The Nothings

Kate (Chapter Twenty Six)

  "I can't believe you're doing this," Harper kept saying as she helped Kate load her things into Mike's truck a month later. "Why so fast? Why don't you take some time to think about it, Kate. It isn't something to be rushed into!"

  "You're one to talk," Kate smirked and glanced at her sister's stomach.

  "Okay, okay... but I mean, it's you..."

  "And I'm a fruit loop."

  "You're more... sensitive than other people."

  "That's a nice way to put it."

  "Stop being a sarcastic bitch and listen to me," Harper said without venom. "I just don't think you know what a relationship entails. The emotions you feel. It can be really strong, and I think you know how much it hurts. What if that happens because you guys moved too fast? You both have the same issues, and I just..."

   Kate sighed and put down one of the heavy boxes of books. "I've thought about that, and maybe it will blow up in our faces, but I don't care. I want to live with her. Plus being away from Mom and Dad is a bonus."

  "True," Harper conceded as she sat down on the bed of the truck. "I don't know what they'll do without you, you know? They really rely on you."

  Kate snorted. "Oh please."

  "They do," Harper said quietly. "Mom especially. It isn't like they talk really except arguing about money or the random discussion about God. Talking and complaining about us kids was the only thing that held them together."

  "Maybe I should come out to them," Kate said with a grin. "That would give them something to talk about."

  "As much as I hate Dad don't give him a heart attack," Harper laughed. "I want him to see his grandchildren."

  "Why?" Kate asked. "It isn't like he actually likes kids. He isn't exactly the cuddly type. I don't think he even held us as when we were little."

  Harper thought about this. "You know, I think you're right. I don't even remember any physical contact except for the occasional one armed hug whenever we gave him a present for father's day."

  "He's a bastard," Kate said conversationally. "Don't worry though. I'm not going to tell them. I don't feel like they even deserve to know honestly. It isn't just me being a closet case either."

  "Mom isn't so bad," Harper said quietly.

  "No she isn't," Kate admitted. "I'll miss her actually. She really helped me... she might have done it unwillingly, and she might have broken promise after promise, but she tried. I'll give her that. I'll miss her. A little."

  "You aren't moving half way around the world," Harper scoffed.

  "Might as well be," Kate shrugged.

  "When are you going to tell them you're moving out?" Harper asked as she knew her sister hadn't even told her parents she was leaving; much less in love with another girl. "I like how you did all this while they're at the church fundraiser. Very smooth."

  "I wonder how much your Mom charged for her cake this time," Tabitha smiled as she put another box of books in the truck. "Are you going to help me, or am I going to have to haul all your shit myself? I think we're in desperate need of a yard sale soon. Some of these books you have are pretty embarrassing. I'm not sure I want them in our house."

  "You are not getting rid of my complete Sweet Valley and Babysitters Club collections," Kate said as she and Tabitha pretended to box each other. "I'm coming. Harper and I were just discussing our lovely, dysfunctional family."