Just Jump

Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

          Over the course of the next few days, Kale found himself at a loss for words when it came to talking to or being with Elliot.  He just didn't have anything to say, because he didn't know what was appropriate territory and what wasn't.  Her relationship with Colton was budding rapidly, making him even more uncomfortable about being around her.

          Even so, he stayed, went to her house and talked with her about everything and anything whenever she needed him.  He found an unusual attraction pulling him to her and he didn't know why he wanted to be near her so often.  It didn't make sense to him, but then again, neither did half of the things he was doing with his life.

          Sighing, he headed up to her front door and knocked.  It took a moment before it opened and Jessica was standing in front of him with Thomas in her arms.  She looked frazzled and he frowned, feeling bad that he hadn't made it to Elliot's house earlier.  He gestured for Thomas and she smiled gratefully at him.

          "His breakfast is on the table and thank you.  Elliot's in too much pain right now, would you mind taking her pills up to her?"  She asked, causing him to nod and carry Thomas with him upstairs, with two of Elliot's pills in his hand.

          "El?"  He called out before hearing a groan.

          Heading into her room, he carefully held the pills in his fist and propped her up with the same hand.  He made sure Thomas didn't hit his head on anything as he lifted Elliot and she grunted, pulling herself up with the use of his arm.

          "Thanks," she muttered, taking the pills from his hand.

          "I'm going to go feed your brother," he said, taking in the way Elliot was dressed.  She had on a pair of short shorts and a tank top, without a bra.  She just nodded at him and slowly stood, holding her casted right wrist.

          "Let's go eat, huh?"  He spoke to Thomas, bouncing him in his arms for a moment as he headed down the steps.  Thomas laughed, which caused Kale to smile.  When they made it into the dining room, Kale sat down and hold Thomas on his lap.

          It took about an hour before Elliot made her way down the stairs.  Her mother had left by then and Thomas was asleep peacefully in Kale's arms, where he sat on the recliner, rocking back and forth.  The room was silent and Kale didn't want to wake Thomas, so he nodded over to the couch, where Elliot sat down.

          They sat for awhile in the room, not speaking.  Elliot wanted to talk to Kale about Colton, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.  Especially since she didn't know how he would react; he was holding her baby brother and though she knew he would never hurt Thomas, she didn't want him to just put him on the couch and leave.

          If she was being honest, she didn't want him to leave at all.

          After a short while, Kale stood and headed upstairs.  He put Thomas in his crib and used the bathroom.  He washed his hands and then headed back downstairs, where Elliot was staring blankly down at her hands.  He was confused but didn't say anything as he made his way back over to the recliner.

          "Kale, I need to tell you something," she whispered, causing him to nod and lean forward, placing his elbows on his knees.  He waited for her to speak, again, listening intently to the silence that seemed to loudly buzz in his ears.

          "Kale, I . . . "  She stopped, looking up at him, "I'm dating your brother."

          "As of when?"