Kids in the Dark

Chapter 27

Ryder's P.O.V

After 7 pancakes I helped clear the table before wandering upstairs to grab my phone. Theo was crashed out on his bed, head buried in his pillow. I returned to the living room to join Marc and Oliver in a heated game of Call of Duty. Lunchtime came and went with no sign of Theo, I assumed he was still asleep as he got little sleep last night. The others were just starting to discuss plans for dinner when I went to find him.

I barged into the room to find Theo, still asleep, on the bed. He had changed position in his sleep and I could see he was hugging his favorite stuffed animal, a cat he had named Freddie. I smiled and sat down on the lower bunk, reaching down for my bag. Upon doing this I realized that it wasn't there. Just as I was getting to my feet Marc fell through the door bags spilling out over the floor. I chuckled and went over to assist as Tank jumped over him to snatch up a chew to that lay to the side.

"I brought yours and Theo's stuff up." He smiled picking himself up off the floor.

"Thanks" I grinned and began to pick up the bags he dropped.

"Oliver said we could use his pool if we like. He's going to fire up the grill for dinner." Marc said chucking his bag up onto his bunk. With everything put in its place, Marc vanished back downstairs, muttering something about going to take Tank for a walk.

I retook my seat on the bed and rummaged around in my bag and pulled out one of the many books I had taken from the last house. I lay back and cracked it open, breathing in the smell of the paper. I let out a long breath and began to read chapter 1.

I was lost in the exciting world of Robert Muchamore's 'Rock War' when the sound of creaking springs caught my attention. Theo had rolled in his sleep, but that was not what caught my attention. As he had moved the sleeve of the shirt had shifted, revealing a strip of white.

I dropped the book and tiptoed my way over, biting nervously at my lip ring. I reached out and pulled back his sleeve revealing a stretch of white bandages stained with red.

"Oh, Theo," I whispered, my heart shattering at the sight. He had worked so hard to stay clean, but now he was back to square one. With a little huff, I crossed the hall to the bathroom to see if he'd left any trace behind. With a flick of the light switch, I instantly saw what had happened. The mirror that hung on the wall only had a few shards of sharp glass clinging to the frame. The sink had a few splatters of blood which I easily washed away. Theo had been careful to leave little trace.

I left the bathroom, returning to find Theo sat up watching the door closely.

"Ryder I-" He began upon my entrance, but I cut him off knowing what he was about to say.

"Theo, Why?" I asked making my way over to him, taking a seat on his bed.

"It's nothing." He replied shrugging it off. As much as I wanted to have a go at him I knew better and held my tongue. Instead, I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close.

"If you ever need to get something off your chest I'm here for you," I said as we broke apart, I smiled up at my big brother. He nodded his appreciation, clutching Freddie the cat tightly in his hands. "Marc and I were about to go for a swim. You're welcome to join us. Oliver's doing BBQ for dinner." Theo's eyes brightened slightly at the mention of barbecue food.

He began to move, swapping his jeans for a pair of bright green trunks, and a baseball style shirt. I saw him rubbing his bandage covered forearm unsure what to do about it.

"Just say you're covering a tattoo or something. They should hold up in the water." I suggested, mimicking his actions and slipping into a pair of my own shorts. I snatched my sketchbook out of my bag and tucked it in the crook of my arm. "Let's go," I said leading the way down to the pool deck, a slight breeze hitting me as I slid open the door.