𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱

twenty three; i -- you

Blue and I are packing dishes into the cabinets Sunday night, the quiet house surrounding us. Our parents went out to dinner, and asked us if they could go alone. Blue wanted to eat as well, but I told him to stop being a selfish brat and let them have a night to themselves. "I'm glad you agreed to let mom and dad go out without us, Blue." I said softly.

Blue immediately scoffed in response. "Agreed? You would've ripped my ear off if I hadn't of gave in."

"Dad hasn't had a break lately," I said calmly. A moment passed, and I hesitated mentioning Harry. "Mom and him not haven't had many opportunities to do things like this. We're always with them."

Blue took a glass from my hand, and I watched as he stood still, holding it in front of him for a moment. His eyes fluttered from mine to the kitchen window, where he watched for a moment in silence. "We're their kids."

"I know that," I laughed, but he didn't. He looked down at me again, his expression blank. "But don't you think they'd like to go back to when they were dating? Just to feel that little spark of adventure they used to feel when they didn't have any kids to constantly worry about? They've worried enough about us, and now that we're old enough to look out for ourselves, and each other, they should let us be and take time for themselves again. They deserve it after all that they've done for us."

Blue suddenly smiled, and nods his head slowly as he places the glass in the cabinet. "I guess you're right."

Harry has been with Charlotte for the time-being, and until the court date, he will stay with her under order. I don't know if he's happy in the situation he's in, but the last time we saw him, he was smiling, which is enough hope for me to hold on to. Though I haven't seen him at school, I've figured Charlotte has started homeschooling him. I doubt he would drop out.

After I've finished handing Blue every dish that's been washed, I decide that I want to have some time alone for myself. "Hey," I catch his attention. "I think I'll go downtown for a little while. I've got some school work to do and it's more quiet in the library."

Blue's lips curve instantly, and he wraps his arm around my shoulder roughly, pulling me towards him. "You are such a dork, you know that right?"

"Let go in the next five seconds or I'll show you how a dork breaks an arm." I warned him, and he removed his arm quickly, laughing nervously. I grin as he closes the cabinet, turning away from me. "Just be careful." He says quietly.

I assure him I will, before gathering a jacket and my car keys.

On my way to the library, it starts to lightly rain, the drops landing against the windshield lightly. The sky is painted orange, with hues of blue peeking through between the dark-gray clouds. Their beauty is beyond compare to any other visuals mother nature has displayed before my eyes. I find nothing but happiness and hope whenever I witness a storm, whether it's a gray storm, or a bright storm. Either way, I think of it as a new beginning, because otherwise, you're not thinking straight.

Our town was fairly small, and I felt safe taking backroads and shortcuts through town to shorten my ride, but sometimes I used them for the opposite, when I wanted to spend my time alone in the car. Tonight I rode around for a good while, but soon found myself longing for a cup of coffee.

I ordered a cup from the library cafe, and took it to an empty table, sipping it easily to avoid burning my mouth off.