Chapter 55

 

Weeks went by and things around the House of Goths settled once again into a pleasant routine. Becky and Kell thrived in each other’s company. The pair became rather inseparable. With him having gotten his concerns off his chest, he hadn’t felt the need to visit his family’s gravesite quite so often as before. In fact, he was quite all right with going once or twice a month instead of twice a week.

During those visits, he would go by himself. Becky had offered to accompany him but the Goth insisted he needed those moments alone. While in the past this might have bothered her, she now understood him better and allowed him his solitude. In those moments, she sought out her other housemates for company which they were more than happy to offer.

Heather and Dorian continued to see each other and many a weekend, she would spend at the house. Becky quite liked having her there. It was nice to have another girl around the place. Dorian seemed quite happy too.

Keegan came and went, but mostly enjoyed his free time watching movies or practicing his guitar. That was always a treat because he would often invite Becky to join him. Every now and then he would let her hold his guitar, even show her a few simple chords.

With all four members present and accounted for, the band was back in full swing. With gigs every weekend, The Kingston Quartet were kept quite busy. Becky loved nothing more than to accompany them on those nights. She would always be right there, hugging the stage, watching, and pumping her fist in the air.

When they weren’t running off to pubs, they would focus on classes and getting their assignments in order.

“That’s quite the collection you’ve got now,” Crispin said, looking from his latest painting to Becky’s. In fact, she had been quite busy with her fairytale-inspired creations. He couldn’t help but smile at all those allegorical images. She was quite the talented artist, even if her subject matter was not his particular cup of tea. He hadn’t had the heart to tease her about her insistence at using their likenesses in the Elven creatures she painted. The girl was talented and that’s all that mattered. Who was he to tell her where she should find her inspirations?

“I have to set up a show for my final mark,” she said, standing back from her latest painting. “The class is having a gallery opening and each of us has to present at least three final works.”

“Well, seeing as you have double that, and it’s still only March, you’ve nothing to worry about.”

“But are they good enough?”

“Becky, with your skill and those handsome elves, you’ll be the runaway hit. No doubt about that.”

“Sweet, Crispin, thanks!” she said with a smile.

He was glad someone was excited. While he put on a brave face, he still wasn’t quite right. Niggling feelings of over-dependancy on his housemates still haunted him. Deep down he knew he would have to do something. What that was, became clearer each day. In fact, with Spring Break approaching, an idea had formed in his mind. An idea, he hadn’t yet shared with anyone.

For the most part, he had kept himself focused on his studies. Being so busy with the band and all their gigs, keeping his mind occupied was relatively easy. To counter the loneliness, he had distracted himself with a few dalliances with fans. When he needed something more real, he would spend his time with Becky.

“I know you’re sad, Crispin. I just wish you weren’t,” Becky said, seeing him stare out the front window. “What are you looking for?”

“Purpose, a place in this world, a reason for breathing…”

“You’ve got that here with us.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he gave her a forlorn smile. She meant well but didn’t understand. How could she? “You’re right, Becky. Never mind my dreary words. Sometimes they’re all I’ve got.”

“Hopefully, you’ll cheer up soon. Spring Break starts on Monday. That should help. You’ve been awfully busy. Maybe you just need some time off.”

Wonderful… he could look forward to two weeks of nothing but witnessing his housemates frolicking around the house. It was bad enough with Becky and Kell going at it like rabbits. Now with Heather and Dorian joining in, he would most definitely lose his mind. He couldn’t bear the thought of having to sit around while they coupled off into their bedrooms. Being around all that romantic bliss would be nothing short of pure torture. If he were to salvage what he had left of his soul. He would have to act soon.