Kids in the Dark

Chapter 12

Ryder's P.O.V

I sat in the passenger's seat, laptop open, shouting out directions over the loud music Theo had playing. Tank had his head peering over my shoulder, occasionally licking my cheek. I lead Theo in the direction of my chosen location, the long 3-hour journey passing slowly. The music was the only thing breaking up the silence, but that too was cut as we pulled into the street of holiday homes. As we got closer Theo also cut the lights, but it wasn't long before we had reached our destination.

A large two story house rose from the street, its white exterior glowing ghostly in the dim light. I shut my laptop and clambered out the car, skirting the edge of the building for an entrance point. I located a decently sized window, which to my luck, appeared not to have been shut properly. I hooked my fingers under its ledge and forced it open. I pulled myself through its frame and tumbled onto the floor. To my greatest relief, no alarm was triggered by my presence. I wandered through the dimly lit kitchen into a hallway that led to the door. What I assume was a spare key lay on a small table just to the right of the door. I snatched it up and let Theo inside.

"Take the dog." He snapped handing Tank's lead to me. I took it as he pushed past me further into the house. I quickly followed him and watched as he opened and closed every door he passes until finally, he went through one. I quickly chased him through the door behind which he vanished, into what appeared to be a garage. 

The garage doors stood open and Theo was making his way outside. I told Tank to sit and went to join him. I placed my hands by his on the Challenger's rear bumper and we began to push. Slowly but surely the car inched forwards.

"Are you even pushing?" Theo asked voice strained with effort.

"I'm sorry, but not all of us lift weights." I snapped back. Once moving the car was easier to move, finally coming to a stop about 10 minutes after we began. My shirt clung to my back, the humidity bringing with it mosquitoes. I hurried inside, once again opening a door to be greeted by a dog. I took him by the lead and the two of us went exploring.

We bounded up the stairs and flicked on the lights revealing a large open plan area. A massive couch sat opposite a flat screen bedecked with sound systems and various game consoles. A pool table stood in front of a huge set of glass windows looking out into the everglades where I could just make out a white heron stalking its prey. I looked to my left and saw a hallway with various doors leading off.

I turned down it towing Tank behind me and opened the first door I came to. Concealed behind the door was a bathroom, with a second door most likely hiding a connecting room. I continued along the hall and opened another door to find an avalanche of color. The walls were red and black, white graffiti overlapped, filling the walls with various quotes and song lyrics. I stood in the door frame for a second until I felt my shoulder jolt out of place. Tank had made a dash for the bed pulling me with him.

I landed beside him the union jack covers cool to the touch. I then unclipped the dog's leash throwing it on the floor. I let out a long sigh, wishing to fall asleep, but I forced myself up and back down to the garage. With the car's keys grasped firmly in my hand, I stepped back into the garage and popped open the trunk. I pulled out a large dog bed, the bag of food and 2 bowls, and placed them by the door. Next, I pulled out my bag of clothes and my backpack. I shut the trunk, swung the bags over my back and returned inside, fishing the dog stuff off the floor as I passed.

I set Tank's belongings in the kitchen, the bed remaining in my grip, before making my way back to my chosen room. Soon after dumping my stuff on the floor I stripped down to my underwear, flicked off the light and fell back onto the bed, grateful of the mattress to catch me. I wriggled under the sheets, Tank crawling in beside me. I Rolled onto my stomach and buried my head in the pillow. I swing and arm around Tank, running my fingers through his fur, and soon found myself drifting off.

I had been asleep for some while, drifting through the darkness when I was thrown into a nightmare. I heard a scream and then...

But I never found out what horrors were to happen next for I was awake, Tank gently licking my ear. "Thanks, Buddy." I smiled hugging the giant fluffball knowing he had saved me from a nightmare. Tank barked softly placing a paw on my stomach like he was letting me know he was there. I grinned, closing my eyes, rolling over and pulling Tank into a hug.

I awoke the next morning well rested, Tank's tail on my face. I pushed it off, yawned and reached for my bag. It was just out of my reach but I was determined not to get out of bed. I stretched out my arm to the point at which it hurt, but still no luck. With the final try, I overbalanced falling face first onto the carpet. With a groan I got to my feet, unzipping the bag and pulling out a pair of swimming trunks as they were the only shorts I possessed. I slipped a shirt over my head, and then made my way down the stairs, Tank shadowing me.

Theo sat at the kitchen table shoveling cinnamon toast crunch into his mouth, watching the TV closely.

"Morn-" I began but stopped short by the news announcer was saying.

"The search for the Hunt boys continue after the arrest of 3 juveniles thought to be connected to the crime. The 3 currently await trial. Although none will talk, the police have been authorized to conduct a statewide search."

"Well that's sort of good news," I said grabbing an apple from the bowl on the counter.

"How in holy hell is that good news, Ryder?" Theo asked. "The others have been arrested and are most likely being shipped off to juvie as we speak.

"Yeah well, that's not good but at least the cops still believe we're still in Virginia," I stated, taking a seat opposite my brother. "Let the dog out would you?" I asked taking a bite of my apple, the juice running down my chin. Theo rolled his eyes and got to his feet, opening the door for Tank to go outside. Leaving the door open He turned around and grabbed the bag of food and filled a bowl, doing the same with water. Upon Tank's return, he set to bowls on the ground and the dog barked happily at him.

"Any plans for today?" I asked Theo as he retook his seat.

"Yep. I want another tattoo. I know a guy, one of-"

"Adam's cousins?" I guessed knowing the Kent family had a variety of strange professions to offer. Theo nodded.

"Anyway. Change out of those," He pointed out my shorts as he dumped his cereal bowl into the sink. "I'll come get you in about 20 minutes." I signaled my agreement and tromped upstairs. Tripping over the top step. I returned to the brightly colored room and scooped my backpack off the floor. I grabbed it by the straps and emptied his contents.

Out fell a pair of sunglasses, a hoodie, multiple cables for charging various items and last but not least my sketch book. It landed, page open, just as Theo walked in. I saw his eyes linger on the image of 2 arms. One had scars cutting up its otherwise smooth surface, the other had words written on it. 'Beautiful scars on critical veins." One quote from All Time Low that had particular meaning to my brother. I snapped the pages shut and Theo seemed to jolt out of some kind of trance.

"See you downstairs in ten." He muttered before leaving.

A guilty feeling washed over me as I repacked the bag. I filled it with things I believed I would need that day. Jacket, money, sunglasses among other things. Once finished I glanced back down at the now closed sketchbook. I couldn't help but think about what that drawing meant. I know seeing it would have brought back memories Theo had tried so hard to ignore, for the scars in that drawing perfectly matched their counterparts on Theo's arm.

I Hurriedly swung the bag over my shoulder and left the room Tank once again trotting behind me. Upon my arrival downstairs I saw that Theo was sat on the sofa A flannel shirt now hiding his arms.

"Theo I-" I began.

"It's fine." Theo stopped me tugging at the lead Tank had clutched in his mouth and clipping it to his collar. "Zeke knows we're coming. I sorted it all earlier." I nodded popped off the to the garage to grab my skateboard, and in no time the 3 of us were out on the road, Tank leading the way, me not having to push my board at all.