Just a Crush: Dear Diary (Oli Sykes)

Chapter Twenty-nine: Blanket Fort

'Today, I found myself reminiscing about Gemma staying with me for two weeks after I returned from the hospital. She refused to leave my side. We watched TV, we listened to music, we chatted when I felt like chatting... she's the best person I know, and I'm just so thankful that of all the people in the world, she chose me as her best mate.'

I inhaled deeply and held my breath as I knocked on the Taylors' front door. It was 11 in the morning and a Saturday, which meant that they were all in the living room watching cartoons - a tradition for the Taylor family ever since Gem and Dom were children. The seconds ticked by excruciatingly slowly as I waited for someone to open the door. I released the breath I was holding when I heard the key turning in its lock. "Leonora? What a pleasant surprise! How are you, love?" Mrs. Taylor asked with a wide smile as she let me into her home. "Hello, Mrs. Taylor. I'm alright, and you?" I asked. "Oh, I'm great, thanks. Are you here to see Gemma?" She questioned. "Aye, is she here?" I asked softly. "She's in the living room. You're more than welcome to join our cartoon time," the older woman smiled at me warmly. "I was actually hoping to ask whether she was perhaps free to join me for a walk or something," I muttered awkwardly. "Are you sure you're alright?" Mrs. Taylor asked, worry lacing her voice. We were still in the foyer of their house because I didn't dare move toward the living room. What if Gemma told me to sod off in front of her entire family? "Aye, I'm fine," I nodded, forcing a smile, which probably ended up looking like a pained grimace. "Right, you wait here then, and I'll go fetch my daughter," she said. Based on how her voice sounded, she didn't believe my lie. I sighed and pressed my back against one of the white walls while I waited. I could hear hushed voices from down the corridor, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. I looked up when I heard footsteps approaching. "Oi, what are you standing there for? Mum said she invited you to watch cartoons with us, but you didn't want to?" Gemma walked up to me. "Well, I didn't want to impose, y'know," I said. "When have you ever imposed, you nutter? So, join us?" She smiled. I felt a burden lift off my shoulders, and I nodded shyly. I took off my coat and hung it on the rack before we walked to their living room.

"Alri-, -ommy?" Dom asked, his mouth full of cornflakes from what I could see. "Aye, you? How's Anika?" I asked. "Oh, we're great. Would you like some cereal?" He asked, sitting up straight in the armchair. "No, thanks. I ate at home," I shook my head. "Suit yourself," he shrugged and turned his attention back to the TV. Gemma pulled me to her armchair. We always sat together there whenever I visited them on Saturdays. It was a bit easier when we were children, though.

We were watching a show called Horrid Henry. I dunno why I enjoyed the idea of these traditional Saturdays so much. They were all adults, watching shows made for children, but somehow, it felt like something I'd very much enjoy doing with my own parents. I reckon it was a way for Mr. and Mrs. Taylor to keep their memories of Dom and Gemma as children alive. It was lovely, really.

My parents and I did have movie nights whenever they were home, too, sometimes. But we've never watched children's cartoons together. It was either animated shows, like Southpark, for example, or we watched horror films. Ever since I was a child, really. My mum told me once that they took me with them to the movie theatre when Scream first came out in 1996. I was an infant. I supposedly slept through most of the film. I can't imagine what the other patrons of the cinema must have thought when they saw us. If that happened today, someone would ring social services, I reckon.

Gemma's always been a fan of my mum and dad's parenting style. She thought it was bloody brilliant that I was allowed to watch horror films and adult cartoons when we were children. The only time she was allowed to do that, too, was when she slept over at our house. She was sworn to secrecy, though. The Taylors wouldn't let her come over anymore had they ever found out, I reckon. I find it quite funny how we prefer each other's home lives over our own. Gemma's always talked about how much freedom I have, but I don't feel like that's a good thing at my age. And it's really not like her parents constrain her. They're quite liberal and open. I mean, they never said anything about the many piercings or tattoos or the crazy hair colours she's sported over the years. They don't mind the music she listens to, nor the fact that she's in a metal band. They're incredibly supportive of their children. Most importantly, they know what's going on in their children's lives. Alright, to be fair, they are all for Gemma's medical school idea. Even though they would never tell Dominic that he ought to find a better job, I feel like they don't want their younger, more accomplished child to go down the same path. But I do feel like they wouldn't be cross with her if she decided to just pursue our band dream. I really like them, is what I'm trying to say. And the best part is that even though they're completely different, our parents get along splendidly. They have ever since they met, when Gemma and I became inseparable a lifetime ago.