Spring Won't Come

Seven: Kayla

She wanted to laugh, she couldn't help it. It was kinda cute, really, in a sort of dorky way. Blake struggled to squeeze through the gate with his crutches while Kayla held it open for him. When he attempted to climb the steps, he had refused her help, Kayla let out a yelp of laughter.

Blake turned his head and nearly fell; he was surprisingly clumsy for a jock. "What the hell is so funny?"

Kayla held to breath in an attempt to lock in her laughter. "I'm sorry, babe," she said in a breathless voice. "It's just-" Then the laughter came again.

Blake's cheeks went cherry-red and then he smiled at her, which gave Kayla the green light to let out a full fit of laughter. She knew he couldn't stay mad at her and that was one of the things she loved about him. Blake made her feel safe, like she could be herself.

"Real nice of you to laugh at the cripple," Blake said. He pressed the rubber points of his crutches into the cement steps and launched himself up.

Blake misjudged the distance and began to lean backwards. Kayla slipped through the gap in the gate and braced Blake's back with her hands, allowing him to regain his balance.

"Thanks," Blake said with a sigh of relief.

"Gotta take care of the merchandise," Kayla said with an impish giggle. "Now everyone can see who's in charge." She gave him a playful slap on the butt, "Keep moving, mister."

Blake held out a crutch to prevent Kayla from passing. He leaned in and gave her a kiss, first on the cheek and then on the lips "Yes, ma'm," he whispered.

Kayla felt her heart flutter in her chest and a warmth spread through her body. "Mmm. Nice try, Kingsley," she said, returning the kiss with double Black's ferocity. "We need to keep moving."

Blake bit down on his lip and then smiled. As they continued walking, at a pace that was comfortable for Blake, Kayla felt like someone was watching. The pair entered the dark hall and she knew someone was there, despite the hall being empty.

The warmth that had made her skin burn with passion now froze to a cold dread. She shivered, despite the windbreaker she was wearing. Kayla thought she heard something move inside one of the walls. She wasn't afraid of rats like most girls, or Isaiah, would have been, but that didn't mean she wasn't to see one of the critters in person.

Besides, it's just in your head. Old buildings make all kinds of weird noises.

"What the hell was that?" Blake hissed. "Are there fucking rats in this place? You know they probably have rabies."

Maybe it's not in your head.

Kayla stepped closer to Blake and gave his waist a quick squeeze. "Don't worry, babe. I'll protect you," she teased.

Blake kissed her on the forehead, she loved when he did that, and then quickened his pace to get ahead of her. Kayla stopped herself from laughing at his macho man act. It was probably killing Blake to not be the tough guy that everyone knew him to be, but she liked him like this. He was more vulnerable, more available to her.

Kayla watched Blake lead the way through the dark hall, following the sounds of conversation and the only light that emitted from one of the units further down. He could be sweet, he really could. The problem was his dad. That asshole, Kayla thought.

Kayla wondered if she could be the one to change Blake. Could she save him from becoming like his parents? Was it her job to be that person? She didn't know. What fifteen-year-old knew the answers to such questions?

Kayla and Blake entered the illuminated apartment, which, much to Kayla's surprise, was now partially furnished. There were two leather couches, four laps, and an abundance of instruments.