Living a Colorful Life

“It feels different because you’re not nervous, or twitchy, or under the influence of illegal narcotics.” 

“I mean technically they weren’t illegal.  I did have a prescription for most of them but I get your point.” 

You’re just pitying me aren’t you? But I missed you too by the way, like a lot.

I am not! It’s the truth.  I missed you so so much.  

“How can I not be? I survived a gunshot and I’m still pretty. Eh, I’m working on that. Don’t worry about it.”

“Please! Survive a fall like I did and then we’ll talk.  Alright, I’m just saying that everyone needs to know how much you love me.  I’m assuming you have written hundreds of songs about me already.” 

“What the hell is this. What the hell are all of these– ”

“They’re amazing that’s what they are.  Do it Zeke, just do it!  Come on you have to admit Hannah and I are geniuses.” 

“This… looks like the wrong neighbourhood.”

“Well that depends, what neighborhood are you looking for?”

“I’m not even nice when I’m high… so you’re still a better person than me.” 

“Well thank you I guess.  But I’m still going to say that doesn’t make me a better person.” 

That’s good! Then everything worked out for the best! 

“Oh c’mon - we both know that’s not half as bad as some of the blows I’ve aimed your way in the past, pretty sure you can take it. You’re a big girl now. Aye, good on you, guess I wont have to arrest you in the near future after all” 

“True, I guess that’s true.”  She said shuffling her feet.  “I don’t know it just seems different this time.  But yeah no need to arrest me!” 

Games Night ||

Irene was running a little bit late since she stopped to pick up some drinks for the night, soda of course.  She missed having game nights with Aina but now that she was back on her feet she was excited to start them up again.  Irene knocked on the door as soon as came up to the familiar apartment.

“Bingo,” he laughed. “Maybe I’ll have to hire you on with your quick observations and shit. Emphasis on maybe, though. I’m good as is for now.”

Irene grinned.  “Well I am a pretty good secretary so I am confident I could handle you as well” 

Debbie, ever the diligent mentor, laid beside Irene doing the exercises with her. “That’s good to hear, Irene. I’m glad things are turning up. How has Zeke been? By the sound of it you two are sounding so much better.”

Irene continued on, wanting to get approval.  “He’s good! He’s staying in New York for a while with me.  And yeah, we are and I just feel a lot better? I know that sounds stupid but I feel more like myself again.” 

“You just weren’t sneaky enough in high school.” Anna teased as she nudged Irene’s shoulder. “Alright. Enough with the sex talk, it makes me sad I don’t have one on my own. Let’s go and do something.”

“That and I had two sisters who had it out for me.”  Irene laughed.  “Okay deal no more sex talk, but hun you’re not getting any? We need to fix that.  And yes let’s go do something!”

“Yeah, if rainbows sounded like chainsaws.”

“Rude! They’re the farthest thing from chainsaws! You act like your voice is out of some damn disney movie” 

Okay now I know that’s a lie because you are ten times cooler with me with all your super hip friends. You probably forgot about me until now.

No that’s so false! I totally didn’t forget you and I missed you so much.  And also you’re just as cool if not cooler as I am so shush! 

“It is just such a lovely blue color! Oh, and when the prince spins her around it moves so beautifully. How much fabric do you think they used? Oh, and how much money? These are Zeke questions ri-,” Payton blinked a few times, not quite catching on that Irene had missed half of their conversation along the way. “…you didn’t hear a single thing I said about the dress did you?”

Irene blushed slightly and shook her head.  “No I’m sorry.  My head was someplace else.  But okay Cinderella dress yes? I haven’t seen the movie yet to be honest” 

“All you say is ‘I’m sorry’. All you ever say is your sorry, but that doesn’t magically erase the fact it all fuck happened!” He practically seethed through the yelling, all of the emotions he had locked down surfacing like magma. “I don’t want to hear you apologize. I don’t want to hear anything from you. I’ve given enough to you- for you -to want anything back. Just leave me alone already.”

“What else do you want Henry? Because I am sorry and I want to make this better!” She stopped cold when he told her to leave him alone.  “You want to leave you alone? Fine.  You don’t have to see me ever again, congratulations.”