The Hudson Boys

Chapter Ten

The first thing I notice when I step into the bathroom after getting out of bed this morning is that my hair is sticking in about a thousand different directions.

The second thing I notice is that it's only six in the morning. I try to go back to bed, but it's too late, I'm already wide awake.

Sighing, I pull off the covers and decide to get ready for the day. I change into a pair of maroon shorts and a tank top that has the phases of the lunar cycle on it. I then brush out the tangles in my hair and pull it into a french braid. After adding a little bit of mascara and eyeliner to my eyes, I slip on a pair of converse and head downstairs.

I manage to make it downstairs with little trouble and grab an apple from the kitchen. Once I'm done eating it, I throw it away and decide to look around. I've been here for almost a week already and I don't even know what's in most of these rooms.

Leaving the kitchen, I first stop in the living room. There are two couches pushed together in the shape of an "L" as well as a love seat. There are also some beanbag chairs in the corner.

I then walk into a room filled with all different kinds of gaming systems ranging from Xbox's and air hockey tables.

The next room I go into has shelves of books covering the walls. There must be thousands of books in here. I walk up to one of the shelfs, skimming the book covers. They vary from Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway to J.K. Rowling and John Green. I'm guessing the copy of Paper Towns is Claire's.

Leaving the library, I find myself in a room with a couple of couches and chairs that leads to a porch. I make my way out to the porch and take in the view in front of me once I get outside.

The Hudson's backyard consists of green grass with a forest on one side of the property. Lining the sides of the house are breathtakingly beautiful bushes filled with a variety of flowers and colors.

On the right side of their backyard is a large in ground swimming pool with a manmade waterfall running into it. A tire-swing is also hanging above the pool. At the back of property, there are some ATVs and other biking/riding equipment. All throughout the property there are tables and chairs scattered about.

"It's a great view, right?"

Startled, I turn around to see Jason standing behind an easel, painting a picture.

"It's amazing" I reply once I settle down.

"I like to get up early and come out here" Jason continues. "It's so peaceful." I nod in agreement as Jason continues to paint, staring up occasionally and then continuing with his work.

"You're a junior in high school, right?" I ask, deciding to start a conversation. I haven't really talked to Jason much since I've gotten here.

"Yeah, I am" he says as he works on his painting. "A little less than two months left until I'm a senior."

"Any ideas on where you want to go to college yet?" I ask, turning to look at him.

"My top choice is Columbia University" Jason admits, blushing a little. "It's an extremely difficult school to get into though, I don't even know if my grades are good enough. I really want to get into their art program."

Stepping closer to him, I point to his painting and ask "I may?" He hesitantly nods and steps back, letting me see his creation.

I can't help but stare at it in awe. He captured the scenery of the backyard perfectly, not one detail missing or out of place.

"Jason" I whisper in amazement "this is inc."

"It's not done yet and-"redible

"Jason, really" I cut him off. "It's amazing."