Sing!

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Scarlet Brooklyn Grace

We arrived at the playground, and in Gin's deffence, it looked like fun for the littles. I'm not so sure about Riley though, but she'll survive. It's not like she's used to a lot of activity. I kneeled down in front of Amelie and said, "Behave and try and be nice to Kalla."

Amelie gave me a withering look - she really is starting to master those facial expressions. Still needs some work though - and said, "Please, I'm five!"

I smiled at her attitude, knowing exactly where she got it from, and although I should try and stamp it out, because society doesn't like it, I couldn't help but be proud. Society doesn't care about us, why should we care about it?

"Just go play!"

Amelie winked at me, something that seemed a little too mature for a five year old, and ran off to play. I could tell she was happy.

Gin and Alba were both studying me, and I hated that feeling, so I stood up, grabbed Riley's collor and said, "Should we find a place to sit?"

I could tell that Gin was thinking about something, because he didn't say something clever, but I wasn't so sure about Alba, and that bothered me. Usually she just always reacted to what Gin said. "Okay," she nodded, and we found some seats.

"I'm going to go get some coffee, I'm a tad tired. Can I get anyone anything?" Gin asked, pointedly shooting me a look.

Alba said, "Sure, an espresso would be great!"

They both looked at me.

And I longed to say, anything that has caffeine will do, because I really needed some, but instead I dutifully said, "I'm good, thanks."

I was starting to both love, and hate, Gin's x-ray gaze because he responded, "I'll just get you a Cappucino."

I wasn't sure whether I should glare or smile. This kind of kindness... I'd forgotten how to respond.

Gin returned about five minutes later, three cups balanced precariously in his hands. I jumped up and took one off him.

"Thanks," he said.

"No problem."

We set the cups down on the table and Gin arranged the cups so that everyone had the right drink in front of them.

Silence. So awkward and so dominantly there. Wasn't it Gin's job to say something funny? Well, he obviously wasn't going to say anything any time soon, so I decided to break the stifling silence, "Um... have you guys got something nice planned for tomorrow?"

Alba looked at me curiously, and seemed to realise what it was that I as trying to do, so kindly helped me out by saying, "Dunno, maybe helping Mum. Definitely nothing nice though."

We both looked at Gin. It was his turn after all. But all Gin did was look at both of us, his eyebrows raised.

I sighed. "Okay, I could also act sullen, because my inclination to do so is a very dominant part of my personality, but I'm making an effort here. Don't make this difficult Gin," I warned.

"Okay. You want me to speak, I'll speak."

Something about the tone of his voice set of warning bells in my mind.

"What was that photo yesterday?" he asked.

I gulped.

Alba glared at him. Oh oh girly, your glare needs some work.

There are three things to do when you're in a situation like this. Run, lie, or act as if in denial - which i guess is just another form of lying. And I'm a master all of those. But acting as if in denial was easiest, so I went for that, "What photo?" Now if he hadn't noticed me gulping...