Spark

Chapter 4

Kenzie

The week passed slowly with my stomach in knots for most of it. The daily phone calls from Tyler and Brett did little to satisfy my anxiety. They each promised Mom was doing well, she even went shopping with Tyler's mom just like old times. Part of me wanted to believe that maybe she was finally doing better but I know it's just a matter of time until she loses touch with reality yet again. When that happens I don't know what I'm going to do and that thought weighs heavily on my mind as I listen to Tyler tell me about his visit this morning. 

I abandoned the dining hall and settled on the steps outside. "She seems like her old self this week, dressed and ready every time I came over." 

"But you watched her take her pills, right? Every time? Because if you didn't, sometimes she hides them or dumps them just to avoid taking them." I know I sound panicked but it's been almost a week since I've seen Mom and I hate that I've dumped this responsibility on Tyler and Brett, it's not fair to them. 

"Yes Kenz, this isn't my first rodeo with her. I watched her every time and told Brett the same thing. Like I've been telling you all week, stop worrying so much."

"I can't help it, my entire life revolves around this." I respond and it was at that moment I looked around and spotted those familiar jade eyes watching me. He was with a group a guys  all dressed in athletic wear. They were sitting at a table on the patio, I couldn't read his expression but he was studying me closely. I tried to push back everything I was feeling, sat up straight, and squared my shoulders as I met his gaze. 

I had gotten lucky this week having had very few run ins with Kayden and his friends. Taylor was out most nights partying and we only met in passing. This meant my interactions with him were limited to the occasional stares as I walked by in the hallway. I wasn't complaining though. However, when I wasn't worrying over my mother, I found myself  consumed with thoughts of Kayden and why I feel so unnerved by him.

I tried to keep my eyes anywhere put on him and realized I hadn't been paying attention to Tyler, "Wait, sorry. What was that?"

"I said, Mom and I were talking and I wanted to run this by you but keep in mind it's already going to happen, this is just a courtesy." I laughed at that, hearing the smugness in his voice. 

"Go on..."

"I'm going to continue to hang out with Mama Riley every morning and then Mom is going to do every other afternoon. We knew we wouldn't be able to keep you away everyday but between school and the fact you insist on still working at the grill we figured this would lighten the load a little. Keep in mind Mom said she would do more you just need to let her know." He rushed out to not give me a chance to interrupt him.

"Tyler..." I say with exasperation, "That's too much, I can't ask that of you."

"But you didn't ask, we are telling you that's what is going to happen. Don't argue. You're family Kenz. I don't know how you did this all by yourself this summer but let us help you."

"Fine, we'll try it but you have to call-"

"Every morning, I swear!" Tyler cuts me off.

"Okay, thanks." I concede. "I'll be at the house tomorrow afternoon to make her meals for the week and set up her medications--"

"Kenzie, you are still off duty! You have one more day of freedom, now I know how hard this is for you but you're not allowed to think about any of this until the sun comes up tomorrow, got it?" He scolds me.