Take Me Away | ✓

» 37

P H O E N I X

Being part of the dance committee meant that along with preparing for the actual event we also had to clear up afterward. So as much as I wanted to go home and lie down, I couldn't. I continued to play music with Will until people eventually tired and began to head home.

Along with the organising team, a few others stayed behind to clear up. The stage was dismantled and stored away in the hall across the beach. The handful of teachers that were left locked up and said their goodbyes. Everything seemed to go smoothly tonight. Everyone had a great time. Almost everyone.

The last of the equipment was the extra speakers that Will had brought over. Chloe held one in her arms, walking slowly so not to slip and fall. I offered her an extra pair of hands as we made our way to the back of Will's car.

"Thanks," She smiled.

"Are you cold?" I asked, seeing her shiver and taking off the blazer Jay had given me to drape around her shoulders.

Whilst we waited for the boys, she asked, "Where's Kaden?"

"He had to leave early." Maybe he had gone home. I didn't know. But thinking about what had happened earlier made me feel a tug in my chest.

"Is everything alright between you two?"

"Never better." I lied. Then changing the subject, "How were things for you tonight?"

She knew what I was referring to and sighed. "I have an appointment at the clinic tomorrow."

"I can come with you if you want?"

"I'd like that." She turned to me with a smile just as Will and Jay came with the last of the speakers.

After that, we said goodbye to Will and piled into the car Jay had borrowed from his uncle. One corner of his shirt was untucked but his blue eyes were bright. I kept the smile on the face long enough for the ride to my house where I was dropped off. I hugged them both goodbye before making my way inside.

I went to the kitchen first, pouring myself a glass of wine and downing it in one go. I found Kat in the living room with the lights off, a bowl of popcorn in her hand as Harry Potter's face lit up the screen. Ethan was sleeping soundly on the other end of the sofa, curled up into a small ball. I kicked off my shoes and slumped down between the two.

"Where's mom?"

"She had to run out for something."

"Work?"

"I dunno. She was on the phone with dad."

"Is he okay?"

She shrugged. "They're probably boning."

"Kat." My nose wrinkled in disgust.

She did the same a second later. "You're right, that's gross."

"Dad already has someone else." I reminded her though I couldn't help but keep the small accusing tone from my voice. Kat simply murmered in agreement and continued to watch the screen.

After a while, she yawned and went up to her room. I couldn't carry Ethan up to his bedroom so I adjusted his position on the couch and draped a blanket over him. Once I was satisfied he wouldn't roll off, I went back to the kitchen.

I stayed there a good while. Actually, I didn't know how long I sat on the stool, lost in thought. It didn't hit me what really happened until I snapped my gaze away from the wall onto the dangerously empty wine bottle. I didn't understand. None of it made sense but it was all too clear at the same time.