Man Overboard

9. This House Is Haunted

(A/N: a rape trigger warning, just to be safe)

"We should probably wash this paint off," Tom commented when I pulled away from the hug. "We'll have to shower to get this gunk out of our hair."

I raised my eyebrows at Tom, making him blush. "Not together or anything. I meant, um, separate showers," he clarified, the words rushing from his mouth. "Not that I would mind showering together-"

"Tom?" I interrupted him. I was torn between wanting to laugh at how flustered he was, and wanting to turn invisible from embarrassment.

"Yeah?"

"Just...stop talking." Tom's cheeks turned even redder and he nodded. "I should probably just go home anyways," I said.

"But," Tom turned to look at the alarm clock on his nightstand, "it's only 4:30."

"Yeah, and now I have to do laundry," I pointed out, gesturing to my paint splattered clothes. I turned to the desk and picked up Tom's painting. "Do you want to keep my painting?"

"Only if you want to give it to me," Tom answered, stepping next to me.

"It seems only fair," I commented, turning to look at Tom.

"Then I'll cherish it with all my heart," he smiled. I rolled my eyes at him and pushed his shoulder jokingly.

"Cheeseball," I muttered, unable to contain my small smile. "I'll see you later."

I walked over to pick up my bag, carefully slinging it over my shoulder so as to not damage the painting. Tom followed me towards the door.

"I'm driving you home," Tom stated simply.

"No," I refused. "Paint will get all over your seats."

"So I'll throw some towels down," he shrugged. I sighed, knowing he wouldn't change his mind. At least my dad would still be at work.

I waited for Tom by the front door while he grabbed some old towels from the linen closet in the bathroom.

"You know," Tom said as we were leaving the apartment, "blink has a gig Saturday night. You should come."

"What time does it start?" I asked hesitantly.

"Nine," he replied. "But you can come over to our place earlier if you want. Then we can all drive there together."

That was way too late; my dad would definitely notice that I was gone. But I really wanted to see them perform in front of a real audience.

"Anne will be there," Tom added in an attempt to persuade me.

I bit my lip. "Sure, I'll go," I agreed. I could deal with whatever punishment I would face; I've dealt with them all before.

I was excited for the gig. It would be neat to see my friends on stage, doing what they loved. Now all I had to do was get through Friday.

Friday wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Of course school was still terrible, but it was almost easier to deal with since I had something to look forward to the next day.

Anne had even invited me over to her house Saturday before we met up with the guys. If I had known she was planning on getting ready together, I probably would've declined her offer. As soon as I had gotten to her house after sneaking out of mine, Anne had led me to her room and sat me down on her bed.

"You can't wear that," Anne had declared immediately. "We're going to a bar. It'll be way too hot."

She had then proceeded to rummage through her closet, forcing me to change out of my jeans and into a denim mini-skirt. Thankfully she had let me keep my gray long-sleeved shirt and red Converse.