Alex's P.O.V.
"Your eyes are gorgeous.", I said softly. Kila rolled her teary blue eyes, sniffling,
"Thanks Al. But that doesn't help me."
"I know."
"I wish it wasn't like this. This is so stupid." I shrugged,
"It's life KiKi."
"I know." The bell rang as we quickly left the English class from hell, darting outside. I walked straight past the grey buses and to the blue Jeep, getting in the back,
"Hey."
"Hey Al.", dad said softly, pulling out of the parking lot. My dads met in high school. Max- Dad spotted Harson- D- in the hallway when he first started school. But dads family was very devoted to religion and being gay was absolutely unacceptable. So he was really mean to D, even though he knew the truth, for almost two years. Their senior year, D gave up and tried to kill himself. That's when dad caved, told his family, and got with D. Then they got me! Truly the best thing that ever happened.
"Alex.", D chimed.
"Yeah?"
"We're talking to you.", he chuckled slightly. He turned around in the passenger seat, laying his hand on my cheek, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine D. Really. I'm just distracted. Kila was crying again today and I'm kinda worried about her." Kila was my cousin and best friend. Dad's older brother Luke was the only one to keep in contact with him and they're close because of it. Kila and I were practically raised together from the time I got placed with dads at six.
"Luke will talk to her.", dad said, "She's just frustrated. She feels like she needs to meet them now because we met in high school and Luke and Mia met in high school. But that's not true."
"I know. I'm just winging it honestly." Everyone saw black and white. The only thing you see in color, is your soul mate. And once you meet, your world slowly gets more and more colorful. But, I was in a bad foster home for four years and got beat and knocked around a lot. I had a lot of brain damage and- at least the doctors think- because of it, I see colors. But it's like someone splatter painted a black and white photo. It's random color and unpredictable.
"You'll know when you meet her."
"Or him. You never know.", dad said.
"I hope so. I'm not in any rush. I like my life right now how it is."
"Good. I think Luke is gonna come for dinner."
"So... pizza?"
"Yep."
"Yay!"
°°°°
"Kila!", I cheered, hugging her. She groaned,
"You just saw me an hour ago. Get off doofus."
"Someone's still in a bitchy mood.", Luke grumbled.
"Yeah you.", she snapped.
"Makila Ann Marie don't fucking test me."
"You called me a bitch!"
"No I-" Zach, Kila's older brother, cut him off,
"Dad, you essentially did. Kila stop arguing and pissing him off more. You're both ridiculous and I'd really like it if we could have one night without fighting." Luke sighed, walking off, and Zach gave Kila an emphatic smile. Zach was twenty, four years older than us and much, much wiser. He was like the adult of our entire extended family.
"Don't be sad. You have me!", I said happily. She giggled a little,
"Conceited much?" I shrugged as Zach looked down at her,
"You don't need a boyfriend to be happy. I'm perfectly content with my life how it is."
"We're different people Zach."
"I'm well aware Kila."
"I just wanna be loved.", she pouted.
"Shut the hell up Kila we love you.", I said quickly.
"I know but I wanna be in love. I wanna be like mom and dad." Zach looked away,
"Can't you just like... live in the life of a teenager who doesn't have any commitments or responsibilities? These are your years to live it up kid."
"I do have responsibilities."
"But not taxes or a job or a relationship. You have more freedom than you realize."
"Doesn't feel like it."
"I know.", he chuckled.
°°°°
"Are you going out tonight?", dad asked as I sat on the couch.
"No, I don't think so."
"Okay. Just tell us if you do." I nodded as he went to leave.
"Dad?"
"Yeah kid?"
"Why was Luke in a bad mood?" He sighed, sitting next to me,
"Sometimes he just is baby. We just don't test him when he's like that."
"I-I know."
"He wouldn't hurt you, you know that right?" I shrugged,
"I just don't mess with him. I know Kila's afraid of him. Rightfully so."
"I know. And I hate that. I've tried to talk to him but he won't try to get help."
"I know."
°°°°
Kila reached into the cabinet, grabbing the cereal, as her sleeve slipped up.
"What the fuck is that!?", I snapped, grabbing her arm. I pulled her sleeve all the way up, revealing multiple cuts over bruises. "What-What happened?", I whispered, tears pricking my eyes.
"Nothing! Just-Just leave it. Please.", she begged.
"You need to tell someone or I will."
"No. I'll never forgive you."
"My job is to protect you. I'm telling dads.", I said going to leave. She grabbed my hand,
"No. Please, please don't tell them. I don't want you to get hurt."
"They wouldn't hurt me. Or you."
"You're like my brother. You always side with me, right? Even if I'm wrong?"
"Yeah...?"
"Siblings stick together. I don't want you to get hurt. Please don't tell them." She paused, "I need to go home. Dad wanted me back by dinner."
"Kila-"
"I have to. I'm sorry. I love you.", she said hugging me.
"I love you too." She left as I stood in the kitchen, trying to figure out what she meant. Siblings stick together. Don't tell them. Luke and dad? Luke did that to her? "Dad?", I called.
"What's wrong? You sound upset.", D said coming in.
"Where's dad?"
"Outside. Why?" I bit my lip a little,
"I-I need to tell him something but I need to tell you first."
"Okay... what's up kid?"
"K-Kila had cuts on her arm. And a ton of bruises." I paused, "I-I think they're from Luke."
"They are."
