In The Mix

Chapter 11

This is unedited. I know it's been quite a while since I updated this but I'm back now. Thank y'all for being patient and the continued interest in this story. This is kind of short. It's basically just a filler chapter to get back into the swing of things. Hope y'all enjoy.

Kenzie's POV:

The signing is almost over as we're down to the last few fans. A couple of the fans wanted to take pictures with me which I was totally fine with. Currently I'm standing with six month old Ella on my left hip and my arm is around her sixteen year old sister Elise while their Mom snaps a picture.

"Got it!" Their Mom says, smiling.

I smile and pat Elise's back while gently bouncing a babbling Ella.

"I want to thank you, Kenzie." Elise says softly.

I arch an eyebrow. "What are you thanking me for?"

"You gave me the courage to come out to my parents. Your Instagram post where you discussed your experience coming out as bisexual to your Mom and the rest of your family and talking about your fears was really relatable."

"I'm glad it could help you."

"Elise, it's time to go." Their Mom says, walking over to us.

"Bye sweet girl." I coo to Ella and she giggles and lays her head on my shoulder.

"I've never seen her this comfortable with a new person before. You're a natural with her." Their Mom gushes.

Smiling, I hand Ella over. "She's a lil cutie and a very easy baby."

"Can I ask you something?"

I nod for Elise to continue.

"How's Chloe doing?" Elise asks, referring to my best friend.

"She's doing good. She's not one to let an injury keep her down, so she'll be back in the dance studio soon."

"That's good! I'm glad. Bye, Kenzie."

"Bye, Elise."

She says bye to Mom and the girls before leaving with her Mom and sister.

I look over and see Andre, Dominic, and Sylas engaged in a lively conversation. Leigh, Jade, and Pez are engaged in conversation as well.

Mom motions me over to her and pats her lap. I make my way to her and crawl into her lap, resting my head on her shoulder and she wraps her arms around me.

"How did you sleep last night, love?"

"Not good." I say softly.

"Nightmares?"

I sigh. "Every time I close my eyes I go back to that night. I feel the searing pain as the bullets tear through my body. The warm blood soaking my shirt. Gasping for air but not getting enough and choking on my own blood. Feeling the cold take over my body as I slip into unconsciousness." I reach up and fiddle with one of her necklaces.

"I think we should get you back in therapy. Is that something you'd be willing to do?"

I pull back enough to look at Mom.

"I think I need it but..."

"But what, baby?"

"Is there something wrong with me?"

"Of course not, baby! Why would you think that?" Mom rubs soothing circles on my back.

"I've been in therapy on and off for years. Mike left me and didn't look back, Karen never wanted me, and Max hated me for the color of my skin. So what is so wrong with me that caused them to treat me so poorly?"

"I want you to listen to me very carefully. Being in therapy doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. You just have thoughts and feelings that you struggle to decipher and you need someone to help you with that. As for Mike, Karen, and Max, it never had anything to do with you. They have their own issues that they didn't deal with for whatever reason. You were just an innocent baby that deserved to be loved and cared for. But you will always be my little baby." She smiles and kisses my forehead.

"Ladies!"

Detective Tess Gilbert makes her way towards us, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

"Detective Gilbert, you have any news?" Mom questions.

Detective Gilbert sighs. "We still haven't been able to locate Mike or Max. We've still got Karen under surveillance but she hasn't done anything out of the ordinary."

"So basically you have nothing more now than you did when this happened?" Jade queries.

"No, we don't. There is an idea that some of my colleagues have been floating around but I'm not sure it's a good one."

"What's the idea?" Leigh-Anne asks.

Detective Gilbert glances at her before locking eyes with me.

"They want to use me as bait."

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Until next time.
Much love!!!!