I still got your back, you stupid bad-ass

Strangers

Kenny's POV

I managed to compose myself when Hannah and the rest went out. I took deep calming breaths and pictured the fun, old days with Chris.

As unbelievable as it is, I got my strength back.

Not just my strength.

But for the first time in months, I felt happy.

I remembered his words. It made me feel stupidly giddy.

Kenny’s back….

I smiled happily to myself as I saw Chris looking through the window in the door.

There he was.

My best friend.

****

I forgot someone was sitting next to me almost crying.

I sat up and started to run my fingers through his hair. He looked up, my hand on his face.

“Hey handsome, you came to see me” I said smiling

“Yeah,” he replied

I looked at his eyes. Red and puffy.

“Were you crying?” I asked

“Hate to say it but …yes, I was.” he said

“What happened J?” I asked again wanting to hear it in his perspective

 "I thought I lost you."

My eyebrows rose.

“You know I waited for you right? ...That day, to get home, I was gonna tell you about mom and her growing problems. While I was waiting she walked in drunk and started yelling at me, throwing bottles and whatever else she could grab. I dodged them, and screamed ‘Why the hell are you throwing bottles at me you stupid bitch?!’ that didn't slow her down though, so I told her I would be back later to come and get you. She flipped when I stormed out the house, she was throwing bottles at the door. I didn’t know when you were going to come home, I thought it would be late but when I pulled up and got out the car, I find a mess of my mother on the floor and blood on the stairs. I'm sorry, I feel like this is my fault. I should've stayed and waited, I could've stopped it or at least helped you.” he sighed sadly.

“I already knew about the drinking, all her jobs, and the drugs to keep her awake to be at the jobs...” I said trailing off.

“Well, everyone knew that. I wanted to talk to you about the anger. Sure she was mad she lost her baby, and she was mad because thats what the constant work and alcohol does to someone that already has stress on the body."

I gave him a confused look. "I know that.."

"She was more mad at you then anything else. You had your best friends rich parents pay the bills, buy clothes, food, and cook for her."

"I was just trying to help.." I said honestly

"You were the one fighting for money to get Grace into school again, and then she died! Ken... she hates you.. so much that she would probably end up killing you." He sighed. "Anyways, you know I had moved in with Jess and Demitri. I was safe, you weren’t. I wanted to ask if you wanted emancipation from mom, then I could be your guardian and you could stay with me and the guys. Or since mom is in jail now, we could do all that but I move out of Jessie’s house and move in to the home our mother trashed.”

“Aww, Jamie…I really hope you know what you’re getting into.” I said trying to be serious

 “Yeah I do. I just need money for a lawyer” Jamie said forming a plan. "Hm.. I could get in a match or two since that's the only way anyone in this weird family gets money"