Only You || Two-bit Matthews

Chapter Three • Inclusive

Hesitantly, I opened my door and stepped out as well. The sun kissing my skin reminded me that my arms were exposed. Instinctively, I grabbed my arms to cover them, to hide them.

Anxiety numbed my fingertips at the thought of anybody seeing my arms. I could hear Keith talking, but by the time his words reached my ears, they were muffled and incoherent.

He walked around to my side of the car, shutting my door for me. "René?" He asked, now standing in front of me, his eyes searching my face softly.

"What is it?" He continued, trying to understand why my mood had suddenly changed. His eyes scanned over me, landing on my hands. He furrowed his eyebrows at the sight of my death drip on my skin.

Hesitantly, he reached forward and pulled my hands away from my arms. He then pulled his leather jacket off and held it open for me to wear. I smiled softly, appreciating his gesture. Turning, I slid my arms inside, and he pulled the jacket over my shoulders. The sleeves were much too long for me, and my hands were not visible.

"Thank you," I said softly, my lips tipping up into a small smile.

Keith nodded and half smiled in return, "Ready?"

I nodded and looked past him to the house, "I'm ready, let's do this."

Keith smiled and goofily fist-pumped the air before leading me toward the house. He opened the gate and held it open for me. I watched my feet as I approached the front door, the cement walkway riddled with weeds that sprouted between the cracks. I did my best not to step on them, weeds or not, they were still alive.

Keith stumbled up the stairs and pushed the doors open, almost forgetting to hold them for me. Awkwardly, I walked through the doors and stood in the much warmer living room.

Immediately, three sets of eyes were glued to me. "Whooohooo! Two-bit's got himself a little lady!"

My face burned red at the comment from one of the sets of eyes. He wore a jean vest and a pair of dirty blue jeans. Brown covered his face near his mouth. I raised my brows at him.

Keith told him to hush up before gesturing to me. "Little lady, meet everybody. Everybody, meet little lady," he smiled, satisfied with his introduction.

A more intimidating man spoke up, "C'mon, Two, what's her real name?"

I swallowed hard before deciding I would speak for myself. "My name is René Brewer." My voice was quieter than I had meant for it to be.

He nodded and stood up from his chair, holding his hand out to me. I carefully wiggled my hand out of Keith's jacket sleeve before placing it in his. He shook my small hand firmly. I noticed his eyes examining my hand. I knew he wanted to ask me about it, but he didn't want to be rude.

Mustering up all the courage I had left for today, I told him, "It's vitiligo."

He nodded slowly, "Never heard of it."

I shot Keith a desperate look, hoping he would chime in, and he did. "It's like a birthmark, Darry. It's not contagious or anythin' like that," he then plopped down on the couch next to the brown-faced man.

I nodded to Darry, confirming what Keith had said. Darry let go of my hand gently, "Well, it's nice to meet you, René."

I smiled softly, "Nice to meet you, too."