Puzzles and Pieces ✔

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

It was raining.

The clouds were dark and thunder would echo every so often. I was supposed to go grocery shopping that day but the weather made me decide to shop another day.

Mr. Matthews was reading over some papers by the television and I sat nearby with a mug of tea, watching the television. It was colder than usual in the apartment. Probably due to the weather or possibly due to the fact that I had to turn off our heating to avoid high bills for the month.

"I've never really asked but... how has your work been?" I broke the silence between us.

He set down the papers on his lap before clearing his throat. "It's been slow, decent pay."

"Do you think you'll move out anytime soon?" I asked.

"Without paying you back?" His eyebrows were raised and he didn't seem convinced that I wouldn't let him pay me back.

"You don't have to Mr. Matthews. It's fine, really." I set the mug down on the coffee table. "I know Caleb wouldn't have wanted you to be left on the streets. Besides, you watched over Kyle while I was working late often. You really don't have to."

"Boy, I've seen the bills. You can't act like you don't need the money."

"We'll be okay, really." I gave him a reassuring smile but a look of doubt was given in exchange.

"Mmm." Was all he said before he shifted his attention back to his papers.

"I'm going out dad!" Kyle's voice suddenly echoed through the apartment building and he rushed to the front door.

"Going where?" I asked him. "It's pouring outside."

"I promised that I would go out today." He held out his arms to show off his raincoat. "I'll be fine, I'm wearing a jacket."

"Promised who?"

"My boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?" I was taken back slightly. I thought he was dating a girl. "What happened to the girl?"

"We broke up a few months ago." He said it so nonchalantly, it took me a few seconds to process it.

I cleared my throat. "Does that mean you're gay now?"

His expression became stone cold. I wasn't sure if what I had said had bothered him or he just didn't want to talk anymore.

"No."

"Ah, then your boyfriend is just a friend then or...?"

"No." He looked more confused when he answered this time. "Why?"

His replies puzzled me. I wasn't sure if he was still experimenting with his sexuality

"I was just wondering." I picked up my mug and took a sip. "But are you sure you should be going outside? You might get sick."

"I'll be fine."

"I'm just looking out f–"

"I don't care!" He looked at me with anger and something in my chest just sank.

"Hey, Kyle. You shouldn't be talking to your dad that way." Mr. Matthews raised his voice and I could feel the tension in the air grow.

"I've had enough of this I'm out of here."

"Kyle, no. We can talk it out." I began to stand from my chair.

Kyle threw open the door. The loud thump echoed into the hallway and he refused to look into my direction.

"I don't want to talk it out!"

He stormed out of the apartment and I yelled out in surprise. I got up, ready to run after him into the rain when I heard gasping.

Mr. Matthews was clutching his chest, looking at me with panic in his eyes.

He was having a heart attack.