Odd Living

Nine

Chad tells me to get on his shoulders so he can hoist me up. I grab ahold of the closest branch and pull myself up. I ask him to run inside and grab something from under my bed. He comes back with the paint and two brushes.

"What are you planning on doing up there with paint?" He asks me like I'm crazy.

"See that little wooden box," I point to near the top of the tree. "I'm going to paint the inside."

"Why? It's just a tree house." He doesn't understand.

"Now its just a tree house. When I'm done, it will be more." I say as I slowly climb higher. As I looked down, Chad has a camera in his hands. I think he is recording me. Fantastic. "Are you recording me?" I yell down at him.

"Yeah. Cripple climbs tree. Is there a problem?"

"No. I was just curious. It's kind of odd that you're recording, but it's okay." Why would he record this? I don't know. It's not like I'm going to fall again.

I finally make it in the tree house I yell at Chad, telling him I made it safely. As soon as I open the can of paint, I get a text from George. Where has he been the past three days?

G:: Hey, Mackenzie. How are you feeling?
M:: Where the hell have you been? I haven't seen you since I was brought to the hospital. I miss you George.
G:: I asked you a question, missy.
M:: I'm feeling better. Now answer my question.
G:: I've been in my room with the door locked. Where did you disappear to? Ian said you went somewhere with Chad.
M:: Chad took me out. We needed to do something. I need to go. When I get back, we can do something. Okay?
G:: Sounds great babe.

Why does he keep calling me that? Anyway, I put my phone away and got to painting. The walls are about as high as me so I finish one wall in 20 minutes. I was up there for a long time because when I came down, it must have been dinner time because everyone was eating Chinese take-out.

"Do I get any?" I think out loud.

"Yeah, here is yours. It's curry chicken. I hope you don't mind the heat," Max says.

"I can take it. I'm a big girl." I say grabbing my food and a pair of chopsticks and I decide to hop my way over by Max and Chad. It takes me a minute to get over by them, but I made it, with my food intact. Score.

"How can you use those?" Ian asks. "They are impossible."

"Skill. Something you don't have." George says before I can answer.

"Practice. It takes a while, but it's easy to do." A glare at George. Everyone but Ian was using chopsticks.

I feel bad for Ian. He is always picked on and he does nothing about it. Always being pranked, hit, and called really crude names. I want them to stop being assholes to Ian, but I don't know how to. One problem at a time. I need to formally apologize to George.

I stink. I think it's time to shower. After dinner, I grab everything I need and start wrapping my leg so the cast doesn't get wet.

"Need some help there," I hear someone ask. I recognize the voice but I can't place it with a name. "Little lady?" He finished his question.

"Umm... no. I think I," I look up to see George. "I got it." I'm confused. "How can you do that?" I ask him.

"It takes a little practice. Plus, I've been doing it for years." I'm glad to know I didn't cause it when I punched him.

"Actually, I could use an extra hand. Could you help me cover my leg with the garbage bag and some tape?" I ask. He steps into the bathroom and closes the door. "Was that you walking around the hallway a few nights ago?" I ask him with no caution.

"Uhh, yeah. It was me. I just wanted to see how you were doing. But you were asleep... with Ian. I got a little upset so I stayed in my room until a few hours ago." He says while putting duct tape around my ankle. Was he jealous of Ian? At least he has feelings. "Then Chad told me that you were watching a movie together and he made you breakfast. Anyways, I'm glad we're alone now."

"There is nothing to be jealous about. I don't even think there is anything going on between us," I say.

"What's that on your finger?" He points to my left pointer, the one with the ring from the cocoa puff box.

"It's a prize from a cereal box, George. It's no big deal," I tell him, lifting his chin. I am gazing into his eyes when there is a knock at the door. We both look at the door as if they were to come inside.

"Everything okay in there? George has been in there for quite some time." It's Ian. George looks back at me, probably thinking 'are you sure there is nothing going on?'

"I really need to get in the shower, George. Do you want to watch a movie or play a game when I'm done? It's up to you," I tell him.

"I'll figure it out. Meet me in my room when you are totally done." He exits the bathroom. Ian looks in the bathroom like we were making out.

I put on some music, lock the door, undress, and shower taking extra caution with my leg.