Sunday September 28, 2014

People tend to grieve and deal with their pain differently than others. Some will turn to alcohol or drugs. Some will actually choose to find a healthier alterntive; like talking to friends, family or even a theropist. Others just go off the deepend all together. I, however, try to just ignore it. That might sound bad to some of you. I mean; how disrespectful is it of me to lose my parents, then ignore the fact that they're gone? But if I was to sit here every day and remind myself of that loss, I would go crazy. I wouldn't want to live anymore.

I've contemplated drowning my sorrows with something like drugs or alcohol, more times than I'd like to admit. But then I think of the people that love me and how bad doing something like that would tear them apart. Most of all; I think of how disappointed my mother would be if she knew I had resorted to that. Ignoring and bottling up all of my hurt, literally caused me to have a fucking stress seizure. Or at least, that's what Dr. Carlos boiled it down to after the MRI came back normal.

Before I was cleared to leave the hospital, Naruto, Kiba and Kakashi Sensei piled into my room to see that I was okay. We decided to keep my lil' back story about Kyle a family secret for now. Reliving those memories in front of my brothers was enough. The good Doctor made absolute sure that Itachi understood that I needed a stress free weekend, hoping it would prevent another 'episode'.

So yesterday, Itachi made me stay home with no visitors so that I could have what he called a break. I called it the embarrassing level of Hell. Both brothers did nothing but wait on me all freaking day. Which actually just stressed me out more, but I wasn't about to tell them that. I'm actually surprised they didn't try to bathe me themselves. Thank God.

But today, it's back to reality. Kakashi had graciously postponed football practice to today instead of Saturday. This way Sasuke could stay home with me after just getting out of the hospital. AGAIN. So that's where he is now. And poor Itachi went back to work today, mentioning something about a rape case he needed to finish up.

As soon as they left I made an amazing decision to take an hour long shower, but once I slipped into my last article of clothing, my ring tone started echoing throughout the room. Picking it up, my eyes immediately fell onto the picture of Naruto and I all bandaged up from the incident in Baileys Coffee Shop. We both still managed to smile for a little selfie action. Deciding to answer before it went to my voice mail, I slid my thumb across the screen and lifted the cold device to my ear. "Hey baby."

He instantly started whining which prompted me to hold back a giggle. "Why do I have to be 'baby'? Why can't I be 'amazing warrior from the land of sex Gods', or something?"

That did it, I couldn't hold it back anymore. Laughter burst from the back of my throat like it was throw up. "May-maybe that's because you're acting like a big baby right now."

"Am not! And stop laughing at me!"

"But you laugh at me all the time."

"Yeah, that's because you're always being adorable. I'm not being adorable, I was being serious."

"Yeah, right."

"Whatever. Just forget it. Sasuke texted and told me you was going to be home alone for today, so I was wondering what your plans are."

A sigh escaped me as I plopped down onto my bed to started pushing my feet into a pair of socks. "Nothing really. I was just about to go to the corner store and pick up some cake mix though. I wanted to do something for the boys when that got back home. Since they decided to be my maids all day yesterday, I just figured making their favorite cake would show them my gratitude."

"Mmmm, sounds yummy. What kind of cake is it?"

"Your stomach does most of the thinking for you, doesn't it?"

"N-no. Sometimes my dick thinks for me too. But that's only when you're around."

"TMI, Mr. Amazing warrior from the land of sex Gods."

"See, that wasn't so hard."

"Okay, well it's strawberry cake. Just in case your stomach was still on the line."

"So is this warrior invited over for this upcoming feast, or what?"

"Yeah. Actually, I was hoping you're as good in the kitchen as you are on the battlefield. Having some help making their cake would be awesome."

"Well count me in, Princess. I'll be right over."

"Well give me thirty minutes to get back from the store."

He let out a long, dramatic sigh. "Alllriiight. See ya in thirty beautiful. Love you."

"Love you too." And with that, I hung up and shoved my phone to my jean pocket. I galloped down the stairs and pushed my feet into my black booties before rushing out the door, remembering to lock it. It only took me five minutes or so to get to the tiny grocery store, since it's literally at the corner of my street.

My list going into the store was cake mix, whipped cream, strawberries and sugar. Not much right? Well let me give you a lil' piece of advice. Never, and I mean never, go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Walking out of the store, I painfully had five bags draped on each arm while also attempting to keep a hold of two gallons of milk. This would've been fine if I actually had a vehicle to shove all of this into the trunk, but trying to walk home with all of it was starting to seriously hurt my arms.

I got half way home when three of the plastic bags on my right arm tore open, spilling all of their contents all over the damn concrete sidewalk. So much for a stress-free weekend. "Dammit." Carefully placing both gallons of milk down, I crouched and started gathering everything into my arms. I managed to hug it all close to my chest to keep them from dropping again, but now I have a bit of a dilemma. How the hell am I supposed to pick up the milk?

For some stupid reason, I was in the middle of trying to pick up one of the gallons with my shoe covered toes when someone kindly asked, "Need some help, miss?"

The sudden question made me jump a little, but luckily I didn't drop anything else. Looking behind me, I spot the owner of that question. It was a guy that looked to be in his mid thirties maybe. He had dirty blonde hair that was clearly not his natural color since his dark roots where slightly popping out. His eyes also resembled the color of dark honey. Wait a minute...those eyes. A chill rushed through my entire being. "K-Kyle?"

The mans eyes seemed to go wide, but for only a split second before aiding in a questioning expression. "Um, excuse me?"

My eyebrows furrowed in deep thought. Looking at the man more thoroughly. He has the same eyes as Kyle, but there was indeed one thing that he had that was different from Kyle. There was a long deep scar that ran from the middle of his left cheek, all the way past his chin. And yes, Kyle had dark brown hair, but that isn't much considering this mans hair is artificial. I shook my head slightly in attempt to come out of my stupor. "I...I'm sorry. I thought you was someone else for a second. What did you say your name was?"

He smiled before bending over and scooping up the forgotten gallons of milk. "Uh, I didn't. But my name's Jackson. I'd, uh, shake your hand, but...you know." He chuckled a little while gesturing to his two full hands.

Against my instincts, I gave him a kind smile and pointed to the milk with a head nod. "Well, I appreciate you're help. I was really struggling there for a minute." He chuckled a little at the lame joke. "Um, my...my house is just down the street. If it's not too much trouble."

He created another bright smile, but the creepy thing was his eyes. Not just the color, but how serious they were. As if this wasn't just a random act of kindness on his part. "Oh, no trouble at all. I'm just glad I get to help out such a pretty young lady." Ignoring that; again, gonna use the word creepy here, comment. I turned and led him into the direction of my two story home. He walked beside me with the same smile, matching me nearly step for step."So, what's your name?"

So lost in my own head, the question kind of put me off for a moment. "I'm sorry?"

He let out another deep chuckle. "I asked what your name is. It's only fair, since you know my name now."

I had to quickly catch an avocado that was attempting to avalanche down my arm before answering him. "Oh, right. It's...Kelsi. My name's Kelsi." Even though I already feel like leading this guy straight to my house was a bad idea, I tried to justify it, thinking that maybe using an alias would help calm my nerves. Unfortunately, it didn't.

His gaze moved up to the shining blue sky for a moment, contemplating the information I just gave him. "Kelsi, huh?"

His eyes quickly moved back to me. "T-that's right. Kelsi."

This time, instead of his bright smile, he just gave me a weird smirk. "It's a pretty name, but you don't look like a Kelsi to me."

My hopes to rid my anxiety just jumped out the window, as soon as the feeling of my heart skipping a beat kicked in. "Oh. Well, what do I look like to you?"

There's that smile again. "I'm not sure. But I'll let you know when I think of it."

Riiiggght...well at least we're finally at my front door. I sat all of the loose items down so I could fish the keys out of my pocket, picking them back up after the door was opened. "Well, here we are." I quickly turned the light on as we walked in. "Just, set 'em on the counter for me, please."

"Sure thing", he said before gently placing the milk down on the granite top island. Once his hands were free, he skipped over to me and relieved me of all the loose items before we both unloaded everything next to the milk. I immediately started putting everything away, saving the refrigerator stuff for last. While doing this, he must of used the opportunity to have a look around. "This is a nice place you got here. Do you live in this big ol' house by yourself?"

Shutting the refrigerator door I answered, "Um, no. My two brothers live with me."

He smirked once more while leaning his back against the garage door. Why did this give me the feeling of being trapped all of a sudden? "Two brothers, huh? You must be their lil' princess."

My eyes immediately widened in fear, my breath hitching so abruptly I thought I just might choke. Maybe I'm paranoid. There's no way he could have knowledge of my nickname, right? That's impossible. I've never seen this guy before today. Which also raises the question; where the hell did he come from? Just some random dude walking down my street? "What...what makes you say that?"

He just shrugged his shoulders. "I just assume that they protect you as if you were their princess. I mean, what are brothers for, right?"

"Yeah, right. Uh..would you like some sweet tea? As a thank you for helping me?"

"Sure, I love sweet tea." So did...so did Kyle. Please just let this be paranoia, please just let this be paranoia. I opened the fridge door, but before I could even reach the pitcher, a tall hard body pressed against my back. Making me freeze in place. "Hey, I'll get it. Your arms gotta be tired from carrying all those groceries."

I instantly slithered out of his cage like body, causing him to give me a curious look as he pulled the pitcher out and shut the door with the heel of his foot. "T-thanks...Jackson." I turned around quickly to get his glass out of the cabinet before I could see that haunting smile again.

Placing the glass on the island, he pored it half full with the sweet liquid. "You don't want any, sweetheart?"

"No!...I mean, I'm not really that thirsty. Thanks anyway."

"Suit yourself." He put the pitcher away, then took one large swig of his tea. I wrapped my arms around myself to try and stop the shaking, but it just gained his attention back. "So...Kelsi, two brothers. Are they older? Younger than you?"

I've had enough. I've had enough of this guy and this emense fear I feel around him. "Uh, look...Jackson. I really do appreciate your help today, but...I think I'd like for you to leave now. I have things to do and-"

"Oh, Kelsi, Kelsi, Kelsi." He lifted his glass and shook it a little. His eyes burrowing straight into mine. "But I haven't finished my tea yet." He took another quick drink before slamming it down on the island, the loud noise making me jump and hug myself even tighter. " You see...it's pretty warm out today and I helped you out of the kindness of my heart. I'd really like to finish my tea before going back out there."

I knew I should have went with my gut feeling. This guy isn't right. "I get it. But I didn't ask for your hel-"

"Yeah, but you got it! Didn't ya!?"

My fear stepped aside just enough for my anger to barely squeeze through. "You need to leave. Now."

I moved to swipe his glass away, but he grabbed my wrist with such a strong force it actually made me yelp. "I don't think so." The fear is back now. I yanked and pulled 'til it started to hurt but he just wouldn't let go. Then he got up and threw me against the garage door, making my head spin. Before I could even pull myself together, he smashed both of my wrists into the door, slightly above my head. Now I really was trapped. He glared at me, never breaking eye contact. "Ya know...I think I figured out what you look like to me." Moving in closer, he gently kissed the spot under my ear, his stubble scratching at my neck the entire time. He gave the rim of my ear a lick for good measure before whispering, "Yeah, Kelsi doesn't really suit you, sweetheart. You look more...like a Kara, ta me."