The Secret

Chapter 23: The Ties

It's been three days since I walked away from him. I twiddle with my phone. I want to text Jason to apologize. I want to but I don't know if that's what I should. I know I should be here though. I know I should be with my brother, even though I still won't talk to him. I'm still here though. I just know I should be here just in case. I grab the glass of water and knock on Kaytons door. He went back into his room for the first time since I knew he was sick. I open the door and every muscle in my body freezes up. He has his drapes closed with the room pitch black. The lights from his computer and tv aren't even there. I hear him trying to conceal a cough so I step into the room but step on something. I stop and reach for the light switch and the light reveals... everything. The floor is filled with papers, cloths, cenex, and even wrappers of Salteens which are the one cracker that Kayton hates so much. My vision starts to blur so I wipe away the tears. He never has his room a mess. He would never unplug the devices he uses everyday, but the most surprising thing is the darkness. He sleeps with a light on because he hates the darkness. I cover my mouth with my hand to keep my weeping as quiet as possible. I quickly sit on the edge of his bed and he wakes up startled. He glances at me then starts looking around in a panic.
"What's wrong? Are you okay? He asks as he sits up fast. I look on his end table and see the first painting I made. It's just a word on a piece of paper. He put it in a frame and put one of the pictures of us in the corner. I put down the water and look at him again.
"Forever," I manage to say. That's the word in the painting. Kayton just looks at me as if something appeared on my face suddenly. Suddenly he pulls me into his chest.
"I love you," he says as his voice shows signs of him crying.
"No matter what, we're forever. I love you so much."
"We're always forever. No matter what," he finishes our saying.

I stay close to Kaytons side as we go around the store. When I was young, Kayton was so protective so in any public area, he would always hold me so close to him, so now in some places, I still have the instinct to never go far if I even leave.
"Can Shadow come to front counter," Bobby's voice comes over the intercom. I look over at Kayton and he just laughs with a slight push. I hurry to the counter. Bobby usually doesn't call me up from the intercom so it must be busy and he needs help or something. Yet I get there and I'm the only one in line.
"Shade!" Jason says.
"What the hell is going on?"
"Look I know this sounds weird but I knew you wouldn't even look at any text I send you so I came here everyday to see if you were here."
I smile and look down, "stalker," I laugh.
"I never meant to make you feel forced to tell them anything. I'm really sorry. I didn't know they would ask that. Your the perfect person and I don't want to lose you. Definitely this soon into our friendship," Jason pleads.
"What did you tell them that I trusted you with?" I ask. I need to know.
"Nothing. I would never tell anyone anything you told me to talk in between us. I promise."
"How can I say no to someone who constantly praises me?" I joke.
"Hey Bobby," I hear Kayton say while the scanner starts beeping the food through.
"I guess you two have never properly met. This is my big brother Kayton. Kay, this is Jason," I introduce.
"Uh nice to meet you uh sir," Jason stammers.
"No, please don't suck up to me. I'm no sir, believe me. Look as far as I'm concerned, everything is fine between us as long as you've been using condoms."
"I'm sorry?"
"Oh was I not supposed to say that? Wait are you two even dating? Oh shit probably shouldn't of said that either..."
"Kayton, shut up," I say fast.
"Okay. Sorry Shade. I didn't realize that he doesn't know about your feelings towards him. Shit, umm..."
"Boy, I'm gonna give you a quick lesson. This is when you shut your pie hole," Bobby hints.