He Depends on You || Porter Robinson

Part Ten

It would have been so much easier if Porter was off touring the world. Jumping from country to country, without a chance to catch his breath. But I knew he was on a break. He was here, in Chapel Hill, with no business engagements or commitments for the next couple of months. Hell, he was right down the street. And I still heard nothing from him. No real attempts were made to contact me.

I had picked up my phone multiple times to type in his number that was blocked, but I still knew it by heart. But every time I ended up pressing the delete button. He said he needed space, so that is what he was going to get. I'm sure he even expected me to be the first one to crumble and find a way to reach out to him. But my anger, pain, and ultimately my pride would never allow me to do that.

So the days stretched into weeks and I kept myself busy helping my parents out around the house and hanging out with Brigid when she would come down and visit for the weekend.

On this particularly hot autumn Saturday, Brigid and I were scouring the local Target for materials needed for the weekly family BBQ.

"Well these are obviously a necessity." I said waving a packet of giant blow-up neon flamingo decorations.

"That doesn't go with our theme of Italian Summer." She replied with a smirk. I had taken to assigning a theme to each weekend family BBQ. Anything to keep me preoccupied.

"You're right...what was I thinking. These will never work." I said in an overly-dramatic tone and dropped the flamingos back onto the shelf. Earning a laugh from Brigid.

We kept on weaving our way through the aisles. Grabbing products here and there and tossing them into our cart. I was growing satisfied with our collection of Italian inspired decor and food. And as we were turning the corner to head to check-out, we ran smack dab into a familiar face. I felt my throat hitch and tried to remain calm.

"Hi Mrs. Robinson." I said and forced a smile. Hoping it looked at least somewhat natural.

"Kate!" She exclaimed, "it is so good to see you." She hurried over and pulled me into a hug.

"Yeah, you too! How are you?" I asked, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. Brigid finally appeared behind me and I saw her eyes dart back and forth between myself and Porter's mom.

"Oh I am fine. Just happy to have all my boys home." She replied.

"Oh I bet! Hi, Mrs. Robinson." I heard Brigid chime in from next to me. I was grateful she jumped into the conversation, so I had a moment to collect myself while they said their hellos.

"You know I am surprised I haven't seen you around, Kate." Mrs. Robinson said, not even trying to hide her curious tone.

"Oh..."I said softly, scrambling to think of something to say. "I've just been really tired." Mentally face-palming at my lame excuse for my absence.

"Right...so has Porter. Barely comes out of his room." She said, not breaking eye contact.

My heart tightened at the mention of Porter. My instant reaction was to feel concern for him. But it was quickly replaced by relief. Relief that maybe he was suffering even a little bit. Maybe I wasn't the only miserable one.

"Yeah, this past tour circuit was a doozy." I said and forced a tight-lipped smile. She gave me a questioning look, like she was going to say something but thought better of it. Eventually she broke out into a warm smile.

"I'm sure it was. Well, tell your parents I say hello! And....don't be a stranger, Kate." She chirped and began to push her cart forward past us.

"It was great to see you." I said with a smile. Brigid and I continued on in silence until she was sure we were out of ear shot from Mrs. Robinson.