Take me away

5 : Shayne, you really do draw well.

5

I was finally able to squirm out of Shayne's arms. I nudged him with my elbow." Shayne, you got to get up. You'll freeze on the floor, " I said. Shayne obliged still fast asleep.

" Okay, Shells, " he grumbled as I towed him to the sofa.

I pushed him there then pulled on a blanket which was lying on the floor over him. He sighed in contentment then started snoring again. I looked around. It seemed to be a basement or something.

I had enough sleep and according to Shayne's watch, it was five a.m. I walked around and fidgeted with the boxes until I found a box with a tag called, ' Art ' Excited, I pulled out a set of watercolor paints and a piece of paper.

I found a stand, and I placed the paper properly before starting to draw.

As I drew, I thought about Shayne. It was clear he was a good runner, but why didn't he run before? What was going on? I knew it was Shayne's hormones. Probably some change in his system.

Ah, well. C'est la vie.

(*¤*)

The bright morning light seeped through the tiny window. " What exactly do you think that is? " Shayne's voice startled me. I stared at my picture and realized I had drawn a girl punching a guy who was clutching his nose.

I contemplated for a spilt second before answering, " I don't know... I have a hunch it's David if I get my hands on him, " I said thoughtfully.

Shayne laughed." That picture alone will take you to Juvenile court. Give me the brush before you make me bail you out, " he teased.

I took out my paper and placed another." The floor is yours, master, " I said bowing and stepping aside.

"Ah, thank you Mickey, " he said.

I was utterly bemused." What did you say??? " I said.

He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. " Thank you? "

"Mickey, " I spat.

He splashed the picture with light blue paint." Yeah, my friend James said you hated that name, " he said as he rubbed some chalk on top of the wet paint.

" You're spoiling the picture, " I said distracted. Then it hit me. Did he just mention James, my kindergarten friend?

" You know James? Where is he? I thought his parents had to move to Africa because of missionary work? " I inquired my curiousity aroused.

Shayne smiled impishly." My uncle bought some property in Africa about three years ago. I used to go there for two weeks at spring break. It's near James. I met up with him and I was talking about you and then he told me he knew you. We got talking then became best friends ever since, " he said painting.

I smiled. James was the best. He was the older brother I never had. I wondered if he still had a crush on Cloe. " He writes to Cloe every week, " Shayne said voicing my thoughts.

" Tell him I said hi, " I said happily as I went to sit on the sofa. Shayne nodded concentrating on the drawing.

After what seemed like hours, he turned around, giving me access to see the picture. My breath made a small whoosh as my eyes raked over the beautiful picture.

Surprisingly, it reminded me of my father. In the picture, was a family of four : a father who was holding his daughter and a mother who was laughing with the older son. The paint which was mixed with chalk was the sea, in it white salt. Birds flapped from above and shells scattered the shore in which was full of crustaceans.

I could almost taste the salty sea air, could almost hear the calls of the birds, the laughter of the couple. Shayne's hand broke me out of my reverie.

" Shells? I need to take you home. Your mom called. She said Cloe and her arrived from the hospital. "

I stared at Shayne's bewildered expression then I asked meekly, " Can I keep the painting? "

" Yeah, sure, " Shayne replied rather cockily.

(*¤*)

Shayne's mother dropped me home. She had kissed me on the cheek and said goodbye. I smiled as I nearly ran up the front porch steps. " Mom? Cloe? " I cried as I opened the door.

" Oh! Mich! " my mother cried out of nowhere and pulling me into a vice tight hug.

" Mom, I'm okay, see? " I said motioning my body. That earned me another hug. I thanked God silently for hiding my head wound.

" Where's Cloe? " I inquired softly.

Cloe was standing near the staircase,half a smile etched on her beautiful face." Hey, sis. "

I bounded for her and buried my face in her shoulder." I love you, Cloe, " I said. Cloe hugged me back fiercely saying," I love you too, Mich, "

(*¤*)

I spent the rest of the day cleaning up the room and helping Cloe take a bath, I helped her choose her girly clothes (which was hectic) and I finally plucked up enough courage to ask her about James.

School was probably due, but I didn't really care. One day would not make a difference. Besides, I thought. Shayne would be able to lend me his notebook.

" Thinking of Shayne again? " Cloe asked voicing my thoughts.

I folded another pair of jeans and placed it on the top shelf of Cloe's cupboard." Sort of, " I replied.

Cloe limped slightly and lay on the bed with a low groan.