Trial And Error

Chapter Eighteen

Kian's POV

Kian stood in the elevator tapping her foot as waiting for it to get to her stop. She'd just gotten back first from her physical therapy session and was extremely exhausted. Kian knew that recovery was going to be difficult, but she didn't know it'd be this hard. Throughout the entire workout, she could barely even finish the reps the trainer gave her. Her trainer had assured her it would take time to rebuild her strength, that the exercises were designed to be difficult to do. Kian was agitated and angry, entirely at herself. She never in a million years thought she would be so weak.

The elevator doors finally opened and Kian stormed into her apartment, kicking off her shoes aggressively. But a noise from the dining room made her freeze. Staying flush against the wall, out of view, her mind raced - who could be inside? The only others with a key were Lucas and Madison. She hadn't talked to Madison much since she got back from her tour, aside from the occasional text or call.

She peered around the corner, all she saw was a woman who looked extremely familiar. Around Madison's height, same color hair but not the musician. Kian took another cautious step, causing the floor to creak. The brunette turned around suddenly.

"Kian! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Mom?"

Mrs. Shepherd rushed over, embracing her daughter tightly. Kian bent down accommodating their height difference, "What are you doing here?"

The woman stepped back looking at her daughter with a wild expression on her face, "Are you insane? You were injured Kian! I came here to see how you were doing, I needed to see you were okay."

Kian gently pulled back from the hug. "How did you get in?"

"Madison gave me her spare, which reminds me. She's coming over for dinner later today."

"What?"

Her mother looked at her confused, "She's coming over for dinner." The woman repeated, reading her daughter's sudden change in behavior "Is that a problem?"

Kian avoided her gaze, "I mean, she's probably busy. She did just finish her tour, I'm sure she has better things to do.."

Mrs. Shepherd picked up on it quickly. She could always tell when her child was avoiding something, "You haven't told her have you?"

This time Kian sported a confused expression, wondering how she knew. "Oh please, you're my kid. I always know when you're avoiding or lying to me."

"I'm not avoiding her."

"No? Then why haven't you told her?"

"Because this isn't the right time."

"Right time? Kian you were shot, blown up, then held captive. Don't you think Madison would want to know?"

"Of course, but she's busy with her work-"

Mrs. Shepherd interrupted, "Don't give me that bullshit. If I could I'd move out here for you, but I can't. So you need people in your corner during your recovery, it's important. You've always been independent." Her mom grasped her hand firmly. "But this is something you can't fight alone. You shouldn't fight alone. Don't shut her out."

Kian finally nodded. As usual, her mom was right.

"I'll tell her soon, I promise."

Her mom studied her closely, immediately noticing her fatigue. "Have you been sleeping okay?" she asked knowingly. "And don't try to deny it, I can see the exhaustion in your eyes."