Staring at a blank phone is mind numbing. I know the reason she isn't responding is because she is either talking to someone else, probably in person, or she fell asleep. I could understand her falling asleep; it's almost 5 in the morning. But I am wide awake, have been since I woke up yesterday morning at 7. My sleeping pattern has gone straight down the drain along with my will to go to football practice and do any chores around the house, like cleaning my room. I also have no intention to start looking for a college to go to in less than a year like my dad wants me to start doing because nothing really makes sense right now. Except Anna. Andin my mind, anything Anna wants, does, or needs is perfect in my eyes. I have a feeling if she wanted to go across the globe for college next year, I'd probably be going with her. I hate to think that one day she could leave me, for any circumstance. And I hate to even think about us being separated for something stupid like different colleges. It would kill me. Quite literally, I'm afraid. "Kendall?" I shot up in bed fast pushing my blanket off my back and turned to face my door. I had been lying flat on my stomach with my arms under my pillow and my chin resting on my pillow. My phone was in my hand as I waited patiently for an hour to hear back from her, but now it was on the floor, thrown in my state of shock and surprise. As far as I knew everyone in the house was asleep. Except my dad apparently. "This is almost two weeks now, that you haven't slept for more than a few hours. And don't ask em how I know you haven't been sleeping. Come on…" He turned out of my room leaving the door wide open and zipped up a sweater hanging on his body. I frowned and jumped out of bed grabbing a pair of sweats I kicked to the floor as I climbed into bed after seeing Anna at the hospital. After pulling them on I grabbed a random shirt, also on the floor and my phone, and walked out leaving my door wide open.
When I got down stairs the light was on in the kitchen and I could hear my dad making coffee. I frowned and hurried to the kitchen pulling my shirt on. "Dad…what are you doing up?" I walked right next to him leaned against the counter watching him make a very strong cup of coffee.
"Well…I have a meeting at 8 this morning and I am not prepared. I am going to do a little work for an hour before I pick your mom up from work. But since you're up, maybe you could pick her up for me." He closed the lid of the coffee maker and yawned rubbing his face. "So…anything I need to be worried about?" He crossed his arms over his chest making him look ten times bigger than usual, making me also cross my arms over my chest and look down at the ground, shrugging my shoulders. "Well…your mom and I have both noticed you acting different…not cleaning, not going to practice, which I kind of agree with and it is worrying us Kendall. You can talk to us if you need to." I looked up slowly and looked around our kitchen first before turning to him and swallowing hard.
"When did you realize you were in love with mom?" He grinned big and looked out to the kitchen as well laughing quietly.
"I believe the exact date was June 17th 1982." I chuckled quietly making him turn to me and shove me gently. "Seriously. It was the first day I met your mom. We were in our twenties, I was still in the Navy, on leave and she was fresh out of college. I remember the day specifically because your mother was wearing a tiny little white and black polka dot bikini…" I shoved him back making a gaging noise, making him laugh. "We met in Texas. I was visiting your grandparents, and your mom was on summer break with some of her girlfriends. I mean I was only twenty two, I think your mom was maybe just 21…anyway, we were both on the beach for the same bon fire party and I ran into her spilling my beer all over her. I thought she was going to be one of those snotty stuck up girls who yelled at me and hit me or something. But she just kind of laughed it off, took off her top grabbed my hand and dragged me into the ocean. I won't go into details but I definitely got to know your mom that night." I slapped my forehead hard and groaned loudly making sure he heard me. "Three years later, I asked her to marry me. And then 10 years later you were born." I was playfully shoved again making me look up at him, both of us serious. "Why do you ask?" My cheeks instantly went hot and I looked down at my bare feet, which I was shuffling. "Let me guess…this has something to do with a girl named Anna?" I closed my eyes mentally kicking myself, hating that I even brought it up. "Kendall you don't have to be a certain age to love someone. And you don't have to know someone for a long period of time to know you love someone. Hell I met your mom at a drunken beach party and five minutes after apologizing for spilling on her I knew I loved her. I didn't even care that her dad hated me. I just knew if I couldn't be with her…I don't know. I'd go insane." He stopped, dropping his hands to his pockets shoving them in and smiled small. "Sound familiar?"
"Very." He laughed quietly and gently set an arm around my shoulders pulling me into him. "I've liked her for a long time. Never had the balls to ask her out. And her being shot and with all the time we've spent together…I just feel…helpless I guess. I don't know how to tell her things…well certain things. About how I feel and all that. I'm afraid it's going to ruin things, and make her hate me." He chuckled quietly and rubbed my arm a few times before turning to the beeping coffee pot.
"Kendall no one has the Manuel on how to talk to women. I'm almost 55 years old and I still don't know. It's not easy but I can guarantee the first time you tell her your true feelings she can do one of two things." He pulled down two cups for coffee but turned to me before walking to the fridge. "She can either tell you back her true feelings as well or tell her to leave her alone, she isn't interested. If she does the second one…your heart will come to terms with it and realize maybe that's for the best."
"What if I can't handle that? Because I don't think I could dad." He laughed again grabbing the milk but didn't say another word. Instead I felt a vibration from my phone and pulled it out of my sweat pocket fast hoping it was Anna. It wasn't which bummed me out bad. It was just Carlos asking if I was awake and if he could stop by. I replied yes fast and quickly took my cup of coffee from my dad. He sipped his coffee carefully as he walked to our huge dining room table at sat at the head of it looking down at the piles of paper I didn't even notice were there along with his laptop. I walked to the table and sat down quietly and just as I set my coffee on the table there were three soft knocks at the front door. I frowned knowing it was probably Carlos but didn't realize when he asked if he could come over, that meant right now. Like seconds later. I got up anyway explaining to my dad and turned on the living room light walking to the front door. I pulled it open and stepped out of the way letting in Carlos who looked exhausted but also worried and even a little sad. "Dude…you love to sleep. What are you doing up?"
"I could ask you the same thing…Hey Mr. Knight."
"Carlos…always a pleasure…even at 5 in the morning." I snickered to myself and after closing the door I followed Carlos out into the kitchen. I took my seat again and watched as he made himself a cup of coffee. "What's on your mind kid? You look troubled." He stirred in about five tablespoons of sugar and some of my mom's French Vanilla creamer before walking to us and throwing his keys and phone on the table next to his coffee. He shimmied out of his sweater and finally sat back sighed out hard and instead of looking at me, he turned to my dad.
"My dad is being suspended form work for two weeks." My mouth dropped open slowly and I heard my dad shift in his seat but I remained looking at Carlos who looked so…defeated. "I mean it's with pay but…because he gave the order to shoot them without waiting until the order form the F.B.I. agent who was there he's being blamed. An di guess one of the parents wants more answers as to why they couldn't have waited which I guess is the biggest problem…and even after my dad explained more than three times that they had three shot guns pointed down at you and Anna, they still don't think it was enough to make the call." My tongue twisted into knots and all I could do was turn to my dad and hope he knew what to do, or what to say. And he leaned forward fast and we both looked at Carlos who was now drinking half his coffee.
"Why don't they ask the parents of the kids who were killed by those three why your dad made the call? Why don't they ask Anna's parents why he made the call? Or, how about they come talk to me about why your dad made the call, because I know exactly why he made the call. He saved more lives by taking three, as gruesome as that is. And if anyone thinks you dad did nothing less than an act of heroism, they can come talk to me. And you can bet your ass if your dad gets fired or gets even more suspended I will raise holy hell. Until everyone understands what din of man your dad is." Carlos was staring at my dad with wide eyes, and I could swear it looked like he was going to cry. "When you go back to school in three days Carlos, and anyone says something stupid to you about your dad you call me right away and I will come down and deal with it myself alright? I know your father Carlos. He is a good man. I have no problem standing behind him and his decision, because it is because of him, my son is sitting right here." I looked to my dad fast and saw how upset he actually looked talking about this. He cleared his throat quietly and looked down at his work shaking his head. "I'm sorry the world works this way. I wish I could make this easier for you guys. But I can't and it…it frustrates the hell out of me." I cautiously reached out touching my dad's shoulder and flinched when he moved fast and set his hand on mine. He squeezed it still looking down at his work and sighed out. "You guys should really be getting some sleep." We let go of each other fast and I turned to Carlos who I saw only slightly, wipe the corner of his eye on his shoulder.
"Yeah I know…I just couldn't. I was up all night with my dad. And when he finally went to sleep I text James and asked if he wanted to do something but he never answered. Now I know why." He looked up at me and smiled small. I frowned and grabbed my cup of coffee.
"Why?" He laughed sitting back and grabbed his cup again.
"Because he's here…where is he by the way?" He started to look around but I turned to my dad who also now looked confused. "What…you guys don't know his car is out front? I know it's his. He didn't tell you he was here?" I stood up fast, along with my dad and we both rushed to the front door. He pulled It open and we peered out, getting even more confused. His little black BMW was there but I haven't seen him. He didn't come to the front door…
"Katie?" I was surprised to hear my dad yell so loud knowing my baby sister was fast asleep but then it hit me. And it hit me like a ton of bricks. My dad couldn't stop me as I ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time. In fact he was running just as fast up them with me. When I got to her door I didn't wait like I normally do. I didn't knock. I just barged in. Probably not the best idea. Katie was in her bed under the covers with…James. And when her bedroom door smacked into the wall they both shot up and James flew out of the bed almost falling to his face. I was completely speechless. I felt lost. I didn't know what to say or what to do.
"Dad! What are you doing?! Get out of my room!"
"What the hell is he doing in here Katie Knight!?" Katie jumped out of bed grabbing a sweater and pulling it on. She only had a little white tank top on, with black shorts and I hated to think my best friend…one of my best friends was lying next to her like that.
"Well I invited him here and because he's my boyfriend! Don't you two know privacy! Well…three. Hey Carlos."
"Hey!" I snapped my head back fast and glared at him shaking my head. He giggled taking a sip of his coffee. I turned back to the three people who, two looked angry, and one looked like he was about to piss himself. I think we all know which one that one was.
"Boyfriend! He's three years older than you, and your brothers friend! No way in hell Katelyn Knight!" My dad took a step forward and pointed to James. "YOU! Down stairs right now! Don't you dare leave and you better think of a really good God damn reason why you're in my daughters bed at 5 in the morning!" James swallowed hard and grabbed his shoes, his wallet and phone and sweater before walking past my dad. He stopped however when he spotted me and swallowed hard. "Now Diamond!" James jumped and pushed past me hurrying out of the room. "What is the rule Katie?!"
"Dad we were just sleeping. You know…actually sleeping! And that rule is only for Kendall." My mouth dropped open as I stepped forward ready to defend myself. But my dad put out an arm and stopped me. Katie was giving me a death glare.
"The reason your brother was given that rule is because I know how stupid guys can be!" I frowned and looked to my dad but he waved me off. "I don't care what your excuse is or what one you're going ot give me or how you're going to give me it. He doesn't come here again and you're going to drop this whole "boyfriend" thing."
"Daddy!"
"No!" Katie jumped slightly hearing my dad yell down at her. She pouted out her bottom lip and crossed her arms over her chest. She was giving my dad the classic puppy dog look but my dad wasn't going to buy it. "You are grounded! No friends…no phone and no computer! One month!" My dad waked to her desk fast, yanked her phone off the charger and grabbed her laptop.
"You're being unfair daddy! I didn't do anything wrong!"
"Except lie and let him sneak in! No more arguing Katie! Wait until your mother gets home!" My dad turned shoved past me hitting my shoulder with his. "Kendall let's go. Stay up here young lady, I'm not kidding." I turned quick not wanting to see my sister crying, because she was and walked out of the room. My dad slammed the door hard before hurrying down the stairs. I followed fast and suddenly got really afraid for my best friend. My dad…my dad trains with MMA fighters on the weekend. He could kill you with his pinky thanks to the Seal training he got in the Navy. How James could have been this stupid I could never guess. "I'm going to leave any physical fight to my son who I know is seconds away from ripping you apart." My dad tossed the computer and phone on the couch before walking right up to James who was backed up against our fireplace. He looked terrified. "Instead you and I are going to have a man to man talk about what the fuck just happened."
"I wasn't doing anything, or going to do anything." My dad laughed and backed away from him nodding.
"Good. Start off with a bold face lie James. You don't think I know you? You don't think I haven't heard the stories you and Logan and Carlos and Kendall tell each other?!" James turned very pale very quick and looked down. "I know you are called a lady killer and a player and if you think ii would ever let you near my daughter, even with a 30 foot pole you have taken to many hits to the head from football. If I ever catch you in my house for any other reason than seeing Kendall, if he even wants to see you anymore, I will teach you the three different ways you can paralyze a person with one hand. And please believe me James if you come near her again or try anything else again I will rip off your balls and feed them to you. Get the fuck out of my house before I do it now." James looked up fast and nodded clenching his jaw hard walking past my dad. James stepped out of the house and closed the door fast btu now it was my turn. I rushed to the door and pulled it open faintly hearing my dad behind me. "Don't kill him…" I rushed down after him and got right in front of him putting a hand on his shoulder. He locked eyes with me and for a minute I couldn't think of what to say. He helped me out with that.
"I haven't done anything to her. I haven't forced her to do anything and I never would. I actually really like Katie and I would never hurt her." I dropped my hand form his shoulder fast and swallowed hard. "We started talking after everything happened at school. It led to her telling em she thought I was cute and then I kissed her and now were here. I know you think you know who I am but you don't. And for some reason I know you think you have to protect your sister from me, but you don't. But there is no way I can change your mind or your dads so I'll just leave and never talk to her again. But it is not my fault if she hates you."
"Why did you have to do it behind my back?" He walked past me shoulder checking me only pissing me off more. "If you had respect for her, you would have come to me and my dad and talked to us like a man."
"Like a man!?" James turned back to me fast and was now seething with rage. "Like how your dad just kicked me out and didn't give me or Katie a minute to explain!?"
"You were in her bed James!"
"Doing nothing but sleeping asshole!"
"Yeah well she's not the first girl you sweet talked your way too, and she won't be the last! She deserves better!" He slowly let his shoulders fall and his mouth part slightly. The moment of me being a dick and saying something like that, to my best friend passed when he opened the passenger door of his car and threw his things in it.
"You know what…if that's how you really think I am than fuck you dickhead. I won't bother you or your sister again. Fuck you jackass." He walked to the driver side and pulled the door open fast getting in. I heard a door slam behind me and then someone running out of the house. James literally peeled away from the curb and speed off down the street just as Katie rushed past me and onto the street. She was barefoot but she didn't even care. She stopped her foot and turned to me. She was violently sobbing.
"How could you do that to me!" She rushed to me and started hitting my chest, stomach and arms, barely making a bruise. "I hate you! I hate you so much!" I tried to grab her arms to stop her but she only shoved me away and ran past me back to the house I turned and walked behind her caught the front door before she slammed it on me. I shut it quietly and watched her push past my dad who was telling her to calm down. She hurried up the stairs, with not a second later, her door slammed hard. TH whole house went quiet and I spotted Carlos who looked awkward and uncomfortable sitting on the couch. He slowly stood up himself up and cleared his throat.
"Man….Monday is going to be really, really awkward."
