She Was Hard To Ignore

IV. Young and Alive

// Take me out tonight

Where there's music and there's people

Who are young and alive //

- There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths -

I was mirthfully engaged on my painting - a new work of mine that consisted on using the impressionism from the nineteenth century to make a draft of my atelier, my place of living -, listening to the beautiful extended version of Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd, coming from the records store standing next to my labour spot, when my attentions were drawn by an howl coming from the bottom of street. Startled up, I got up and that's when a chuckle came from inside me. I spotted big Breana and her Matt coming in my direction, she was due to next Monday, but to be sincere, I never thought she'd make to the date. A week had been since the lunch at Alma's and Alex's place. Whilst I haven't seen any of them.

I spent my week working and took Wednesday's afternoon to visit Saint Marie's Host House with Mrs. Granger. She had previously invited me to go along with her, on one of her volunteer sessions and she convinced me to go on that day, to meet the place and the director. Mrs. Granger and I talked with her and as soon as she mentioned the idea of me giving an Arts Workshop, the lady was wonder. She recognised it would be very interesting and beneficial for the children. Well, Mrs. Granger knew how kids weren't my specialty and she also mentioned it; Mrs. Longbottom totally got it and she suggested me teach only the older ones, the teens.

"I think it's a great idea, Mrs. Longbottom 'n' to be sincere, I think it's goin' to be better this way, 'cause I was a teen a few years ago 'n' painting or whatsoever were a way for me to escape from daily struggles! Teens need something to rely on 'n' to express themselves..." She beamed when she understood I'd accepted to help on the institution, although she had more to offer. "Alice, we're willing to pay you one-hundred and fifty pounds for four lessons a month! You'll need the money for your materials and for transport, the kids' materials, we will provide it ourselves!" My jaw dropped with what she said, I couldn't believe they were offering me that money, it would help me a lot, but I couldn't accept it; I was just a volunteer like Mrs. Granger and the others who are keening on help. "No! No way, Mrs. Longbottom! I make money wi' my work, there's no need for the institution to waste that amount... I'll do it as a volunteer." She shook her hands in front of me and told me "Alice, we want to help you! Mrs. Granger had previously talked to me about you 'n' I personally admire your lifestyle, you do what you like to do, many people would give everything to be like you, to work on something they'd like. You work every day for pure pleasure, you enjoy every single minute that comes along, but making Art as a full-time job isn't always as rewarding as it should. It's absolutely no thorn to give you extra money..." I smiled and thanked her for it, promising I'd start when she wanted me to. I left her my contact and she said she'd ring me as soon as everything was set.

"Hey, beauty!" Breana greeted as she approached me, she wrapped one arm around me and pecked my cheek, while the other hand was carrying some bags. Matt, on the other hand, only managed to kiss me on each cheek, since his hands were very busy holding a huge quantity of bags. "How are my favourite soon-to-be-parents friends?" They both laughed and leaned on each other; the Helders were a perfect match, they're that woman and that man that were distinctively made for each other - the real soulmates.

"What are yer up to, Hepburn?" Matt said raising an eyebrow and staring suspiciously at me. "What d'yer mean, mate?" I replied furrowing my brows and standing my weight on one leg, my hands on my hips. "Being so cute, Alice! Against what's usual..." Breana added and she also raised a brow suspiciously, a smile playing on her lips though. "Life's been good..." I sighed and sit down effortlessly, while they stood watching me, exchanging glances between them, too.

"New bird, is it?" Matt cheekily said, placing all the bags he was carrying in front of him. I raised my head and stared at them, my shoulders lifted. "D'yer really think?" They looked at each other and then back to me. "Of course not! I'm not a relationship person..." They narrowed his glare directly to my eyes. "Then what it is, girl?" Breana asked impatiently. "I got this opportunity for a project on an institution, I'm gonna work wi' some teens 'n' I'm gonna win some really helpful extra money!" They smiled and congratulated me. Breana made an advertence "But ya not too keen on kids! How ya gonna cope?" I furrowed my brows and crossed my arms "What makes yer say that, Mrs?" Matt giggled and explained "Well we figured it out after 'at Saturday's afternoon at Alex's! Every time Katie asked you to nurse Forrest, yer'd ran to somewhere 'n' when Hearst tried to play wi' yer, yer did the same!" I wrinkled my nose and scratch my nape "Was it too obvious?" I queried timidly to which they replied with a vigorous nod. "Well..." I rubbed my neck "They're goin' to be only teenagers, so...it might not be that big of a problem!"

They both nudged me and I scowled them with disdain. "One more reason to party!" Breana exclaimed excited and I couldn't help but questioned her about it. "So Alma 'n' Al came back last night from a getaway 'n' they're oh so in love as they'd never been before and they want to celebrate!"

"Quite a stupid reason ta celebrate, if yer allow me ta say!" Matt mumbled and Breana nudged him. "Don't be like that, love! Resumin', we jus' want to have some fun, it's in our nature, we party all day all night, if it's possible." I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "Goin' straight to the point, they got extra tickets for Eagles of Death Metal tonight 'n' since O'Malley's are still traveling 'n' Katie 'n' Cook are all eyes on Forrest, we all thought of inviting ya to come along..." My eyes popped out of my head! Were they actually including me on their rock style lives? I'd never thought ever in my life I'd go to a gig by free. And I mean Alma wanted me there? Last time I checked she was trying to kick me out of her house. But if it was like Bre said and they were okay again, I suppose there was nothing wrong on going. "That's fuckin' brilliant, mate! O-O' course I wanna go!" I was in fact thrilled to have a glimpse and experience what it's like to actually hang out with them. They were known and I saw them as nice persons, who accidentally stumbled in my life and turned out to be fantastic lads, but you can't ignore the fact that they're easily recognized. Besides watching that mind-blowing band for free? The last time I had gone to a gig, Oasis were still together.

"Nice, pal! Will pick yer up at eight in sharp, reyt?" Matt stick his index finger out and I mirrored him. "Fine by me!" We all giggled and then they left. I sank on my bench and contemplated life.

Guys, I'm so fucking bloody sorry for not updating earlier! I really am a hell's writer! I have lots and lots of ideas for this story, but I just can't be arsed to write it and I keep procrastinating and postponing, I'm the worst! But well... rather late, than never! Isn't it what they say? Well, in portuguese we do say it! Leave your opinions and vote and do that stuff you, as uncondiotional lovers of my incredible story, must do! I'm so sarcastic, have a good life xx

Ps.: Sorry for the littleness of the chapter!