A Dozen Reasons

Chapter 22- Meet

Knock Knock knock

“I’ll get it.” I walked to the door. Kevin and Annie were spread out on the couch still fighting over the popcorn bowl.

“Hey!” It was Greg.

“Hey there. What’s up?”

“Well I saw Annie’s car in your drive way, and I kind of wanted to crash you’re sleepover.” He grinned.

I laughed. “I’m pretty sure you did.” I shook my head. “You want to come in? We’re just watching a movie.”

“Sure.” We walked into the living room together. Immediately, I saw Kevin tense up.

“Greg, I want you to meet Kevin my friend from Florida. Kevin, this is Greg, my neighbor.” Reluctantly, Kevin shook his hand.

“Greg, huh? Jay hasn’t told me anything about you.” He made an accusatory look in my direction.

I mouthed, “Calm down.” Annie slapped Kevin in the arm.

“Ow! What was that for?!”

“I’m here to watch a movie not a catfight,” Annie said nonchalantly, popping a couple of kernels in her mouth, eyes glued to the television. “Be nice or I’ll go Kung Fu Panda on your behind.”

I snorted holding back the laughter.  “Kevin, be nice. Greg, do you want anything to drink?”

He laughed nervously, swiping his hand through his hair. “Yeah, a coke.”

“Okay.” I strolled to the fridge, grabbing four cokes. I turned to head back to the living room. “Ah! Geez, Kevin! What the heck? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

“Why didn’t you tell me about him?” He glared at me.

“What’s your problem?! He’s just a friend. Possessive much?” I glared back at him.

He sighed. He looked hurt. “I’m sorry, Jay. I didn’t mean to react that way. It’s just…,” he sighed. “Jay, I wish I could be here with you, to protect you,” he moved closer to me. “To hold you when you cry.” He brushed his fingers against my cheek. I held my breath. “To be you’re rock.”  He gazed into my eyes. “To be the one to make you smile.” He smiled weakly. He wrapped his hand around my neck, caressing it softly. “I want to be this for you, Jay.” He pulled me toward him, and wrapped his arms around me. “I want to be your world.” I placed my head on his chest. He kissed and whispered into the top of my head. “I want you to love me.”

I pulled back and looked into his eyes.  “Kevin….” He released me, hurt filled his face.

“I understand.” He turned to walk away.

I grabbed his arm. “Kevin, I don’t want to hurt you.”

He placed his hand over mine. “Jay, it’s okay. Live your life. All I desire is for you to be happy.” He hugged me tightly. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll make it.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I shouldn’t have come. I’ll leave.” He turned and left.

I stood in the kitchen, heart-breaking. The dream that I had when I first moved in ran through my mind.

I don’t want to lose you, Kevin.

“Hey, Jay, Kevin has his suitcase, I think he’s about to leav—,” Annie said while walking up to me. She scanned my face, then immediately pulled me into a hug. “It’s going to be okay.”

I heard the door open and close. He’s gone. I began to cry. Annie pulled me tighter. “Annie, please stop him, and give him a ride.”