The Red to My Grey

by William Dudley Berridge Tuckey

  She drew her eyes away from me and moved her long blonde hair from her face as she stared towards the ground.

  “Of course it does…she makes him happy though and even if she’s a little crazy I think she’s serious about spending the rest of her life with him.”

  “So you feel guilty like me?”

  “Yes! I feel like such a bitch for being selfish and not wanting them to be together.”

  “You don’t have to smile and be ecstatic about all of it. Your support’s probably more than enough for them.”

  “Yeah but…” Then without warning Risk appeared from the rooftops and landed down on the road in front of us. He explained he saw us on his way to pick up Cin from work and his curiosity got the better of him. I went to introduce him to Celia, but to my surprise I discovered that they already were familiar with one another. The expression on Celia’s face was weak and pale as she stared at Risk.

  “West? You were – How are you here right now?” she asked him, and he turned his back to her while he scratched the back of his head.

  “My bad, I keep forgetting there’s a lot of people I haven’t caught up with over the years. Celia, you really did grow up pretty, didn’t you?”

  Without warning she slapped him across the face.

  “Three years since I last saw you and that’s all you have to say? Wade, what is this? He died so how…?”

  “Celia, it’s kind of hard to explain if you don’t already know what’s going on.”

  She looked us dead in the eyes and refused to let it go until she had an answer. The wind was blowing gently around us and brought about a sense of eeriness as we tried to decide whether to let her know about what had happened. Risk came clean and because of that, so did I. He told her all about Sinclair Natsuki, his plot to seek vengeance against him after having his life stolen from him and I came forward about my ventures through the hospital and my encounters with the horrid things up until that point. With this information everything began to make sense to her, from Dad’s relationship with Sophia, who Anne really was rather than a freeloader staying at our home and the significance of my relationship with Angel. Celia took a moment to think at first, everything we told her must have sounded like some twisted soap opera. She then asked a question I hoped she wouldn’t.

  “Where do I fit into all of this?”

  “You don’t. The reason why I kept everything a secret from you is, so you wouldn’t get hurt. All I’ve been through, well I got lucky or I had Johnny to pull through and help me. If you got hurt because of me, I would never be able to forgive myself.”

  “If you’re serious about all of that then stop worrying about me and take care of yourself so you can protect Angel. By the sounds of it, she has it the hardest…if you don’t step up and sort things out, I will,” she turned her back and her long blonde hair to me.

  “Celia, I.”

  “I’ll be waiting for when you actually get a grip of your situation, then you can walk me home,” she said hastily as she walked across the street. I tuned to Risk and I let out an exhausted sigh. He smiled at me and after a minute of silence between the both of us, it turned out he had something important to say.

  “She’s right you know, about everything pretty much.”

  “Sigh. I know, sounds like you have something to add on to what she said.”

  “I couldn’t help but notice you’re a strange kind of person, Wade. You act like everything is nothing more than tiring and whenever you go out of your way for people, it’s out of obligation. From what she was saying, you’ve really been pushing yourself lately, haven’t you?”

  “I’m just doing what I think is right.”

  “You say that but last night when I picked up Em, the expression in your eyes said it all; you were thinking of ways to help her steal my heart, weren’t you?”

  “You know about her feelings for you?” I asked compulsively

  “Of course, the time’s just not right is all, but you did just prove my point. Stop playing hero, Wade; it’s not as rewarding as you think…oh shit Cin! She’s waiting for me! Laters, Wade!” Just like that he disappeared but what he said stuck like a needle in my skin. I rested my palm against my face and took a deep breath. I brought myself from the doubt welling in my mind and went over to Celia.

  “I get what you mean, let’s just got home, alright.”

  “You had better; I’m counting on you from now on, okay? No more secrets either.”

  “Sigh. No more secrets, I promise.”

  When we got back home, Dad and Sophia had already started drinking and were giddily flirting with each other. To my surprise Sabrina and Johnson were in lounge room also sipping away at some drinks while Nami was trying to show off in front of them in an outfit that was a bit too mature for her and really showed off her legs. Catherine was in the kitchen wearing an apron cooking food for all of us.

  “Kitten, why are you the one cooking dinner? What’s going on?” Celia asked her as we walked through the door.

  “Well I came over to check on you after that phone call, but you two weren’t here. Your Dad insisted I stay the night so thought I’d at least cook for everyone since they’re letting me in on the fun.”

  “He did? Wait what fun? It’s Monday night, don’t tell me we’re getting drunk tonight.”

  She pointed to Dad and Sophia who were taking shots in between making out and had already managed to find themselves in only their underwear.

  “Hmm where’s Angel?” I asked as my disappointment in the so-called adults faded.

  “Where’s Anne for that matter?” Celia asked paranoidly looking around the room. I went up to my room to find them trying on some of Anne’s cosplay outfits.

  “Anne, this is really pretty, but it’s a little tight around the chest.”

  “Develop less then. Honestly for someone who grew up in a house filled with nothing other than flesh and monsters, you really blossomed. Strip down. I think I got one that won’t be so tight on you,” Anne said loudly as I walked towards my room through the hallway.

  “Hey Angel, they’re drinking in the other room, want to join in?” I asked her as I entered the room. She threw me a bottle of spirits and threw on a plain black t-shirt and hugged up to my arm with a smile on her face. “Underwear Angel, sometimes a shirt is not enough.”

  “Oh yeah, oopsies, Giggle.” The smell on her breath said volumes about her behaviour.

  We sat down next to Johnson and Sabrina. Nami was sitting on Sabrina’s lap and was noticeably staring at Angel who was paying no attention, enjoying herself. I mixed everyone a drink and then hid the rest of the spirits behind the couch.

  “Something on your mind, Wade?” Johnson asked me as he had a sip of the drink I made him.

  “Johnny, would you say I’ve been playing the hero ever since I met Angel?”

  “I would hardly say that. You have just been doing what you think was right, although you seem to obsess over some things that you encounter or must deal with. I think that’s just your way of going about having a strong resolve. If anything, I’d say it’s one of your better traits.” It was the kind of answer I expected from him, but from his perspective he may have not seen my actions in a negative light since he had always acted in a similar way.

  “Wade, I wouldn’t worry about what anyone else thinks of you. Everyone here tonight is thankful to have you in their lives because you’re a good person and you always try your hardest to help us when we’re dealing with something,” Sabrina said as she petted Nami on the head.

  “Thanks guys, that means a lot. Things have just been a little wild lately I guess.” It was only seconds later after I said that, Dad and Sophia leaned over us from behind the couch. Dad grabbed Johnson and me in a headlock while Sophia leapt onto the couch and lied across all of us, resting her head on Sabrina’s lap beside Nami. Dad was rowdy as ever while Sophia’s pale skin left goose bumps on ours, except for Angel’s.

  “What’s all this serious talk for? Let’s
go wild, boys! Johnny, take your shirt off!” Dad egged us on, but we were already starting to feel worn out.

  “Gasp. His shirt!” Nami yelled only to be flicked on the forehead by Sabrina.

  “Go on, Johnny, get the gun show out before he tears your nice shirt,” I laughed only to be squeezed tighter by the headlock.

  “That means you too, my boy!” At that moment, I dreaded the thought of how hung-over I was going to be the next morning. Left with little choice we took off our shirts and started downing drinks one after the other. Angel sat beside me the entire time, drinking whatever I didn’t finish. Sabrina didn’t pass up the chance to enjoy herself either and was the most drunk out of all of us; she passed out against Johnny around midnight. Kitten and Celia only stuck around for a few more drinks before going up to their room. Nami tried to sneak herself drinks like usual. Sophia and Dad took their excitement back to their room also, so it was just the four of us still awake in the lounge room. Johnson grabbed Nami by the back of her outfit and dragged her to the other side of him. She was completely flustered as she sipped from a can she took from the fridge. It wasn’t long before she was tipsy and had the confidence to try and flirt with him.

  “Johnny!” she addressed him loudly.

  “What is it?” he answered with his speech slightly slurred. She shot her hand up in the air as if she were asking a question at school and looked to him with determination in her eyes. Angel giggled to herself while she hugged my arm as we watched.

  “Can I touch your muscles?” she asked shamelessly only to start running her finger down his abs anyway. Out of panic and not really knowing how to react to the situation, Johnson threw her with one hand at me. I caught her but the force he put behind his throw sent me and Nami backwards over the couch onto the carpet. Nami was covered in sweat and I felt soaked just from catching her.

  “Johnny, could you try and refrain from throwing my little sister any more than you have to? Why’d you even let her get close to you like that?” I asked as I brought myself and Nami from the floor. He went quiet as he tried to remember as to why he did such a thing in the first place and then he suddenly grabbed Nami’s drink from the side of the couch, downing it in one big gulp.

  “My drink!” Nami yelled as she tried to sprint up to him, but was yanked back as I grabbed her by the back of her outfit.

  “You shouldn’t be drinking, little one, that’s what I wanted to say.”

  “Oh, try and not to be so down, child. I’m sure you’ll be plenty popular in high school. There will be lots of chances for you to have the same kind of fun they’re having in the future.” We all turned around to see Anne step into the room, still sober.

  “Anne, what have you been doing this entire time? It’s unlike you to miss out on this kind of stuff,” I asked curiously.

  “Would getting naked in your bed be an acceptable answer?”

  “Please tell me you’re joking, and no it wouldn’t be.”

  “Then I haven’t been doing that…hey since I’m awake now, why don’t we have a little fun? Giggle.”

  “No,” both Johnson and I replied in sync with each other. However, Angel was curious and that was that.

  “Fun? I like fun. What do you have in mind Anne?” she asked optimistically. Anne pulled out some clothes from behind her back and threw them to Angel. She then poured us a glass of something each.

  “Nami, this game’s for grownups and if your mother asks, you didn’t learn it from me, ’kay? Johnny, if you would be so kind as to put your shirt back on, you too, Wade?”

  We sent Nami to bed and Anne explained that we would be playing ‘I’ve never’. The drink she poured us was apparently extremely strong and I felt like if I held a lighter over it, it would ignite. We would have the choice of the drink or to strip. Naturally, Anne was really excited and with the four of us playing, I thought not too much trouble would come of it, so we accepted this bit of ‘fun’.

  “Now now, who should start first? Hmm, Johnson you go first.” Anne said while licking her lips.

  “Well I’ve never killed anyone,” he said cautiously and thankfully nobody felt the need to react to that. Angel said she would go next and hummed happily to herself as she thought of something.

  “Oh, I know. I’ve never been naked in a public place.” Everyone except for her took their socks off.

  “Huh? Why do I feel like the odd one out?”

  “Our teenage years were pretty wild, Angel, ha-ha-ha,” I explained nervously on behalf of Johnny and me.

  “Well it doesn’t matter, Angel’s winning right now. I’ll go next, I guess I never had sex for more than two hours at one time.” That said Angel took off her socks and I took off my shirt. Anne and Johnson stared at us in shock and awe.

  “Um…what can I say? Well I’m the only one who hasn’t gone yet. So, I’ve never stared at my own reflection in the mirror for more than ten minutes.” Both the girls took off their shorts and Anne smiled as she laughed under her breath.

  “Are you intentionally trying to get us naked, Wade? We’re both models after all, so staring at the mirror for that long is pretty much a part of the job,” she said with a blushed face.

  “Hmm it’s my turn again. I’ve never eaten a lot of spicy food,” Johnson said innocently enough. Anne took off her shirt and now only had her bra and panties on.

  “My turn! I’ve never stolen anything that didn’t belong to me.” Anne took off her bra and Johnson took off his shirt. Anne went next as she sat on the couch nearly fully naked.

  “I’ve never been with any of my friend’s siblings.”

  “Sigh…screw you,” Johnson said as he took off his shorts.

  “Oh yeah, you were with Celia…” Angel blurted out until I kissed her to shut her up.

  “…My turn, huh. I’ve never been big on romantic comedies.”

  “Wade. Giggle. I love those,” Angel said casually but I felt like I had crossed a boundary of hers. She was the only one to remove a piece of clothing. Johnson went next and was relentless with his turn, showing no mercy to Anne.

  “I’ve never made out with someone else’s partner.”

  “You’re clever now, aren’t you? If you had worded it differently, I wouldn’t be the only one stripping.”

  “Strip? There’s a drink right there you could use to save yourself some modesty.”

  Anne took one sniff of the drink and her head shot back from the smell.

  “It’s probably safer that I strip.” She took off her panties and was out of the game, but she sat shamelessly stark naked on the couch. It was a draw between the three of us, two items of clothing each. Angel with both pieces of underwear, Johnson with his tie and underwear and myself in both my shorts and underwear. Two good questions could have ended the game and it was Angel’s turn next.

  “I’ve never seen any of those really cheesy monster movies on TV.” Both Johnson and I were down to our underwear now.

  “I’ve never lied to get my way,” Angel leant against me after taking off her bra and I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest. When we were alone like this, it didn’t bother me but with Anne staring at me and my best friend sitting on the couch in only his underwear. Well, this game had taken an awkward turn.

  “What’s wrong, Wade? Can’t take the heat or are you getting nervous?” Anne asked as she crossed her legs while sitting down.

  “That’s enough Miss Frey, because it’s my turn. I’ve never been dancing with my partner.”

  Just like that Johnson ended the game, but I tried to take one last gamble. I grabbed my drink and I went to force it down my throat. A single drop hit my tongue and I immediately put the drink back down. The fumes were enough for me to want to gag and I think I sculled about two or three glasses of water to get rid of the bitter taste it left in my mouth. I conceded defeat and Johnson won the game with only his underwear on. I remember that we all fell asleep on the couch under one big blanket that night, but it was around six in the morning when I
woke up from the screaming I heard.

  “Huh? What did you guys do last night?” It was Sabrina who had been beside us but completely out of it the entire time and the disappointment in her eyes after seeing all of us naked, hugged up to each other; she couldn’t really be blamed for making assumptions from it. She pulled the blanket away from us and yelled at us to put on our clothes that were scattered across the floor. We all turned around to see Celia in the doorway rubbing her eyes.

  “Shut up – What the fuck?” she screamed the moment she saw us. She then sprinted back to her room; we heard the door slam shut behind her and the lock click into place.

  “A fine mess this has turned into,” I said as I put my shorts on.

  “It was fun though, wasn’t it?” Anne asked as she hugged up to Sabrina as she freaked out, being overwhelmed by her naked body. Johnson took her home while Angel and I went to our room. I probably only slept another hour before I started getting ready for work. I was hung-over, but after a shower and some coffee I felt a little better.

  I walked to work and when I got there, I went straight to my office. Cin was there and already set her mind on her work for the day.

  “Looks like you’re really getting into your job. I guess you were serious about trying to be normal.”

  “Of course I’m serious! I told you I’m done being a monster, besides life’s not bad right now. I got a good paying job, a nice apartment and someone special to me who comes home every night.”

  “Pfft.” I couldn’t help but to burst into laughter.

  “What? What did I say that’s so funny?”

  “Nothing, it’s just really cute hearing you say all that. Y’know since the first time I saw you, you had human flesh dangling from your mouth.”

  “Keep it up and it will be yours I’m chewing on next. It’s not half bad; after all, once you get a taste you can’t help but crave more.” She began to eye me down like a piece of meat, but I called her out on her bluff and shoved my arm in her face.