Kids in the Dark

Chapter 29

Ryder's P.O.V

The next morning began for me at around 10:30. I clambered out of bed and trundled down the stairs to allow Tank outside. As I opened the door he pushed past my legs and out onto the dew covered lawn. I left him to his business and made my way to the kitchen, noticing a note of the metallic door of the fridge.

Gone to work. Be back around 7ish. DON'T burn the house down. - Oliver.

I chuckled slightly at the messy scrawl of words that made up of his notes placing it to one side. I pulled on the fridge's handle letting out a blast of cool air. I scanned its contents, my eyes landing on a stack of cling-wrapped covered pancakes. I took two off the top and transferred them onto a separate plate. After heating them through in the microwave I proceeded to slather them in Nutella.

Tank returned from outside, leaving a trail of shiny wet paw prints behind him, just as I was settling down to eat. Marc wandered into the room, sleepily running a hand through his hair. "Mornin'," He said with a wide yawn. I nodded back to him, my mouth full of food.

Next down was Theo, who still had Freddie hidden in the pocket of his hoodie. "Anyone got a plan of action today?" Marc asked, his voice drawing my attention.

"I was going to take Tank out for a walk in a few minutes. Oliver mentioned a good dog park nearby. I was planning on taking my Skateboard." I said watching him nibble the corner of some toast.

"Sounds good." Marc nodded.

"Anything you want to do Theo?" I asked as Theo came over a cup of juice in his hand. He shrugged, paused to think and then answered.

"I want a unicorn." He said in a small voice. Marc seemed taken aback by his radical behavior, but I understood. This was Theo's way of cheering himself up.

"A unicorn?" I asked playing along.

"Yeah. One called Jeff." I chuckled at my brother's words.

"Okay. I'll see what we can do. We'll take Tank out now and be back by 1 ish." I said getting to my feet, glad to see he was happy with the idea of staying at home alone.

Back in the room, I pulled some jeans and a plain white t-shirt, pulling an oversized hoodie over the top. I slipped my feet into some converse and snatched Tank's leash from the side of my bed. The big dog heard the slight clatter of the clip and sprang to his feet.

"You ready to go?" I asked Marc as I clipped The lead to Tank's collar.

"Yep. We just need to get our boards. I believe they are still in the car." He said, zipping up his jacket, and leading the way downstairs. I shouted a quick goodbye to Theo who was curled up on the sofa, and we left.

Once we had our boards under foot the time it took to reach the park was short. I called for Tank to slow down and we made it to the main entrance. I rolled to a stop and kicked up my board, pushing through the gate.

The second Tank was off the lead he bolted after a group of other dogs who were scrapping over a stick. I smiled at him like a proud parent seeing their child off on their first day of school.

"They grow up so fast." Marc sighed wiping away an invisible tear. I let out a snort of laughter showing him slightly.

"Hey, how about you go get us some drinks from that place over there?" I asked pointing over to a cafe on the other side of the park. "I'll grab that table over there," I said indicating a picnic table. Marc gave me a thumbs up before the two of us went in separate directions. I quickened my pace as I wandered over to the bench, wanting to get it before anyone else did.

I took a seat, the cool wood sending a shiver up my spine, digging around in my pocket for my phone. I was caught in an intense game of Temple Run when I noticed Marc trying to get my attention.

"One hot chocolate sir." He said in a mock British accent bowing before me. I sniggered and took it, the cups warmth flowing through me.

"Thanks," I said taking a sip, enjoying watching Tank frolic around with other dogs 

Thanks for reading. Sorry for all the mistakes. I will get around to editing soon. Don't forget to vote and comment. - Flo