The Grey

Punishment

Noah woke up to the sound of the curtains being opened and the light burning his eyes. He stretched, sitting on the bed to see his grandmother heading towards his closet.
— I already asked you not to come into my bedroom like that.
— Get up.  – she searched between one shirt and another.
— I could be masturbating, it wouldn't be cool.  – she stopped, looking at the boy with a hard expression on her face.  — What? This is normal at my age, you know?
— You're starting to cross the line. Be respectful when talking to me.  – Noah remained silent, understanding that she was really serious. He watched as she took some pants off the furniture, leaving the pair of clothes on top of the dresser.  — Come on, get up.
— I said I didn't want to be part of this.
— I don't remember being given an option. You know the festival is important to your grandfather. You loved it when you were a kid.
— When I was a kid.
— The re-election of Parish President is close.  – she looked at Noah for a few seconds, looking tired and worried.  — Some people in the village have been complaining about you.
Noah frowned.
— About me?
— "The president's grandson is so rude", "the president's grandson doesn't talk to anyone", "the president's grandson-"
— Why should I talk to anyone?
— Noah...
— It makes no sense. I barely know these people. I have nothing to do with grandfather's work.  – the woman sighed.
— Get ready and go down for breakfast, we’ll leave before 9am.
Noah saw his grandmother leave the bedroom, closing the door. He glanced at the pile of clothes on the dresser, reflectively, then reached for the phone on the nightstand, typing a message to Will.
"Do you know about the festival in Richmond today?"
It didn't take long to receive a response.
"No. What is it?"
"It's a church festival"
"-_-' " Noah chuckled.
"I need to go there because of my grandfather's work, but if you went I'm sure it would be cooler ;)"
"That's a sin" Noah laughed again
"There will be a lot of people from school there. It's actually a fun festival if you ignore the music and everyone who tries to convince you about God"
"Okay. Where will it be? I think my mom needs some distraction"
"*-*" Noah already felt more excited. He typed in the address, rereading it two or three times to make sure he got it right before sending "see you there ;)"
“Won't your grandparents be upset?"
"The festival is free for everyone"
"Talking about me getting closer to you there..."
"Probably yes, but they are cowards, they won't say anything"
"Maybe not for me, but what about you?"
"Don't worry, I know how to deal with them”
"Aren't you taking too much risk?" Noah smiled. So he was worried? He felt good about that.
"Don't worry" he typed again "I really hope you will be there"
"I'll be there xD I'll tell my mother, if she doesn't want to go I'll ask to use her car"
“Will your mom let you use her car?”
“I tell her it's to see you ;)”
"XD Okay. See you later"
";)"
Noah knew he was picking a big fight, but he felt like he needed to let his grandparents know certain things, and letting them know in a way would show them that he wasn't that afraid.
When he finally went downstairs and entered the kitchen, he soon heard his grandmother yelling.
— That's not the clothes I picked out for you.
Noah shook the hem of his shirt, sitting at the table. It was Will's shirt.
— I'm not going there in formal clothes.
— Noah, you-
— I'm not going to dress like my grandfather.  – Noah shook his head.  — I'm old enough to choose my own clothes.
— I said it was an important event for your grandfather-
— And everyone from school will be there. Do you want me to go dressed like an old man?  – she sighed, looking tired of Noah.
— Have you noticed that everything I try to talk to you about, you already have 10 stones in your hand? I'm not going to put up with this, Noah, you're getting past the point and every day that passes you get worse. Either you start respecting me and your grandfather, or we're going to have to work this out somehow.
Noah also sighed.
— Sorry.
— No. Apologizing is not enough. I want to see a change in behavior.  – Noah just nodded, looking at the mug of pure milk that she left in front of him on the table, along with a plate of sweet pancakes.  — Your grandfather went to the church, he shouldn't be long in arriving. Don't take too long to eat.
— Ok.