chapter 6

After running for a couple of minutes I began to walk the rest of the way. This was one of the ‘better’ neighborhoods and I knew I didn’t belong here. Strange enough though, I used to live in one like this, big houses and well groomed lawns. It almost looked peaceful but I knew it was a mask to cover up all the hideous truth. Trapped in my own mind I didn’t notice the car that came to a stop next to me. A woman’s voice cut through my daydream though.

“You want a ride?” she had rolled down the window and we now stared at each other unblinkingly. What did she want from me? I was about to decline but it was a long walk to my house and honestly I didn’t want to be alone in the dark outside. So I nodded and opened the door, then slid into the passenger’s seat. There was something in me that found this silent presence comforting. Enjoying the ride so far I rested my head against the window.

The world swirled by in a combination of colors and images. Sighing, I relaxed for the first time all day it seemed. As she drove on I rolled down the window and let the wind rush against my face. Closing my eyes, I felt I could fly. A small giggle of pleasure escaped me and an idea came to mind.

She pulled into my drive way and it was, as always, quiet enough to be a cemetery. Getting out of the car slowly, I watched as she stepped out of the car also and locked it. Great I was going to have company, just what I needed.

There were no words spoken as I let her into the building. Gesturing to the living room couch I walked into the kitchen to get something in my stomach.

“You want anything” I called to her and looked over the top of the fridge. She shrugged and came over to peer over the door into the fridge. ‘Too close for comfort’ I told myself and grabbed a green glass bottle that read Heineken. The girl raised a brow and reached in and plucked one out for him, I only shrugged. “You’re going to cause an accident if you drive drunk” I told her matter a factly and handed her the can opener, then walked towards the living room.

I didn’t drink much really, just when I needed to calm down and take it easy. After what just happened I needed a definite cold down.

“Zedekiah sent this to you.” She held out my dark blue hoodie. I had forgotten zee had it. Taking it and tossing it on the couch I turned back to the living room.

“Thanks” I said as an afterthought as I walked to my stereo “do you mind if I put something on?” looking over my shoulder I saw her shake her head. Now let’s see I needed something to get my mind off of what I had just done. Smirking to myself I picked one of my favorite songs, fireflies by owl city.

She laughed when she heard what I put on. Looking back at her, I lifted a brow in question.

“Sorry, it’s just that I thought of as a hard rock or heavy metal kind of person.” I chuckled and shook my head; of course she would think that. Setting my beer down on the small center table, I walked to my room. Opening my drawer, I pulled out another tank top. Right now I was wearing a big t-shirt probably Ulrich’s but then again it could be that girl’s, she wore a big t-shirt when I saw her at first. Could Ulrich and she be related?

Walking back folding the shirt, I saw she had her head back on the couch and her arms stretched out on the top it. Her whole demeanor showed she hasn’t relaxed in a while. Smiling, I toss the shirt into her lap, startling her.

“Thanks” I’m not a girl of many words as you can see. The song was still playing and I closed my eyes and allowed the images flow through my mind as they always do with this song. Sighing, I grab my beer and walk to sit at one end of the couch. The girl and I sit there and just stare at each other for a good long while.

“You care for her don’t you?” great, she had to ruin the moment with a question. Sighing, I sit up straighter and look down at my beer bottle. Did I care for her? Why?

“I do. Why, I don’t really know” looking up at her I saw understanding, it made my heart do a small hop in my chest which had me clutching my breast in shock.

“What’s wrong?”She looked ready to get up but I shook my head.

“Nothing, but it’s getting dark shouldn’t you get home?” she chuckled and held up the beer in hand.

“Don’t think I could go if I wanted. My girl would kill me for even thinking it.”I lifted a brow and she took a drink before answering.

“Belle is my girlfriend and she is very strict about safety” Oh, so she was not straight, well that would explain the boyish appearance.

“Is she over protective or something?” she laughed whole heartedly and it made me smile.

“Well yeah that too, but she’s a doctor or well will be.”I smiled and downed the last of my beer. This felt nice, to not be alone for once and to be able to talk to someone.

“Want another one?” getting up I extended a hand out for the bottle.

“Sure” she gave it to me and it felt good to share these beer moments with someone. In the kitchen I took a moment to gather my thoughts. Why was this happening to me? What was happening? I have never felt this before. I have never gotten close to anyone like this. How can this feeling are explained but as beautiful. I felt so comfortable and peaceful in her presence. Then suddenly a thought came to mind, beauty.

Walking back with a small smile on my face, I find her looking through my songs.

“Sorry, hope you don’t mind me prying.” Putting down my iPod, she accepts the bottle. I look at her, tilting my head to one side then the next, beauty. What came to mind when I heard or thought the word beauty? This girl was who caused this comfort in me and to me it was beautiful. But how could you transform a feeling into art?

I began to pace as my mind went through millions of images tossing them away almost as fast as they come. Beauty? Oh lord, why was it so hard for this one word? With any other I could do just fine but this was a tough one.

“What’s wrong?” I had forgotten she was here and I was now pacing with a stern look on my face probably.

“Nothing, but -” that’s when an idea came to me. “Can you help me with something?” I was as eager as a little girl with a new doll.

“Sure what is it?” almost bursting with joy I smiled and put down my beer.

“Wait here I’ll be right back.” Leaving her with an amused expression, I ran to my room and took my big sketch pad from the top of my dresser. Running back to find her sitting on the couch again, I take a seat on the floor.

“I need you to model for Me.” her eyes went really big at my request it made me smile.

“What do you mean model?” she smirked and leaned forward

“I just need you to sit there and relax. That’s all” her expression was thoughtful for a long while.

“Ok but what is this for?” leaning back against the couch she looked up.

“A project for class, I’m suppose to draw the first thing that comes to mind with the word beauty and I need a model for a part of my painting.” My hand was already fast at work.

“So I’m the first thing that comes to mind?” looking up I saw her face amused. Sighing I continued to draw.

“I need the outline of a girl, because the thing that I see as beauty is nature and Mother Nature has to be a woman. I know no one in school will allow me to use them as a model so I thought you know you would let me, and you’re perfect.” The girl chuckled but leaned back and became thoughtful.

“My name is Rai by the way.” I smiled at her from over the top of my sketch pad.

“I’m Adel pleasure to make your acquaintance.” This made her laugh and it was contagious enough to make me laugh. What was it about this girl that made me feel so good, so alright?