Those two are always going out of their way, I swear.

"Well, your mothe— Linda got in touch with a non-profit organization that supports children of people in prison. She's been working with them for quite awhile and they are throwing a event for the bigger donors."

"That's the gist of it, yes," Linda confirms.

"Oh, cool," I nod, turning to look out the window.

I never once really understood the line of work that my they participate in, so usually I just smile and nod, and recognize my privilege. That seems to be enough anyways.

I zone out to their conversation and think about my first day of school. I mainly think of Leah. I try to stop thinking about her but my mind always goes back and every time it does, my heart skips.

—————

The event is nice, I guess.

Light blue and white streamers hang from the ceilings and walls, and warm lights brighten the room giving the the area a summery look. Giant windows with black frames take up most wall space, and through the glass you can see the dark gray sky. Closer to the windows are trees in all shapes and sizes, that sway in the breeze of the current storm.

People have started to filter in and Linda and Damien have left to greet the bigger donors. I see little kids holding onto older ones, grabbing their hands and leading them to the food table. Surprisingly, I see lots of kids my near my age enter through the large black doors at the opposite end of the room. I watch as a group of kids in nice clothing, button ups and flowy dresses, laugh and talk in a corner of the big room. They seem to be enjoying themselves. My eyes scan the room again, glancing back at the entrance. My gaze stumbles upon a familiar face and I scramble to find what I was looking at just a moment before.

My heart leaps as I realize who it is.

Leah.

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Short chapter, I know 🙄

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