Broken Lantern

Chapter Eight

The next day I wake up and turn to reach for Kevin, but he isn't there. I sit up, jumping up to my feet. I pray that he hasn't left because of what he heard last night. I can't take any more heart ache right now. I get dressed as quickly as possible, not even paying attention to the pangs in my chest as I crossed mine and Darry's bedroom to get to the closet.

Kevin has been going in to get my clothes for me and he takes them back and hangs them up or puts them away when they're washed again so that I don't have to go into that room. But he's not here now and I don't have time to think about anything else.

I run out of the house and see that his truck is still here next to Darry's car... well, my car. So where is he then? I called for him in the house, but he didn't answer. He wasn't in the kitchen either.

"Kevin?" I call out, hoping he will answer me.

Nothing.

"Keeeviiiiiin!" I call again, turning in every direction to see if he emerges.

Nothing.

I walk toward my parents' house thinking maybe he's there for some reason. When I turn the corner of their house, I hear laughter, but it's not coming from the house, it's a little distance away and muffled slightly. It's coming from... inside the barn?

I walk down and swing the big door open. Inside are Kevin, my dad and Mr. Williams. My dad and Mr. Williams are leaned over one of the stall doors, laughing their heads off at something inside. When they hear me open the door, they turn to look at me, still laughing, but trying hard to stop themselves.

Daddy lets go of the door and comes over to me, hugging me to him, he turns to walk me over to the stall, "Have yourself a good look there, baby girl. He's doing mighty fine, wouldn't ya say?" And he starts laughing again, as he pats me on the back and turns to walk into the office with Bobby following behind him.

Inside the stall is Kevin, and a beautiful white spotted mare, giving birth with his assistance. His face is green, and he keeps slipping in the wet hay, but he's steady trying. It's like watching an episode of an old comedy show. After a few minutes of me looking on in total awe of the miracle that's happening before my eyes, the foal is here and healthy. Everyone is fine, including Kevin, who looks nauseated and completely done in.

"Enjoy the show then, did you?" He asks, acting like he's going to throw the dirty gloves at me that he's taking off his hands.

He smiles at me and opens the door, "Sure did", I tell him, smiling at his busted ego.

He smiles back, "Well, let's go then", he says, grabbing my wrist and walking me over to the office.

He opens the door and tells Mom, Daddy and Mr. Williams that the foal is here and healthy and that he's turning in his card for the day because he's taking me to breakfast. They all agree and wave us on, smiling at us as Kevin closes the door.

"Well?" He asks, looking at me.

"Well, what?" I snap back. He grins and looks down, kicking the mud from his boots.

"Well, where do you want to go eat?" He asks, looking up at me slightly, cocking his head to the side.

I can't help but notice how handsome he looks. All sweaty and dirty; his blonde hair stuck to his forehead. The light from outside hitting his face just so, lighting up his already bright green eyes.

He's wearing a thin white t-shirt, and blue jeans, just like Darry used to wear. I think he's wearing Darry's old boots too. The sweat from his body has made the white shirt see through in some areas, showing off the skin underneath. I feel my heart speed up a bit and look away quickly.

"Hey?" Kevin says, and I look up just in time to see a cocky grin spread across his face. He looks down at his exposed chest through the shirt and then back up at me. "Are you checking me out, Alice Williams?" He laughs as I turn three different shades of red and leave him standing there, as I walk out of the barn.

I can still hear him laughing as I turn beside my parents' house and walk up my front porch.

I hear his boots crossing the gravel between us before I reach the door and then I feel his arms around me, lifting me off the boards under my feet and spinning me around to face him. He locks his lips to mine, and I feel every bit of me melt into him. I try to fight it, I really try. But I can't. The loneliness and emptiness inside of me washes away under his touch and I don't have the strength to push him away now.

He carries me inside and sits on the couch, never letting go of me or breaking our kiss. I'm sitting on his lap, straddling him and he's holding the back of my head, kissing me with every bit of desire that he's been holding back.

I feel him shift under me and know that this has to stop, right now, or we will both be in trouble.

"Dar..." I start to say, and he lets go of me instantly, pulling back and then moving me off him in one fell swoop. He's breathing heavily, and he's upset but trying not to show it.

"Oh Kevin, I'm so sorry" I tell him, putting my hand over his, but he pulls it out from under mine and stands up. "I just need a few minutes, Alley. I'll be back." He says and walks out the front door, getting into his truck, starting it and driving down the driveway, leaving me behind.