Birds of a feather // Gus Bell // Boy swallows' universe

6

                                                                                              Tara 

I was sitting on my stairs of the house, thinking about the Bells. I just got told Eli was in hospital and Gus is at his father's house. I looked up in the night sky, seeing all the beautiful stars.

Then I heard footsteps going towards the Bell house. It's Eli?

"What are you doing here Eli? I thought you were in the hospital." I called out.

"Oh fuck, Tara, you scared me. um I escaped so I can find where Lyle's stash is." He shouts back.

"don't swear Eli! also why are you looking for his stash?" I speak.

Eli comes over and sits next to me.

"I want to find it so I can stop the druggy men."

"Right..."

" So why did Lyle start dealing again? if you don't mind me asking."

"I trust you Tara, well basically he started dealing so he could get us all out the shithole."

"Well that shows that Lyle really loved Frankie and you two boys."

"Yeah. So, how's your father?"

My voice hitched, not knowing if I should tell him or not.

"Tara? you alright?"

"Yeah sorry, he's doing alright."

"I know your lying Tara. please tell me, if you're comfortable."

"Yeah, um well he kind of hurts me, for years actually."

"WHAT! you're joking right?"

I put my head down.

"I am so sorry you go through that Tara, if you had of told me sooner, we could've helped you." Eli says sadly.

"Yeah, well it's hard to tell someone just encase my father find out I told someone he'd give me a beating."

Eli pulls me in a hug. I sit in his arms loving that someone is there for me.

"I've got a question Tara."

"Yeah, what is it?"

"Do you like Gus?"

My cheeks go red.

"Um well, okay fine. Yes, I do. But don't tell him".

"HA, I knew it."

"Shush Eli".

"Well does he like me back?"

"I think he does but I'm sure he'll tell you soon."

About twenty minutes later I give Eli the spare key to his house and let him keep looking for Lyle's stash.

"Please be safe Eli, and please come back so i can see you again. Both of you" I say referring to Gus."

Once Eli disappeared into the house, I get up heading back inside knowing it's getting late and dad's coming home soon. I hop into bed closing my eyes, thinking about what Eli said.

"I think he does but I'm sure he'll tell you soon."

These last past days dad has been quiet, not hurting me. surprisingly. I've spent my days walking in town, grabbing food, looking at clothes and made a little friend in one of the cafe's. His name is Johnny, he's very nice and quite handsome.

"Hey Johnny!" I say heading inside.

"Hey Russey, what can I get for you?" He speaks.

"Um just a cold hot chocolate"

"Sure thing" he says giving me a wink.

I sit down at the counter patiently waiting for my drink.

"What's been happening?" Johnny says.

"Not much, nothing happens around here." I chuckle.

"Here's your drink. Have you considered my offer with this job?"

"Not really, sorry" I quietly say.

"Well, the offers always there." He said before going off to a customer. I smile and head out the door back home.

(561 words)

Sorry this short. - Author :)