Sunflower

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Second Thoughts

"So did your dad know him?" 

"Yeah, not well, he was new. He transferred from Oregon I think he said." 

"Oregon... can't tell if Washington is better or worse." 

"With whats going on in Portland, don't blame him." 

"What's wrong with Portland," Finn gave me a judgemental look, "Lemme rephrase, What's wrong with portland... currently." 

"Burning, looting, rioting, every day." 

"Jesus- Thank you," I nodded taking my drink from the barista, "I can't with these people anymore." 

"Yeah, it's unbelievable. Especially after they spray-painted our cars in the lot the other day. They've stepped over a line." 

"What?" 

"God they spray-painted our cars The twins were the ones who actually came and got me to tell me what happened." 

"Is that why there are weird clean marks on the jeeps?" 

"Probably." 

"You'll never be anything!" 

The kid's words still echoed in Kaleo's mind. 

"Alright, I'll get dinner started," Katelyn said placing Kova on the ground to run around. 

"What're we having?" Harley asked. 

"I don't know yet." 

"D-Daddy," Kova said when she saw Kaleo walking downstairs. 

"Hey mom," Kaleo started, "Can I go out with some friends?" 

Katelyn looked around like she was missing something, "Uh, sure?"

"Great Thanks," He walked back upstairs almost as if he was ignoring Kova. 

Kova sat down on the ground in front of the stairs like a dog at the door, "Well that was weird," Katelyn said. 

"I know. He didn't even say hi to Kova. Nothing." 

"Somethings going on with him." 

Kaleo came back downstairs stepping over Kova, "Alright I'll be back later-" 

"Kaleo would you say hi to your daughter?" Katelyn finally spat. 

He turned around, "Bye Kovy," He said waving, and when the door clicked shut it was like the on switch for Kova crying. 

"Hey baby it's okay, Daddy will be back," Katelyn hushed. 

Harley ran upstairs to grab The Giver off Kaleo's desk to read to Kova but a couple of papers caught his eye. Informational packet and flyers for adoption agency around the state littered his old desk. He finally realized it. Kaleo was trying to sever the connection with Kova so giving her up would be easier. 

It was about 10:30 at night when Kaleo walked through the door. Katelyn and Harley stood at the island, "Uh hey, I thought you guys would be asleep by now." 

He walked closer to see the pamphlets on the counter, "We need to talk," Harley said harshly. 

Katelyn put her hand over Harley's remaining him to be calm, "Kaleo, before you go through with this, we wanted to offer some alternatives. We could move Kova into our room, I could take her to work with me so you can have some you time." 

"Mom... None of that's gonna make a difference. Kova... she's a lot to handle and I don't know If I can take care of her. Mom shes..." 

"Kaleo," Katelyn walked over to him, "Kova-Koa is you're flesh and blood you're daughter, your responsibility."