Weight of The Untold

Chapter 16

“Finally!! I’m done with high school!” Meg shouted, her voice echoing through the classroom and setting off a wave of laughter.

She slid in beside me at our lockers, eyes bright with excitement. “Kyla, I’ve been meaning to ask—who’s your date to prom?”

“I’m not going,” I said simply.

But you have to go to Deveon’s house tomorrow.
Oh my gosh. I had completely forgotten. Thanks, Em.

Meg frowned. “Why not? Come on, Kyla.”

I shook my head. “I’m sorry. I’m really not going.”

I closed my locker and slung my bag over my shoulder. “I need to find Deveon. Did you see where he went?”

She shrugged. “Why do you want him?”

“I need to talk to him.”

I checked the library first—nothing. Then the cafeteria—empty. The basketball court was deserted too.

Okay… weird.

“Where the hell are you?”

“Where the hell is who?”

I jumped at the voice behind me.

“And how is it your problem who I’m looking for?” I snapped.

She smirked. “So little Kyla finally learned how to talk back.”

I rolled my eyes and turned away, but suddenly my bag was yanked hard. I hit the floor, the impact knocking the air out of my lungs.

“You think you can put your filthy hands on me and just walk away?” she hissed.

So she wants this again?

I stood up slowly, brushing myself off, checking that nothing was torn.

“Linda, listen carefully,” I said, keeping my voice low. “It’s obvious you and that crazy woman are trying to get me into trouble. I won’t touch you here. But if I see you outside this school, I promise you won’t recognize yourself afterward.”

She laughed—a harsh, mocking sound.

“I’m not scared of you.”

“Good,” I said coldly. “Then you’ll be prepared.”

I turned to leave. She grabbed me again. This time I yanked free with force—rip.

My bag tore.

“What?!” I snapped, fury flooding through me. “I will kill you!”

I stepped toward her, fists clenched. She backed away, fear finally flashing across her face—until strong hands pulled me back.

“She’s not worth it, Kyla. Let’s go.”

Deveon dragged me toward the exit. I fought him, but he didn’t let go.

“I swear the next time I see you, you crazy bitch!” I shouted as I was pulled away.

Once outside, he released me.

“Are you okay?”

I looked down at my torn bag. Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back.

“Yeah,” I said softly. “I was actually looking for you.”

The final bell rang.

“I was with Mr. Clark,” he explained. “I heard you yelling on my way back.” He glanced at me. “What did you need?”

I swallowed as we started walking. “I wanted to ask what time tomorrow’s dinner is.”

He smiled—warm, familiar. “You’re still coming?”

“Yes,” I laughed lightly.

“I thought maybe you wouldn’t anymore. We haven’t talked in a while.”

“Exams are over,” I said. “No reason to avoid each other.”

“I’m not sure about the time yet,” he added. “I’ll text you.”

We stepped into the main hallway. Everywhere, students were laughing, crying, hugging—celebrating the end of something huge.

“Ky, wait up!”

Meg jogged toward us. “Hey, Deveon.”

“Hey, Megan,” he said. “Kyla, I’ll see you tomorrow. My mom’s picking me up.”

“Okay. Bye.”

He nodded and left.

Meg nudged me. “Tomorrow, huh?”

“Oh stop,” I laughed.

“You and Deveon,” she teased. “First kiss territory.”

I forced a smile. She didn’t know. I didn’t even know how to explain.

“Relax, They'll be no kiss.” I said. “Are you sure your aunt won’t mind me sleeping over?” I said changing the topic.

“She already said yes.”

Her house was unfamiliar, neat, quiet. I followed her inside, copying her as she slipped off her shoes.

She showed me fresh towels and clothes. “She’ll be home around six.”

I showered, changed, and forgot—briefly—how heavy everything felt.

Later, after midnight, sleep refused to come.

Two nights since I kissed Zach. Two sleepless nights. I couldn’t face him. I couldn’t even think straight.

Meg slept peacefully beside me. I slipped downstairs and turned on the TV.

The Interrogation.

“Oh—Kyla.”

My heart jumped. Meg’s aunt stood behind me, holding a gun.

“Oh!” she said quickly. “I thought someone broke in. It’s licensed.”

“I just couldn’t sleep,” I said, my voice tight.

She sat beside me and placed the gun on the table.

“Everything okay at home?”

“Yes,” I nodded. “I’m just not tired.”

“That’s a cute gun,” I blurted out. “Where did you get it?”

She laughed. “You’re too young to be interested in guns.”

“Not too young for self-defense,” I shrugged. “My dad has a gun room.”

She raised a brow. “Still. Ask me again when you’re twenty-one.”

She stood, picked up her gun, and smiled. “Goodnight, Kyla.”

“I’ll still buy one,” I muttered.

She shook her head, amused, and disappeared upstairs.

I turned back to the movie—but my mind stayed far away, tangled in unfinished endings and things I wasn’t ready to feel.

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