Invisible

Chapter 33 Cherry Juice

"Come in!" I yell before realizing that there is no way he heard me from across the house and even if he did, I locked the door when I last used it. I brush some hair off of my forehead and compose myself before opening the door, oh no! Cherry juice! My hands are so red and I can't touch the white door, and I touched my face!

I wrap the apron around the knob and twist the lock.

"Hey!" Hunter comes in bearing a cloth grocery sack. He starts at me like he's going to hug me and I hold up my hands. "Oh... You got a little something... Here."

I stand there in horror as Hunter reaches his left hand up and brushes something off of my forehead... Or tries to.

"What, did you murder someone? I'm going to tell you right now, that is not on my diet plan."

"No! It's cherry juice!" I am pulled out of the shock in time to respond. I let out a small giggle before I can stop myself.

"Oh, that explains it." Then he pretends like he's going to lick his fingers off.

"Don't, ew!" Without thinking I bat his hand away and smear the dark red color on his arm and long sleeve, grey tee.

"Well that was smooth." He looks down at himself.

"Hunter I'm so sorry!" I rush to the kitchen to find a wet rag while I wash my hands. When I turn I can see it's already too late. He followed me into the kitchen, I try to ignore the 3 unbuttoned slots that fold into a nicely toned chest as I dampen the spots my fingers touched.

"Will they come out?" He snaps me back to attention and I look up into his face.

"I've got to tell you, it doesn't look good... Maybe if you washed it right now, and the spots need to stay wet."

"Gotta washing machine around here?" He asks as he lifts the edge of his shirt.

"Yeah."

"Do you mind?" He swiftly brings his arms up and pulls the fabric over his head. I'm left trying not to look at his undressed upper body. I've never been comfortable with my body and I feel the same way about everyone else's bodies as well.

"No." I squeak out and take the shirt, walking into the laundry room while my face burns red. I stand at the washer for a minute after I treat the shirt and start the cycle. 'What is your problem?' My mind echoes itself over and over again.

I feel like crying and I'm not sure why. I can't catch my breathe and my heart is beating hard. Looking around I see a dark blue tee of Sam's hanging to dry, it's one of those shiny material ones that has to air dry. I whip it up and find it dry.

"Here." I toss the shirt to Hunter as I reenter, only knowing he's caught it from the sound of his hand closing around fabric. "Sorry if it's a little big."

"No, thanks."

I open the oven to check the temperature of the chicken and am glad the heat seems to make the red seem normal that still lights up my face.

"What are we having?" His voice is close and when I look behind me I see he's standing right over my shoulder, peeking in behind me. Our faces are close enough that I can feel his breath on my cheek and I hastily shut the door and step away.

"Uh... Ch-chicken... Cornbread and green beans."

"Wow, sounds good, cake for dessert then?" He strides over to the counter and plucks a cherry from among the line marching around on top of my cake.

"Hey!" I can't stop myself, I rush over in a panic and try to repair the damage. His hand grabs my wrist. "Let it go, a little crazy isn't going to kill you."