Chapter 31 Lock down

Seth;

My feet pounded the pavement, I couldn't even register how cold it actually it was. Another date and another rush to get home, I knew I shouldn't of stayed as late as I did, but I just couldn't leave her, I just wanted to stay with Harmoni, even if it was only for a second longer. I rushed up the rickety porch, the decking cracking under my heavy feet. The dark house loomed at me, the note from Roman posted on the front door. Sorry Rollins, I tried.

Everything slowed down now, and the scene unfolded into the harsh reality. I was sleeping outside in the cold, at least Roman left a sleeping bag outside so I would be warm at least. I ran my hand over my hair, I was too late and the door wouldn't open again until six which was at least eight hours away. I slumped down on the porch, I might as well get used to it, for right now I was like a hobo with no where else to go. I stood up suddenly, there was somewhere I could go, or at least it was worth a shot. I pulled my thin jersey up and bolted back out the door, I could only hope that Harmoni was home and she didn't mind a late night visitor. I guess I could blame her for me being late, but then I would have to explain, and besides it wasn't entirely her fault, I could of said no, I could of left but the selfishness in me didn't want too.

It didn't take long to make it to Harmoni's, thankfully she was on the bottom floor and I knew the window I was looking for. Now I really was feeling the cold, I was starting to shiver and shake, or maybe that was the prospect of seeing her again, I wasn't entirely sure. I tapped on her window until the light came on, and I heard her muttering in a harsh whisper.

"Damn it Shane, Rae is upstairs" Harmoni threw the window open, her face turning to shock when she saw me. "Seth, what are you doin here?"

I grinned at her, best I could without giving away too much. "Who is Shane and should I be worried?"

Her slender hand and smirk lingered at the window, "Shane is my sister's sometimes girlfriend"

Ok, little relieved right now. "So, how are you?" I was nervous that I was going to be told to fuck off, which wouldn't be good because it was only going to get colder.

"I'm good. Why are you here Seth?" Harmoni asked again, she didn't sound angry just confused as to why I was here. Fair enough.

"I kinda had no where else to go,"

"Well get"

Just like that, swift and too the point, at least there was no bullshit, I respected that. I turned to walk away but she grabbed a fist full of my jersey. A little giggle escaping her pouty pink lips. "Not get out douche, get in. Its fuckin freezin out there, are you tryin to catch influenza?"

Harm moved aside and let me inside, when she shut the window her side of the room warmed me up instantly. The large (I say large because I've only ever had a shoe box sized room) room was split into two, a thickish curtain acting as the door. I hadn't seen Jamie's side but according to Harmoni it was bright to look at, her side was covered with posters of her favourite bands, her queen sized bed and a tv. Lucky girl, well lucky enough seeing as how she earnt everything from working.

"Sorry but you gotta be quiet, Jamie's only just gone to sleep"

I sat down on her bed, I loved her bed, so cozy. I imagined that if I ever pulled myself out of the shit hole, I would totally get a bed like this one.

"So you still haven't said why you're here?"

"I have no where else to go, I'm officially on lock down."

She raised a perfect black eyebrow, her little glint of metal going with it, she didn't say anything but the question was obviously there.

"Please Harm, I don't really wanna get into it, not now"

She gave me the most peircing hurtful look before letting out a sigh "Alright, but at some point you're gonna have to say something"

Harm pulled down the blankets, "Jump in."

I took off my boots and got in beside her, it felt so nice and relaxing to just have her lie in my arms, her head resting against my beating heart. I liked having her next to me, I wanted it to stay that way forever.

Morning was when everything began to spin, I had no idea what time it was, all I heard was a hushed voice and a boot print.

"Raven, what the hell?" Harmoni uttered sleepily, I glanced at her bedside clock, half past eight in the fucking morning.

"Dad is making his rounds"

Her eyes sprung open, I wasn't sure what the big deal was, but then again I never had a father. Heavy boots thundered down the hall, Raven grabbed my arm and pulled me out of bed, the door came open, because of the curtain he could only see Jamie's side of the room. I quickly put my boots on as I heard her father wake Jamie up.

"Morning Dad, I can't get up yet, I have no pants on"

I bit my lip to stop the laughter in its tracks, while he called out for Harm and gently made his way over to her side, Raven pushed me through the other end so it was her Dad and Harm on one side, and Jamie, me and Raven on the other. Jamie had slipped back off to sleep so we quietly made our way out of the room as Harmoni stalled. Ok, it was a weird situation and I hadn't exactly been in one like it before, but my heart was still beating loudly and when I heard her father come in the room, I swear it almost lept out of my chest, and yes I was still wondering what the hell Raven was doing in her sister's room and how she knew I was in there. Maybe the rumors at school were true, she was psychic.

She sat down at the table and offered me some toast, a light smile on her face. "I won't lie, I was hopin it was Shane, but if it made Harm happy, I'm glad it was you"

"How did you even know I was there?"

"Jamie texted me, she thought Harmoni was in trouble. I heard your voice and told her to never mind and go to sleep."

Raven smiled at me gently, "I also told her that if you didn't shut up, she was allowed to punch you"

"And your Dad does this every morning?"

"Nah, its random. You know just to make sure that all heads are accounted for"

"I wouldn't know, I don't have a father" I slipped out before I could stop it, damn me and my big adorable mouth.

"Who's that?"

"Excuse his rudeness Seth, he's a grumpy old man"

He came and sat at the table, grabbing a slice of toast. His blue eyes peircing over me, "I'm Shawn, and you are?"

"Seth."

"And you're here why?"

Raven rolled her eyes, again saving my bacon, or her sister's bacon rather. "He's here to bang Harmoni, give drugs to Izzy and rid the world of Jamie's rock collection"

"Raven Venom!"

"What do you think he's here for? He's friends with Harmoni, they do art together"

He relaxed and looked at me again, "You do art?"

"Yeah"

He nodded primly before shoving the toast in his mouth and looking at his watch, "I gotta go, something at the office I have to do"

"Remember to say happy birthday to Trish"

"What?" Shawn looked at her as she picked at her strawberry jam covered toast.

"Its Trish's birthday, so say happy birthday unless you want an un-happy girlfriend, I mean secretary"

"Good-bye Raven" Shawn headed out the door and left me alone with her, for about three seconds then Harmoni came out.

"Thanks Rae"

"You owe me."

"I'll paint your toe-nails"

"Done" Raven got up and stretched, "Now whatever you guys do now is your business, I'm going to the roof, I need a smoke"