Sassy Song #6
Keaton and Arden had picked out all the supplies. No one even rang us up at the register, we just walked out of the store. Their lives were so strange. When got back to my apartment, I changed into a different t-shirt to paint in.
We moved all my stuff. Which his family did so fast. They even got the painting tape up and the tarps down at lightning speed. I shook myself knowing I must be tired. They went at a normal pace and I was seeing things.
Then they painted so fast it almost made my head spin. I didn’t think we’d get it all done today, but we did. Keaton had opened the windows to air out the smell. We should all be freezing, but no one was. Arden asked, “Could I paint a few things on the wall in your bedroom?”
He’d helped me so I instantly agreed, “Of course.” Allison squealed, “Can I do the living room?” I laughed, “Sure. I’ll order us some pizza.” Arden jumped up yelling over his shoulder, “She’s the best, Keaton!” Keaton instantly agreed, “Yes, she is.” I blushed.
I used my cell phone to order a pizza using a coupon from my mail.
Keaton took Tatum out for a walk while I checked on both kids.
I froze when I saw Arden’s mural. I gasped, “That’s amazing!
” He’d made it a swirling vortex with colors he must have mixed.
The wall was blue and purple, and he was drawing notes throughout.
Arden asked, “Do you like it?” I answered honestly, “I love it.”
I walked back out and was stunned by what Allison was drawing. She’d made the bottom of the wall look like the ocean, using the pale yellow as sand and was drawing footprints, starfish, and shells on the wall. I asked, “How fast do you guys paint? Wow. I mean, wow. You guys are so talented.”
Allison giggled, “So, you like it? You seem like an ocean girl.” I told her, “I love both of the murals you guys did. This is amazing, it makes it feel more like home.” Allison grinned, “Good. You’re going to be here for a while.” I hoped so.
Keaton came back with Tatum then went to check out both walls. My boyfriend complimented his siblings, “You guys did a great job.” I wholeheartedly agreed again. Someone knocked so I opened the door and found Kenneth.
The man called, “Little Daniels’, after you eat, Kincade is coming to pick you up.” Allison groaned, “Aww, but we are having fun.” Kenneth smiled, “It looks great in here.” Allison beamed, “Thanks, Ken!” The building manager winked then left.
We all ate pizza together. As soon as we finished, someone knocked. Keaton opened it and nodded at someone. I was guessing it was Kincade. The man came in and looked very amused when he spotted me. Kincade said, “Let’s go, Little Daniels’.” Arden sighed, “I’m not little.”
Keaton tousled his little brother’s hair, which had Arden slapping at his hand. I told both of my boyfriend’s siblings, “Thank you so much for all you guys did. I love the murals, and I had a great time. Maybe we can hang out again.”
Allison squealed, “Yes! Please, Keaton! She said it was ok. Katie even said she wants to. PLEASE! PLEASE! PLUHHHLEAAASSEE!” I laughed. Keaton held his hand up in mock surrender, “You know I can’t say no to you.” I snickered over their exchange.
Kincade walked over and held his hand out introducing himself, “Kincade Farmer.” I’d figured that out. I smiled, “OdKatie. Katie Karlton.” WHAT WAS THAT? Kincade tilted his head, “Alright, then. Keaton’s mom is going to be green with jealousy that I met you before she did. His dad will pout too.”
I managed to keep a straight face knowing Chase wasn’t going to be upset at all since he’d met me already. When they left, I started the conversation with Keaton, “So, about last night.” Keaton wiggled his eyebrow, “You should be Deadpool more often, that was amazing.” I bit my lip. Ok then.
I said, “So, I have something to tell you.” Keaton asked, “About last night? Did you not like what we did?” I sighed, “Not about last night.” I wanted to forget that weird, drugged event all together.
I was going to because that was other worldly.
Nothing like that existed. My imagination was overactive, mom always told me that.
I continued, “So, I might have stumbled on some family on my mom’s side. I am looking for my brother, and I found other people who seem to think they are also my half-brothers.” Keaton’s jaw dropped.
I quickly said, “Also, I’m pretty sure they are in the mob.
They keep saying they aren’t, but everything they say kind of lines it up for me.
The point is we’ve been emailing, and I just wanted you to know.
” My throat closed up and I whispered, “I understand if that makes it too dangerous to be around me and…” I let out a sob I didn’t mean to.
Keaton’s arms encircled me, “You keep trying to justify me leaving you, but it’s not going to happen.” I snorted, “That’s what my possible other brothers say. Everyone leaves me though and the mob is pretty intense, when you consider what they do.”
Keaton said, “Well, if they stop answering you, I want their emails since you clearly want to talk to them. I’ll ream their asses if they think about stopping.
I’m not going to abandon you, Odette. It’s you and me forever.
I can’t and won’t leave you, I promise. The mob thing doesn’t even kind of scare me. ” It should.
Sassy was happy about everything Keaton was saying though. I whispered, “I hope that’s true.” Keaton looked into my eyes, “It’s absolutely true. You’re my song and I’m not leaving you.” Sassy sang her song happily.
I actually wished we were older so we could have more days like this. it would be nice if we didn’t have to go to school with Lisa’s petty self. Keaton told me, “I need to go take care of some things, I’ll pick you up for school tomorrow. I have a surprise for you after.”
I teased, “You spoil me.” Keaton told me with complete sincerity, “I’ll give you everything I can, Odette.” Tears filled my eyes. I said, “You are too nice.” Especially for me. I was a weirdo who was definitely not normal.
After Keaton left, I ended up back in my other room. I saw all my other half-brothers had emailed me. I was about to respond when I saw another email I didn’t recognize but I did know the last name. Sassy hissed. I rolled my eyes thinking this ought to be good.
Odette,
I want to start out by saying I am close with your mother. I also want to apologize for my son. I know he hurt you. Please know we are getting Luke into anger management and therapy. If you would unblock him, you’d see Luke is sincere in apology. I promise you that.
I myself am greatly disappointed about how everything has worked out. Luke was going to bring you here the weekend after your sixteenth birthday. I was looking forward to meeting the girl who put a smile on my son’s face.
I do want you to know, we would welcome you with open arms here. I know your mother is off traveling, and you must be lonely. I could send Luke to you for a weekend. I’m willing to send a car for you and fly you out here. The family would all love to meet you.
Luke has had nothing but wonderful things to say about you. Your mother told us you are aware of your betrothal to Luke. I’m sure that is quite strange for you. It’s not the way of the times these days, but I promise Luke will give you a good life.
Our family often does things like this. Your marriage to Luke may not start out with love, but it could grow.
I have given several people here your email so they can explain their own love story.
I just want you to see there are many people who still have arranged marriages.
Sometimes your parents know best. When you’re young, you think you know everything. I know I did.