The Boys

something's gotta give

Today is the same as yesterday, just about. Robert picked up the pain killers for me on the way to his work and said he'll be back at lunch today. Instead of Josh looking after me, he's at work and Luke is looking after me. I know he's safe to talk to. My first conversation in days was with him.

"I only go to college Monday, Tuesday and Friday so you're stuck with me tomorrow as well." Luke grinned triumphantly. Why only 3 days a week? I want to ask but I'm good with staying quiet for now. "I do a vocational course." Luke reads my mind. "Child Care, actually, that's why I'm good with Nathan and Ethan. I personally find that kids are easy to look after." That explains a lot.

"Do you know what you want to do in college? You'll need to sign up within the next few months to secure your place." He asked. I don't really want to think about college right now. It's too stressful. I just need to get through the first few months here before I think about college.

"Probably A-Levels." I shrugged. I don't know what ones. I think Psychology would be there for sure. I adore psychology.

"Good choice. Dude, I really want some brownies. Would you like to make some brownies with me?" Luke stands up all of a sudden, passionate about making these brownies. I smiled and nodded. "Do you know how to make brownies? Because I don't. Shit, I didn't think this through. Need a hand up?" He offered. I was yet again, sat on the floor in the living room while the TV played some daytime crap.

I stare at it nervously at first but then grow up and take it. He seems relieved and pulls me up.

"Thanks." I look away and dust myself off with one hand.

"Dad won't be home until just after 2 so we've got hours to make these. And then stuff out faces with them." Luke started to walk to the kitchen so I follow him around, taking out my phone to find a recipe.

"What kind of recipe do you want?" I asked, googling one.

"And easy one. I ain't no chef." He announces, getting out some bowls and turning the oven on.

"Nigella Lawson good enough?" I sit down at the island and let him get everything out.

"Nigella is my babe! She's the best!" Luke cheered, making me almost laugh.

"Okay, then. We need butter."

"Check."

"Chocolate?"

"Umm... not lots... I'm going to say no." Luke pouted. "I'll make a shopping list. There's a Sainsburys like 10 minutes away."

"6 eggs."

"Harry used those up this morning, the fat ass." He writes eggs down as well.

"Vanilla extract?"

"The fuck is that?" I rolled my eyes at him, watching him write it down.

"Caster sugar?"

"Check." He says, taking it out of the cupboard.

"Plain flour?"

"Check... wait, no, that's self raising." He sighs, putting the flour away again.

"Salt?"

"Of course."

"They said walnuts but they're disgusting. Should we get some chocolate chips?" I asked. Nuts aren't the nicest things in the world if I'm being honest.