Colour Me Red

chapter 3

I woke up to a loud thumping, like the sound of a shoe in a dryer. The sounds were equally spread out, happening slowly and dragging the seconds along with it. And I immediately shrank back into the blankets. The sound brought memories I desperately wanted to ignore; and, it brought years of pain I greatly wanted to forget. But I quickly snapped out of it when I realized I wasn't at my fathers house anymore. I was in the little loft above Will's library in my new home. My father kicked me out, not able to deal with me anymore. I wasn't even worth the waste of energy it took to hit me or call me names. I wasn't even worth co-existing with him.

I dropped the thought and looked around the room that was now dark. Cautiously, I crawled down the ladder, careful not to fumble with my feet, and when I made it to the floor safely I scuffed my way to the door. When I opened it I was immediately blinded by the overhead light causing me to duck my head and squint my eyes, covering them with my hands.

"Nngh." I fumbled for the switch and hit it, bringing bliss to my scorched eyes. I blinked a few times before dragging myself down the stairs. When I got to the bottom I hugged myself while looking around.

"Will?" I pouted, slowly walking into the kitchen to find Jameson licking the floor. I shot a confused look at him and clapped my hands, causing him to jump up slightly and skid across the slick tiled floor.

"Smooth, you idiot." I smirked patting his head on the way to the fridge. I took in the selection of foods but found nothing I really wanted so I settled for a cheese-stick and made a mental note to go grocery shopping. I then realized the thumping was still going on causing me to stop in my tracks. I peered around the kitchen and tried to pinpoint exactly where it was coming from when it suddenly stopped. I made my way to the living room and walked in, immediately wishing I hadn't. Zaire caught my eye immediately and smiled as Will and Alfie were going on a rant about something I'm sure was completely stupid. I walked in cautiously and sat down on the arm of the couch next to Zaire and leaned over to see what he was doing.

"What're you writing?" I mumbled, my hands hiding under my sleeves. He smiled and closed his notebook causing me to pout slightly.

"I'm just writing, no specific thing really." He looked up at me with this look of warmth and comfort, and in that moment I've never wanted to cuddle up to someone more in my life. At this thought I immediately began to blush, causing me to look out the window. I heard him chuckle and then Alfie acknowledged I was in the room, causing him to practically bounce up and down.

"Hi Colour!" He smiled, clapping his hands together.

"Hi" I squeaked, my eyes wider than normal

"How was your nap?" He smiled even brighter crawling over Will and settling himself on Zaire's lap, like an oversize dog, earning a laugh from me.

"How did you know I fell asleep?" I frowned pulling at my bottom lip. I didn't even remember dozing off, one second I was reading and the next thing I knew I was dreaming.

"Well, Zaire started getting anxious because you're were gone so long and-" before Alfie could finish Zaire was covering his mouth with his hand, glaring at him. I raised my eyebrow at Zaire and earned a blush, but decided to drop it. Zaire let out an annoyed sigh as he took his hand off Alfie's mouth and wiped it on his shirt

"Did he lick you?" Will laughed, nudging Zaire who nodded solemnly. Alfie smiled the biggest smile i'd ever seen, his eyes lighting up and his grin from ear to ear. I looked at him and realized he was the definition of happiness and I was the definition of the exact opposite.

I didn't belong with these people. I didn't belong anywhere. I am nothing and they are everything.

"So?" Zaire poked me in the side causing me to jump up and land on the floor with a loud 'thump.' My hair fell in front of my face in layers causing me to pout. I looked at their smirking faces and pouted even more. I hated being so shy and awkward, but I didn't know what to do about it.

"So what?" I whispered crossing my legs and pulling my hair up.

"Do you want to go with us?"

"Go with you where?"

"Really? You didn't hear a word I said?" Zaire smirked standing up, pushing Alfie off in the process.

"Sorry" I mumbled clasping my hands and twiddling my thumbs together like a little kid.

"You're too cute" he sighed holding his hand out. I hesitantly grabbed it and he pulled me up with ease. I looked up at him and cocked my head, waiting for him to answer. I chose to ignore his 'cute' comment because there would be no point in arguing.

"You know what, why don't we just talk?" He smiled walking out of the living room, expecting me to follow him. Alfie and Will had huge 'I know something you don't' smiles on their face. So I let out a sigh and frowned, following after him