Muted

Chapter 14

Art was my favourite subject. Art gave me a quiet escape from the thundering world around me. It was amazing to me, just how loud the world became once I was an observer instead of an active participant.

Mr. Gordon usually sat at his desk working or cracking jokes to unsuspecting students. Every few days he gives us a new assignment to work on,

'To keep our creative minds in a constant state of focus' or so he says. He says that we need to this so that no matter where we are, we don't get rusty. His words not mine.

Today's new assignment was to create a piece that shows how you feel when you think about the word 'Home'. We were given this assignment yesterday, and I am still sitting here gazing at a glaringly blank page.

"Ms. Belle, having some trouble getting started?" Mr. Gordon asked kindly. I jumped a little, not expecting him at my desk.

I nodded my head in response to his question.

"Well I understand that you just moved, so what home means to you might be a little overwhelming right now." Again, I nodded.

"Maybe instead you could create a piece that shows how you feel about that move? Or something that makes you feel at home here in Bliss?"

I smiled a little at that,

So many possibilities.

"Ah! I can see I turned on a light bulb! Well I look forward to seeing what you come up with!" He smiled and walked off to help another student who was calling for him.

I had the perfect idea.

The anxiety ate away at me as I stood in the entry way of the living room where Paige and Peter were sitting together. I had the perfect idea on what to do for my art project but I needed their help. My hands shook as I gently knocked on the frame to get their attention.

"Oh Sweet-Pea! What are you doing standing there? Come on over."

I made my over to the couch across from them.

"I need your help."I signed.

"Are you alright? Is something wrong? Are you hurt?" Paige rambled as she hovered her hands over me.

"Love, for all you know she could be asking for Math help" Peter laughed as he calmed his wife.

"I have an art project due at the end of the week and I have an idea on what to do for it but I need your help." I wrote, using my phone since I am not that fluent in signing yet.

"Oh course we will help! What do you need?"

"I want to do a photo collage,"I said simplifying it, "I was wondering if I could do a family portrait of you guys at the center.

"Oh I would love that! We haven't had a family picture done in ages! We will get everyone together tomorrow and take it. Would that give you enough time to finish your project?" Paige asked excitedly.

I nodded and gave her a small smile, "Thank you"I signed.

"You're welcome."She signed back, her grin widening. As I made my way out I heard her whisper to Peter, "She came to us for help Peter! Can you believe it!"

Now it was my smile that widened.

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The island counter was cold against my elbows as I watched Paige pour over old family pictures.

"We could do it at the front of the house like this one? Oh! How about in the garden? Maybe the stables?"

I leaned more into my hands as I looked at the old pictures that were splayed out in front of me. Paige had dug them all out today while we were at school, everyone else was outside waiting for instructions for the family picture. I picked up the one closest to me, it was a picture of a tired, but smiling Paige as she held baby Adrian. The next picture was of Logan and Louis as toddlers, covering each other with bright blue finger paint. The next picture to catch my eye was of who I think was Carson and Peter in a garage, sitting on top of an old truck.

"I remember that day, he dropped a wrench on my foot." A voice suddenly said from my left. I jumped and looked up to see Peter sitting down next to me.

"Still skittish a little are ya?"

I grimaced feeling guilty. "Sorry"

"Oh it's alright... that was the sign for sorry, right? I tried to learn with the boys but I only remember some."

I nodded to him and pointed to the picture I was looking at.

"Carson?"

"Yes ma'am. Ever since he was small he loved cars, anything that required taking things a part and putting them back together again."

We shared a smile before he began telling me little things about all the pictures around us.

"Logan was always the one getting them into trouble, but Louis would never give his twin up. Always insisted that it was his idea too." He chuckled fondly at the picture of them covered in paint.

The next picture was of the whole family; Paige was pregnant and everyone was smiling; They were at the beach.

"Oh this one is great. Paige was pregnant with little Sam and all the boys made time to spend the day together. We ate hotdogs and just laughed, all day." Peter's eyes softened and look of pure fondness showed on his face.

"Oh I remember that alright!" Paige added as she came to see which one we were looking at. "Those hotdogs gave me gas for two days!" I smiled as Peter laughed and Paige despite her comment looked lovingly at the picture too.

An idea formed in my head as I watched them reminisce.

I tapped the island to get their attention.

"Sweet-Pea?"

"The Beach. Its perfect."

"I love that idea! Okay I'll let the boys know and they can start packing everything up and we can all meet at the beach. What should we wear... oh how about..."

After that there was no stopping her, Paige went into hardcore planning mode.

"Um... So I take it we made a decision?" Peter asked confused in his seat.

"Dear, I love you but really play attention. The Beach is what was decided." Paige responded before diving back into planning.

The back door open, Greyson's large frame instantly filling it.

"Hey, not to rush anybody but everyone's starting to get restless just sitting out here."

Paige immediately went into action, calling out instructions like a pro as the boys instantly jumped into action, excited to finally have something to do. Once everyone else had their orders Paige turned to me,

"Okay, while they get everything else we will get their clothes. I'm thinking a white colour-scheme since it's the beach. I'll get the boys clothes and you go pick out what you want to wear, and get anything else you might need."

I nodded and raced up the stairs, not wanting anyone to have to wait for me. Picking up my phone, the charger, I spun towards my closet. Just as my fingertips touched the fabric of a white lace pair of jean shorts, my entire body froze as I processed what I was doing.

Why are you picking out an outfit?

Like you're part of the family.

"Ari! Are you ready?" Alex's voice drifted up the stairs to my room. Trying to quiet the voice in my head hastily grabbed the shorts and a random white top that Paige had bought me. Putting everything in my backpack I ran back to meet Paige by the front door.

"Got everything Sweet-pea?" I nodded and followed her out to the car, flutters of both excitement and nerves settling in my stomach.

Here goes nothing.