Just Ozzie

Chapter 8

The house was quiet this afternoon. Kayla was in her room with Peter, Ashley was still gone, and I was quietly reading an encyclopedia while eating a cold can of noodles for breakfast. I kinda always wanted the house to be this quiet. Its nice, I can almost put my senses at ease and fully relax.

I could hear footsteps from the hallway on their way to the kitchen. The footsteps were very light so I already knew it was Kayla. When she approached, she was surprised to see me at the table.

"You're up early". She stated walking to the cabinet for food. I shrugged. Kayla sat across from me at the table. I kinda felt timid know because I felt she was gonna start something and its too early for that. I just kept my eyes on the book and ate.

Kayla ripped open the zip lot bag of left over cooked squirrel meat we saved. She didn't eat it tho. She just stared at it then looked up at me to ask a question.

"How'd you sleep?"

"Ya know, the usual". I answered without looking up.

"Peter said you're teaching him how to read, is that true?"

"Yes".

"Is he making any progress?"

"He's ahead for a starter but any word over 6 letters he's clueless".

I noticed how this sounded like any normal conversation. Kayla wasn't yelling or cursing and that's a drastic change.

Suddenly Kayla started coughing very roughly. I looked up from my book to check to see if she was ok. She had a rough cough fit for a long 3 minutes then finally stopped.

She had coughed in her hand and stared at it as if something was wrong.

"What's wrong?" I asked. She noticed I was staring and quickly wiped her hand on her pants leg.

"Nothing". She murmured. She tried to change the subject. "Did Ashley stop by last night?"

"No". I answered closing my book.

"...Do you think she's ok?"

I opened my mouth to answer but couldn't. The shock of her caring had clogged up in my throat.

"I'm sure she's just hanging with that Otis guy". I finally say.

"I'm not sure, can you please go find her?" I knew Kayla couldn't do it herself, she had to watch Peter.

"Sure but I doubt she's cooled off yet".

"She's had a full 12 hours, what makes you think she's not cooled down yet?"

"Well...you did scream and curse her out last night". I murmur. And it begins.

"So you're saying its my fault she's gone!?!" Kayla yelled.

"No-

"Everything is just my fucking fault isn't it?" "And all I've ever done is my best for you assholes!"

I sat back in my seat trying to remain as calm as possible.

"That's not what I'm saying-

"Shut the fuck up". "Ya know what, get your ass out my house and go get Ashley right now".

I sighed already wishing for a silent walk in the woods. As I was sighing, I arose from my seat.

Kayla did the same and walked away cursing up a storm. The she fell. She didn't trip over anything or get pushed, it was as if her legs gave out on her.

I quickly rush to her side and try to help her up but she pushes me away.

"I don't need your damn help!" She shouted angrily. "I can do it myself!"