It Was Good...

Chapter Eighteen

I can't help but think of what Chris was saying before I dropped him off. What would happen if one day dad got mad at him? Is he old enough for dads punishments? Would he actually do it? He's only six? I was young but not that young when he started.

Please keep Chris safe.

A six year old shouldn't have to endure all of this. A seventeen year old shouldn't either but if I could keep Chris safe for a few more years or even until he left the house I'd be happy.

Pulling up to school was a nightmare. I knew two things:

Kayln was waiting for me to get out of the car.
I had to try to find a way around telling him what happened last night.

This was going to be fun.

He was sitting in front of my parking space with Callie and Daniel waiting for me to pull up. I knew I had no way to get around this but I had to try to find a way. He met my eyes and I smiled lightly waving as I pulled in.

His face softened as he saw my smile and he returned my wave but I saw determination in his eyes. I am so screwed.

I summoned up enough courage to hoist my bag over my shoulder and pull myself out of my car as my friends rose waiting for me to join them.

"Hey," Callie started. "Aren't you running a little late this morning?"

"Yeah just a little, I had to drive Chris to school. My mom was feeling a little under the weather this morning when she woke up and asked me to do it." I said not taking my eyes off of Callie.

"Your mom felt sick?" She asked, "That is not real, your mom never feels sick."

Thank you Callie.

"Yeah I know, weird right." I said cringing the slightest bit feeling Kaylns eyes on me.

"So your mom didn't feel good this morning?" Kayln asked.

"Yes I think that's what we have been saying for the past two minutes Kayln." I said laughing a little. "Are you zoning out again?"

"No, no. Just worried about dear Abigail of course." He said chuckling.

"Don't get a crush on Jordan's hot mom dude." Daniel said jabbing his elbow into Kaylns side.

"Abigail isn't the one I have the crush on dude." Kayln said back laughing.

A nervous laugh escapes Callie's lips as she looks over at my nervous face that was slowly turning red. From the corner of my eye I could see the shiny red of Ethan's car pull into the lot and I just felt the smile fall from my lips. I met Callie's eyes and watched as her face fell as well as she watched the passenger side door open.

"Guess he's made it official now, huh?" Daniel said awkwardly. Callie elbowed him in the ribs as I kept my eyes straight in front of me not wanting to look.

I felt a hand clasp mine and broke my dead stare only to find Kayln watching me with sad eyes. I squeezed his hand and gave him a slight smile to try and feign being as ok as I could be but his expression never changed.

He could see right through me.

He pulled me towards him into a tight embrace as if shielding me from the sight would change everything in my life. For those few seconds I felt safe. I didn't have to worry about going home. I didn't have to worry about school, or my control. All I had to worry about was standing here in Kaylns embrace and knowing everything was ok.

When he pulled back, he smiled. He smiled brighter than I'd ever seen him smile.

It was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen.