Legends

Door Stays Open

I was running down the steps, pulling my jacket over my shoulder, as Zack knocked on the door a second time. I'd yelled for everyone to give him space and let me welcome him in. We had to act like this was his first time coming over to see me. It was the first time mom and dad would know he was over.

I opened the door and Zack smiled at me, almost trying not to laugh. He wasn't dressed fancy, that wasn't him, but he did have a small bouquet of flowers in his hand.

I raised my eyebrow at the flowers. "Who are the flowers for?"

He took a step forward, towering over me, and ran his fingers through my hair. "Your mom."

It felt like what he said was a joke and I laughed though his expression said it wasn't meant to be funny.

He changed the subject. "How'd you get her to let me come over?"

I stepped aside and let him come in. Dad was sitting in the living room watching TV. Mom had been cleaning but stopped to sit in the living room and wait for Zack to come. She wanted him to think the house just looked nice on its own. Not that he cared in the slightest.

"I'm taking my meds without arguing. I think she wanted to let me have something since I wasn't fighting her."

"And you chose me? I'm flattered, Kinsley."

I rolled my eyes and took my hand in his. "Don't expect it to be an every time thing. One day I might choose ice cream instead."

"Ice cream over seeing your own boyfriend? Wow."

"Don't think too much into it."

Mom walked over to us, her hand outstretched and a smile on her face. "You must be Zack. I'm Emilia."

Zack shook her hand before handing over the flowers. "It's nice to finally meet you."

"Daniel, come meet Kinsley's boyfriend."

I couldn't stop the grin that spread on my face as she called Zack my boyfriend. We were much more than that but it still meant a lot, coming from her.

Dad stood and walked over, trying not to show how tired he was. He held out a hand, watching Zack suspiciously. "Daniel, nice to meet you."

"Zack." He said, shaking his hand firmly. I was glad he was a werewolf and had a big hand. Dad wouldn't have liked him if his hands were small and his grip wimpy.

Dad nodded once and glanced between the two of us. "Door stays open."

I rolled my eyes and pulled Zack toward the steps.

"I think your dad would get along with mine just fine."

I pushed my door open and stepped inside. "This is my room." I spoke as sarcastically as I could, hoping he'd catch on to my humor.

Instead of feeding into it, he pulled me against his chest and pressed his lips to mine. "Are you okay?"

I stepped back, holding onto his shoulder to steady myself. "I'm a little lightheaded but I think it'll go away."

He tilted my chin up and looked at me closer. "You're not lying about taking your pills, are you?"

I sighed. "I wouldn't lie to you."

His thumb caressed my jaw and it sent shivers down my spine. "They're working?"

"I was afraid they wouldn't because... you know." I cleared my throat. "My therapist gave me a stronger prescription since I was doing worse. I think it's getting through and doing something. I mean, I haven't ran down the steps like that in months."

"I can tell."

I punched his arm. "Asshole."

He grinned and sat down on the bed, pulling me down with him. "Are we going to just stay here in your room all day?"

I brushed the hair over my shoulder. "That's what I planned. I think I want to rearrange my room."

"Why?"

"I thought it might help me get out of my... you know. I haven't changed my room since I was twelve and everything just reminds me of Shi and all the shit I've been through."

"It's not a bad idea. Although you're plenty strong to do it yourself."

I pressed my lips to his before standing up. "Yeah but I wanted to watch you break a sweat."

"Why's that?"

"I don't get to see you shirtless enough."

He sat up and pulled his shirt off. "I can definitely change that."