5

Marie’s not sure if Ella’s staying has actually improved the treatment she usually gets from a certain member of the household today. Or just put everyone on edge. They’ve actively avoided her room. Leaving her to deal with her talkative classmate. Until now. Eijinn’s head peeks in. Single eyebrow lifted as he steps into the room.

“You feeling better?”

“I guess. Mostly tired.”

“You were supposed to take a nap.”

“Ella’s still here.”

“All you had to do was tell her you wanted some rest.”

“You’re all trying very hard to get rid of me.”

“And yet you’re not taking the hint. Anyway, might as well get up. We can try and stop by the mall.”

“For what?”

“The mall?”

“You’re not invited. And you need clothes that don’t belong to someone else. Especially for tonight.”

“Marie will let me go.”

“Do you never quit? Go the fuck home.”

“Eijinn, be nice! Just this once. Also, what’s tonight?”

“You got us a show tonight, remember. We’re not leaving you home alone. Would kind of suck.”

“Marie I can go too, right? Please?”

“Not up to me.”

“No, you can’t. But you sure as fuck can go home.”

Ella huffs, agitated that they’ve just been trying to get rid of her. Deeming them bot ungrateful and rude. Why shouldn’t she get to hang out with Marie? She’s stopped from making her protest by some of the others coming in the room. Her and Marie take a good look at their attire. Only Marie is impressed. They look like they just stepped out of a music video. Any injuries sustained throughout the day hidden beneath neat layers of concealer and foundation. Two in particular look excited to show off their clothes. The kind of excitement seen in toddlers when given a new toy or something they enjoy.

Marie notes their outfits speak volumes of their personality. That and they seem comfortable in them. Aaron’s obsession with his own appearance on display in the form of jet black clothes lightly adorned in forest green sequins. His top has a chain that travels from his left shoulder to his right hip ans vice-versa across the back. His usual black sneakers have been traded for a pair of forest green combat boots with his name etched into the sides. Atop each boot is a fist, meant to represent his temper. The shirt itself is sleeveless, showing off the tattoos on his arms. Some of which meld together if his arms are positioned correctly. A cocky smile lights his face as he allows himself to be looked over. The reaction grants him a scolding from Mitchell.

Much like Aaron’s top Mitchell’s is sleeveless. Seemingly to fit neatly on him. A simple streak of deep blue runs diagonal across the bottom and shoulders. Meanwhile, the shirt is a considerable shade of baby blue that appears neon. At least the front of it anyway. On the back scrawling into the shape of a child is a quote Marie’s never seen or heard before: “when we are young, we ask for a world we want to grow into. As adults we strive to create our perfect world, but what does that mean for those after us. Today, I stand to make a world where the youth will be happy and safe to live in. Not one made of my selfish desires and neglect. For as I am an adult now, I too was once a child.”

Bryant mumbles something under his breath that only Aaron hears. Silencing quick enough to pretend he doesn’t know what the drummer is giggling about. Only one sleeve is missing on Bryant’s get up. Top and bottom spattered in an assortment of colors. The placement random if one doesn’t look close enough. On the top, the spatter creates a broken heat spilling into an empty glass. On the right shoulder is a rainbow colored sun, designed to appear as if it’s peeking out of the shirt to see what the world is conspiring against it. The pattern on the pants takes the shape of a couple embracing. Both articles of clothing have a white backdrop. His shoes contrast Mitchell’s. Where Mitchell’s are a harsh purple, Bryant’s are a sweet and sour pink. They’re both decorated in an exchange of silver and gold bracelets.

“Aren’t you a little overdressed? At least where it concerns the three of you?”

“No, we just want to look our best.”

“So why is he extremely under dressed?”

“I’m not under dressed. I just don’t feel the need to be flashy.”

“I’m pretty sure they’re not going to let you in wearing about 20 dead animals.”

“It’s faux fur.”

“Sure it is.”

“It is. I’m not that cruel.”

As they argue, Aaron and Bryant exchange sneaky glances that only Ella catches and keeps quiet about. Very quietly the two slip around Marie and out of the room. She glances at the pair before she assumes that they’re going to go terrorize Jason. A habit she finds all too amusing as the oldest never seems to entertain them. Her eyes resume their scan of what Eijinn considers clothing. His usual fur jacket worn over bare skin, a pair of black white-washed jeans spattered in red paint to appear blood stained, and his hair which is usually straight is now slightly wavy. A shirt won’t kill him, but its not my place to say so. Remaining cautious, she nods and steps out of the room to go see Jason. Before she’s even down the hall she hears Alex screaming about Aaron fucking with him. At the bottom of the steps is Jason, a deep scowl etched on sharp masculine facial features. He’s chosen to don a pair of gray pants a white flannel; the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His black hair is slightly pushed back from his face. She doesn’t say much, but even he knows she’s curious as to what’s going on and moves out of the way so that she can peer up the stairs at her favorite trouble makers.

“What are you guys doing to Alex?”

“Anya’s up!!!!”

She rolls her eyes at Aaron’s stupidity. He already knew that. Bryant tosses a shirt onto her head along with a pair of leggings that look to small to be anyone’s but Alex’s.

“Quick, go put those on!”

“Why? Aren’t these Alex’s clothes? Are you stealing his things again?”

“YES and YES!” “Just do it! Shut up Alex! Learn to share!”

“I don’t think this is okay.”

“Go before they let him go. Besides, it’s only for tonight since we most likely won’t make it to the mall.”

“Bu-”

“GO!”

Flinching at the sudden rush in Eijinn’s voice, she rushes back to her room to put the clothing on. Ella hot on her heels and locking the door behind them. Marie moves swiftly into the attached bathroom and changes into the skin tight leather leggings and mid-thigh length, on her anyway, neon pink flannel with fuchsia tank top. She stops the buttons partway up before coming out of the bathroom. Ella, who’s been sitting on the bed, looks up from her phone and smile broadly.

“They really know how to dress. Most of them anyway. You look great!”

Both girls stand in silence for a bit, disturbed only by the anxious knocking on the door. Not a moment sooner, Ella swings it open to reveal Alex dressed in the brightest pink she’s ever seen. He’s somehow managed to pull an obnoxiously bright tutu on over a pair of skinny jeans with a t-shirt that reads ‘Dead Psycho’ in neon green across the front. It takes everything in Ella’s body not to laugh at him. In fact she makes it a point to step around him and out of the room so as not to hurt his feelings. Only complementing his makeup: a purple smokey eye with green glitter dusted across the top and matching lipstick theme. Baby-blue eyes fall on Marie and he tuts her immediately.

“You could’ve at least put some makeup on and fixed your hair. Come on.”

Grabbing her wrist, he drags her out of the room and upstairs to his. Whatever the guys were whispering about they stop as he passes with a confused and bewildered Marie. The second she ’s in his room her eyes latch onto everything. From the lavender walls to the deep pink bedding to the numerous stuffed bears strewn across it. This isn’t what she pictures his room to be like. Not with the way he is with her. There are beautiful paintings on one wall, pictures on another, and whole vanity where he plugs in a straightener and a curling iron.

“Your room is really pretty. I wish I had a room like this as a kid.”

“Thanks…”

“Sorry, I know you don’t like me.”

He doesn’t respond to her accusation, because quite honestly she’s not wrong. This stigma he has against women he’s had since a young age. That doesn’t mean he can’t appreciate the fact she’s trying, and to some very minute extent he does. Not very many women try. Once he’s bad-mouthed them they leave him alone. He’s lost count of just how many times it’s happened. Just like he lost track of how often someone had punched him or beat him up for his behaviour.

“Just sit there. Don’t talk. Don’t move.”

She does as she’s told and he wastes no time in starting on her makeup. Going for a subtle yet bold look. Gentle hands move smoothly across her face. From start to finish. After which he starts on her hair. Sectioning it into parts, straightening out her frizzy curls before re-curling them and finger combing it out. The second he finishes he turns her towards the mirror so she can seethe results herself as he unplugs the electric hair tools. Her lips are painted red, eyes decorated in a soft dust of indigo and pearl. He’s even managed to make it as though there’s more color in her face than normal.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

He detects a hint of sorrow in the way she says it. It even lingers in her eyes. Suggesting that she’s never seen herself as anything other than disposable.

“You’re welcome. Let’s go, the others are waiting and I’d like to get there on time.”

“Right.”

She nods and follows him to join the others. All eyes are suddenly on her. Making her self-conscious of her scars and injuries. Not that they can be seen. Can they see them? Are the marks that obvious? I should’ve covered up in a sweater or something less showy.

“Wow, you look great.”

“That’s because I did her hair and makeup.”

“Conceited fucking prick. Let’s just go. Gear is already packed in the trailer.”

“Yeah.”

Excitement radiates off each of the boys as they shuffle out the door and to the van. Mitchell in the drivers seat. A frown crosses Marie’s face as the rest climb in with Aaron further in the back and Bryant in the middle.

“Don’t start this shit now! Just get in!”

To encourage her Ella climbs in first and holds a hand out to her. Her hesitation is obvious and prompts an almost angry response from Alex. The words remaining trapped in his throat as Aaron punches his arm and moves from the back to the center.

“Come on. We’ll be late otherwise.”

The atmosphere of the van changes after some time. With the boys passing jokes around about each other. Even Jason is a bit more communicative tonight. Ella and Marie sit squished between Bryant and Aaron. Especially since Eijinn decided to move from the front passenger seat to the far back. Neither girl appears bothered by it. And even if Marie does, no one will know since she’s near the people she’s most comfortable with.

“Hey Mitchie, how far are we?”

“Around the corner. Why?”

“Pull over a sec. Someone has to get their ass on the trailer. Last time it was Alex. Offers are more than welcome.”

“Wasn’t that because you put his phone on top of it and tricked him.”

“That’s exactly why. I thought you were over that whole thing.”

“Hardly. In fact I’m just getting started. I mean we can put the girls up there.”

“Now I know you’re insane. Did you hit your head in that fight or when you were getting dressed?”

“Well, it would just be Marie, but you don’t know what go the fuck home means.”

There’s an awkward silence. He’s not wrong, but that’s not upsetting Ella any. She genuinely doesn’t care that they’ve asked her multiple times to go home. Albeit very rudely. And no one can figure out why.

“Do I have to go up there?”

“You got us the show. It only seems right.”

“Yeah, but-”

“Sort of like a good luck thing. Not a punishment.”

“I still think it’s a bad idea.”

“For once I’m on her side. It’s a terrible idea.”

“You’re not just agreeing because I broke your nose?”

“Positive.”

So, with the help of Aaron and Jason, the girls are hoisted onto the top of the trailer. Even though the pair complained about it being dangerous. Even pointing out that they could fall off. Aaron hands Marie his phone.

“Don’t drop it please. I took the lock off so you can record and take pictures. Don’t worry about what you hear some of the attendees say. Keep each other safe. You’ll have to wait until the gear is fully unloaded to be able to get down.”

The van begins to move again once Aaron slides the back door shut. At the same time Ella pulls up the camera on her phone. The first thing she does is make a recording of them above the street. And it’s the first Marie’s laughed in a very long time. The sound is foreign to her. She’s not sure where the sudden urge comes from, but she pulls Ella close so they can record the crowd outside the little nightclub together. An uproar of approving screams drown out the initial harsh and stagnant remarks being made about them. They wait patiently as the trailer is unpacked before they insist on being let down. Both are as hyper and jumpy as the guys they’re following inside so they can see the stage. It’s not super big, but it’s spacious enough for six people and the equipment they brought. A crew is moving around as quickly as possible to set the stage up. Adding finishing touches and doing sound checks. The boys are just as busy helping out where they can. Or in Eijinn’s case lying on the stage doing vocal warm ups. Not that he should be lying there in the first place. The duo remain off to the side. Watching with mesmerization in their eyes. So much that they manage to ignore the looks and comments they get from the band that the guys are opening for. To them everything is spectacular.

“This is probably the best night of my life!”

Confused, Marie looks at her.

“Huh?”

“I never really get to do stuff this exciting. Be at a live show. Or even have friends.”

Marie tilts her head but says nothing. Just turns her attention to where the crowd is filing in and filling every space they can. So many people of varying ages. The lights shift slightly. And to the surprise of the two girls Eijinn is on his feet greeting everyone. They’ve barely started playing when the crowd resounds with cheers. It’s an exhilarating feeling to have both the voices of the people and the music fill the senses. The intensity of the lights shift again and Eijinn’s screamed vocals fill the air. Marie takes a moment to look around. Realizing for the first time that she may not be alone in her effort to survive. That like her there are people looking for a place to call home. And this just may be it.