Puzzles and Pieces ✔

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

I knocked on the door to Kyle's room. He had become more recluse and hasn't talked to anyone for a week. Just entering and exiting his room for school or food. He wouldn't even join us for dinner lately.

I had decided to stop by Kyle's room as Mr. Matthews took his usual nap. I didn't want him to think I was worrying too much, despite how true it may be.

"Huh?" Kyle yelled.

I opened the door to see the lanky sixteen-year-old laying on his bed. His room was messier than usual as clothes were laying on the ground and a few stray papers had fallen from his desk.

"I brought you some oranges. Sliced so you can eat them more easily." I offered and he just grunted in response.

I put the plate on his desk and turned to him.

"Is everything alright lately?" I asked him and he avoided my gaze.

"Everything is fine." I noticed he pulled his sleeve down.

"Why are you wearing a sweater? It's hot out today." Something clenched inside my chest. I didn't have to guess why he was acting that way.

"Is it?" His voice was flat.

"Kyle." He only avoided my gaze more. "Don't tell me you're pulling your sleeve down because you got a tattoo."

My attempt at a joke didn't seem to amuse him.

"Dad? Can you leave already?"

"Are you sure everything is alright? You know you can tell me anything."

"I'm fine."

"Alright..."

I reluctantly left his room with my mouth in a permanent frown.

Maybe I should take him to therapy. I don't want him to be facing the same things that Caleb was facing alone. I don't want to force him into it either. I don't even know if we'll be able to get the money for it. Mr. Matthews has only recently been able to go back to work but the money is still tight since he still had to pay for his medical treatment.

"What's with your face?"

I looked up to see Amira was sitting on the couch with a bottle of champagne in hand. I almost did a double take as I had barely noticed her sitting there. Maybe I was too used to her extravagant outfits or I was just that lost in thought. It looked like she had just come back from a dinner party judging by her dress and lace gloves.

"When did you get here?"

"The old man let me in." She opened an arm out to beckon me to come closer for a hug. I did so and she kissed my cheek.

"What's the occasion?" I asked, gesturing to the bottle as I pulled away.

"Well, as you may have heard, I'm getting married." She lifted up her hand to show a ring and my mouth opened in shock.

"Oh, my goodness. Why haven't I met them?" It felt like it was only yesterday that men were constantly trying to gain her attention.

"Well, you were too busy being a father and I was too busy having the time of my life." Amira chuckled. "Anyways, what's with the long face earlier? Did something happen?"

I sighed. "It's just Kyle. I've been having difficulty talking to him lately. I'm just wondering if I'm doing anything wrong."

"That's a big obstacle you got there, hun. Just know you're doing your best. I'll make sure to ask around to see if any of the boys got any advice."

"Thank you, I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Always."

"Anyways... who's the lucky person you're marrying?" I glanced at her ring again and a smile slowly stretched on her face.

"You haven't met him yet." She gazed at her ring lovingly. I could tell by her expression that she found the right person. "I, of course, had to come to tell you as soon as I could."

"It took you long enough," I teased.

"You know boys, they can't always handle me." She gave me a smug grin and I rolled my eyes.

"More like they never were decent people, to begin with," I muttered.

"Oh, hush now." Her hand slapped my arm playfully and she carefully stood up from the couch. "Now, do you have any glasses? I want to drink this."

"Yeah, in the kitchen. I'll go get them." I made my way to the kitchen and Amira followed. "Feel free to sit at the table."

"Thank you, dear."

She took a seat after placing the champagne on the table. I gave it a glance as I pulled two glasses out of the cabinet.

"How has that old man been treating you? He's not giving you any trouble, is he?" Amira slowly tugged at the tips of her gloves to take them off before putting them into her purse.

"He's not as bad as I had imagined." I grabbed the corkscrew out of the drawer and placed the glasses on the table in exchange for the bottle.

"Really?" She stretched out the word with interest and curiosity.

"I think it's because I've helped him out the past few years. Or maybe he started to warm up to me." I put the bottle in the sink and began to open it with ease. "Or maybe it's because I'm not dating anyone that it's easier to forget that I'm gay."

"You haven't found anyone else?" Amira asked. The corner up her mouth twitched downwards slightly.

"I haven't had the time since I've been working a lot more hours to support the family." I poured the champagne into the two glasses then took a seat next to Amira.

"Do you think you'll ever date again?" She took a sip from her glass. "I know Caleb meant a lot to you but there's no harm in dating again."

"Hm, I'm not sure honestly." It never really crossed my mind to start dating. "Anyways, let's toast to your engagement. I hope he makes you happy."

Our glasses clinked together and she gave me a quiet thank you. I downed the contents of my glass before closing my eyes briefly.

I don't think I'll be able to date again quite honestly. Not because I'm ready but because I can't imagine myself finding anyone else.