The Worst of Times

Chapter 19

My dad came home just as we were about to leave. He came in with a puzzled face, I'm sure my mom has already called him and explained the situation. I'm not sure how this will go, seeing as my mother, the one who usually says yes, was hesitant. 

"You can move out, Mike. I know this is the safe option," My dad just said before going into the other room. I felt frozen, I realized I was afraid of what he was going to say. I breathed out in relief and looked to Chester and Sean.

"Well that takes care of that," Sean hummed and I nodded slowly. He picked up one of my bags for me, handing Chester the lightest one I had packed. I grabbed the final bag and we headed out after I called a goodbye to my parents - saying I'd be back for the rest later. 

-

We arrived at a grunge-looking apartment building. It didn't appear to be the worst living situation, nor the best. If Sean has lived here for who knows how long, I think Chaz and I can manage until we find a house to rent. 

We walked in and went to the second level, second door on the right. It had a small living room/kitchen area and a bedroom, near the bathroom. It seemed reasonable for a one-person apartment. I figured I'd take the floor, Chaz on the couch, so we don't disrupt Sean's room.

"Home sweet home," Sean sighed, setting my things down next to where Chester and I did. We'd make another trip for his stuff later. "You and Chaz take my bed - I'll hit up the couch."

"We couldn't-"

"Don't start, Mike. You and Ches have been through enough shit, just... Keep my bed at a PG-13 level." 

"Too... Nice," Chester breathed out and Sean smiled softly, shaking his head.

"No, Chaz. It's not nice enough. That bed's not the most comfortable, but it'll do until we rent a place."

"Thank you for everything, Sean," I said, taking the attention away from Chester. As nice as Sean is, I still can't help but be jealous. 

-

"How are you doing?" I asked softly. We had just gotten back from the mall and made ourselves at home in the apartment. We changed to online schooling and wanted to get started right away. We bought two laptops and we're doing our work for today.

"Math... Is... Hard," Chester scowled and I smiled, pulling the computer away from him. He was doing an assessment to show what he knew. I began filling out the answers. "What... Doing?"

"I'll do all your math for you, if you do all my English," I smirked and he rolled his eyes but took my computer and began answering my assessment. I grinned. He was always better at English and literature, while math and science were my strong-suits.

"Done," He said in under a minute and I narrowed my eyes. I looked at his automatic score and saw he only got one wrong. I laughed and rubbed his hair.

"Nerd," I joked and he let out some dry giggles. I took a couple more minutes to finish his test - getting two wrong. He took out a notepad and began writing on it before handing it to me. 

'What do we do when we have tests?' 

"I'll tutor you and you'll tutor me," I smiled and he nodded.

-

I yawned, waking up from my nap. I was surprised to not see Chester passed out next to me. He usually slept more than I did. I went into the livingroom/kitchen and saw Chester at the table, painting on a canvas. I came up behind him to take a peek.

He was painting A concert. I could clearly make out our faces and the others playing. On top it said "Linkin Park" and Sean could be seen in the corner, smiling. I grinned at how amazing it was. I wondered how long he's been working on it. 

"I like it," I said and he jumped a little, nearly messing up. He turned around to scowl at me but then gave a soft smile.

"Love... You," He breathed out and I hugged him tightly.

"I love you too, Chazzy," I let him go and looked at the painting again. "How long have you been working on this?"

He shrugged his shoulders and turned his attention back to painting. 

-

"Hey, Sean, you've been gone since yesterday," I said after seeing him come through the door, a bruise covered his eye and I froze in spot. "What happened?"

"Nothing, Mike. Don't worry about it."

"Sean, tell me."

"I don't want to worry you or Ches."

"Then just tell me. Please," I stressed and he sighed, sitting down at the table. His eyes quickly went to the painting Chester was working on, letting out a small smile, but found his place again. 

"Sit," He gestured and I nodded, resting across from him. "I've been keeping tabs on John. I just know he's planning something and I won't rest well until Chester's safe."

"Oh, I see," I breathed and scrunched my eyebrows worriedly. "What's he up to?"

"Nothing from what I can see, he's keeping it under wraps. I know he'll do something," He ran a hand through his hair and I reached over, grabbing his arm and looking him in the eye.

"You've done so much for Chester and I, but you worry too much. Settle down, we'll figure it out. Don't stress yourself, we'll do something."

"I just want Chester to be happy again. I feel so bad for the guy, he's suffered so much. What can we do to help him?" He groaned in frustration and looked down, as if he thought he said too much. I still wasn't comfortable with how close the guy was to Chester, but he had good intentions. It'll take a while for me to adjust to his view of Chester. 

"That reminds me... I have an idea - a surprise - that could make Chester happy..."

"I'm all ears."