Colorful [a hsmtmts fic]

"Thanksgiving Break"

It was the last day before thanksgiving break. I wasn't too happy about it being that I wouldn't see my friends for a while, including Ricky who I wanted to be around literally all the time now. After painting with him at his house this feeling grew in the pit of my stomach, but it was a good feeling. I felt great around him. So obviously I wanted to look great too and I put a little bit of makeup on before leaving my room.

"Ma I saved up for this are you sure?" I heard Raf say as I stood in the hallway.

"I'll try baby but I don't think I can. I found a job and they might need me to work." Mom replied as I got further down the hallway. It was our first thanksgiving without Dad.

"Seriously? That's great!" Raf spoke and he seemed genuinely excited.

"Yeah I don't want to mess it up so-" Mom continued as I walked out.

"Please don't stop talking because of me." I spoke trying to ease the tension as my brother and my mom both looked at me.

"You two need to get to school." Mom spoke as I pulled out the peanut butter from the pantry to make some toast. "Sapphire school. Now."

"Cant I have breakfast?" I asked looking back at her.

"You and Raf can pick something up on the way ok?" She asked as she smiled to me. I mean at least that's what I thought I saw. Mom smiling? It seemed like I imagined it I haven't seen her do it in so long.

"Fine." I answered. Something was off and I decided not to fight it.

"See you later Mom." Raf commented as I walked out the door without a goodbye. I heard her return the greeting before Raf closed the door.

"What's going on?" I asked as we got into the car.

"Mom got a job?"

"Really? I don't believe it. I bet she's ditching us on thanksgiving for a bar." I answered.

"Saf I told you she was getting better." He responded.

"Yeah sure. And yet she still missed our assembly." I spat.

"She's trying Sapphire. Don't give up on her so easily."

"Like how she gave up on me?" I asked as he stayed quiet. "You of all people saw first hand how she's been treating me Rafael. I'm not going to forget what a piece of shit mother she's been."

"Well she wouldn't be that way if it wasn't for your piece of shit father!" He spat as I turned to him and I was lost for words for a moment.

"Stop the car." I spoke as Rafael kept driving. "I said stop the car Raf!" I yelled. He slammed on breaks and I grabbed my bag and my board. "Our father." I spat opening the door. "He raised you too by the way. And I'm not him— it's not my fault he left!" I slammed his door and he looked at me his face clearly agitated. He didn't even say a word before driving off.

I looked at his car drive and I took a deep breath. I couldn't cry right now, especially with this eyeliner and mascara on. I looked at the helmet strapped to my bag. It was a bunch of shitty painted clouds, but they were Rickys clouds which made them charming.

I put it on and thought about that day. I never got the chance to finish his board but he did finish this stupid but adorable helmet. I was surprised by how much it calmed me down as I skated to school.

I walked down the hall with my headphones on and I got to my locker. I felt someone tap on my shoulder and I didn't see anyone. I did look the other way though and Ricky stood their with his goofy grin.

"I didn't see you with Raf this morning. Did you skate all the way here?" He asked as I took off my headphones.

"Half the way." I answered before sighing. "I had a fight with Raf."