Let us write a story sentence by sentence.

catefrances

'doubts about what exactly?'

karma defect

Just a figure of speech, go on.

catefrances

'this might feel a little cold.'

i stepped back and dipped my paintbrush in the paint. this time it was a deep maroon. much to his credit, when i touch the brush to his skin, arlo flinched only a little. when i had finished i went around to the front and took his hands leading him to a canvas tacked onto the wall.

'i want you to press yourself back against the canvas. try and keep your arms as straight out to the sides as possible.'

karma defect

Oh ok, but do you mind joining me, he said with his shy face on. I feel so used and dirty this way.

catefrances

i ignored his question. i was working here and i didn't need him in my head more than he already was. i looked at arlo and smiled.

'step off a little.'

as he stepped forward you could hear a ripping sound as arlo's body separated from the canvas. i mixed a little white with the maroon and painted the front of arlo's body. when the brush got too close for comfort, he not only flinched but stepped away from me. i looked at him silently until he moved forward again. when i had finished i stood up and just looked at him. i smiled and asked him to again press himself against the canvas. he did as i asked. his arms down by his sides. when i was satisfied, i pulled him away from the canvas.

'you can go get clean now.'

karma defect

Yes slavemaster, I will slavemaster. We walked to the shower while dramatically shouting; let my people go.

catefrances

i turned the shower on, feeling that the water wasn't too hot.

'i'm gonna have to wash your back. step in there will you.'

karma defect

Yes master, oh great one. Please be gentle and leave me some skin on my bones.

catefrances

'just get in there. i'm not in the mood for stupidity right now arlo.'

arlo stepped under the shower. the water turned maroon around his feet. i shucked my clothes and stepped in behind him. soaping up the sponge i rubbed the colour from his skin. i must have been lost in the moment cause when arlo asked if i was okay i didn't answer. he had turned around to face me and i didn't know it until he grabbed my hand. i pulled away. he reached out, resting his hand on my cheek. a headache was forming and the sound of the water made it worse. i looked at arlo and handed him the sponge.

'here you finish it.'

i stepped out of the shower and wrapping a towel around myself, i left the bathroom.

karma defect

I walked to the closet only to find I didn't have any alcohol left. I slammed the door out of frustration. Damn it, just when I actually need it I am out. I could feel my panic growing, the breathing tricks couldn’t prevent that from happening.

catefrances

i could go get some. but if i told arlo i was going out he'd give me the third degree and probably want to come with me. might be best just to leave. i mean he is in the shower and i won't be gone more five minutes. no i should tell me. he'd just come looking if he found me missing. i grabbed my dress and pulled it over my head. walking to the bathroom door, i cracked it open a little.

'i'm going to the shop for some milk. i'll be back in five.'

i didn't wait for a response, rushing out the front door before arlo had a chance to react.

karma defect

Of course he would notice soon enough that I wasn't getting any milk, That was something for later. I could always take some to cover my lie.

catefrances

'so tell me anna. are we lying to each other now.'

i practically dropped my bottles when i walked into the kitchen and found arlo leaning against the bench, still clad only in a towel. i didn't know what to say. i walked past him to open the fridge, trying to avoid eye contact.

'anna. talk to me. what is going on here?'

karma defect

I got the milk out of the bag and put it in the fridge. I won't go so far as to call it lying.

catefrances

'you didn't need milk anna. there's almost a full bottle there.'

karma defect

Well you can drink that if you want. It is a bit over the date, but be my guest. Arlo don’t worry I have gotten you something as well.
I closed the fridge and put the bottle on the table. Would you get me two glasses?

catefrances

arlo frowned.

'should you really be drinking?'

karma defect

Why not Arlo? Am I pregnant?
I feel like it and if you don't want to then fine, but stop hassling me. That was why I rushed out to begin with. I don't need that aggravation.
I have enough on my mind as it is.

catefrances

god damn it. why do i have to feel so shitty.

retrieving a glass from the cupboard and filling it with wine while arlo stood there being judgemental didn't exactly fill me with joy. i took a drink and turned to him.

'why don't you just go arlo. if you're gonna stand there and act like a parent then i don't need you hanging around.'

i picked up the bottle and walked out of the kitchen.

karma defect

I walked to the stereo and started looking for something that would annoy Arlo. Maybe I'll get lucky and he will leave. Might not be the most honest technique, but it will have to do for now.