A/N: Okay. Now this is the age they will stay at for a good remainder of the fic.
17 Years Old
Arthur
I place my hands up against the shower wall as I watch the leftover black hair dye runs down my body and into the drain. My mum was going to kill me for this. But I've done worse, so it couldn't possibly be that bad. I turn off the water and my breathing is heavy. I look down at my chest. I gained 10 pounds, but didn't grow any taller since I was 14. Being 5'7" at 17 years old is enough to get made fun of for in my town. I turn of the water and grab a towel, not bothering to wrap it around myself; I place it over my head and dry my hair as best as I could.
"Arthur! Dr. Lukas is here!"
I sigh and roll my eyes, putting on my old Motley Crue t-shirt and a pair of dark grey boxers. I open the door and take my sweet time going down the stairs and into the living room. The look on my mum's face showed me that I was going to be scolded after my appointment was over. I pay no attention to it and sit down in front of the doctor.
"I see you changed your hair Arthur."
"Mhm."
I still wasn't able to really speak in front of him, but I could make sounds to help with answers.
"Ms. Kirkland, please leave Arthur and I alone for this session."
"Of course."
My mum leaves the room, and as soon as she does he starts bombarding me with questions.
"It's been three years since your father died and since Alfred left am I correct? You also seem to be a bit different since then too, are you still taking both of your medications? If you aren't, why not?"
Yes. No. Because the medicine is stupid and if I'm crazy, I'm going to embrace it.
"I see. Well, before you came down, your mother and I were speaking. We both feel it would be best for you to go live with your Aunt Margaret in America."
This caught me completely off guard. What the hell is he saying? I'm not moving. I can't-
"I can't leave my mum alone. She's 56 years old and has had two heart attacks. I'm not leaving and that is final!"
I get up from the couch and run up the stairs and into my room.
Alfred
"Alllllfreeeddddd~"
Amanda wraps her arms around my neck and give me a kiss on the cheek. He light green eyes sparkled when she looked at me and her blond hair looked like gold. Oddly enough, Amanda was the most popular girl in my high school. I was one of the popular guys, but I was only wide-receiver so I obviously wasn't going to get anywhere. Being 6'1" and practically all muscle now helped too though.
"Hey Mandy. How's my special girl?"
"I'm good. Though, I do have a problem."
"Really? What is it?"
I smile as best as I could. But I just didn't feel anything with Amanda. The football team pushed me into dating her. I only did this just to fit in.
"Your glasses. They make you seem nerdy."
"My glasses? You know I can't see without them."
"Also, that old jacket you wear all the time. It disgusting and worn out and yes, I know it's important to you, but if you're going to be dating me, then you have to at least change these things. Get contacts and maybe a nice new jacket."
I look at her for a second. I guess…
"It wouldn't hurt anyone I guess. I could always get contacts. But I'm not giving up the jacket."
"Deal. You are the bestest boyfriend ever!
She kisses me on the mouth and the skips down the hallway and to her bus. Jesus, this girl will be the death of me. I walk in the opposite direction and into the parking lot where my blue '74 Impala is parked.
Arthur
"Arthur, is it true that you stopped taking your medication?"
"Yes. I haven't taken it since I was 14. Have you not noticed? Of course you haven't. You were trying to keep up this perfect mother-son façade."
My mum sighs and rubs her forehead. She has been getting tired more easily lately. I've been worrying more and more about her.
"Mum, you should really go into a home. I know you aren't that old. But your health is really bad and you know I am not fully capable of taking care of you. Especially if I'm sent to live with Aunt Margaret."
"I know poppet. I will most likely do that. I'm going to sell the house when you leave and send you money each month. We both know how your Aunt Margaret is. I'm going to go lie down now dear, please start packing up."
"Of course mum."
I kiss her forehead and then go and place a duffel bag on my bed.
"Brother, where are you going?"
No. I'm not supposed to talk to them. I learned that last year.
"Arthur, Peter asked you a question. Are you leaving us?"
I take a deep breath and continue packing up my clothing. I take out my satchel and put my journal, sketch book, and a few pencils inside it.
"Brother? Why are you ignoring me?"
I sigh and reach over to the pill bottle.
"Big brother, don't do it."
"I'm sorry. Peter, Matthew, I can't have you two around anymore. It's not healthy for me."
I open it up and put one of the pills in my mouth and swallow. My room was empty once more.
"Now remember to comb your hair and brush your teeth."
"Mum. I'll be fine. Where does Aunt Margaret live anyways?"
She hands me my plane ticket and my duffel bag.
"She lives in Los Angeles."
Los Angeles? Isn't that where- no. Don't think about this. I smile and kiss my mum on the cheek.
"I will call you whenever I get to her flat."
"No no dearie. You just settle in when you get there and call me when everything is under control. Now go on darling, the plane is about to leave."
"Okay okay. I love you mum."
"I love you too poppet."
"Arthur! It's so nice to see you! Last time I saw you, you were about this big."
"Hello Aunt Margaret."
She doesn't bother hugging me. It was only to be expected. She leads me to a small room in the back of the flat with a cupboard, a twin bed, and an end table with a small lamp on it.
"Now I know it's small, but you can decorate it however you want. Put your clothes in the cupboard and all your other items in the drawer of the end table. I expect this room to be kept clean or else I will enforce punishment. And I will only let it slide this time, but I do not want to see your hair that color ever again."
A/N: There will probably be another chapter after this. I didn't expect to finish this one at this time.