The Painter | L.T [A.U]

Thirty-One

~Louis~

We were getting ready to leave the country. Actually, we would be leaving in a few hours. Liam had bought the tickets while we were asleep. Apparently, he's been having some sleeping issues. He claims that he just seems to have more energy during the night lately.

I was anxious to see my dad. I haven't received a call from my mum, and I wasn't sure what to think.

I felt relieved to be able to see him, and to spend time with my family. Its been a long time! I haven't even gotten to see Ernest and Doris in person!

"I will be back, alright? I need to go pay someone back some money before we leave," Liam sighed, running his fingertips through his short hair.

Noah and I nodded and watched as Liam grabbed his keys and walked out of his house, leaving us alone.

"I'm pretty nervous." I looked up and saw Noah, he then plopped down beside me.

"It's not bad, trust me," I chuckled. "I wish I could go home with gifts for everyone. I remember my mum had asked for money to buy the girls a coat for the winter. Of course my dad and I sent money, it wasn't much but it was enough to get them a coat that's easily affordable. Some of the money was for mum, too. She didn't use it, though. She bought a weeks supply of food. She was pregnant! It concerned me that she would be cold. They don't have extra money to buy themselves clothes. Mum always uses the money for bills, rent, and food. My dad came here to work, to see if there could be some opportunities after struggling to find a job where we live. He started painting and I helped him. The majority of the money we made was sent over to my mum and my sisters. My dad was fine living in a apartment with hardly any room that was in bad conditions. I moved out, not because I hated the apartment, but I was going to see if I could get some great opportunities. Sadly, I couldn't get into any college. It wasn't affordable. I just wish my family didn't have to go through any of this," I said tearing up a little.

"I think you being there could be enough," Noah said running my back.

"Louis, what's wrong?" Mel asked holding the towel that was wrapped around her hair.

"Nothing, I'm fine," I assured her. She frowned and told me I should shower before we leave. I nodded, agreeing with her.

I grabbed a white shirt, black jeans and laid it out on the bed. I didn't mind my choice of clothing at all. What angered me was that there's people complaining they have absolutely nothing to wear when in reality, their closet is full of clothes. Expensive ones, too.

I wouldn't mind having some really nice clothing but at the same time, I'd rather not. I can't afford them, obviously, and I would feel guilty.

I would feel guilty, and why is that? My family don't even get new clothes very often, so why would I buy myself some if I could? I don't want to seem the better person, material wise. It's not fair. But like I said, it really doesn't bother me.

I stepped in the shower and let the warm water hit me. It was so nice. Where I lived, I only had cold water. I used to have hot water, but the monthly payment for heat increased, and I didn't want to pay, in fear of not being able to pay later on. Besides my painting job, I worked at a gas station. It didn't pay much but the job was needed.

My father was doing well, but I wanted to do my own. I'm an adult.

I sighed and started to wash my body and hair.

~Liam~

"Finally you're going to pay me back," Ray said lighting up a cigarette. It's not what you're thinking. Its not because I bought drugs or paid him to murder someone. It was just a bet, of a race.