Colors

Chapter 7

I check my watch. 5:58 p.m. Perfect timing. I approach the front door, making sure to take in all the details of the house. Only one car is in the driveway, so it must only be Ava home. I step up to the doormat, and knock on the front door. I stand up straight, trying to look impressive in case her parents are home. The door opens, and I see Ava's face blushing. "Good evening, Ava. Are you ready to start, or am I too early?"

She stands in the doorway, shocked. I'm startled when she grabs my hand, and the strange yet soothing world re-appears.The walls are bright, the ceiling is an even brighter and Ava looks... Amazing. She looks stunning. I've dated some really hot girls in my time, but... Something about Ava stands out. Maybe it's her face, or maybe it's the way her hair falls. Whatever it is, I'm getting distracted. I need to not get involved in anything like that and get the antidote. It has to be in her house somewhere.

She leads me into the house, and shuts the door behind me. She leads me to the couch, and sits me down. I can hear music playing that's kinda catchy, but not really my kind of music. "Can I get you anything to drink before we start? Water, juice, soda?" She seems like a nice host.

I take a moment before speaking up. "Some water with ice would be perfect right now, thank you." Just as she leaves, I get off the couch and began my search for the antidote. I didn't know what exactly to look for, but I figured it would look something like a liquid.

Just as I'm halfway through searching, I hear her come up behind me with a glass of iced water. "See anything interesting? It's just my house..." Damn, is she always this sassy? I take the glass of water without answering. Just because we aren't in school doesn't mean I can't keep my reputation.

"Thanks for the water. So I was thinking because it's biology class, we could study the effects snow and other cold weather has on the environment. We could probably go somewhere outside the city, probably northeast Washington. That would be the best place, plus it's only about 30 miles away from here. Unless you have some other plans?" She looked at me with wonder and glee in her eyes as she listened to me talk.

She shook her head a bit and looked at the ground. "Yeah, that sounds good. We can do that. Hey, I don't want to seem like I'm being rude or anything but... What happened to your father?" She looked at me when she said those last words, and something in me gave way.

I stood up from the seat and set my glass down on the table in front of me so it made a loud noise. I looked at her with a fire in my eyes and watched as she and the room melted to its rightful self. "I told you not to talk about him!!!" I walked over to the door, and opened it. I stuttered as I stood there, and looked back. She looked at me, and I could see a tear forming in her eye. I turned back around and slammed the door shut.

~~~~~~~~~June 19, 2005~~~~~~~~~

I sat there playing my usual video game: Halo 2 when I heard my parents yelling at each other. Seconds later, my dad came storming out, and opened the door. I started to cry, and I could see him turn back and look at me as he stood in the door. He turned to outside, and left. Mom came out sobbing, and mumbling under her breath; "He needs to stop. He's going to hurt himself."

I turned off my Xbox, and turned on our favorite movie on the T.V. About halfway through, a news alert came on and a man in a tuxedo behind a desk began speaking. He said "Attention. This is an alert for all people in the eastern Washington area. There is a robbery in progress, and we advise you all to lock your doors and stay inside." Just as he said that, I could hear police and ambulance sirens pass by.

Mom put her hands to her face, and began crying again.I curled up into her lap, and watched as the police surrounded the bank that we usually go to. I watched as the familiar car breaks through the back of the bank and drives north. I recognize the road as the road to our house. Moments later, a bright light pours through the window and the front door makes a sound like someone smacked into it.

The door smashes open, and Dad and two others run in. The other two are each carrying two bags (making 4 total). I see them walk to the living room and drop the bags onto the table. Mom walked in there and started screaming at the three people in there, and kept saying "This gang bullshit needs to stop!" I went to my room and grabbed my backpack. I poured clothes and other necessities into it and opened my window.

Before I could climb out my window, a hand grabbed my arm. My dad spoke in a soft tone and I could tell he was in pain. His free hand was gripping at his side, and blood was soaking his shirt. The viscous liquid was seeping through his fingers, but still he talked in a friendly voice. "Hey, Ian. Listen to me. Don't turn out like me. Be good, find a well paying job. Love your family. I'm so sorry I wasn't a good dad to you. I won't be seeing you ever again." Dad leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek and hugged me tight. I hugged back, and sat on my bed.

Mom came in after Dad left, and hurried me out the window. I could hear the helicopters circling around the house, and the police lights shone on the buildings next-door. Just after mom went through the window, I heard gunfire. I stopped and turned around. I ran back to the family room to see the table over-turned, and my dad sitting with a long rifle shooting out the window. "Dad! Don't do this! Turn yourself in!" He turned around and dove towards me. He picked me up and brought me to my room then ran back to the main room.

I ignored both his warnings and mom yelling and chased him back to the room. He looked back at me, and gave me a smile. Just as he turned around, a single bullet passed through his upper-chest and he fell to the ground. The other two gang-members ran off as I sat next to my dad, trying to wake him up. When the police breached, they pointed a gun at me so I fled. I managed to get away from them, but a few days later they found me at school and took me away for counseling.

~~~~~~~~~November 18, modern day~~~~~~~~~

I sat on the couch, trying my best not to cry. Not even 10 damn minutes, and I managed to chase him away! I should probably figure out how to apologize to him. I think I'll finish it tomorrow. He will hopefully be at school tomorrow. I walk into the kitchen, and see that the trash bin is full. I take the bag out and open the door to take it to the curb.

Just as I open the door, Ian's standing there, looking rather guilty. I look down, and try not to make eye contact. "Look, Ian. I'm sorry I mentioned your father. I shouldn't have brought it up, and I will make sure to never bring him up again." I look up just in time to see him move close enough to me to make me panic. I go to back up, but I feel his lips press against mine. My eyes almost explode as the colors flood over everything in the world. I close my eyes and take in the feeling.

He is such a good kisser! I feel myself melt into a puddle when he pulls away after what seems like years. I open my eyes to see the wonderful world soaked in rainbows. He smiles at me, then says "Huh. I thought you'd be a better kisser than that." As if my cheeks weren't already filled with blood, they felt even hotter than they already were, and I looked back at my sneakers.

"I wasn't really prepared. You caught me off guard. Maybe if you gave it another shot..." My voice trails off as I find it unlikely he'll kiss me again.

He chuckles, and takes a step back. "Not so soon, Anderson. That was my way of apologizing. I'll talk to you again tomorrow. I'll see you then." Damn my imaginative mind!

I wave at him, then say my goodbyes as well. When he passes out of view, I take a sigh and start laughing. "He likes me!!!" I practically yell it as I say that, then remember I have to take out the garbage. Shit.

I walk over to the curb, and toss the bag into the bin. Just as I do that, I take a long look around. The colors are still there! Everything is covered in its wonderful beauty. Moments later, they disappear. I let out a sigh, and turn to go back inside.

As I'm walking towards the front door, I hear my parent's car pull up behind me. I reach the stairs that lead to the front door, and turn around. My dad steps out of the car, and mom follows. My dad walks next to me, and kisses me on the cheek. "How was your studying, sweetie?" I don't answer and instead kiss his cheek.

Mom comes over and kisses me and looks me in the eyes. "See any more of those colors today, sweet pea?" I nod, and feel my cheeks warm again. I smile, and she gives me a hug. "My daughter's growing up so fast!"

I shake my head, and smile bigger and brighter. "No, mom. I'm still your little girl. You won't lose me anytime soon."

She smiles, and hugs me once more before we head inside. I turn before closing the door, hoping Ian will suddenly appear there and surprise me with another kiss. No such luck. I shut the door and let out a deep sight.