Chapter 18

After finally making some progress on the canvas, I was robbed of my lighting by the setting sun. I went downstairs and stepped out onto the back deck to get some fresh air. As soon as I walked out, the lights in the pool came on, turning the water bright blue.

I heard a gate open and shut and looked over to see Bates running full speed at the pool, taking his shirt off and throwing it on the concrete.

"Cannonball!" He screamed before leaping into the air and the crashing down into the pool, soaking everything within a fifteen foot radius.

As he surfaced, we made eye contact.

"Are you six?" I asked him, laughing.

"Come down here and ask me to my face," he said threateningly.

"Dude, I was trying ask you what kind of pizza you wanted!"

Blaine shouted, walking through the gate that Bates had just dashed through.

Luca followed him, noticing me standing on the deck.

"I've already told you!" Bates yelled.

"I want cheese with extra cheese!"

"Six-year-old status confirmed," I said, earning a