playdead

Chapter Fifteen

Who knew the quiet kid brung the big guns.

Simon looked in awe as that Oliver kid rushed to the door and tossed it outside. It exploded, leaving the dummies behind it to run away.

"So you're saying we could've been out of here like ten minutes ago if you did that?" Breezy said. My mom wants me home by eight! It's gonna be like..." She looked at a hanging clock. 5:53.

"Oh." Breezy said blankly.

"Oh indeed, m'lady." Chase said. "I'm gonna go on outta here."

"Hey, Henry. What the hell happened to those bikes?!" Simon said angrily.

"Calm Simon. I admit, I messed up. The collection is deeper into Wet Fish and, not gonna lie? It's probably been stolen by now." Henry said.

"Ugh. It's cool. At least they're out of our hair thanks to Mister Boom." Simon replied, nodding at Oliver acceptably.

Oliver seemed very uncomfortable at that point in time. How could Simon tell? He couldn't. Simon was guessing. But due to how quiet Oliver is, he was probably right.

"Excuse me, sir." Chase said. Oliver moved out of the way of the grey door. Chase opened it and looked left and right.

"Coast is clear. I'll see you guys lay-ta. Wanna walk with me Ollie?" Chase asked.

Oliver nodded, and walked out the door with him.

"That's my cue. Later." Teddy said, walking out. Henry waved goodbye and left.

"Welp. I'll see you tomorrow...?" Breezy asked.

"Yeah. Uh...yuh-yeah, of course." Simon replied, scratching his head and looking away from Breezy's very...visual gaze.

"Mhm." Breezy said.

They stood facing each other, looking away. Simon's face flushed. Breezy reached in for a hug. She hugged Simon for a few minutes.

She smells like perfume. Simon thought. Simon hated himself after he thought that.

"Uh...nice deodorant." Breezy said.

"Let's just leave." Simon said.

Simon and Breezy walked together outside, into the alley way. They turned right, and onto the 7-11 parking lot. The sun was getting dimmer.

"I'll...see you later, Simon." Breezy said. She walked towards an intersection and went away.

Simon sighed.

"God, fucking..." Simon slapped his face in a face palm. He kicked a can off to the side and walked down the barely populated street.

•••

Simon walked to Vista Boulevard and entered his suburban neighborhood. He walked amongst a few houses and went to a brown, two story house with an open garage.

Simon entered through the garage and smelled dinner.

"Auntie! I'm home!" Simon called. He put his pack in the coat closet and went to his living room.

"Hullo dear. I've just finished makin' you something to eat, if you're hungry." Auntie said.

"Yeah, I'll eat." Simon said.

"Where were you today?" Auntie said.

Simon walked to the table and sat down. Auntie gave him a white plate with a baked potato and salad.

"With friends. None that smoke. I hope so." Simon said.

"That's good dear. I'm gonna head up to bed right now. Make sure you do your homework, okay? Your uncle Jack is already in bed." Auntie said. She walked away.

Simon poked his food. This table was his old one. It was in his old house. Where his mom died.

Simon's eyes widened.

He has to go to visit his dad tomorrow after school. In prison.

Simon sighed and got a piece of hot baked potato. He blew on it and ate it.

Silence surrounded him like the demons he had.

What was to happen? Whatever.

Simon left his food on the table and went to watch the television a bit.

Simon laid on the couch and sighed again.

It's whatever, right?