Terminally Abstract

Chapter 6

"Your voice is your yellow. Chapters within bellows. A heart overcome with grime. But don't worry ,darling. You're your own shine."

I broadened my smile as Arthur told me story after line about his dreams of the past, present, and future. How could he be so sure? But, his passion stood strong.

"Don't get me wrong. I love hacking for sure- makes me feel like some kind of TV villain- but I like to public-ally speak." He grinned. The sun started to set as we walked home together. My migraine hasn't appeared since he's gotten to me. As if he flicked it away like his own hack. How powerful could this one boy be? I wondered. I dazed off to the clouds once more. A blimp whizzed by, a sign of good luck according to Arthur. Blimps were a rarity compared to hover crafts.

"Yeah, you already told me." I corrected, making eye contact. He didn't seem disappointed at me pointing him out; it seems as if I could truly be myself around him. My house started leaning closer and closer, beginning to give me a claustrophobic feel.

"Hey, you'll be alright." Noticing Arthur. What could I expect?

"Am I that easy to read?" Even if he was the only support I have, he still had the capability to make me feel see-through. Do I hate that? No, no I don't. Don't start this again.

"I'm sure nothing bad's gonna happen. If anything does, message me on your laptop."

"You swear nothing's going to happen?"

"On my...uh dimples."

"Dimples?"

"I think they are cute." Arthur pointed towards his cheeks and beamed.

"Yeah, I guess they are." A compliment, from me? Am I lying? No, I'm not. He's cute. Yeah, he is. But I bet my compliments mean nothing to him.

"Aww gee thanks." He waved his hand obnoxiously and mimicked a model pose. But even I could tell there was a slight red rush of blood running through his face.

"Pinky promise me then." We locked pinkies and shook hands. A long lasting gesture of our friendship. I took a grip on his sweater and pulled him close so my lips were near his ear.

"I'll paint for you today." I let go. Arthur gives me a wink and does a 360 to the direction of his house.

"Message me!" He called.

"Heck no!"

______________

Cautiously, I stepped into my house and peered at my surroundings. My mother hadn't seemed to move from her spot at the dining table; as she was still tip tapping away at her screen.

"Looks like you had fun." She muttered. Her eyes ceased to raise. I can't remember the good days. When would she ever make contact with me?

"Yeah. I did."

"Well I have a surprise for you."

"..surprise?"

"Your father's home."

My father commenced into the room with out stretched arms and a booming voice. "Hello, son! How was your day at school?" I rolled my eyes.

"Great. I can't wait to graduate." I spoke through clenched teeth. He'd always come off as friendly when he came home, but as soon as he's in your skin, he's a parasite.

"Son. Have a more positive attitude, why don't you? You know I'm busy slaving away at a very important career. You understand, don't you?"

"No I don't. I still don't understand why you wouldn't stand for this stupid act."

"Do I really have to explain this to you again? Why can't you just understand things, Michael?"

"Why can't you understand that you're a complete pushover when it comes to politics?"

"No political topics at the dinner table. Your father's right, Michael. As long as we're keeping a roof over our heads, there's no wrong way to earn money. You need to understand that and stop acting like a child." My mother snapped.

"I'm not a child. I'm not an adult. I'm aware I'm a teenager, but that does not keep me from voicing my opinions."

"Opinions and thinking leads you nowhere.",my father chimed in.

"Are you kidding me? So then, I have robots for parents?"

"Apparently so. Come and eat dinner before your childish imagination flies you away.", my mother said. My father snorted until he choked and I left the scene. I'll just paint my appetite away.

I got into my room and sighed. At least homework wasn't much of an issue since I spent a few hours working at school with Arthur on it. BA-DING! A message from Arthur.

Hey, I've got something new I'm working on. A new "trick" >;)))

Not involving me?

It's a surprise. I'll show you tomorrow morning. Send me pics of ur work, mate. :0

Sure after I'm done. And after you stop using an emoji for each line.

>:(

So off I am painting with water colors and acrylics. Of blue skies and red sunsets. Green pastures and a purple mountain. You couldn't quite tell what my paintings are usually, but I like to keep it abstract. This will lead me to my doom. I sighed once more. This voice is such a nuisance. What voice? No, it's not real.

CRASH!

My father's drinking again. I type.

Lock your room door.

No he'll break in again.

Michael, run. JUST LEAVE!!! I'm coming over

-Arthur_Scherbius left the chat-

No don't! Oh, crap.

-Michael_Angelo left the chat-

"Heyyyy, Michael." My father hiccuped.

"Get out of my room!"

"Geez, I just wanted to see my favorite son in the world. Can't I?"

"No."

"You're painting again? You know what we say about that now, don't you?"

"No, I'm not painting."

"STOP LYING!"

"I'm not! Father, just leave me alone!"

"Michael! Michael, come out!" Arthur is outside my window, a story below. I didn't have to run. He did. My mind is racing and my blood is pumping hard.

"Just give me the painting."

"No!" My father snatched the canvas from my bed and grabbed it by the edges. With a loud SNAP! my art was now in two. "No! NO! NOO!"

"That's life, son. That's how politics work. I had a chance to shut down Stikes's plan, but I only shut down everyone else's. Shame for you to call me a push-over. Now you'll learn. And you'll learn how to survive in the real world."

My mother's soft sobs echoed downstairs.