The Races : HS

chapter three | blue

"Alannah, time for breakfast!"

My mothers voice ringed throughout the hallway. I jumped up and put a pair of blue shorts with a blue and white polka-dotted shirt. I made my way down stars to see my mom watering the flowers.

"You got up awful late today Alannah, later than you normally do," She sat the white daisies in the middle of the table. Her red nails clinked against the vase. "You didn't stay up past your bedtime, did you?" I didn't reply.

I watched as she poured milk in a tall clear glass. "Can you put some vanilla in there please?" She nodded slightly, putting a few drops in my milk along with a spoon of sugar before handing it to me. Goosebumps formed on my skin once my hand came in contact with the cold glass.

"Hurry and eat Alannah, I need some help out in the garden, we need to make this place look presentable."

"Yes, ma'am," I mumbled grabbing a few pieces of bacon from the pan. I watched as she went outside into the yard.

I wonder how mad she'd be if she found out the reason I was so tired was because I stayed up three hours past my bedtime talking to a stranger in my bedroom.

...

"Alannah, come outside. I want you to meet someone!"

I sighed hesitantly, finally getting off of my bed. I decided to leave my book on my chest and head downstairs.

"Alannah, this is our neighbor Harry. He's going to be working on the pipes in the kitchen while your father is away." He was always away.

Harry smiled brightly at me, extending his hand for me to shake, as if he had never met me before. I dreaded shaking his hand because mine was so gross and sweaty. I wiped my hand on my clothed thigh quickly, extending it to meet his.

"Alannah." His smile reminded me of the night before.

"Yes, sir."

Our hand shake was cut short.

"Follow me, I'll show you to the kitchen." Mom smiled walking inside of the house. Her heels clicked against the hardwood floors. I followed them to the kitchen.

I sat on the counter top while mom explained the problem or whatever, I kind of zoned out until I heard the cabinet door slam.

"Alright, I'll be outside if you need anything Harry. Thanks again for the help!" She called from the hallway.

"Oh, it's no problem Ma'am," He replied. I watched as be rummaged in an old tool box.

I decided to sit on the counter to beside of him after my legs had became tired of standing. "So how are you today, Miss Lana?" He asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

"I'm well sir, how are you?"

"Well, even better now that I have such a pretty little lady to talk to, such an intelligent one, too, if I might add," He glanced up at me from the kitchen floor. He smiled sweetly. I couldn't help but blush. I could feel my stomach twinkle. Once he turned back to continue working I grabbed my stomach while smiling uncontrollably.

Harry hummed sweetly while continuing to work.

I glanced down and studied every single tattoo visible on his arm (which were quite a few) and searched for more on the other. They were mostly black. They were scattered from his wrists all they up to his biceps. One of my favorites was the human heart tattooed with black ink towards the inside of his forearm. I continued to study his tan skin until he caught me in the act.