The Lines We Cross

Chapter 11

Kenzie slowly opened her eyes, the morning sunlight streaming through the curtains. As she sat up in bed, she noticed Reed in the kitchen, his face filled with worry. Curiosity piqued, she got out of bed and made her way towards him.

"Hey Reed, what's going on?" Kenzie asked, her voice filled with concern.

Reed turned around, startled by her presence. "Oh, hey Kenzie. I... I just have a lot on my mind."

A concerned look crossed Kenzie's face as she approached him. "Is everything alright? You seem really nervous."

Reed sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I... I messed up. I was trying to prepare breakfast for everyone, but it's not turning out as planned."

Kenzie's brows furrowed in confusion. "That's it? Reed, don't worry about it. I can help you whip up something quick."

As if on cue, Matt walked out of his room, his backpack slung over his shoulder. He glanced at Reed and Kenzie, his expression devoid of any excitement.

"Morning, guys," Matt said flatly, his voice lacking its usual warmth.

"Hey Matt, ready for school?" Kenzie asked, trying to engage him in conversation.

Matt nodded, his gaze fixed on the floor. "Yeah, I guess so."

Kenzie's intuition kicked in, sensing that something was off. Despite Matt's dry demeanor, she could tell there was more to his behavior than met the eye.

Reed, noticing the tension in the room, spoke up. "Hey Matt, I made breakfast. Would you like some?"

Matt glanced up at Reed, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and sadness. "Thanks, but I'm not hungry."

Kenzie's concern deepened as she observed Matt's reaction. She knew there was something bothering him, something that he wasn't willing to share openly.

"Matt, are you sure you're okay?" Kenzie asked softly, placing a comforting hand on his arm.

Matt hesitated for a moment, then mustered a weak smile. "Yeah, Kenzie. I'm fine. Just tired, I guess." He then walked over, gave her a hug, and waved at Reed.

Although Matt tried to brush it off, Kenzie couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his exhaustion and detachment. She made a mental note to check in with him later, determined to get to the bottom of what was really going on.

Kenzie's hand trembled as she held her coffee, her eyes locked with Reed's. Something in his sigh told her that there was more to his worry than she initially thought. Gathering her courage, she asked, "Reed, are you ready to tell me what's going on?"

Reed nodded, a mix of regret and guilt etched on his face. "I messed up last night, Kenzie. After we were all having fun, drinking and answering questions... things got complicated.

"Kenzie's brows furrowed in confusion. "Complicated? What happened after I went to bed?"

Reed shook his head, his expression filled with remorse. "I was a bad friend last night, Kenzie. Selfish, even. Matt asked me for advice, and I wasn't helpful at all."

Kenzie's confusion deepened. "Advice? About what?"

Reed let out a heavy sigh. "He... he said he's confused. He asked me about the difference between being with a man and a woman. I said that its basically the same except you know ass and pussy But then I said, "What does it matter since he's gay?"

She nods, just listening. Then she asks, "Who has him confused?" Kenzie asked.

Isn't it obvious, Kenzie? It's you. Then I asked him if he is doing this because he's trying to make me jealous.