Silently I Dream of You - Chapter Nine
Author: thekeyholder (Brigi)
Title: Silently I Dream of You - Chapter 9. The Way to Paradise is long
Beta: the wonderful ms_belle10 !
Pairing: BellDom
Rating: PG/PG13
Warnings: Language.
Summary: Series based on this prompt from mkmeme : Belldom, teen!Muse.
Matt's parents are constantly adopting foster kids. Matthew doesn't normally get along with them, often feeling left out that his parents don't spend as much time with their biological son as they should. However, one day, Matthew's parents bring home Dom, a 15/16 year old (same age as Matt) who Matt begins to become attracted to, even though the world and 'their' parents regard them as brothers.
Feedback: would be lovely. Please, leave me a few words if you have time. :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse or any other band/song/lyrics mentioned in this story. I don't make any profit. However, the story is mine, so don't steal, please!
Author's note: Well, I must say I'm quite excited this morning because we're very close to that moment some of you are eager to read (or that's what you told me in the comments). Thank you so much for the lovely words you leave me, they are all precious and I'll try to answer them today. Hope you'll like this chapter! <3
Songs for this chapter: 1000 miles - Vanessa Carlton, Don't want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith, Strange Cup of Tea - Sister Hazel . You can find the whole soundtrack list HERE.
Beautiful banner made by starlight_myth <333
Previous parts: Chapter 1. | Chapter 2. | Chapter 3. | Chapter 4. | Chapter 5. | Chapter 7. | Chapter 8. |
Silently I Dream of You
Chapter 9. The way to paradise is long
“Wow, there are only three days left ‘til our holiday!” Robert says as he draws a big, red X on today’s square on the calendar.
“I can’t wait for that school-free week; I’m really fed up with all the stupid homework!” Maya complains and strangely, we all agree with her.
“I thought you’re looking forward to the family trip because we can spend some time together!” Mum shakes her head, though she knows very well that we wouldn’t ever admit such a thing.
Mum is writing a list of the things we have to pack and asks us if we have anything else to add to it, but as usually, we don’t really care about such practical things. My siblings disappear one after the other, but I linger in the room because I want to ask Mum about an issue which treads on delicate ground. I’ve been puzzling over the matter, but I need to find out precise information, otherwise my mind will come up with the worst scenarios.
“Erm, Mum…I’d like to ask you something. It’s serious, so please don’t hide the truth or something.”
“Matt, dear, you’re scaring me! What is it about?” Mum asks concerned.
“I’m not sure, but I think Dominic was abused before he came here,” I say cautiously, getting up from the sofa and pacing around the room.
Mum’s eyes bug out and she presses her lips together. She looks down at the list and asks: “Did Dominic tell you anything?”
I shake my head, flustered, and the relieved expression on Mum’s face accounts for my suspicions that she’s concealing something.
“I don’t know where you got this crazy idea, but it’s not true. He was treated well by his previous family and in the orphanage too. Now, if you don’t mind, I have some things to do,” with these words Mum disappears, leaving me with the firm conviction that something is really off here.
* * * * *
I am in an unfamiliar, dimly lit building but I know that I have to search for something there. I climb some grey stairs and finally, I hear someone shouting my name. My stomach clenches with fear, but even though I look everywhere around, I can’t see anybody. “Maaaattheeeew!” rings the voice again and I recognize it as Dominic’s. I breathe faster; I know he’s in danger and I run ahead, barely noticing the places I pass. Spots of black and leaden on the walls, everything in this building is dirty and repulsive.
He calls me again and I can hear him crying this time. I stop briefly to catch my breath and I almost swoon at the sight of a streamlet of blood on the white marble. I follow its path only to find the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen: Dominic is being whipped by a furious madman, his back covered with deep wounds and bleeding heavily. The blonde boy screams in pain, sound to which my weak knees give up and I howl his name, shaking with anger, terror and powerlessness.
“Matthew, wake up! It’s just a dream!” Dominic grips my shoulders to stop my body from jerking and continues to whisper soothing things: “Shh, it was just a nightmare! You’re safe now!”
My wobbling hands grasp the first thing they come into contact, that being Dominic’s pyjama top, and I continue sobbing for a while into the soft fabric, his warm, familiar smell calming my overexcited nerves. I wipe away the tears which blur my vision and I feel the bed bouncing as Dominic sits down beside me. I keep my palms on my puffy eyes and mumble embarrassedly: “Oh god, I’m so sorry that I woke you up!”
I feel a warm hand rubbing my back and a soft voice whispering: “It doesn’t matter. You can go back to sleep now.”
I’m about to protest against the idea, fearing a new string of terrifying images, but Dominic’s hand works magic and suddenly, I find myself being laid on my back. Somebody covers me and gentle fingers brush away my damp fringe and stroke my hot forehead until I fall asleep, but this time I have peaceful dreams.
* * * * *
The next day I don’t even dare to look into Dominic’s eyes, but he acts like nothing had happened, so I quickly forget about my pesky stunt from last night. We are doing what we hope to be our last Maths homework when the telephone rings. Mum lifts it up and from what I can make out she’s talking to Dad. The conversation ends soon and Mum calls us.
“Boys, your father just called to say that he got a fantastic offer for a seaside cottage and he already arranged finances, so we’re renting it for five days!”
“Oh, that’s great!” I say and Dominic smiles excitedly.
“Now, your father has an important meeting so he can’t go himself, but he told me to send you two after the keys. Here’s the address,” and she hands me a note, “do you know where this travel agency is?”
I look at the piece of paper and rub my eyes. “I think so…beside the park, right?”
“Yes. Put on your coats and go, you need to be there in twenty minutes before it closes.”
We dress up quickly; Dominic asks me if we should carry our umbrellas, but I just laugh and lead him out of the house. The walk is not that short, so we become a bit overheated by the time we reach the travel agency, where we are greeted by a panicked man and woman.
“Mr. Bellamy?” the short man asks and I nod, unaccustomed to such a formal greeting. “I’m afraid we have a problem here.”
Shit. I hope it’s not because of us…
“Your father spoke to Miss Hermann,” he points to the tall, blonde woman, “but unfortunately, she doesn’t speak English very well and misinformed Mr. Bellamy.”
The tall woman blushes and starts apologising, but her boss silences her angrily. I swear, this would be very comical if it wasn’t happening to us.
“I’m sorry to say this, but the offer your father paid for is no longer available,” the man shrugs and shows us some brochures. “However, I still have one free cottage left for this weekend, maybe you’d like to rent it?”
Dominic and I look at each other, frowning. I ask the price and if it has the same facilities, but I get a negative answer: “No, sir, this cottage is smaller, it only has two rooms: one of them with a double and the other has two beds, so I’d recommend it for maximum five persons.”
Well, that means we can’t all go to the seaside. I pout, but decide to call Dad and tell him the whole story. He’s quite angry at first, but he then speaks with the boss and to my surprise, Dad agrees to rent it. I take the keys and a brochure of how to get there, and we set off for home.
The overcast sky worries me, so I suggest to Dominic that we walk as fast as possible. As if on cue, I feel the first cold raindrop on my forehead and too soon, it’s raining heavily. We run, not caring about wetting our trainers or trousers, but after only three or four minutes we’re already soaked. At first, the chilly raindrops flowing down on the hot skin of my back create a nice feeling, but I start shivering after a few moments. Only a few streets, only a few streets I keep telling myself, though I have to admit I hardly see anything in this horrible weather.
By the time we get home, Dominic and I are both blue and frozen. Mum is waiting for us at the door, commanding us to peel off our clothes and run into the bathroom to take a good, hot bath. I see Dominic’s bruised back again, so I have the confirmation that I haven’t imagined it. I go into the girls’ bathroom to spare Dominic the embarrassment of bathing surrounded by pink toiletries.
I cannot describe the relief I feel once my frozen limbs begin thawing, life and power returning in them. I stay long enough to be warm and then put on my pyjamas and a thick bathrobe. Mum tucks me in my bed and makes me drink a hot tea and swallow an aspirin “just in case”. Dominic is already lying under a few blankets, he’s barely peeking out from under the big pile. As if to contradict my words, he sneezes a huge sneeze.
“Bless you! I think you’ve already caught a cold!” I say worriedly.
“No, I’ll be fine by tomorrow morning. I just need to sleep it off,” the blonde answers, and slips lower on his pillow.
I can’t sleep yet, so I go downstairs to pass time. My folks are discussing the issue with the cottage and they are both worried about how could we all go. I suggest bringing a mattress with us, but it’s doubtful that we could transport it. With another cup of tea in my hands I watch a police series on the telly, hoping to get a bit more sleepy. As soon as I feel the desired effect taking control over me, I saunter back to my room and fall asleep.
* * * * *
It’s so difficult to leave the bed the next morning; by choice I would hug the pillow to myself and slumber at least two more hours. To my biggest surprise Dominic is still sleeping, though he’s always awake by the time I get out of bed. He doesn’t hear me calling his name, so I stumble to his bed half-asleep, and nudge him.
“Leave me alone, I wanna sleep,” he snaps and pulls the covers over his head.
I giggle and decide to wake Dominic up with another technique: I’ll tickle him to death. However, when my fingers touch the exposed skin of his neck and collarbone, I pull them back very quickly. He’s burning up! I shake him up now and his shiny eyes are not a good sign.
“Matthew, I don’t feel well, I think I have a fever,” he whispers weakly.
I touch his forehead and let my fingers linger there longer than necessary, touching his left cheek when I draw back my hand. I run down and tell Mum that Dominic is ill. She’s busy packing sandwiches for the twins, but asks me to give him some kind of medicine. I go back with it and a glass of water. Dominic nodded off again, so I have to wake him up and help him sit up. I give him the pill and bring the glass to his mouth. He drinks it eagerly and I tuck him back under the covers. I’d rather stay and take care of Dominic, but I know that I have to go to school.
* * * * *
I feel like I could pull out my hair right now. I can’t focus at all; however, the Maths teacher is torturing us with a difficult lesson even on the last day. My thoughts keep returning to the blonde boy lying sick in his bed. I have the blues every time my eyes fall on his empty seat or maybe I’m coming down with something as well. Why can’t I go home and be there beside his bed?! Under the table, I type a message to him on my phone:
“You have no idea how boring is school. How are you? :)”
I almost type “You have no idea how boring is school without you.” but I delete that part before sending it. I almost jump out of my skin when I get a response:
“Well, I’m not having fun either, ha! Good, have to be in bed though. Come home after classes pls.”
I’m sure even the teacher noticed my huge grin, but I couldn’t care less! Dominic wants me to go home as soon as I can. Oh my god, could this get any better? My thumbs tremble as I reply:
“Wouldn’t go anywhere else, though you’d better get rid of those nasty germs. I’ll be home in 2 hours.”
When the bells ring, I’m already at the door and running down on the corridor. I’ve never considered myself an athlete, but hell; I have a reason to be fast now! On the way home I stop at the bakery to buy two chocolate croissants. They are still warm and smell delicious. I go directly upstairs and smile broadly when I find Dominic awake, reading Harry Potter.
“Hey, I thought somebody kidnapped you on your way,” Dominic jests and makes room for me on his bed.
“No, but I kidnapped something for you,” I say and clatter the brown paper bag.
He peeks into it and smiles: “Yummy, I was craving something sweet! Thank you!”
We nibble the croissants with relish while I tell Dominic about the day’s events, though he didn’t miss much. After we finish eating, I ask Dominic’s permission and lean against the headboard. I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to him…I mean we’re reclining against the same pillow. He resumes reading and I just lie there. A few minutes later Mum and Dad arrive home. They come to check Dominic, but it’s obvious that he can’t go anywhere; he needs to rest a lot.
“George, what should we do?” Mum looks at Dad and wrings her hands, “We can’t call off the trip now.”
Dad hums deep in thought, and I think it’s the right time to expose my brilliant idea: “What if I remain with Dominic at home? There’s no way we could all go and the tiny cottage wouldn’t be big enough for us anyway.”
I almost jump in surprise when a warm hand squeezes mine, but Dominic’s hand disappears before I could hold it. My parents draw aside to discuss my proposal and Dominic whispers: “You don’t have to stay here, Matthew. Go and have fun.”
“I don’t think I’d have fun there, you know,” I answer pretending to be upset by his request.
My parents come back to Dominic’s bed and Dad asks me in a serious tone: “Matt, are you sure you want to take upon yourself this responsibility?”
“Very sure, I can finally play computer games as much as I want!” I pretend to be indifferent and cool, but inside, I am dying to be alone with Dominic.
My parents start discussing again, deliberating if they should go and leave us alone or if I’m able to take care of a sick person.
“I’m not that ill, it’s just a simple cold,” Dominic chimes in.
His words seem to weigh a lot because Mum finally gives her consent, though she makes me promise solemnly that I will call her if Dominic’s situation gets worse. My siblings are all done packing, so at around six o’clock they leave for the two-hour journey. I’m about to wave goodbye when Mum smacks her forehead and yells: “Oh lord, I forgot my identity card. Matthew, please go in our bedroom and look for it in my night stand’s drawer!”
I hurry and search in the indicated place; however, I also notice another interesting object there, namely a folder with Dominic’s name on it. Not to be suspicious, I go back to the car and give Mum the wanted document, though my thoughts concentrate on the possible contents of the folder.
As soon as I see the car disappearing, I swear I can hear angel choruses singing “Hallelujah”. I congratulate myself for the clever plan and return into the house with a smile on my face. Dominic and I alone in a big house for five days - that’s definitely how I would define my personal paradise.
Title: Silently I Dream of You - Chapter 9. The Way to Paradise is long
Beta: the wonderful ms_belle10 !
Pairing: BellDom
Rating: PG/PG13
Warnings: Language.
Summary: Series based on this prompt from mkmeme : Belldom, teen!Muse.
Matt's parents are constantly adopting foster kids. Matthew doesn't normally get along with them, often feeling left out that his parents don't spend as much time with their biological son as they should. However, one day, Matthew's parents bring home Dom, a 15/16 year old (same age as Matt) who Matt begins to become attracted to, even though the world and 'their' parents regard them as brothers.
Feedback: would be lovely. Please, leave me a few words if you have time. :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse or any other band/song/lyrics mentioned in this story. I don't make any profit. However, the story is mine, so don't steal, please!
Author's note: Well, I must say I'm quite excited this morning because we're very close to that moment some of you are eager to read (or that's what you told me in the comments). Thank you so much for the lovely words you leave me, they are all precious and I'll try to answer them today. Hope you'll like this chapter! <3
Songs for this chapter: 1000 miles - Vanessa Carlton, Don't want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith, Strange Cup of Tea - Sister Hazel . You can find the whole soundtrack list HERE.
Beautiful banner made by starlight_myth <333
Previous parts: Chapter 1. | Chapter 2. | Chapter 3. | Chapter 4. | Chapter 5. | Chapter 7. | Chapter 8. |
Silently I Dream of You
Chapter 9. The way to paradise is long
“Wow, there are only three days left ‘til our holiday!” Robert says as he draws a big, red X on today’s square on the calendar.
“I can’t wait for that school-free week; I’m really fed up with all the stupid homework!” Maya complains and strangely, we all agree with her.
“I thought you’re looking forward to the family trip because we can spend some time together!” Mum shakes her head, though she knows very well that we wouldn’t ever admit such a thing.
Mum is writing a list of the things we have to pack and asks us if we have anything else to add to it, but as usually, we don’t really care about such practical things. My siblings disappear one after the other, but I linger in the room because I want to ask Mum about an issue which treads on delicate ground. I’ve been puzzling over the matter, but I need to find out precise information, otherwise my mind will come up with the worst scenarios.
“Erm, Mum…I’d like to ask you something. It’s serious, so please don’t hide the truth or something.”
“Matt, dear, you’re scaring me! What is it about?” Mum asks concerned.
“I’m not sure, but I think Dominic was abused before he came here,” I say cautiously, getting up from the sofa and pacing around the room.
Mum’s eyes bug out and she presses her lips together. She looks down at the list and asks: “Did Dominic tell you anything?”
I shake my head, flustered, and the relieved expression on Mum’s face accounts for my suspicions that she’s concealing something.
“I don’t know where you got this crazy idea, but it’s not true. He was treated well by his previous family and in the orphanage too. Now, if you don’t mind, I have some things to do,” with these words Mum disappears, leaving me with the firm conviction that something is really off here.
* * * * *
I am in an unfamiliar, dimly lit building but I know that I have to search for something there. I climb some grey stairs and finally, I hear someone shouting my name. My stomach clenches with fear, but even though I look everywhere around, I can’t see anybody. “Maaaattheeeew!” rings the voice again and I recognize it as Dominic’s. I breathe faster; I know he’s in danger and I run ahead, barely noticing the places I pass. Spots of black and leaden on the walls, everything in this building is dirty and repulsive.
He calls me again and I can hear him crying this time. I stop briefly to catch my breath and I almost swoon at the sight of a streamlet of blood on the white marble. I follow its path only to find the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen: Dominic is being whipped by a furious madman, his back covered with deep wounds and bleeding heavily. The blonde boy screams in pain, sound to which my weak knees give up and I howl his name, shaking with anger, terror and powerlessness.
“Matthew, wake up! It’s just a dream!” Dominic grips my shoulders to stop my body from jerking and continues to whisper soothing things: “Shh, it was just a nightmare! You’re safe now!”
My wobbling hands grasp the first thing they come into contact, that being Dominic’s pyjama top, and I continue sobbing for a while into the soft fabric, his warm, familiar smell calming my overexcited nerves. I wipe away the tears which blur my vision and I feel the bed bouncing as Dominic sits down beside me. I keep my palms on my puffy eyes and mumble embarrassedly: “Oh god, I’m so sorry that I woke you up!”
I feel a warm hand rubbing my back and a soft voice whispering: “It doesn’t matter. You can go back to sleep now.”
I’m about to protest against the idea, fearing a new string of terrifying images, but Dominic’s hand works magic and suddenly, I find myself being laid on my back. Somebody covers me and gentle fingers brush away my damp fringe and stroke my hot forehead until I fall asleep, but this time I have peaceful dreams.
* * * * *
The next day I don’t even dare to look into Dominic’s eyes, but he acts like nothing had happened, so I quickly forget about my pesky stunt from last night. We are doing what we hope to be our last Maths homework when the telephone rings. Mum lifts it up and from what I can make out she’s talking to Dad. The conversation ends soon and Mum calls us.
“Boys, your father just called to say that he got a fantastic offer for a seaside cottage and he already arranged finances, so we’re renting it for five days!”
“Oh, that’s great!” I say and Dominic smiles excitedly.
“Now, your father has an important meeting so he can’t go himself, but he told me to send you two after the keys. Here’s the address,” and she hands me a note, “do you know where this travel agency is?”
I look at the piece of paper and rub my eyes. “I think so…beside the park, right?”
“Yes. Put on your coats and go, you need to be there in twenty minutes before it closes.”
We dress up quickly; Dominic asks me if we should carry our umbrellas, but I just laugh and lead him out of the house. The walk is not that short, so we become a bit overheated by the time we reach the travel agency, where we are greeted by a panicked man and woman.
“Mr. Bellamy?” the short man asks and I nod, unaccustomed to such a formal greeting. “I’m afraid we have a problem here.”
Shit. I hope it’s not because of us…
“Your father spoke to Miss Hermann,” he points to the tall, blonde woman, “but unfortunately, she doesn’t speak English very well and misinformed Mr. Bellamy.”
The tall woman blushes and starts apologising, but her boss silences her angrily. I swear, this would be very comical if it wasn’t happening to us.
“I’m sorry to say this, but the offer your father paid for is no longer available,” the man shrugs and shows us some brochures. “However, I still have one free cottage left for this weekend, maybe you’d like to rent it?”
Dominic and I look at each other, frowning. I ask the price and if it has the same facilities, but I get a negative answer: “No, sir, this cottage is smaller, it only has two rooms: one of them with a double and the other has two beds, so I’d recommend it for maximum five persons.”
Well, that means we can’t all go to the seaside. I pout, but decide to call Dad and tell him the whole story. He’s quite angry at first, but he then speaks with the boss and to my surprise, Dad agrees to rent it. I take the keys and a brochure of how to get there, and we set off for home.
The overcast sky worries me, so I suggest to Dominic that we walk as fast as possible. As if on cue, I feel the first cold raindrop on my forehead and too soon, it’s raining heavily. We run, not caring about wetting our trainers or trousers, but after only three or four minutes we’re already soaked. At first, the chilly raindrops flowing down on the hot skin of my back create a nice feeling, but I start shivering after a few moments. Only a few streets, only a few streets I keep telling myself, though I have to admit I hardly see anything in this horrible weather.
By the time we get home, Dominic and I are both blue and frozen. Mum is waiting for us at the door, commanding us to peel off our clothes and run into the bathroom to take a good, hot bath. I see Dominic’s bruised back again, so I have the confirmation that I haven’t imagined it. I go into the girls’ bathroom to spare Dominic the embarrassment of bathing surrounded by pink toiletries.
I cannot describe the relief I feel once my frozen limbs begin thawing, life and power returning in them. I stay long enough to be warm and then put on my pyjamas and a thick bathrobe. Mum tucks me in my bed and makes me drink a hot tea and swallow an aspirin “just in case”. Dominic is already lying under a few blankets, he’s barely peeking out from under the big pile. As if to contradict my words, he sneezes a huge sneeze.
“Bless you! I think you’ve already caught a cold!” I say worriedly.
“No, I’ll be fine by tomorrow morning. I just need to sleep it off,” the blonde answers, and slips lower on his pillow.
I can’t sleep yet, so I go downstairs to pass time. My folks are discussing the issue with the cottage and they are both worried about how could we all go. I suggest bringing a mattress with us, but it’s doubtful that we could transport it. With another cup of tea in my hands I watch a police series on the telly, hoping to get a bit more sleepy. As soon as I feel the desired effect taking control over me, I saunter back to my room and fall asleep.
* * * * *
It’s so difficult to leave the bed the next morning; by choice I would hug the pillow to myself and slumber at least two more hours. To my biggest surprise Dominic is still sleeping, though he’s always awake by the time I get out of bed. He doesn’t hear me calling his name, so I stumble to his bed half-asleep, and nudge him.
“Leave me alone, I wanna sleep,” he snaps and pulls the covers over his head.
I giggle and decide to wake Dominic up with another technique: I’ll tickle him to death. However, when my fingers touch the exposed skin of his neck and collarbone, I pull them back very quickly. He’s burning up! I shake him up now and his shiny eyes are not a good sign.
“Matthew, I don’t feel well, I think I have a fever,” he whispers weakly.
I touch his forehead and let my fingers linger there longer than necessary, touching his left cheek when I draw back my hand. I run down and tell Mum that Dominic is ill. She’s busy packing sandwiches for the twins, but asks me to give him some kind of medicine. I go back with it and a glass of water. Dominic nodded off again, so I have to wake him up and help him sit up. I give him the pill and bring the glass to his mouth. He drinks it eagerly and I tuck him back under the covers. I’d rather stay and take care of Dominic, but I know that I have to go to school.
* * * * *
I feel like I could pull out my hair right now. I can’t focus at all; however, the Maths teacher is torturing us with a difficult lesson even on the last day. My thoughts keep returning to the blonde boy lying sick in his bed. I have the blues every time my eyes fall on his empty seat or maybe I’m coming down with something as well. Why can’t I go home and be there beside his bed?! Under the table, I type a message to him on my phone:
“You have no idea how boring is school. How are you? :)”
I almost type “You have no idea how boring is school without you.” but I delete that part before sending it. I almost jump out of my skin when I get a response:
“Well, I’m not having fun either, ha! Good, have to be in bed though. Come home after classes pls.”
I’m sure even the teacher noticed my huge grin, but I couldn’t care less! Dominic wants me to go home as soon as I can. Oh my god, could this get any better? My thumbs tremble as I reply:
“Wouldn’t go anywhere else, though you’d better get rid of those nasty germs. I’ll be home in 2 hours.”
When the bells ring, I’m already at the door and running down on the corridor. I’ve never considered myself an athlete, but hell; I have a reason to be fast now! On the way home I stop at the bakery to buy two chocolate croissants. They are still warm and smell delicious. I go directly upstairs and smile broadly when I find Dominic awake, reading Harry Potter.
“Hey, I thought somebody kidnapped you on your way,” Dominic jests and makes room for me on his bed.
“No, but I kidnapped something for you,” I say and clatter the brown paper bag.
He peeks into it and smiles: “Yummy, I was craving something sweet! Thank you!”
We nibble the croissants with relish while I tell Dominic about the day’s events, though he didn’t miss much. After we finish eating, I ask Dominic’s permission and lean against the headboard. I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to him…I mean we’re reclining against the same pillow. He resumes reading and I just lie there. A few minutes later Mum and Dad arrive home. They come to check Dominic, but it’s obvious that he can’t go anywhere; he needs to rest a lot.
“George, what should we do?” Mum looks at Dad and wrings her hands, “We can’t call off the trip now.”
Dad hums deep in thought, and I think it’s the right time to expose my brilliant idea: “What if I remain with Dominic at home? There’s no way we could all go and the tiny cottage wouldn’t be big enough for us anyway.”
I almost jump in surprise when a warm hand squeezes mine, but Dominic’s hand disappears before I could hold it. My parents draw aside to discuss my proposal and Dominic whispers: “You don’t have to stay here, Matthew. Go and have fun.”
“I don’t think I’d have fun there, you know,” I answer pretending to be upset by his request.
My parents come back to Dominic’s bed and Dad asks me in a serious tone: “Matt, are you sure you want to take upon yourself this responsibility?”
“Very sure, I can finally play computer games as much as I want!” I pretend to be indifferent and cool, but inside, I am dying to be alone with Dominic.
My parents start discussing again, deliberating if they should go and leave us alone or if I’m able to take care of a sick person.
“I’m not that ill, it’s just a simple cold,” Dominic chimes in.
His words seem to weigh a lot because Mum finally gives her consent, though she makes me promise solemnly that I will call her if Dominic’s situation gets worse. My siblings are all done packing, so at around six o’clock they leave for the two-hour journey. I’m about to wave goodbye when Mum smacks her forehead and yells: “Oh lord, I forgot my identity card. Matthew, please go in our bedroom and look for it in my night stand’s drawer!”
I hurry and search in the indicated place; however, I also notice another interesting object there, namely a folder with Dominic’s name on it. Not to be suspicious, I go back to the car and give Mum the wanted document, though my thoughts concentrate on the possible contents of the folder.
As soon as I see the car disappearing, I swear I can hear angel choruses singing “Hallelujah”. I congratulate myself for the clever plan and return into the house with a smile on my face. Dominic and I alone in a big house for five days - that’s definitely how I would define my personal paradise.