Dusty Shelves

Runaways

As I walked through the large front door, I looked around and realised I had no way of getting home. I didn't want to leave things how they were and I looked up at the line of windows along the house they looked like giant square eyes looking down at me. I got my phone out and texted Alice to come to her window facing the front of the house. I didn't know whether or not she had her phone but it was worth a shot.

Sure enough, I got a reply from Alice but not via message. I saw her small silhouette appear at the window on the very far right. I gave her a wave and her head disappeared. My shoulders slumped and I was disappointed at her missing presence.

Suddenly, my phone started ringing to the tune of Fader and I saw Alice's number appear on the screen. I opened it and disappeared into the shadows at the side of the house. I was worried that Karen would see me out the front and come to investigate.

"Hello?" I whispered.

"What are you doing here Oliver?" Alice asked and I could hear the sadness in her voice. Her voice cracked at the end and I knew she was crying. I heard a sniffle and I grimaced.

"What's wrong Alice?"

"You need to leave Oliver. I'll talk to you tomorrow"

"No"

"What?"

"I said no. You cannot let that woman control you. She has barely been in your life and you need to make your own decisions" I said as I was surveying the house walls. I saw that it would be difficult getting up there but the tree next to the house would make it easier. Also she had a tiny little balcony of sorts but it only fit one person standing there.

"I can't" she sobbed. "She's my mum and I have to listen to her"

"No you don't" I said with force. "Look, just wait there. I'll talk to you soon. Bye" I said and hung up. I was bursting with rage.

I scaled the tree with ease and was on the roof of the house. I was worried that I would fall as it was quite damp from the evening air. I looked over the edge of the house and saw the little balcony was directly below. I rolled over so I was lying on my stomach and my feet were hanging over the ledge. I eased my way backwards until I was just holding onto the edge of the roof. I plonked down onto the balcony with a thud and my feet throbbed.

I heard a gasp from inside and saw Alice's standing there in front of me. She had changed into a plain, black singlet and flannel pants. She must have been cold.

"Oliver" she said and hugged her arms around her body.

"Alice, I really on't want to get you in trouble but I had to at the very least say goodbye before I leave"

"No!" she shouted and then looked at her bedroom door with horror. "I don't want you to leave" she said her voice at a more reasonable volume.

"Good" I said softly with a smile. I walked over to her and enveloped her into a tight hug. When we broke away, I went to sit on her bed and she walked briskly over to her door. She clicked the lock into place and came back over to me.

"She won't think anything of it. She'll just think I'm angry at her. I doubt she'll even come to check on me"

"Are you sure you don't want me to leave? I really don't you to get in trouble for me"

"Of course I want you to stay!" she said and laid her head on the pillow. I followed suit and leant back next to her. I was on my back and Alice snuggled up to me.

"What did she say down there?" I asked and I felt Alice start to shake with sobs. I stroked her hair and soothed her.

"Sorry" she sobbed and I wiped her tears away with the back of my pointer finger softly.