The Shadows Of Us

Old Reunion (12/1)

Red's eyes flicked up towards the living room, straining to hear what his mom was saying on the phone. She was talking quietly, probably trying not to let him overhear.

"Great, it's probably that damn lawyer again". He muttered under his breath, sighing and focusing back on his meal. He knew the lawyer was probably calling, and he'd just have to endure another round of whispers and hushed tones.

As he chewed slowly, memories of the lawyer's son flashed through his mind unbidden. The boy that was like a nightmare to him, a relentless bully who made Red's life at school a living hell. Victim was just so... evil. And he had absolutely no idea what to do to stop him. Red's chest tightened and felt that familiar suffocating sensation rising in his throat, his eyes start to sting, the urge to cry welling up.

No, no, he couldn't let it get to him again. Not now, when he was finally feeling a bit better.

Determined not to cry this time, he shook his head so violently it made the room spin, then slapping his cheeks sharply. Twice.
And to ignore the anxiety, he pushed even more food into his mouth, swallowing with difficulty, but not even tasting it anymore. He just wanted to finish this meal, go back to his room, and bury himself in his studies for the rest of the day, maybe then he could lose himself in them.

However, Red's eyes widened as he managed to overhear his mom's sudden giggles from the living room. He paused mid-chew, his fork hovering over his plate as his eyes flickered up to the living room. What the hell? His mom never laughed when talking to their lawyer, especially not like that. It sounded so carefree and light, a stark contrast to her usual hushed, serious tone.

What could possibly be so funny? Part of him wanted to get up and ask, but he didn't want to risk interrupting her rare moment of happiness. So, Red stayed put, focusing intently on his plate. Maybe if he just kept his head down and his ears closed, he could avoid whatever drama was brewing.

He'd dealt with enough shit lately!

"Oh, honey!". His mom's voice, now clear and bubbly, startled him. She had hung up the phone and was practically running towards Red, beaming at him with her eyes shining with excitement.

"Guess who was just on the phone?". She exclaimed, her hand clutching her chest playfully.

Red struggled to swallow the large mouthful of food, his brows furrowing in confusion as he managing to shrug his shoulders. He had no clue. He hadn't heard a single word of the conversation! His mom's gaze flicked to his half-eaten meal, ensuring he had at least eaten most of it before she grabbed his wrist and gently dragged him upstairs to his room.

Red dropped his fork and followed his mom upstairs, more confusion swirling in his head. He couldn't fathom why they were rushing. He watching as she flung open the door to his room with a bare foot, staring utterly perplexing, as she started rummaging through his closet, revealing the clothes he treasured, the ones she'd bought him for last Christmas. He'd been afraid to wear them, afraid they'd get ruined.

"Who was on the phone, Mom?". Red finally managed to ask, his voice muffled as he tried to process the situation. His mom giggled again, holding up another one of Red's nice shirts and jeans.

"It was your friend Blue!". She announced, her eyes shining with pure happiness.

At the mention of Blue, Red's eyes widened as he tried to piece together what it might mean. They didn't have any projects or homework, right? So why would Blue call him? Maybe he needed something? However, Red's mom wasn't done yet,

"And guess what? Blue and his dad invited us over for dinner!". She finished, now searching for Red's cute yellow bandana.

Red's jaw dropped and let out a muffled squeaking sound, his mind racing. Blue wanted to have dinner with him and his mom? Red never thought he'd be able to go to one of his friends' houses, whether it was for school or just to hang out. But who was he to complain about this? Red was absolutely going to Blue's!! Blue was the sweetest, calmest person he knew, and his dad was simply wonderful.