-Chapter 24: In These Empty Hall-

-Kris-

It's late, but I can't sleep. I felt exhausted. Tired. But nothing could bring me to fall asleep. I sit at my desk, attempting to draw Zeke's flower once again. This time though, progress has finally been made, but it didn't have my full attention. I opened the drawer in the old desk and pulled out a note that I've practically memorized by now.

"Why did you do it, CeCe?" I think as I reread the note. "Why!?"

Only silence responded. I look down at the half-done drawing of Zeke's rose to see little wet dots. Teardrops.

After a while of just sitting and looking out the window, I get up and open the door to my room slightly. The orphanage seemed abandoned at night. Though, seeing as all the workers and the other kids were asleep. It would only make sense. I quietly open the door just wide enough for me to get through, then shut it, making sure the doorknob's clicking wasn't too loud. I walk down the hall until I reach a door that's labeled: "Roof access. Keep out." I turn the doorknob and am surprised to find it was unlocked. I look back again to check if anyone was around before opening the door and shutting it. Once I'm was sure it closed, I start to climb the ladder up towards the roof.

I sit on the edge of the tall building, letting my feet dangle from the edge.

"Hey, Celeste," I say, looking up at the stars.

"I know you probably can't hear me all the way down here, seeing as heavens probably really high up. I just wanted to say, Zeke and I really miss you; I'm sure your other friends back in Long Beach also miss you, but Zeke and I miss you the most. Though he never likes to talk about that night, his eyes always light up when he talks about the adventures you two have been on." I say to nobody in particular.

I have no idea who I'm telling this all to. I just felt like I needed to say something to someone.

"He talks about an old ship every once in a while called the Queen Mary and how it was your favorite place in the world. Was it? I've seen pictures, and it's a sight to behold. Hopefully, I can convince Zeke to take me." I laugh at that last part.

"He has pretty eyes. Have you ever noticed that? Oh, wait, you've only known him forever. I'm pretty sure you've looked into his eyes at least once." I close my own eyes as I continue to talk.

"What's it like up there? Is it pretty? Lonely? I've always wondered what it's like. Then again, I don't think I'm going to heaven because they say in the bible that being gay is a sin. But anyway it's been nice talking with you. Zeke and I love you so much, CeCe." I say, feeling tears streaming down my face.

"Oh, and one more thing, if you can, could you watch out for him? Like, be his guardian or something? I think he's going to need it." At that moment, I swear a star flicker. I took that as a sign that someone was listening. "Thank you," I conclude.

For hours I sat on the roof. I look at the city in the distance and notice all the pretty lights on the buildings. I lose track of time, and before I knew it, the sun was rising.

"Oh shit!" I say as I quickly and quietly retrace my steps back to my room.