Kaylyn's World

Chapter 3

"So Hartman, what are you gonna do after you graduate this year?" Dad asked while fiddling with his fork on his plate.

"I want to go to college somewhere just haven't really decided where..or for what. But I'm working on it."

"If you ever think about going to Indiana University, you're welcome to move in with us."

Move in?! Are you kidding me! I would hate my life.

"Cool, Greg. That's generous, thank you."

"Absolutely."

Heather smiled at dad. "Hartman has a job back at home. He works on the water."

"Oh?" Dad raised a brow.

I took a bite of my mac and cheese. "Yes, actually I work on the big fishing boats. It's a pretty good pay."

"That's awesome." Dad said. "Kaylyn works right down the street at the flower shop."

"The flower shop?" Hartman sounded like he was about to laugh as he looked at me. "Cool."

Why is he surprised! He was in the flower shop parking lot when I backed into him.

Heather stood up and grabbed the big bowl from the middle of the table. "Kaylyn sweetheart, would you help me bring the dishes in."

"Oh, yeah." I stood up and took the boys plates from under them and then collected the cups.

I set them all in the sink and went to turn on the water. "Oh, I'll handle it from her, honey." Heather smiled and put a hand on my back.

I paused for a minute and then looked in her light brown eyes. I don't know what took over me but I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a hug.

"Kaylyn? Is everything alright?"

I began to cry. "Everything is perfect. I just had a really bad lunch with my Mom today and it made me realize how grateful I am to have you here."

"Oh honey." She rubbed her hands up and down my back. "I love you so much. You are just as much mine in my eyes as Hartman is."

That was sweet of her, but it really put a whole 'incest-ual vibe' on my current situation. I slowly pulled away and smiled. "I love you too."

I wiped my eyes and headed back to the dining room and then into the basement. I quickly slipped my clothes off and hopped into my shower, rinsing away all the pain I felt today. Though I played tough with tanya at lunch, it really did hurt to see how much she was willing to do for her daughter but could never do for me. I just hope I never hear from her again. I rinse the silky soap bubbles off my skin and reach for my towel as I turned the water off. I wrap the towel around my torso and flip the lights off as I swing open the door. I walked quietly down the hallway towards my room when, guess who comes down the stairs? Hartman of course!

"Oh my gosh." I closed my eyes and shook my head.

You've got to be kidding me. Could tonight get any worse?

"Hey kaylyn." He stopped in his tracks. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. Are you?"

"My rib hurts a little but thats just because some girl backed into me today."

I rolled my eyes. "Darn." I reached for my door handle as he stopped me.

"What's your deal? It was a joke.."

"I just really don't feel like having a conversation with you while I'm naked. So excuse me." I pulled my arm from his grip.

"Would it make you feel any better if I got naked?" He smirked.