Coming in Between Love

Making Things Right

Ken's Point of View
The ride back is nothing but dead silence. I focus on driving and don't dare look at Vickie right now. I'm too busy trying to come up with an explanation to tell her parents. She's so right. They were the last things on my mind. I mentally cuss myself out for being so stupid and letting all of this happen in the first place. When we arrive at Vickie's place, it's 9:00. That's record timing and I'm shocked I made it in 30 minutes instead of the usual hour.
Following her lead, we hop out the car and she quickly opens the door. The house is a complete disaster but everyone is gone.
" Ken, grab a broom and a dust pan. I'll get a trash bag."
I don't argue. I find the supplies and help her clean up the living room. That's the easiest part of the whole house. The walls have red splotches of what looks like wine and the carpet is stained with the same red wine.
" Vickie were going to be scrubbing for days."
" Correction, "She snaps, " You will be scrubbing for days. I'm going upstairs and see if they trashed my parents bedroom."
And with that I'm left alone to scrub.
Minutes past but it feels like hours. I've never worked so hard in my life. When I take a step back to look at the work I've completed, you can barely tell there was any evidence or trace of wine anywhere.
" Vickie! How you coming? It's 9:30."
" I'm almost done. You can come up if you want."
Of course I want to come up! I'm just happy she even wants to be near me.
I run up the stairs and find Vickie in her room staring at the spot that the camera was in. I wrap my arms around her waist and she begins to cry.
" Babe, I know your upset over what happened, but do you mind if we can hurry up and get out of here? You know? To avoid your parents?"
She nods her head and sniffles a little. Heading back downstairs I reach for the doorknob but it turns by itself. Parents. Home. My mind snaps into play of all the excuses I'm going to tell them.
" Hey Ken! How's everything son?"
" Hey Mr. Jefferson," I nervously respond, " Everything's fine. Right Vickie?"
Vickie nods her head and turns to look at her mother.
Her mother has bags full of groceries in her hand and Vickie quickly takes them from her and head to the kitchen.
I'm left alone with her father.
" You look nervous Ken. What happened?"
" Me? Nervous? Nahh." I lie.
" Uh huh. Then how come this house smells like a mix of wine and cleaning supplies?" He glares at me waiting for my response. I stay silent, so he continues.
" Ken, you've known me long enough to know, that I don't put up with lies. Either come clean or I'll be force to take drastic matters."
I gulp and just as I'm about to tell it all, Vickie appears and urges her father to leave me alone so that I can go home.
" Well son, I'll expect that explanation later ok?"
" Yes sir." I smile weakly.
" Bye Vickie. See you tomorrow." I tell her.
" Uh actually, mom, dad, can I stay with Ken tonight?"
Both parents agree and Vickie hops in the car with me back to my place.
Inside the house, one look at Vickie and I know I'll have to come clean about everything.
" You want me to start now? Or would you rather me wait until tomorrow?"
" Now. Every detail."
This is going to be a long night.