I still got your back, you stupid bad-ass

Truth comes out

Kenny's POV

“So…what were you going to say?” I prodded.

“I…” Chris paused, looking nervous.

“Christian?” I was starting to become annoyed and frustrated

“Addie she…”

I held my breath.

“hadsomeonekillgracieforherbecauseherboyfrienddidn’tlikethefactthatwewerealwayswinningfights”

Addie.

Kill.

Gracie.

Boyfriend.

…fights…

“I’m sorry, Kenny…” Chris whispered, looking regretful.

But I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe.

It was all MY fault Gracie died.

Because we joined the group fight…

Tears spilled from my eyes as I yanked the car door open and ran outside, not caring that I was getting wet from the rain. I just wanted to be away from everything…away from Chris. He probably blames himself and it’s all my fault.

“KENNY!” Chris yelled.

I sobbed and kept running, my legs pushing me faster.

I had no idea where I was going. I just wanted to disappear completely.

****

I didn’t want to be a zombie anymore. I hated being timid, but it’s not like I can help myself.

Right now, I’m sitting on a park bench, the rain was still going heavy, and it was like a downpour, drenching me more every second. Like having a cold shower with your clothes on.

I closed my eyes and tilted my face upward. I didn’t care if I probably looked like an idiot.

But right now, it felt right.

Like the sky was crying with and for me.

“KEEEEEEENNNEEE!” Gracie cried.

“Gracie! What’s wrong?” I pulled her into my arms instantly.

“Two meanies were buwying me.” she pouted and started sucking her thumb.

I sighed. “Well…what can I do about it?”

“Beat them up for me!” she exclaimed.

“No, sweetie.” I hugged her again. “Bullying is never the right thing. Revenge is never the right way, either.”

“But they hurt me!”

“I know,” I sighed. “but you can’t grow up like this if I bully everyone for you.”

“What am I supposed to do?” she frowned, her eyebrow creasing. I smoothed it with my finger and smiled.

“You can be friends with them,”

“But I don't like them!”

“You can like a person if you look at his good side.”

“Jimmy has no good side,” she sulked.

“I’m sure Jimmy does. If you look deeper, maybe you’ll find it.”

I thought about Jimmy the day after the funeral. His eyes were dead, and soulless…like he lost something.

Or someone.

I couldn’t stop the tears this time. They were flowing freely, and I couldn’t stop myself from sobbing.

Suddenly, I felt two arms wrap around me comfortingly.

“Kenny,” Chris said, his voice soft with emotion. He sounded like he had been crying.

I sobbed louder and buried my face under his chest, feeling protected in his arms. Even though he was soaked, he felt amazingly warm.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” he said, again and again.

I hit his chest with my fist. Lightly--since I couldn’t do much about my strength. “Don’t apologize!” I sniffled. “It’s not even your fault.” my voice was weak and hoarse.

He hugged me tighter. “Don’t run away again. Please, Cookie.”

I cried harder. I loved him so much it hurt.

****

My head was still buried under his arms while he carried me back to the car. We were both thoroughly soaked.

Chris opened the car door effortlessly and took my shoes off, wrapping a blanket over me as he settled me in the backseat. The he got in beside me and hugged me while I continued to cry.

“It’s all my fault,” I cried.

Chris didn’t say anything, and I was grateful.

After awhile, my sobs reduced, but the tears kept falling.

Chris stroked my hair gently. After awhile, I got tired, and my eyes dulled slowly.

“Sleep, Cookie. I won’t leave you,” he whispered. I nodded slightly, and closed my eyes.

Chris won’t leave me. I know he won’t. not anymore.

“I love you, Chris.” I mumbled, almost inaudibly, before the dark closed over me.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Chris's POV

I smiled at her words.

I leaned in carefully and kissed her lightly.

“I love you, too, Kenny. Forever and Always.”