Twice in a Lifetime \\ KELLIC

8

I took Vic's advice and went back to work at the pet store. It was a bit of a shock at first, to be thrust back into the world where I had to communicate with more people than just Vic and Flash. My boss said I was adjusting well though, so I guess that a was a plus.

Everyone was either ridiculously nice to me and talking to me like a hurt kitten, or they were avoiding me completely. I understood the latter more. I remember when my mom lost her dad. She was so upset and I had no idea what to say to her or how to react. I didn't want to trigger her in anyway, so I guess that was how those people felt.

A lot of people kept asking me how I was, which I didn't like at all. It just kept reminding me that something was wrong, and right now I didn't want to remember. I just wanted to get my life back in order and I didn't want anyone making me cry. Not crying at work wasn't even hard though, because as depressed as I was, in my heart, most of the time, I still felt nothing there.

Vic was at my place today. He was still working on that one room with such determination. Last I saw, he had painted the walls and was in the process of fixing the floor. He had a lot of time to work too because I was out of the house for a long time. I wanted to work for as many hours as I could to make up for what I missed.

"I'm telling you, Kellin, it's fine if you go home, really. You've been here since opening," Mr. Carlile said.

"I know, I just feel bad for leaving you hanging," I said.

"How many times do I have to tell you it's fine?" he asked, "Now go home before that dog starts missing you too much."

"I think he'll be fine without me," I shrugged. He had been getting along with Vic better than me anyway.

"Just get outta here so I can close up," Mr. Carlile said.

I sighed and nodded. It was getting dark now so I guess I should be heading home. I grabbed my car keys from out the back, said goodbye to Mr. Carlile, and left the building. As I did though, I almost ran right into Cassie.

"Oh, Cass, hey," I said.

"Kellin! I was afraid I was gonna miss you. Ryan said he walked past today and saw you here. He says sorry he didn't say hey. He was kinda busy, but he mentioned you looking way too thin so I bought you a beef casserole," she said with a bright smile on her face.

"Oh, uh...you didn't have to," I said.

"Oh please, I always make way too much for me and Ryan. It's either you get it or Ryan complains when I give it to him for lunch tomorrow," She said. She would hate me if I said this, but she reminded me so much of my mom sometimes. She was so warm and caring.

"Okay, well, thank you. I'm sure Vic'll appreciate it too," I said.

"Vic?" she asked, confused.

"Yeah, he's been over pretty much every day lately, helping renovate the house. And by 'help' I mean pretty much do all of it," I said.

"Right...that's nice of him," she said slowly. She was acting all awkward all of a sudden.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing, I just didn't realize you two were friends," She said.

"We're not," I argued, "Well, not really. I don't know. I guess he's not all bad."

"Uh huh, well, I'll let you take this home before it gets cold," She said and held the dish out towards me. I took it, holding it carefully in my arms like it was a baby.

"Thanks," I said with a forced smile.

"You're welcome. If you need anything else then give me a call," She said.