Just Jump

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

          "What did Colton do to get put into juvie?"  Elliot asked, feeling slightly guilty for how she treated Kale earlier.  He had been quiet the entire drive back to her home, but it didn't seem like it was because of her.  He rushed out of his house shortly after going inside with Colton, nostrils flaring and all. 

          "That's a conversation for another day," Kale muttered, not really in the mood to talk about his brother and the mistakes he made.  He had already been thinking about them too often; he hated Colton for what he let happen to that woman and her family.

          "Kale, are you okay?"  Elliot murmured, gently laying her hand on his wrist as he held onto the wheel of the car, his knuckles turning bone white as he gripped it tightly.  He blinked slowly for a moment before sighing. 

          "I'm just stressed out, El," he said.  "That's really all it is.  I've been so fucking irritated lately and I don't know what to make of it.  Everything seems like it's getting to me, finally.  I don't understand, nor do I care to understand.  I just want things to go back to normal so I can relax." 

          "I know what you mean," she nodded as she looked down at her wrist. 

          "How're you doing, El?"  He asked, suddenly concerned. 

          "I guess I'm alright . . .  I mean, I'm worn out from the day already and I've only been up for five hours.  My wrist is really throbbing, but I didn't bring any pills with me.  I thought two in the morning would be enough, you know?  I didn't think the pain would get so bad to the point that I'd be telling you about it." 

          "When we get to your house, you're taking two pills and laying down," Kale said as he turned right.  Elliot just shook her head, sighing before speaking. 

          "I don't want to sleep, though.  I'm exhausted, yeah . . . but I have to pack and develop some of my film and then I have to go get Thomas and bring him home because Mom has a late shift . . . and Colton just brought tension into the car and . . .  I just don't have time to sleep right now," Elliot mumbled. 

          "Elliot, would you stop worrying so much about everything?  We have time to pack your stuff up for college all the way through July.  It isn't even summer yet.  I can go get Thomas for you and help you develop your film later, okay?"  He said while pulling up to her house and turning into her driveway with ease. 

          "Are you sure?"  She asked, still worried about what she needed to get done. 

          "I'm positive, El," he sighed before shutting the car off.  "What time do I need to go get Thomas?  I'm assuming it's after lunch, right?" 

          "Yeah . . .  You would have to go and pick him up between one and two," she slowly spoke while unbuckling.  They both slipped out of the car and shut the doors.  Kale nodded, not having a problem with when he would be going for Elliot's little brother. 

          "When does your dad get home?"  Kale asked, suddenly aware that he hadn't seen him around the house at all since he's been stopping by. 

          "He works from eight in the morning until five at night.  Tonight's bar hopping night with his friends, though . . .  So he won't be back until morning.  They do it every Friday," she shrugged. 

          "Don't you get lonely in the house by yourself?"  He asked, suddenly curious of what Elliot does alone.  A part of him was also worried, though . . .  She was alone all day long; it couldn't be fun to spend all day by yourself.