The City of Darkness and Blood

Chapter 9

Towards midnight, the three of us exited the school, the night air cool and crisp against our skin. Kendall didn't want to stay anymore; she looked drained and anxious. Herman? Well, in his own words, he was too exhausted to keep partying and decided to come with us. We all marched towards my car and got in, buckling up as I started the engine and left the noise of the school behind.

After a long, quiet drive, we arrived at Kendall's house within her peaceful neighborhood. Herman was knocked out, snoring softly, sprawled out on the back seat like he was in his own bed. Before leaving, Kendall and I talked briefly under the soft glow of the streetlamp.

"Thanks for the ride...and for defending me back there. It was really sweet of you," said Kendall gratefully, her eyes reflecting the light.

I smiled slightly and replied, "No problem. I couldn't just sit there and let Betty talk to you guys like that."

"Yeah, for all the times she humiliated me, it's about time Miss High and Mighty got what she deserved," Kendall spoke with satisfaction, her shoulders relaxing a bit.

I chuckled a little. "I still can't believe she had plastic surgery. Pretty sure everyone is NOT gonna forget this."

"What you told me back at the prom. I know what I did was wrong, but she deserved it. You remember what she did to me at last year's prom?"

I wheezed as that awful prank flashed in my mind. "Yeah, I remember. You told me it took weeks to get that coleslaw smell out of your hair."

"Yeah, I should've done something, but she was the queen bee. She basically had power over the student body."

"Hey, like you said, she got what was coming. I mean, it's not like she's gonna sue you. She was pissed," Kendall and I shared a laugh, a sense of camaraderie between us.

Suddenly, Herman woke up, groggy from our conversation. He looked around, half-awake. "Where am I?" he asked, yawning and stretching his arms.

"My house," Kendall replied simply. Not caring much, Herman went back to sleep, making us both chuckle.

"Well, I better get going. See you tomorrow," said Kendall, bidding farewell.

"Sure thing. Later," I said, smiling at her.

She got out and walked towards her house but paused for a minute. Before pulling off, Kendall approached the passenger window and knocked on it. I rolled it down, and she bent down to make eye contact with me.

"I'm lucky to have a friend like you," she said softly.

"I know," I replied with a smirk. "Better get Sleepyhead home before he drools on my seat."

Kendall chuckled. "Alright, see ya later," she said, walking away and going inside her house.

Wasting no time, I drove off, racing to get my other passenger home. God, I hope he's not slobbering on my seats; I just bought this car. Well, my dad bought it for me, but whatever.

When I arrived home, I got out and locked my car. Before entering through the front door, I went around to the back, where Maisie, our loyal dog, was sound asleep. She woke up and looked at me, sensing my presence. The dog immediately stood and panted happily, her tail wagging furiously as she approached me.

I chuckled and rubbed her head. "I miss you too, girl," I said, scratching behind her ear, much to her delight.

After greeting the best guard dog in the world, I entered the house through the backdoor. The kitchen lights were out; however, light was spilling from the dark living room. Walking in, I saw my dad sitting in the corner chair beside a lit-up lamp, reading the newspaper. He looked up at me and said, "Hey. How was prom?"