I still got your back, you stupid bad-ass

Reality Check

(Kenny's POV)

That night 'Addie' was arrested. The court is deciding whether they should put Ryan in prison or in juvie with probation and community service. Personally, I don’t really care, as long as he is out of mine, and Chris’ life.

Chris and I were interrogated by the cops, and we told them the whole truth--and nothing but the truth.

But I wasn’t free to go.

They told me I had to be taken to a foster home since my mom is in jail and they wouldn’t let me go with my brothers friends, even though they've known me since I was a baby. They said only Jamie could take me, then they changed their minds because he fights--which is unstable for a guardian.

Chris wouldn’t let that happen, though. But they wouldn’t let me stay with the Kingston’s since I wasn’t related to them.

That night, the Kingston’s are deciding on whether or not they should just adopt me. But Chris wouldn’t let that happen either. He doesn’t want to be my brother. I don’t know why, though. Doesn’t he love me like a sister?

I was in their guest room, thinking about my options. Screw that. I had NO options.

In a way, I didn’t want to be Chris’s half-sister. I don't think I love him like a sister should love a brother. I love him more than that.

But if I were taken to a foster home, there was a possibility that I would never be able to see Chris again.

So I have to do this. I have to get Chris to agree.

*******

It was either get adopted and be Chris’s sister, or don’t get adopted and never see Chris again. There was no other way.

I guess we were never meant to be together. If I get adopted, I’d have to erase my feelings for Chris. I can never love him like I do anymore. And if I choose the foster home, I’ll never see him again.

It’s always mismatched and fork roads in my life. Some choices are too hard to make. Either one will have it’s flaws.

I was too occupied with my thoughts to notice Chris coming into my room.

“Cookie,” he whispered. The lights were out, so he probably thought I was asleep.

I shifted a bit, just to let him know that I wasn’t.

He sat down beside me. I couldn’t help myself. I curled up into a ball beside him and clutched his shirt, tears already spilling down. He hugged me, rubbing my back slightly.

I don’t remember crying so much. I don’t remember being this weak. Ever since my sister died, I couldn’t keep my composure anymore. I wasn’t the cool, calm, collected Kenny. I was the weak, crybaby Kenny.

Chris wiped my tears away. “Don’t cry anymore, Cookie.”

I nodded and blinked back the tears. I know he hated seeing me like this.

We stayed quiet for about a minute after I calmed down.

“What have your parents decided?” I asked quietly.

“They haven’t decided anything yet.” Chris told me. “They’ll try reasoning with the cops again to let you stay here.”

I shook my head. “I know it won’t work.”

“It will,” he insisted. “I promise.”

I sighed. “No, Chris. It’s either get adopted, or go to foster care.”