Bouquet of Lilies

Chapter 7

------KALIN POV------

The rain pounded on my window roughly. The sky was dark and gloomy. Not to mention the wind blew around at a scary speed.

What a wonderful day to head back to school.

I pulled my jacket on and zipped it to my chest. Then I flipped up the hood over my well brushed hair and sigh. I had taken a good 10 minutes brushing out tangles. I looked myself over in the full mirror and throw my bookbag over both shoulders. I took another glance out the window and decide against my tennis shoes.

I slip them off and sit them aside. Then go on a search for my black rainboots. I stumble around my large room in my bright socks until I found the rubber shoes. 

They smelled like a brand-new car. Don't ask me how I came up with that. It just reminded me. 

After the shoe switch, I flipped the lights out and sprinted down the stairs.

"Bye Daddy!!" 

"You arent riding your bike in this!!"

I sigh, "yes. I am."

"Drive your truck every once in awhile."

I groan, "why?"

"Because I payed good money for it. I understand you want to get around in a healthier way, but this is where I draw the line. Take. the. stupid. truck."

"Fine. Where are the keys?"

He sighs, "where do you think dear?"

Gee, my dad sure does make me feel stupid sometimes. He's quite the guy. I head to the door and off to the right was a shelf with several sets of keys dangling on hooks. I snatch a sad keyring with only the carkey and a keychain that said GEORGIA PEACH. So, it wasnt my first choice, but it belonged to mom. 

I trace the faded letters and feel tears well. I suddenly wanted to crawl back into my bed and bawl my eyes out. I was literally considering it when Josh stumbled down the stairs.

"Hey sis. Can I have a ride?"

For no apparent reason, I was horribly annoyed with his presence. "I'm glad you finally found some use for me. Get in the car and shut up." He looks confused, trying to figure out what he did, then warily strolls out the door. I let out a puff of air and look away to see Dad propped against the wall.

"Why do you take this out on him?"

"What," I blinked.

"You know what I'm talking about. It's not his fault, so lighten up."

I bit my lip and choked out, "right. I will."

"I'm sorry Kalin. I know it's been hard on you, but it's taken a lot out of me and your brother as well."

"Mhm," I wanted to retreat to anywhere that got me away from his serious gaze.

"We loved your mother. Especially me," he coughs out, "but you need to let it go." I hated when he talked about mom. He knew it was a touchy subject to me.

Memories of years ago flood my mind. The blood...to much of it. The stench of flesh...I push the thoughts away, but not before a dark feeling coats me.

I was officially pissed off that he had ruined my day. Now people would want to know what was wrong. I grit my teeth together and storm out the door with the keys clutched between my fingers.

The rain had lightened up a little, but it still poured. Atleast, I wasn't the only gloomy one. I jump into the old truck and Josh scoots farther away. He looks at his hand while I pull out. The truck makes a noise and he grimaces for a second, but hides it quickly. I look at him and give him a weak smile. He returns one, only weaker.