Hidden Melodies

Chapter Six

Copyright Joelle Blue ©

Ellie/Ozzie

The speed in which these men get my stuff is incredible. I had prepared almost everything in the studio already, even the acoustic foam off the walls, so within an hour, everything is in the truck, ready to go.

I feel bad that they had to do this because someone told them they had to.

"Can I pay you guys? I'm sorry you were forced into this, at least let me make it worth your time." Pinto is the one to respond.

"Beautiful, it's our pleasure. And this is nothing, we had to help Cigs mom move a couple months ago and that woman had so much shit. She collected salt and pepper shakers and we had to wrap and pack each one individually. She also had an old as fuck entertainment center that I swear weighed a thousand pounds. This was like a good morning workout, okay?"

I nod, overwhelmed by people being kind. Maybe, these guys can be my friends, too. "Alright, well I'll treat everyone to lunch instead. I insist." I smile big.

"Ooooh, can we get sushi?" Cigs asks. Before I can respond, Spike replies.

"Dude, you get more cravings than a pregnant chick. Yesterday, you literally begged for an ice cream sundae."

Cigs just shrugs. "No, I just like variety! At least I only eat the food, what happened to the pick –" Diesel whistles, and they both shut up.

"Enough, let's get going." He's such a ray of sunshine.

Just as we're about to pull out, my parents pull in, looking like they swallowed a rotten apple. They stomp out of their little car and gape at the four men surrounding their bikes.

"Who the hell are these men, Oselda?" My dad orders. My dad's a big man, I know he works out a lot, but Diesel is totally terrifying, especially after he asks that.

"None of your fucking business." Diesel growls. Literally growls, and both of them pale.

"What's going on? Why is there a moving truck?" My mother asks, avoiding the other men's gazes.

"Well, I know you will be delighted to hear that I'm moving out! After today, you won't ever have to see me again."

They both stare at me, shocked expressions line their faces. "What do you mean you're moving out? You're in high school!" Dad tumbles out. I laugh humorlessly.

"You realize graduation was Saturday, right? And even if I was, as of last week, I'm eighteen, so I can do what I want. It's not like I haven't been taking care of myself for years anyway." I shrug even though it hurts. So much, it kills. But I have my own little family in Scarlet, and that's enough for me.

My dad looks tortured, like me leaving is heartbreaking, which is incredibly confusing. I'm confused, and I very quickly become angry at his fake emotion. What did he think I would do? I need to get out of here.

"Have a nice life," I say as I turn around and head to Scarlet's car. I decided to not take my car, not really needing it. I don't plan to go many places, and I can rideshare. I'll pay Scarlet for gas and maintenance on hers, so taking the monstrosity they pushed on me seemed pointless.

I don't look back as we all pull away, the roar of the bikes trailing us as we go across town to my new home. A home of my own.

The rest of the week is filled with furniture deliveries, setting up our new studio upstairs, and unpacking and making this place feel like me.