Colors of Solitude

Chapter 9

Clay's POV

I stayed up pretty late after the ladies in the Ashton family blew off some steam. I wanted to strike back at Lexi when she got mad at me, but karma got her back before I could. Of course I felt sorry for her, I wouldn't be a true man if I didn't. When I went deeper into my thoughts, I thought it would be entertaining if I could tally how many days I have spent onto the wall. Then, decided against it for fear of my life.

When Lexi was at school, I explored her house, what seemed to be her parents' room was far enough for them not to hear us. It's not that the house was huge, it was a townhouse but to me it was grand. It probably looks like just any old house from the perspective of someone earning the minimum wage, although, to me it looks like a palace because I have never had this kind of luxury. There are a pile of blankets in this closet, it is better than my bed which is practically covered in rags. It's not my fault though! There is only so much a kid can do to support himself when he runs away from home. However, I wouldn't call it running away, I'm just taking a temporary leave from my crazy dad. I can just go back home, too since we live in the same city, the only reason I stayed was because it was too much of a pain to change schools.

Taking a deep breath, I cleared my mind of all these off track thoughts and spoke, "You awake?" there was no response. Maybe she didn't hear me, "Earth to Lexi," I tried a little harder. The silence remained, "Heeeeeyyy."

"You're too loud," her voice was muffled by her blanket but I could still hear her.

"So you were awake."

"What do you want?"

"Sorry," I can't believe I actually said it.

"About what?"

"You know..... About getting you into trouble, and making a mess of the kitchen. I'm only saying this because it would be bad to have a rivalry with the person that's giving me shelter." I hope that was a chuckle I heard.

"For your reward I will let you sleep and smuggle some food up for you."

Yes, Clay Valentine back in the game.

I drifted off sometime last night, and when I woke up Lexi had already left for school. But, as promised she had brought me food and left it on her bed. The plate before me contained a slice of bread with nutella on it, at least she brought me food. Hoping she didn't poison it, I bit into it and let the beautiful taste of nutella flow through my mouth.

Speaking of nutella, the last time I ate nutella was with my friends. I haven't seen them for a while. They were competing over who would get to lick the jar, and when I think back, Lexi was there. My group of friends hung out near the entrance of the drama room, while her group claimed the little dressing room at the back as their territory.

I wonder what I should do, maybe I should explore the house? I cracked the door open just enough for me to scan the hallway her room was in. Her room was at the end of the long second floor hallway, so I only had to look in front of me and the occasional doors that littered the walls. Right when I was sure I was alone, a door to the left that I recognized as the master bedroom opened. In a hurry, I wasted no time closing the door, but that cost me a few squeaks.

"Lexi? Aren't you supposed to be at school?"
"Crap, crap, crap," I thought, diving underneath Lexi's bed, I tried to calm my breathing so her mom couldn't hear me. I listened for the thumping of footsteps, and sure enough when I thought she had reached the door, it swung open. I silently prayed for her not to look underneath the bed just like in a spy movie, and when her feet were almost in front of me, she stopped in her tracks. I swore all kinds of things in my head, she leaned down and to my relief started picking up things on the bed.

"This girl.... Is this how she's been living without me?"

Right, the plate, I had forgotten it was there. Thanking the nutella gods, I heaved out a sigh and stood up to the sound of Mrs. Ashton leaving for her work.

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This chapter is probably short but last chapter was pretty long so I hope you guys will forgive me!

Thank you all again for reading and I hope you have a great holiday! (if you are having one tomorrow)

And for the pun of the day:

Hitler's last words were: I did nazi that coming.