My Life Started at the End of the World - 26. Chapter 26 - Deep Regrets - Red Hands

Skylar's POV

It's been a few days since 'that' happened. Greyson still isn't talking to me much. He'll hang out and stuff, but we don't say much to each other. His dad keeps trying to get us to talk, but all his attempts have failed.

Right now, I'm sitting on the Payne's front porch waiting on Greyson to get home from school. I was sitting with my legs pulled tight to my chest, my chin resting on my knees. I just stared out into the street with cars passing by, but I didn't care.

Mrs. Payne came out of the house. “Would you like some hot chocolate, Skylar?”

“Yes please,” I replied blandly. Next thing I knew there was a mug of hot brown liquid in front of me. I took a small sip, mmmm cinnamon. “How'd you know I like cinnamon in my hot chocolate?”

“Greyson told me a while back.” I might have gotten Greyson into cinnamon. “He really does like you, you know that right?”

“I know... but I screwed up, and I don't know how to make it up to him.” I just want things to get back to normal between us. That way at least something would be normal in my life.

Mrs. Payne took a seat beside me. “If you ask me, I think he's already forgiven you.”

“How can you tell?”

“It's weird, call it mother's intuition, but it's like I can see what he's sometimes thinking through his eyes.” That doesn't make sense; he's blind. “Sure it's mostly his body language but his eyes still go to places a person with their sight would. When he's disappointed in himself, his eyes look towards his feet. When he's excited about something, his eyes shoot about the room almost as if he can see it.

“Through his body language I can tell what my son is thinking. His eyes are still a part of his body language.” She's not wrong... I guess. “When you give out your little sighs his eyes look towards you. He cares about you Skylar, even if he is mad at you, he still cares for you.”

“Caring and forgiving are two different things.”

She nodded. “Yes, they are indeed Skylar. Adding to what I said though, Greyson is resisting comforting you. He wants to be mad at you, but can't. He's struggling in this situation as well, in a much different way though.”

After that, there wasn't much else said. Like I think I grunted to reply to that, that's how social I was being. We sat there sipping our hot chocolates.

When the handicap bus pulled up in front of the house, my voice escaped me. “Greyson...”

Mrs. Payne smiled and pushed on my back. “You go get him; I'll be inside.” She got up turning towards the house.

I got up and slowly walked towards the bus. Greyson got off the bus, thanking the driver as he got onto the sidewalk. His attention turned to me; he had a huge grin on his face. “Hey, mom!”

You'd think his grin would fill me with joy, it didn't. That energy was for his mother no for me. When I spoke, I saw that energy disappear. “Hey, Greyson...” Somehow I could feel that energy turn from happy to sad.

“Sky...” He reached out his hand to me. Greyson knows his way to the house, why am I leading him?

I took his hand and got him inside. He took his jacket off and handed it to me, and of course I took it and put it away. He did the same with his boots, which were happily placed where he could find them.

We stood in the entryway staring at each other. Is it weird that I couldn't keep eye contact with a blind person? Because that's how I am right now. “How was school?”

“It was cool... I did a presentation today without my computer. It was awesome; I got 100 percent.” He gave off a half smile.

“Good job.” I moved out of Greyson's way. He walked by slowly; his gaze never left me.

He stopped right before the kitchen. “You want to bake or something?” The smile that came over my face, I couldn't even describe it.

Together Greyson, Mrs. Payne and I spent the afternoon baking. In that time, I forgot about the problems I was having. It was just that kitchen and the mess we made. The flour that ended up on all of us, the chocolate smiles everyone had from the brownies we ate. It was a temporary heaven.

Greyson and I were talking again. There wasn't any hesitation in our voices anymore. We were best of friends again. We joked, laughed and even got each other messy. That kitchen was filled with high pitch laughter of two thirteen-year-old boys.

After we had baked like four different snacks, Mrs. Payne called it off. Saying it was more than enough sugar for everyone. We tended to disagree but she was the adult, and we were forced to listen.

It wasn't long after we had cleaned up that we heard a car door close. “Who's there?” Greyson asked. It was too early to be Mr. Payne, who could it be?

We heard the door open, and the first thing I heard was the clicking of a dog's claws. The confirmation came from a bark. “SAM!” I rocketed out of my chair towards the front door. I slid on my knees towards him, and I was greeted with licks galore!

I could barely manage to laugh as Sam tried to climb all over me licking my face and sniffing me. My hands went everywhere to show my affection for him. Eventually he settled down, sitting down in front of me.

“I think I have two very happy boys here.” Mom! I looked up to see her smiling down at me. Rising off the ground, I embraced her, and her hands went around me as well. “Good to see you Sky.”

“How come you're here?” I asked leaving our embrace.

“Well, Sam has been home alone a lot and getting into a whole lot of things. Greyson's mom and I talked about it, and Sam is going to be staying here as long as you are.” That is the best news I could have gotten, second only to going home.

Mrs. Payne spoke from behind me. “It is your and Greyson's job to take him for walks, daily!” She stressed how often Sam was to be walked. “I will take care of him during the day.”

Mom let Sam off his leash, and his nose went crazy around the house. He sniffed everything just like the first day we brought him home. Only this time he didn't piss on the chair...

Greyson, Sam and I all ended up in Greyson's room. Sam was running around jumping up on Greyson's bed and being the puppy he is. “He really is happy to see you.” Greyson's ears helped him follow the movements Sam made.

“Ya... he usually sleeps downstairs with me.” Sam looked up at me and cocked his head before barking at me. Both of us laughed at the puppy's response. Then I had to go and make things awkward. “I'm sorry Greyson...”

“I know you are, but you don't need to apologize.” He was genuine in his reply.

But I still needed to continue. “I said I would stay with you and then before we knew it you were left behind... And Jackson gave me eight shots.”

“I witnessed those shots coming out at least.”

“You were there when I was throwing up!?” I knew I threw up, but I don't remember Greyson being there.

He nodded. “Ya, I stayed there to make sure you were okay. Even though I was mad at you.”

“You had every reason to be mad; I broke an important promise.”

“I shouldn't have been mad at you when you came over though. I could tell you were sad, on so many levels, but I couldn't get over what you did... I'm sorry for being such a jerk about it.”

“You don't need to...”

Greyson cut me off. “Yes, I do. I should have put things aside and been a better friend.” Okay, how has Greyson turned this into him being the person who has done something bad?

I couldn't help but smile from it. My body took over, and I found myself kissing Greyson. My hands on his cheeks as our lips locked. I felt his hands rest against my chest. We didn't make out, just pressed our lips together; it was perfect for removing the tension in the room.

We collapsed onto the bed separating and laughing as we rolled. When we settled down, I turned to look at Greyson... His perfect white hair and handsome face. I could kiss him again; he is just... just amazing.

“Thanks, Greyson...”

“For what?”

“Just for being you.”

Greyson giggled. “Well, you’re welcome.” I'm happy we're back to normal. It helps me out a lot.

Aidyn's POV

These past couple of days have gotten a bit easier for me. Sky and Greyson settled things between each other, so I don't need to worry as much about my little bro. Jackson hasn't been harassing me as much, so that's a plus.

I haven't heard anything on the topic of my dad though. Mom has been back to work for a few days, but she doesn't mention anything. I guess there are things I'm better off not knowing for now.

Right now, I was heading to the gym for a soccer team meeting. Yes, it's still January but coach likes to get things started earlier than most. At least for the past members.

As I was walking, I heard a voice call my name. “Aidyn!” I turned to see Booker coming down the hallway. He caught up pretty quickly. “Hey, I was wondering when Skylar is going to be coming back to school. I miss my best friend.”

“Why don't you ask him? You have his cell number, right?”

“Ya, but Sky always avoids the question... What's going on with him?”

I ruffled his hair. “Some stuff is going on; I'm sure he'll tell you about it when he has time. I'm sure it won't be much longer; mom is going to get on him to get back to school. He's almost missed two weeks now.”

“Ya, he's missed an entire unit in Math and Science. He has a lot to catch up on.” Booker fixed the position of his backpack. “Anyways, I need to get going. Tell Sky to get his ass back to school for me!”

“Sure thing.” And just like that he was off to whom knows where.

I continued my way to the gym. It wasn't a long walk... probably like thirty seconds from where Booker and I had our little talk. When I walked in, I heard the one voice I didn't want to hear, Jackson's.

He was joking around with his friends. Again, I couldn't help but notice Colton was the only one not smiling. He just had this awkward laugh face going on.

There was a pretty good turnout this year. Brailyn, our team captain and a senior, was sitting on the railing of the bleachers. There were a few new kids sitting in the bleachers, most notably Leo and his brother Markus. Then of course Bryce and Chance were there as well.

Brailyn noticed me coming up the stairs into the bleachers, so he got down and walked over. “Hey Aidyn, how's everything?” It helps when you share the midfield with the team captain.

I shrugged. “It could be better to be honest.”

“Well, so that you know, I'm happy for you in the whole Noah department. You've got support from a good portion of the team too.” Well, that's good to know.

Brailyn and I joined my friends, sitting a good distance from Jackson's group. “Hey Leo, you played soccer before?” Bryce asked him after a bit of a conversation between everyone.

“A little, I'm not great but I've been told I'm a good defender.”

Markus pipped up immediately. “He's also a good Goalie. I was the best forward on my summer team, and I can barely get goals past him! He's not afraid to get a little dirty doing saves either.” The brothers gave each other a little shove in jest.

Chance had a smirk on his face. “Well, it looks like Jackson's crew has good competition this year. It's about time too!” Chance is always here for moral support; he's not part of the team at all. In fact, he can barely kick the ball.

Bryce laughed pretty loudly at Chance's comment. “Wow, Chance, just wow.”

Jackson must have heard something because he stood up. “What are you laughing at Chancey?”

Chance leaned over so he could get a better look at him. “Sorry to tell ya Jackson, but I'm not a Pokemon. But damn that would be a pretty cool world to live in.” We shared a laugh; Jackson looked like he got angrier from the comment.

“Screw you too Chance.” He growled as he sat back down.

After that, it wasn't long before the coach made his way out to us. Brailyn went back to his seat on the railing, joining the coach in front of the team.

The coach started his speech. “Well, welcome to our little meeting here. I'm aware some of you are returners, but most are newcomers so let me start by explaining why you're here so early in the year.

“I like to get an early start; that is all. It helps you to bond as a team before games start and that could be what wins us some games.” It's happened more than once. “Now, I think the most important thing to mention right now is about Aidyn Scott, one of our midfielders. Just before Christmas he came out to the school as gay, and if you have a problem with that, this is not the team for you.”

Fucking rights I love this coach! “Thanks, coach.” Escaped me before I could even process it.

The coach looked over at me with a huge grin. “Not a problem Aidyn. We are a team where everyone, no matter who you like or the color of your skin, has a chance to play. You've proven your worth time and time again, sometimes giving Brailyn a run for his money.” Well, that's news to me, really really good news.

Of course, one of Jackson's crew had to speak out. Trevor to be exact. “We seriously have to share a change room and showers with him?”

Brailyn glared at Trevor. “Yes, because just like you Aidyn is entitled to the use of the change rooms. Welcome to Canada.”

The coach continued where Brailyn left off. “If you have a problem with it, change and shower at home.”

“My parents don't let me shower at home after a game.” Trevor, why are you so persistent about this?

The coach shook his head. “Then you have to get over yourself. Aidyn, do you plan on advancing on anyone in the change room?”

“No sir!” That felt very military to say.

Leo put up his hand; the coach acknowledged him. He looked directly at Trevor. “You and I have shared that change room for the past week or so, did it kill you to shower with me?”

"No, you’re not gay!”

Leo laughed, really hard for a moment. “Trevor, I'm in no way straight.” Trevor's face turned white as a ghost. “I've seen you naked Trevor, and I'm single.” Everyone but Trevor had a smirk on their face.

Coach took hold of the situation again. “Now, the point right now is that the change room is open to everyone on the team. If you have a problem with someone in the change room come and talk to me, I'll get to the bottom of it. Now moving on.”

Everything was explained to us. First, that all members from last year's team were practically guaranteed a spot on the team this year. Second, what's available for the newcomers and finally, the last thing was who was going to be co-captain with Brailyn.

Brailyn explained it. “Every year if a senior is captain, the coach likes to have that senior pick a co-captain. We've spoken about it for a while now and came down to two candidates, Jackson and Aidyn.” Sweet, I'm a candidate.

Coach continued. “And after talking to the other coaches and some of the other staff, I've made my decision. Well, to be more accurate I made my decision a few minutes ago.” Everyone was at the edge of their seats, no one more so than Jackson and I. “I think the best way for this team to go into next year is to have this person in charge. I have various reasons for this, which I will not go into detail at this time. Now, I would like to ask... Aidyn to join us up here.”

The whole group cheered; I was honestly surprised. Jackson is overall a better player than me. I was convinced he was going to get it. When I took my position everyone was smiling but Jackson's crew. Colton though, he was smiling, showing his teeth even. Jackson glared at me with murderous intent.

“Like the coach said, he has his reasons that he won't get into.” Brailyn you're going to have your hands full with teaching me to be team captain. “I'd like to welcome you officially Aidyn, you deserve it!”

That was the last thing that happened during the meeting. Today wasn't a practice day; that would be next week. To say I was happy would be an understatement.

There was a good group of us out in the hallway celebrating my co-captainship. Jackson and his crew joined us, but not to celebrate. “I hope you know I'm not going to listen to a damn thing you say, Scott.”

I shrugged. “That will just mean you don't get to play as much, or even get kicked off the team. You remember what happened with Austin.” Austin got kicked off the team because he wouldn't listen to the captain. 'I'm better than him; I don't need to listen' was his excuse.

“I won't be an Austin, and you'll never be a Brailyn either!” He stopped off.

Once he was out of sight Colton came out from the gym. “I'm sorry for Jackson... He's a bit of a dickhead.” Well, you're not wrong.

“You don't need to apologize for another's actions Colton,” I told him. “Why do you hang out with him anyways? You look like you don't like some of the things he says.” Like seriously what makes him cool to hang out with?

Colton shrugged. “I've hung out with him for a while; I don't really know anyone else.” That makes more sense than 'just because' like I thought he would say.

Chance threw his arm over Colton's shoulders. “You're welcome to hang out with us anytime. You seem pretty cool.” The entire group of us agreed. Colton isn't a bad guy, just hangs out with the wrong people, can't blame him for that.

“Anytime Colton, just come over and hang out with us. We'll fend Jackson off for you too.” It's obvious that Jackson will get mad at him. “I should get going though. I'm hanging out with my little brother, and my mom is waiting for me. I'll talk to you guys later!” And like that I was off on my way to my mom's office. With sweet good news too!

Chapter end.