A Pinch of Kerry

New Side

I slid out of bed quietly, making sure not to wake John. He was sleeping so peacefully. I slipped on some socks and went to make some breakfast. It was Saturday so I knew he didn't have to go to work. I cooked cheese eggs and grits. Then I put the bacon in the oven. I started stirring the pancake mix when I heard John getting up. He groaned and stretched.

He came in rubbing his eyes. "Morning."

"Morning sunshine." I smiled cheerfully.

"Why are you so chipper?" He sat down in one of my chairs.

"I feel like today's going to be a good day." I continued stirring and went to get a pot.

"Do you even know what you're doing?"

"Of course I do." I poured the batter on the pan. While I waited for that to cook, I took out the bacon.

"No you don't." He shook his head and got up.

"Excuse you, SIR. I can do this in my sleep."

"That's hard to believe since you're a light sleeper." He moved me out the way to cook the pancakes.

"What are you doing here anyway?" I faced him.

"Um. Just thought I'd visit." He's mood changed a little bit.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." He continued to cook with a frown on his face.

"I'm going to the park today and then the art store. Would you like to come with me Mr. Businessman?" I tried to cheer him up.

"Sure. What time are we leaving?"

"You don't have to go home and shower?" I turned my nose up.

"Yes. What time will you be ready to go to my house?"

I never realized that I had never been to John's house. I had only recently went to his job.

"After we eat. I'm starving." I got the plates from the top shelf. I had to get on my tip toes to reach. I'm only 5'4.

"Oh, and I'm driving." I said as I fixed my plate.

"Uh, no you're not." He already started cutting his pancakes.

"Why not?"

"I'm not having a woman chauffeur me around. I'm a grown man."

I rolled my eyes. "What does that mean? And I ain't nobody's chauffeur."

"I'm driving, Kerry."

"Cheer up." John said to me while I pouted on the passenger side.

"No." I crossed my arms.

"We're going to the park. Yayyy." He bumped my arm.

"Hmph."

"C'mon Kerrr." He tickled my side. I slapped his hands.

"You know what would make me feel better?" I turned to him.

"What? Food?"

"Yes, but what happened last night?" I was really curious.

"Don't worry about it." Once again, his mood changes.

"Just tell me and I will leave it alone. We're not at a place where we can share-.."

"You are NOT my girlfriend."

"I'm aware. You sure didn't act like I wasn't your girlfriend when we were in your office!" I could feel myself getting angrier.

"See, you're mad. I just want to avoid all this."

"You could have if you would just TELL ME." I faced the window.

"I don't want to talk about it. Why can't you comprehend that?!"

"I comprehend, what I hear. I'm sorry if I'm not a mind reader. I don't possess that power. But since you DON'T want to talk, you can drop me off at the park and we go our seperate ways." He really messed up my good mood. Fuck.

"Kerry...." He sighed.

I didn't say anything. I just stared out the window, waiting for us to arrive at our destination. I had on leggings and a blue shirt, with matching Nike's. I could walk right back home, honestly. We stopped at a stop sign and I could see him looking at me.

"Look..." He reached for my hand and I quickly pulled away. "Can you atleast look at me?"

"No...."

"I went to see my aunt in the hospital. She's not doing well. She's not doing well at all. Last night was the first time seeing my mother cry in a VERY long time."

"I'm sorry." I turned to face him. That made me feel bad. Why did I have to PRY that out of him though?

"I didn't want to talk about it." The light turned green and he sped off.

"You need support in a time like this. Not talking isn't healthy for you or whatever you want me and you to become." I explained.

"I know. Its just....its a lot." He pulled over at a small shop.

"I haven't known you long, but I do know that you are strong and that you are caring. You can bare this weight. You won't break." I stroked his face.

"Could you come with me?"

"To the hospital?"

"Yeah, I want her to meet you."

"John. I-.."

"Please." He softened his eyes to appease my sensitive side.

"Okay." I caved in.

"Room 541, sir." The nice lady told us at the front desk. I held John's hand as we walked down the hallway to her room. It was strange seeing John vulnerable in THIS way. This wasn't about me or what we could potentially have. This was about his family. I rubbed his hand to sooth his nerves. He was shaking like crazy. We arrived at room 541 and I stood in front of him.

"You're strong. Okay? You'll be okay." I moved out the way so he could enter the room. We entered and I saw a malnourished woman hooked up to many machines and full of IV's. I was supporting John, completely forgetting myself and how sensitive I am to sick loved ones.

"Hey Auntie." John attempted a smile.

"Get over here and give your ole auntie a hug." She held her arms out with a smile. I could already tell she was a ball of light. They hugged and she looked over at me. She cleared her throat, not for health reasons though.

"Oh, Auntie, this is Kerry. The woman I love." He pulled me over. He didn't have to introduce me like that. I'm pretty sure my cheeks are a bright pink.

"A pleasure to meet you." I smiled warmly.

"I like this one, Johnny." She analyzed me quietly.

"I was hoping you would." He smiled.

I felt like a trophy. She was just staring at me like everything about me was right. Something in me didn't like it, because I'm complicated. What if what I was giving off is NOTHING like me? Its not like she's seen me before.

She pulled John in close to her and whispered, "Don't let this one go."

"I promise." He whispered back.