Celo

Chapter 18

QUINN

Casey moved to put her arm around me and help me out but I told her I could do it. I think it came out a bit more rude than I meant it because she raised her eyebrows at me and backed away. I didn't really care at the time. I was pissed. I was annoyed with Casey for treating us like children. I was annoyed at Kyle too, although I wasn't quite sure why. I hated myself for getting beat up like this and I was absolutely loathsome toward my dad. 

However, no matter how idignant I was, it wasn't going to make getting out of the car and back to her room by myself any less of an ordeal. Not to mention making the journey look painless as to avoid my brother or Casey swooping in to aid me. I swung my legs around the seat and pressed my hands to the frame of the car door shakily lifting myself out using only arm strength. I planted both feet on the ground but leaned heavily on my good leg. I quickly limped up to the door to her house. My leg was screaming and wavering and my arm ached madddeningly but I could feel Casey and Kyle watching me closely for any sign of weakness. When I got to the door I collapsed onto the door frame leaning all my weight against it while Casey unlocked it. I saw the two exchange a glance. "I'm fine alright." I mumbled. Neither of them said a word. We walked silently back to her room and I eased myself onto the bed.

"Casey could I have a minute with my brother?" Kyle asked. Looking at her meaningfully. I let out a very sarcastic internal sigh. This was going to be great fun I could tell. 

"Ya." She answered and left closing the door behind her.

"What's up man?" I asked.

"You feeling okay?" Kyle could ask some really stupid questions sometimes.

"Peachy. How about you?"

"Seriously man you're being hella rude."

"Long day."

"That's not like you."

"Please, do tell me Kyle, what is like me?"

"Don't play this game with me bro. I'm freaking worried about you okay? We've both been through alot and---"

Was he joking? "We've been through alot? You can't remember what you've been through. I've been abused Kyle! You and dad have been abusing me for months now! I've been through alot! You've been drunk. But you know what? It's all my fault. Everything is my fault. I woke up this morning half-dead in my friends bedroom. I would be lying if I said that hasn't happened before. And yes it gets to me. It hurts like hell inside Kyle! I hate myself and you and dad. I don't want to live this way! So ya, you know what,  maybe you should be worried about me! But I really don't care because there is nothing you can do."

KYLE

I felt sick. I wrapped my arms around my stomach. It was hard to breathe and I was breathing heavily. My eyes stung as tears began to pile up under my eyelids. Then Quinn got up. I walked toward him to sit him down but instead he wrapped his arms around me. I pulled my uninjured arm tight around his back. His hug was firm and strong. "I'm sorry." I croaked. A tear slind down my cheek. Then, I became aware that he was shaking. My shoulder felt wet. Quinn was sobbing. I pulled him in tighter and sat him down on the bed still holding him. He released me and looked up, his lips in a forced smile and his eyes red and damp. But he burried his face in his hands and started crying again so I pulled him back in. "I am so sorry." Casey walked in. She quietly sat behind Quinn and put her hand on his back. I made eye contact with her and Quinn looked up. Our eyes were all red. "Sorry." Quinn whispered.