Chapter 5
1249 Words
They both journeyed down the street of No 23 maple street. Scott in his underpants and Voe in Scott's pants and jacket.
Just then,as they chatted, he noticed her green eyes and flawless skin
“Are those natural?” He asked, referring to her eyes.
“What?”
“Your eyes, they're green.”
“Oh,yes.”
How magnificent…. He was wowed within but decided not to show it.
He felt asking why she had no clothes on earlier because the conversation had grown quite awkward. Only he did the talking and asking of questions. It shouldn't even be regarded as a conversation.
Sooner, they had reached Scott's apartment. Her mouth was gaped open at how enormous and reserved it was.
Voe mouthed “The Bukowski Mansion '' on the nameplate on the door. The doorbell ding-donged
from inside then Sarah came forth and ushered them in, wondering at the visitor he had with him. His girlfriend?,she thought. Then suddenly surprised at what Scott was wearing. She gestured with a face.
“Not to worry, it's a long story.” He said.
“Grandpa?” he called, holding onto Voe's hand.
Her amazement was endless as she stepped her feet into the building. It was serene! The art works that hung lazily on the wall, the grandfather clock that stood at a distance…the sparkling floor and well padded settees. It was fascinating!
No one was in sight until he saw Mr. Bukowski pacing around worriedly, with his hand behind him.
immediately in relief as soon as she saw Scott walk in . His hair was scattered, as if birds planned a feast into his shirt…not even in a shirt, inna singlet!
“Interesting to see the prestigious Scott Bukowski dressed like a street rat.” He said, sarcastically.
“ Hey dad, I'm not in for this today.” He sat and buried his face in his palms.
“ What happened, why weren't you home ?”
“ I'm old enough to cater for myself, is there a need to question my whereabouts?”
“ Oh really?”
He sighed and evaded her question. “ Don't you need to do something?”
“ I guess, maybe talk some sense into you.”
“ I've said this and I'll say it again, I'm too tired for this? I need to get to school early tomorrow .” He made to get on his feet but fell back, noticing he sprained his ankle.
“ I think you'll reconsider then” he suggested.
“ I stand on my word.”
“ How long will you continue this? You're ill, you shouldn't go to school. Besides, you're the son of Mr. Bukowski. You don't have to go to school when you don't want to.”
He ignores him again. “ Tell Sarah to get my tea.” He got up and headed for his room.
“Who do you think you're ignoring you spoiled brat?” Mr. Bukowski said and grabbed Scott by the collar.
All these happened and Voe just stood there, weighing the similarities in differences both her and Scott had in their families.
“Hey, hey, what's going on here?” Grandpa asked, descending the stretch of stairs.
“I think it's high time you taught this lad how to be respectful.” Mr. Bukowski shouted.
“You teach yourself some respect first.”Scott said and suddenly, a blow landed on his face. It was Mr. Bukowski.
“That wasn't needed, son.” Grandpa beckoned.
He fell to the ground. His muscles strengthened in anger. His claws dashed out and his eyes glowed.
“What's next now? You're going to him?” Mr. Bukowski screamed.
Voe had begun panicking until she noticed Scott changed. He had begun growling. She hurried to him and held his head to her bosom.
“Control yourself.” She whispered.
“What's wrong with him?” Grandpa asked. Just then, Mr. Bukowski stormed out of the sitting room.
“Control!” She shouted and he became himself once more…The claws went in, his eyes to the normal shade and his anger sorrowfully faded away.
He lifted his head, with bloody eyes and released himself from her embrace.
“Child…” Grandpa called, perturbed.
“Tell him I hate him.” Scott said, and grabbed Voe by the hand and went to his room.
It was neatly arranged. The bed, neatly dressed. A stack of books were piled up neatly on a table, but one thing was off. A corner with a TV and Video games pad…
“You should learn to control yourself…” she warned.
“It seems you know more about me. We'll talk tomorrow, but for now I'll sleep here. I'll be using the guest room.”
“I need to take a shower but…” she said
“Nevermind, you can wear my clothes.” He said and left.
In the guest room, he undressed and wore a dressing robe and proceeded into having a cold shower and stepped out, with his wet curly hair.
He starred in the mirror, frustrated at the figure there, replaying what had just happened. “f**k!” He cursed.
He applied facials, deodorant and got dressed in his pajamas, all set for bed when a knock was heard on the door. He opened it and lo, it was Grandpa .
“No Grandpa…” he said.
“Shhh.” He said and finally walked in with a mini basket of oranges.
“Come, sit here beside me, I'll peel oranges for you.” Grandpa said and sat on the bare ground, leaning on the door.
Scott was amazed at what Grandpa was up to now.
With no choice, he sat next to him.
Grandpa began peeling the oranges. For a while, he did not utter a single word. They only heard each other's heartbeats until Grandpa broke the silence.
“How deeply beautiful it is to find someone who understands the darkest corners of your soul and isn't afraid of your darkness.”
“The tongue can't tell…” Scott responded, sighing.
“Have I told you I love you before?” Grandpa asked…
“Times without numbers.”
“Ha, age is telling on me.”
That moment, fear gripped Scott’s soul. Fear of loss immediately Grandpa uttered that word.
“I hate when you say that…”
“I do?” Grandpa asked wittily. Scott nodded.
“Time flies and waits for no one. Why don't you cherish the moment now?”
“What do you mean?”
“My father died when I was four, you see…I got sad whenever I saw my mates with their dads. I imagined how delightful it'd be, but sadly I had none and was unable to have that delightful feeling. Time will fade and what we have now, we'll have it no more.” Grandpa said, and Scott knew where he was driving.
“But it's hard.”
“Try seeing beyond his flaws. Everyone has their good and bad sides.”
He slowly looked at Grandpa's frail face and missed him so much, even when he was there, seated right next to him.
“I'll try.”
“That's a good attempt.”
He said and embraced Grandpa tightly.
Just then, his alarm chimed.
“Oh my, it's one AM already!” He said and freed himself from his embrace. “And I've got a Mathematics test tomorrow!” He said and rubbed his forehead.
- Writer
