Perfect by Design

25: Kiara James

Kiara

"I know you slowed down your normal pace so I could keep up with you."

"Maybe I did, dollface. I like these morning runs with you. It doesn't surprise me that you're a natural."

My face drops for a moment.

"Not that you have to be or anything." My dad quickly interjects. "Are you ready for your first day of senior year?"

"I think so." I take a sip of water from my water bottle. "I have enough credits for a free period every day, so that's nice."

"Any plans for that free period?" Dad asks me as we finish up our jog, just as the sun is getting ready to rise.

"Not yet. I'm sure I'll think of something."

We come in through the garage, and Posie runs straight to me. We take her with us on the first mile but then have to drop her back off at the house because she gets lazy, and I'm not carrying her.

My dad has been back home for a few days, and he's been glued to my side.

"Morning, baby." My dad heads over to my mom, who's in the kitchen making coffee. He leans in to kiss her, and unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, she turns her head, causing his lips to meet her cheek.

Her eyes meet mine, and something changes in them for a second. I can't quite read it.

"You smell, baby. Go shower. You too, Ki. And get your brother up while you're at it."

Whew. It was nothing. My parents are obsessed with each other. Of course, it was nothing.

"Luca!" I bang on his door. "Off the game and get ready for school. Mom is making breakfast."

I turn on my music and hop in the shower. I have felt a little bit lighter over the past few days. My parents and I haven't talked about everything, and honestly, I don't want to get into how ugly things had gotten.

The important thing is that they heard me, and daddy came home. Mom will be happier too. I know how sad it makes her when he has to leave. This is how it's supposed to be, and soon enough, everything with me will be on the right track too. It's just what makes sense.

I throw on some makeup and decide on a cute half up, half down style but with a bun. I love a good messy bun look.

My phone buzzes, and I'm sure it's Malia. We always alternate days for which one of us will drive.

Mal: Decided to have my free period at the beginning of the day like Braxton. Meant to tell you! Can't wait to see you 😘

I guess we used to alternate days. D volunteers at the rec center by school in the mornings, so it never made sense for him to be part of our carpools. I guess it's just me this year.

My phone buzzes again; this time, it's Parker. I haven't spoken to him since that night. I don't even remember exchanging numbers, honestly. He's reached out a few times, but Jayden told me he's bad news, and he has no reason to lie about that.

Parker: Have a good first day of school. Last first day not at Yale 😉

Freaking Yale. I guess I'll have to address that sooner rather than later. I am not going to Yale.