Both the Kapowski's cars were gone from the driveway when Zack arrived. "Please be home," he muttered under his breath. There was a chance that Kelly could still be home and her parents or her older brothers were gone.
He rushed up the front steps and rang the doorbell. No answer.
He tried a second time. No answer.
Bouncing impatiently on the balls of his feet, he sighed and pushed the door bell one last time.
As soon as he turned to head back to his car, the dead bolt turned causing him to spin around quickly. He caught a glimpse of Kelly as she door opened. As soon as she saw him, her eyes widened.
"Zack," she greeted quietly. She could tell by the look on his face that he wanted to talk about something serious. Instinctively, she began to close the door. "This isn't really a good time. I've not been feeling well…"
Zack put his hand on the door holding it open. "Kelly," his voice was gentle with an air of desperateness. "Please, just talk to me."
"I tried to," her voice was barely audible.
Zack had realized this before, but hearing it come from her lips broke his heart. He pushed himself through the door. "I know," he whispered as he put his arms around her and pulled her into a full embrace. "I'm so sorry." He kissed her head lightly.
She shifted all of her weight onto Zack as she sobbed uncontrollably into his chest. For the first time in a week, Kelly felt safe.