One Step Behind

Chapter 17~ Kyle

Monday

When Shay didn't show up at school, I decided I needed to go back over there. So, I did.

When I got there, I hesitated before going on. What if she slams the door in my face?

I slowly walk up to the door, fixing my tie. Today, I decided to wear a white shirt with a dark blue, button up sweater and grey jeans. This week is "spirit week" for God knows why, probably to distract us because people are still talking about Alexis constantly. It was "preppy" day. If this isn't the cheesiest thing you've ever heard I don't know what is.

As I knock, I look in through the peep hole. The house looks pretty clean. I see her come to the door so I move back.

"K-Kyle" she mumbles as she opens the door. Shay's hair is in a messy side braid. Her skin looks oily, and a couple zits have seemed to pop up. She doesn't have any make up on. Her plain white t-shirt has a couple ketchup stains on it. Her galaxy leggings look faded.

"Shay, can I come in? How are you?" I ask.

"Um, yeah, and I'm not very good" she says.

"Want to talk about it?" I question as I walk in.

"Kristin was there the night Alexis disappeared. She said she knew about her being with Dani's brother" Shay answers.

"Why is that making you so..." I don't finish my sentence.

"Messed up? I don't know. But it's more than that" she replies, muttering towards the end.

"What happened" I say.

"I don't want to talk about it" she mumbles.

"It wasn't a question" I reply, realizing how harsh I sound.

"Fine. So you know the one night you went to Dani's and I was.... in bad shape?" She asks.

"Yeah, you're not still harming yourself right?" I question.

"No, god no, anyways part of those injuries were from my mom. She was super drunk. She apologized the next day and even dumped her boyfriend, who ended up giving her a black eye" she explains.

"Why didn't you tell us?" I ask.

"I was afraid you'd go to the police. I haven't forgiven my mom... But we are working on it, it's just I never forget it, you know? It's always there in the back of my mind" she answers, and then I kiss her.

"What are you doing?" She mutters, after quickly pulling away.

"Sorry" I mumble.

"I'm not looking for a relationship. Honestly, I don't like you that way. I only kissed you that day because I felt so alone but.. I'm sorry just go..." she walks over to her room and closes the door behind her. I can hear her lock the door, so I just walk out.

~~~~~~~

I head over to Jonah's in hope to see Dani. When I get there though, Jonah says she went for a shopping trip, and that she'd be gone for the rest of the day.

After going home and doing homework, I call Dani, and surprisingly, she picks up.

"Hello?" I hear her say.

"Dani, I think we need to be worried about Shay" I state.

"I feel like you just met her sometimes. She does this every year. She gets whiney and wants attention so she lashes out or acts like she doesn't need you in hope that you'll stay with her and make her feel better. She's just being a brat" Dani snaps.

"Getting abused by your mother is being a brat?" I ask.

"What?" She exclaims.

"Oh shoot" I mutter, realizing she didn't know.

"What the heck are you talking about?" Dani asks.

"Um I got to go, just... don't um tell her I uh told you, alright? We can talk about this tomorrow have a nice night" I reply.

"Wait Ky-" she begins to speak but I hang up.

~~~~~~~

The next couple days of school I miss. I don't want to see anyone.

It sounds stupid but I miss Shay. I miss her smile, her laugh, her hugs...

I sound way too girly.

On Friday, Jonah comes and hangs out for a bit. We watch football games, but he doesn't question why I'm not at school.

Thank God that he doesn't...

~~~~~~~

On Saturday, Dani comes over. As expected, she does what Jonah didn't do. One thing I notice though is how casual she looks. Her ginger hair that she cut to shoulder length is in a low pony tail. She has no make up on. Her small freckles look noticeable among her nose, usually she tries to cover them up with make up. She's wearing a plain aqua blue hoodie and leggings that say Victoria's Secret down the side in glitter.

"So why weren't you at school this week?" She asks as she makes herself some tea.

"Didn't feel well, I'm okay now though... what did I miss?" I question.

"Well, Aiden and I talked. Shay came back Thursday but she wouldn't talk to me, she just hung out with Kristin and her posse" she answers.

"So she was abused by her mom?" She adds, after a moment of silence.

"Her mother was super drunk and she's been trying to make it up to Shay but she hasn't forgiven her" I reply.

"I'm so sorry that I said all that stuff about her, the attention brat and stuff..." Dani mutters.

"You were angry, it's okay, we just need to keep an eye on her, alright?" I state.

"Okay" she mumbles, and then begins to choke on tea, but quickly settles down.

"You okay?" I ask.

"Yeah yeah" she answers.

"What happened with Aiden?" I ask.

"He um he tried to hurt me. He said "you're such a naughty girl. You call your sister bad, but you're worse. My friends told me how you tried to make out with them, and when they pushed you off, you just moved on to the next". I told him it wasn't true. Now everyone believes him though..." Dani explains.

"I'm so sorry, Dani. I'm over here stressed about Shay when you're having the worst time" I reply.

"I'm doing fine. School sucks. When I go to Jonah's though it's so weird. I just feel wrong everywhere" Dani says.

"Are you and Jonah together?" I ask.

"I don't know... We've hugged... He has kissed my cheek... Nothing more... I am just so confused right now" she replies.

"How does he feel?" I question.

"He said he really likes me. I just don't want to lead him on, you know? I'd feel horrible. He deserves better" she answers, and I can't help but think about my situation with Shay right now.

"I have to go" I state, then I grab my coat and shoes. I swing the door open and run outside to my car.

"Kyle where are you going?" She yells, and I hear her running after me.

"I need to talk to Shay" I reply, looking at her as I unlock my car door.

"Well, I'm coming with you" she says. Dani locks up the house, and then hops in the car. Then, we are on our way.

~~~~~~~~