Open When • JO MFZ COMPLETED

Chapter 36 • Guess Who's Back

Mackenzie's POV

I sat at the counter eating my cereal. Watching as my mother and father ran around the kitchen.

Maddie sat at my right, she just scrolled through her phone most of the time.

It's a pretty typical morning for us. Usually though, Mom and Dad aren't this crazy. Running around for no reason but, otherwise pretty usual.

Mom tried to have conversations with us even though, we knew she wasn't listening a hundred percent.

Eventually I finished my cereal and placed the bowl in the sink. The proceeded to say my goodbyes and gather my things together as Maddie and I headed out the door.

I get in the passengers seat of the car and get settled in as Maddie begins to head to school. Again, it's another typical day. Stuck in the same routine. I know it's boring but, what can I do?

"We have to pick up Jack and Kendall," Maddie stated.

I nodded and stared out the window. Watching the houses and cars pass us.

First pulling up to Kendall's house and then finally Jack's several minutes later.

"How're you doing Kenz?" Jack asked, trying to start a conversation.

"I'm okay. Why?" I question, raising an eyebrow.

"Your anniversary with Johnny is coming up in a few weeks. Remember?" Maddie stated.

I did remember. I just didn't want to think about it all that much. It would just make me more sad than I am now.

"Yeah, I do. Just don't want to think about it."

"What are you going to do if he's not here?" Kendall asked.

I see Maddie and Jack shoot her a look. As if to say shut up now before you say anything stupid. However, I just ignore it. Being that I'm used to people asking stupid questions about John.

"I don't know, probably treat it like another day," I shrugged.

They just nod and keep quiet. It bothers me. This is what happened all the freaking time! Especially when people talk about Johnny.

-

I enter the large school. Prepared for the long boring ass day ahead of me.

I start to walk to my locker when I feel somebody wrap an arm around me. I jump at first then see it's just Carson.

"Hey Cars," I greeted.

"Hey Kenzie," he smiled.

He seemed different. Like a good different. He was happier and I could tell he was. Something was definitely up.

We walked to my locker where everyone waited for us.

"Hey guys," Carson and I greet as I open my locker.

"Hey," they smiled.

"Carson you're all smiles, what's up?" Annie asks, noticing the same thing I did.

"Yeah, I was going to say something seemed different," Jacob points out. "I couldn't figure it out until she said it."

"So what's up? Why you all smiles?" Brynn asks.

I close my locker and turn around, leaning against it. Ready to hear what he had to say.

"Someone flew in town yesterday and came to visit so I'm super excited to spend time with them," Carson explained.

"Oh, is it Jackson? Did he come back from college?" Hayden asks.

"Wait, is it your baby cousin? Like the adorable one with the big cheeks?" I ask.

"You'll see, I want you guys to come over later. We can all hang out," Carson said, beginning to walk to class.

We start to follow him heading to our first period together.

"So you're not going to tell us who it is?" Mark questioned.

Carson shakes his head, "Nope."

Damn, guess I'll have to wait unfortunately.

-

"Hey Maddie," I say, coming to the left of her as she walks down the hall with Jack.

"Hey Kenzie, what's up?" Maddie asks, turning her attention towards me.

"Nothing much just wanted to let you know I'm going to Carson's house after school."

She nods the wraps an arm around me. "Your friend will be there too right?" She asks.

I nodded answering her question.

She give me an approving smile and kisses my forehead.

"Don't be late for class Mack attack," Jack warned.

I nodded laughing, "I won't promise."

"Good, can I get a hug from my little sister?" He pouts opening his arms up.

I laugh and give him a hug as he kissed my forehead. Actually treating me like a little sister.

"I'll see you guys later," I say, spinning on my heel the running to my next class.

-

I enter Carson's house with Lexi.

Together we walked to the basement where everyone else was gathered and take a seat on the couch, while Carson stood in front of us.

"So can you tell us now who's here?" Ruby pleads.

He nodded, "I'll show you," he smirked.

Turning around he goes to the bedroom door in the basement and opens it up. Revealing an all to familiar dirty blonde, causing us to jump out of our seats.