Just Jump

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten 

          As Kale closed the front door to his house, he ran a hand through his hair.  He had been with Elliot until her mother came home at one in the morning and then Jessica asked if Kale could stay longer so she could go pick up Elliot's father.  He couldn't say no to her; Jessica didn't know the truth behind Elliot's broken wrist and Kale was still blaming himself. 

          Plus, being around Elliot kept his mind off of killing himself. 

          "There are only two days before you go back to school . . .  Two days before spring break is over," he heard from the kitchen, a soft tone floating through the house.  Groaning, Kale headed in by his mother and sat down next to her. 

          "I'm sorry . . . "  He whispered, grabbing her hand in his and rubbing it. 

          "It's okay, Kale . . .  I was just worried and I didn't want to go to bed.  Your brother hasn't gone to sleep, yet, either," she sighed. 

          "Why not?"

          "I'm not sure, but he's been throwing things around in his room and it worries me.  I wasn't too worried when you didn't show up since I knew you were with Elliot.  She called earlier and said that you were staying late and had picked up Thomas for her earlier," she beamed up a smile at him when she said this last part. 

          "It makes me happy that you're helping them out and getting out of the house.  You've really been needing it these past couple of weeks . . . "  She slowly said. 

          "Don't, Mom.  Alright?  Just don't get into it . . . "  Kale sighed before standing and heading to the stairway, "I'm going to go talk to Colton, so go to bed.  I'm going to lay down after that."

          "Good idea, honey . . .  You look exhausted," she murmured, following him to the bottom of the stairway after shutting off the kitchen light. 

          "Says the one that's been working all day long and has to come home to an empty house, if you don't count her delinquent son that just got home from juvenile detention," Kale muttered, walking up the steps with her. 

          "I know you don't like that he's home, but he's still my son and he's still your brother, Kale.  I want you to try and get along with him," she paused before snapping her fingers at him.  "Do we have a deal?" 

          "Fine," he muttered before heading to Colton's room and knocking on the door.

          "Who is it?"  Colton sang out. 

          "You know who it is.  Open the goddamn door," Kale snapped at him. 

          "Oh, Kale . . . "  Colton breathed out as he swung the door open and looked at his brother.  He went to swing his arms around him and hug him tightly, just to annoy him, but Kale caught both of his arms and twisted them behind his back.  His palm began to sting but he ignored it as he pushed Colton into his room and threw him onto the floor. 

          "Well, it's nice to see you, too," Colton spat out when he stood. 

          "What did I say about Mom?"  Kale snapped. 

          "I don't know.  What did you say about that whore of a mother we have named Faye, hmm?  Did you say anything about her?"  Colton asked, antagonizing Kale further as he stood, already fuming, in his brother's room. 

          "I warned you, Colton.  She's doing what she can to make this easy on you, but you keep giving her grief.  Look, I don't give two fucks if you piss me off or if you mess with me, but would you just respect her for once in your goddamn life and be polite?"  Kale snapped back.