Beyond Boundaries

Chapter Five

This chapter is dedicated to my friend Tosin. You say the most unhinged things and I love how that part of you fits a part of me.

And I know there's a blade where your heart is
And you know how to use it

~Chase Atlantic

CHRISTIAN

"Wake up Chris" I hear a voice I'm sure belongs to my sister, who I realize, is yelling and shaking my head vigorously between her palms.

"Christ Ariah, what do you want?" I ask still pretty sleepy and trying to get up before I realize someone is sitting on me "Micah, would you get off me?"

"No" He replies defiantly, applying even more of his weight on me. Something I didn't even know was possible. "Not till you hear what we have to say" He looks over at his elder sister who nods in support.

"Ok, but would you at least get your hands off my face?" I also turn to her but she debates it for a while "You're making me talk funny Ariah" She lets go at that, giggling sheepishly.

She sobers up immediately though "We missed breakfast" Micah nods.

I pause in disbelief "I don't get it. You missed breakfast and so what?" I ask, unable to keep incredulity off my tone.

"So, we want you to make it for us" She answers, rolling her eyes like she's stating the obvious.

"Hell no, go meet mum or someone else for that" I cover my face with a pillow.

She drags it away from my face "We would've but we want you to make it for us" She emphasizes, poking a finger in my chest "Plus, we already told Jeremiah not to bother his sister since you'd do it"

The mention of Lani's brother has me sitting upright instantly causing Micah to roll off me and hit the floor with a hard thud " Oww Chris"

I am finally made aware of the fourth presence in the room who stood by the door with a look on his face like he was wondering if he should've left or joined in on the fun.

A slight twinge of guilt encases me upon remembering our first meeting and I honestly wouldn't blame the boy if he up and ran because I didn't exactly perfect the "friendly guy" first impression. But maybe, this was my chance to remedy it.

"Ok, fine" I succumb "I'll make you breakfast" Ariah smiles "Just let me freshen up real quick, I've got somewhere to be later" The realization that I was gonna be hanging out alone with Lani was beginning to hit me. Hard.

I try getting off the bed but I am pulled back immediately "Damn Ariah, when did you get so strong?" Trying not to cuss around these children was a hard job to keep up with.

"No"

"What do you mean no?"

"Yes, no" She shakes her head as if trying not to confuse herself, her little beaded braids jangling at the motion "I mean no, you have to cook for us first"

"And I have to do that first, why?" Micah was back on the bed now and deciding, from the look on his face, whether or not to join his older sister in assaulting me. A glare from me has him choosing the latter.

"Because it's almost ten and mum says any food taken after ten, isn't breakfast no more. It's brunch and I want breakfast. Not brunch" She shakes her head with each word.

I released a frustrated sigh " Ok, I get that but you don't want me all dirty and touching your food, now do you?" I make a face as I explain, trying to make her buy it.