Read Painting rainbows :: Ch 9

‘Uh…where do I begin? I guess I can say I’m kinda an orphan too…’

I blinked and stared at him.

‘Well… uh…my parents left a long time ago. I barely remember them. I’ve no clue about who they are, all I’ve got are pictures. I uh.. Live with my godma… Simone and her family. They’re such great people, I sometimes feel they’d be better off if I wasn’t there. Even though I’m not their kid they always treat me like I was. And now…Now my godma’s in a coma and the doctors have no answer as to why. Their twins had to go live with their grandparents and uncle is so worried. He keeps going between the office and the hospital so often that he barely comes home. And whenever he does he’s always keeping enough food and checking around… Right now more than ever, I feel like a burden they don’t need at this critical moment. ‘

He looked so damn sad. I felt like I could cry. I felt like I hadn’t shared nearly as much.

I was silent. I wasn't expecting something like this. This was the guy who seemed so carefree and happy but the truth was that it was all just a mask, like so many of us wear.

As I didn't say anything he continued, 'that's why I didn't want to do the project at my place. I didn't want you to find out.'

I sighed, 'I guess we all have secrets, huh? '

'Yeah. '

‘I don’t think they see you as a burden though. You should continue to do your best. I’m pretty sure they don’t want you to feel that way and they might have already forgotten that you're not their biological son. Family doesn't always have to be blood related you know. ‘

He smiled, ‘thanks. You say some really cool things you know?’

'We should go before the library closes, ' I said, as I opened the door, so that he didn’t see the blush blooming on my face.

'Yeah let's go. ' He seemed to be in a better mood at least.

Once our work was done, we left the library just before closing time.

'So then, are we officially friends?'

That was Caleb. Was he seriously asking that?

'Huh?' Was all I said.

'Well, since we kinda know each other's secrets, we should be, don't you think? '

'Sure, why not ?'

So we exchanged numbers and he dropped me home.

I didn't see him for the next few days because of the game but we texted and called each other.

I really had not expected something like this to happen. This was really great. I was glad I got to know more about him and I was glad that I could be there for him.

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I was at the cafe when my phone suddenly pinged.

The game's about to begin. Wish me luck.

Me:

Best of luck. But I'm sure you don't need it. You're the best on the team.

That's just flattery, but thanks anyway. I gotta go now. Text you later.

Me:

Sure.

My shift had just started and today already seemed like a busy day. The customers just kept coming. I took a day off from the bar today, so I was heading straight home after this. Caleb had asked me to leave the bar job. He thought it was highly inappropriate and as a friend he was looking out for me. I really appreciated it but I really needed that money. He didn't push it though and we didn't talk about it again. If I got a chance at a normal life, maybe I would consider it but at the moment it was not an option.

A family of three entered the cafe. The parents were in their late thirties and their daughter was around five or six. I went to their table to take their order.

'Here's the menu. I'll be glad to take your order once you've decided.' I smiled the fake smile that naturally came to me. It was fake but had managed to trick everyone it had encountered.

'I'd like some ice-cream. Mommy can I have some chocolate ice-cream? Please? ' she looked at her mother with the cutest puppy-dog face I'd ever seen.

'Yes sure sweetie.' She then turned to me and gave her order, 'One chocolate ice cream please. And I'd like a cappuccino. Honey, what about you?' She looked at her husband.

'I'd like a cappuccino as well. And I'd like an eclair too. '

At that his wife looked at him with a raised brow.

'What? I'll share.' He said, with a face just like his daughter's.

She shook her head and turned to me and said' That's all, thank you. '

I nodded and left.

That was the thing about this place. I saw a part of the families that came here. I got to see how happy I could have been if I had one. My heart clenched a little at that. But the thing that really did it was when a couple came in. The love that they shared was something that I could only dream about. I wanted so much to be loved. Even if it was only by him. Others didn't matter. Only one did. He was the only one who stole my heart when it was stone. The only one who made me see the light at the end of the tunnel. The only one who kept me sane.

I brought their order and left them with their food. Then I went to serve some other tables. Once the nice little family was done, they asked me for the bill and even gave me a tip. So I showed them a fraction of my real smile. Being friends with K was really helping me. I just hoped that he didn't dive into another relationship or something and break my heart all over again. I really didn't know how I could handle that again.

When my shift got over I left quickly and got into my car and since I didn't have to work tonight, I decided to go for a drive. I loved driving, especially with the windows down. I also like riding. It felt kinda like flying. I liked the feel of the wind through my hair and on my face. It just gave me a sense of freedom. I used to race, about a year ago but then I stopped as the police started getting on our backs.

I never went to prison. What? Surprised? Well I knew how to get away, though I hadn't committed any crime worth going to jail for.

I didn't stay out late, 'cause Mr. and Mrs. Lopez were coming back. It was not that they would care how late I was. It was just that I wanted to meet Gavin. We became really good friends. He would always say nice things to me but before I met K I just ignored the guy. Afterwards though I started warming up to him and now I'd really come to adore that guy.

So as I returned, I entered the house and was met with suitcases piled up inside just in front of the door. What normal person did that? Looking at the bags they were Jessie and Josie's. Idiots.

Before I could say anything I was pounced upon and suffocated to death... Just kidding, it was just Gavin trying to tell me how much he missed me in one big hug.

'I missed you too Gav.' I said to him and he chuckled in response.

'So did you enjoy yourself ?' I asked as I always did.

'Loads. ' he said, with such bright eyes that would put the sun to shame.

I smiled at his innocence. And before his sisters came to annoy the hell out of me, we went up to my dorm room to talk about what fun things he did.

After that we had dinner. We didn't really get much, that was why we preferred eating out. That was why the dining table was almost always empty and the remaining of us still got less. Well, it would have to do for today.

I went to bed quickly but before I could fall asleep my phone pinged, signaling a message. So I reached out for it and checked who it was. The moment I saw his name on my screen, a smile spread on my face.

We won!!!!!🏆

Me:

Congrats 👏

Thanks

Me:

Are you partying?

The guys are, but I'm staying back. They're probably gonna get drunk. We still have other games you know. They're probably not gonna wanna practice tomorrow.

Me:

Yeah. Good choice. Have you tried talking to her again?

No. Don't want to.

Me:

You sure?

I can't handle her around that guy. How could I have been so blind? You know what? Let's not talk about it. I'm tired of thinking about her.

Me:

Sure. Just checking whether you're ok.

Well to change this awfully boring topic, how 'bout we get to know each other better?

Yeah. And thanks for caring. I'm glad I got to be your friend.

I smiled at that. Now that really made my day. We continued texting until we were too sleepy to text.

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