Never Letting Go

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

"Kenzie?"

I peeked my eyes open slightly to see Mr. Cobb standing at the foot of Kenzie's bed. He walked over and crouched down slightly, "Kenzie?"

She groaned and blinked her eyes open, "Dad?"

"I'm sorry but I need you to take care of the kids today. One of the guys called out sick and I have to cover his shift."

She was silent for a couple seconds, "Olive's over though dad. I was supposed to be off duty today and be able to hang out with just her."

"I know but I need you to watch the kids. Some other time, okay?"

She paused and didn't bother saying anything else, she just nodded.

He kissed her forehead, "The games are at 9:30 and 10:45. I'll see you later, love you."

"You too," she whispered and buried her face in her pillow. I could hear her taking deep breaths. I just laid still, unsure of whether or not I was supposed to do anything.

"Get over it Kenz," I heard her mutter under her breath and she got up. She went out of the room and headed down the hall. I could hear other doors opening and closing so I guessed she was waking the kids up. I could hear her footsteps coming towards the room again. When she entered she seemed to be her normal bright and cheery self.

"So last minute plan change. I have to take the kids to their soccer games. Did you want to still hang out or should I drop you off at your house?"

Here was a golden opertunity to get out of here. I opened my mouth, ready to tell her I could just go but then I got a nagging feeling in my stomach. This poor girl was being so nice to me and the least I could do was help her out with her siblings.

"I don't mind tagging along to help out," I said and offered a smile. Little did I know how much I was going to regret saying those words.

"Go Hannah!" Kenzie yelled, cheering her sister on as she dribbled towards the goal.

"I'm bored," Nolan complained, leaning his head against one of his hands and staring across the field with a bored look on his face.

"I want ice cream," Ashley whined, tugging on Kenzie's arm, "Can you buy me some?"

"Not right now sweetheart, maybe a little later."

"But I'm being a very good girl," she informed her, batting her eyelashes and hugging her leg.

"And I'm very happy that you're behaving right now Ashley, but I want you to continue to be a good girl, okay? Maybe we can stop somewhere on the way home."

She stomped her foot and ran away, "You're no fun Kenzie!"

Sebastian was sitting underneath a tree a couple feet away, a sketch pad was in his hands and he seemed to be focused intently on whatever he was drawing. Carter had befriended another child playing in the sandbox and persuaded him to share his candy with him. Though it seemed he'd all but taken the box of candy completely from him. Ashley was sitting on the bench, scanning the area and secretively sneaking glances over at the vending cart.

"I'd keep an eye on your bag if I were you." Nolan remarked.

I glanced down at him, "Why?"

"Just wait," he muttered, looking away, "Just wait..."

I look around, puzzled to what he could be talking about. Nevertheless, I moved my backpack directly next to me so it was right up against my leg.

"Olive."