Getting ready for bed became slightly awkward thanks to the crutches. It took him a little effort to get everything turned off. But he was grateful that he had Tommy assist him. The doll turned off the T.V for him. Checking up on Glenda for him while he got into his pajamas and brushed his teeth. Soon as he was done, he headed towards his bedroom. Taking extra care to be quiet so he wouldn't accidentally wake up his Mom. Briefly taking note that Tommy was walking along with him. Turning on the lights for him as he headed to bed. Soon as the teen set his crutches to the side and laid down, he turned them off. Quickly climbing into it with him. The Buddi snuggled up to him, laying his head over Kyle's heart. Like he had almost a week ago. Little fingers squeezing the fabric of his shirt as they laid together. Even in the dim light, he could see the smile on Tommy's face.
How happy listening to Kyle's heart beat made him. Which seemed strange to him, but he figured it was mostly harmless. What was there to really worry about when it came to something like that? So far, it seemed perfectly fine. Just a little weird.
A little while later, he felt the Buddi slide off the bed. Just as carefully as he had around a week ago too. Keeping his eyes shut, Kyle listened to him walk into the hall. Opening the door carefully and quietly, then walking out. Once out of the room, Kyle strained to listen to what the doll was up to. Only to have his questions answered by the doll speaking. To something that was making him upset. Tommy said,"I couldn't do it. I know I promised that I would but I just couldn't for you...I can't bring him to you, I'm sorry."
Bring who to whom? What was Tommy talking about? While he listened to Tommy speak, he felt his stomach twist into knots. The doll continued,"I can't bring you, Andy. There's no possible way that I can get to him."
A moment later, silence reigned in the entire apartment. So much so that he thought the Buddi could hear his hammering heart beat. Chewing his bottom lip as he hoped the doll would continue. That way, he could ask Tommy who he was talking to. And why they wanted Andy in the first place. Kyle gripped the sheets tight as he listened. Tommy was quiet for the longest time, then he said,"I can't promise that. Kyle might not want to speak to Andy right now...fine, I'll ask him when he wakes up tomorrow. But like I said, I can't make any guarantees that you'll see him."
With that, he heard the doll gave a soft sigh as he came back into the room. Quietly shutting the door behind him. Walking up to Kyle's bed, he got up on it. Taking his space back on Kyle's chest. Gripping his shirt gently, he whispered,"This is going to be one awkward day tomorrow. I don't want to make you ask Andy to come over. But he's not giving me much choice here."
Who was this 'he'? And why did he want Andy for? Thoughts bounced around his skull as he tried to understand any of this. Part of him wanted to confront the doll about it right then. Find out who this mysterious person was. Why they made Tommy so anxious as well. But he was so tired that he found he couldn't even really move. All he wanted to do was sleep for a year and deal with it some other day. Letting sleep overwhelmed him as he felt Tommy's face nuzzling his chest. Whispering soft loving words that he didn't pay much attention to.
When he woke up the next day, he found the Buddi kissing his forehead. Smiling slightly as he said,"Good morning, Sweets. We got a big day ahead of us."
Kyle smiled slightly at this, kissing the doll on his cheek. It was a pretty sweet moment. Then a moment later, he heard a little knock at his door. Getting up, he called out,"Yeah? Who is it?"
"It's me. Can I come in?",Glenda asked. Her tone sounded slightly anxious and he knew Tommy picked up on it as well. Looking over at the Buddi, he could see the similar concerned look on his face. Looking back up at his door, he answered,"Of course, Sweets. You can come in."
Opening the door, she hurried over to his bed. Her big brown eyes wide with fear as she stared up at him. Reaching over to grab his wrist, she said,"I went to wake up Mommy and she wasn't there. I don't know where she went."
Kyle felt a wave of annoyance rush over him. Of course she wouldn't be there. And that would either mean she was at work. Or she possibly was at a bar so early in the morning. Something he was very used to her doing. Something that he knew Glenda wouldn't remember. Since it'd been a couple of years since she'd done that. Sighing, he gently ruffled her hair. Then he said,"It's okay, Sweets. She probably just got called into work early is all."
Glenda frowned slightly at this, like she didn't believe him or something. But she didn't voice what she felt for some reason. Giving her a grin, he said,"Just go get ready for school with Tommy. I'll order us some Good Guys from Uber eats."
A small smile came to her face at this and she took her Buddi's hand. Both of them heading to her bedroom. He carefully got his clothes together. Getting his Mom's phone from off his dresser. Turning on Uber eats to order the food that his little sister wanted. Soon as he did, he sighed as he felt slightly annoyed with his Mom. Partly worried as well. As Kyle was worried that she'd hurt herself. Or possibly worse. And they didn't need another damn funeral for another parent. Not so soon after Phil's death. Putting those thoughts aside, he put her phone back on the dresser. Shoving his favorite clothes under his armpit before grabbing his crutches. Heading over to the bathroom as quickly as he could manage and set his clothes on the toilet seat. He got the water ready, then changed out of his pajamas,he hurriedly got washed up. Got redressed and fixed up. Messing up his hair before grabbing his crutches again.
Soon as he got out of the bathroom, there was a knock at the door. Kyle hurried up to the front door with a slight smile. It was nice that the delivery person was early for once. Usually it took them around forty minutes for them to get there. Soon as he got the door open, he raised an eyebrow. In front of him was his co-worker, Trevor. Who held the bag of burgers in one hand. And the tray with two drinks in his other one. When he realized he just knocked on Kyle's door, he muttered,"Hey, Kyle. Funny seeing you here of all places.."
"I didn't know you did the whole Uber Eats thing. That's kind of cool.",Kyle stated. It wasn't really. But he didn't want to hurt Trevor's feelings. Not, that he cared about him all that much. The dude was a total dickbag. So why did it matter if he said that his side job was dumb? He put those thoughts to the side as he moved backward to let Trevor in. Motioning for him to do so as he asked,"Mind setting those down on the coffee table? I can't exactly balance all that on my crutches."
"Yeah, no problem.",Trevor answered. Walking past the teen with the bags of Good Guys food. He set them down on the coffee table. Turning back to Kyle, he asked,"So, when you coming back to work?"
Of course he'd ask that. Probably was annoyed that Kyle wasn't around to take his shifts anymore. Instead of pointing this out, he answered,"Maybe tomorrow night, dude. I dunno. I'll let you know when I feel ready for it."
"Have a good day, dude.",he added with a small smile. Trying to seem stern but not overtly rude to him. Since he really wasn't in the mood to deal with conflict so early in the morning. As he made his way over to the couch, Trevor rolled his eyes. In an annoyed tone, he muttered,"Fine, whatever. Ya lazy ass little shit."
Ignoring this, Kyle got out his and Glenda's food. Flinching slightly when Trevor slammed the door on the way out. Taking a calming breath, he called out to his little sister that their food was there. She came in a few moments later. Wearing her favorite pastel pink t-shirt and jeans with fuzzy socks. Immediately sitting down in front of her food, she said,"Thanks, Kyle. It smells great."
Tommy followed after her a minute later. His hair pulled back into a partial ponytail that suited him pretty well. Kyle tore his gaze from him to his little sister. Smiling a little more, he said,"You're welcome, Sweets. Now let's hurry up and eat so we can get going."
Nodding slightly, Glenda started in on her chicken sandwich. Digging into it faster than he'd ever seen her eat before. He stopped staring long enough to start in on his food. Briefly taking note that Tommy was staring up at him. The doll plopped down next to him on the floor. Sitting between him and Glenda. Tilting his head to the side, Tommy asked,"Was the delivery guy that Trevor fellow?"
"Yeah. Weird, right? I'm surprised that he's an Uber Eats driver too.",Kyle stated. Shrugging his shoulders as he finished off his burger. Hurrying to eat his fries, he added,"Course he wanted to know if I was coming in to work soon. When I told him that I might not, he acted like a total jerk. Whatever, Trevor's a tool."
Briefly, Tommy's eyes turned bright red at this information. Before going back to their normal blue color. Part of him was worried that Tommy would hurt Trevor. But squashed them as he finished off his food. There was no reason for him to hurt his co-worker. All he did was slightly bother Kyle over something stupid. He put his garbage into the Good Guys paper bag. Glenda doing the same as him. The three of them hurriedly got into their winter gear. Soon as they were ready, he ordered them a car. Then he texted Maggie that they were heading out. She texted him back that she'd be ready in a few minutes. After a little while, their ride showed up. Kyle sent Maggie another message about it, and they headed out to the car.
All of them hurriedly got into the car. Both siblings bags were put on the floor in front of them. Kyle's crutches were put in the back. While they drove, the three did some car games. Just to keep themselves occupied as they drove. Tommy had suggested they do a 'What Person am I thinking of'. The Buddi decided to go first. It took both siblings a little while, but Glenda managed to guess after the doll's hints. She asked,"Are you thinking of Kyle?"
"Indeed I was, Glenda.",Tommy answered with a smile. Then sneakily reached over to grip Kyle's hand. Giving it a gentle squeeze as he turned to Glenda. She noticed that the doll was holding her big brother's hand. Smiling slightly at this and but didn't say a word on it. Instead, she asked,"Okay. So you guys wanna guest who I'm thinking of?"
Both nodded their heads at this. So she gave them the clues about what the person was. Saying they were tall, red headed, and had a creepy laugh. For a moment, Kyle wasn't entirely sure what she meant. Then he put the clues together. A slight smile on his face as he asked,"Is the person you're thinking of Pennywise the Dancing Clown?"
"Yeah! He's super creepy and ugly.",Glenda answered. Giving a big grin as she bounced slightly in her seat. And Kyle definitely agreed with that sentiment. The creepy giant clown was gross to look at as well. Especially the way the nasty clown drooled a river when he was hungry. Ignoring those thoughts, he said,"Alright guys. This is the last will be the last round. And the person I'm thinking of has bright red hair, big blue eyes, and is a cuddle monster."
The looks on the pair's faces almost made him laugh. Glenda seemed to be thinking as hard as she possibly could. Little mouth turned down in a frown as she thought it over. Tommy on the other hand seemed to immediately understand who he meant. A slight smile on his face as he stared at Kyle. Kyle almost started laughing when they both answered,"Tommy.""Me."
Nodding his head, Kyle told them that they were right. Trying to contain his laughter when Tommy grinned like a dork. Holding his cheek with his right hand. Gently squeezing Kyle's left hand as they pulled up to Glenda's school. Soon as they were parked, he helped unbuckle them. Carefully giving his little sister a kiss goodbye. Then kissing Tommy's cheek before telling him to have a good day. And reminded him to behave himself. Making the doll give a nervous chuckle before heading out of the car. Maggie had gotten out of th car. Quickly taking the pair up to the school. While she did this, he got out his earbuds. Opening up his Mom's phone to listen to music. Then he noticed there were a few text messages from Karen. Raising an eyebrow, he checked them to see that Karen as trying to reach out to Joanna. Telling her that she was concerned about Kyle and Tommy. That she needed to speak to her soon. Deleting the messages, he gave a soft sigh. It was fair enough that she was worried. But he didn't need Andy's Mom to Mother him. He already had a Mom.
Sure she was an alcoholic with bare minimum self control. But she was still was his Mom. Kyle opened up the music app as Maggie came in. She shut her door and buckled up before turning to him. Raising an eyebrow, she asked,"So uh...mind telling me what's going on with you and that doll?"
His face flushed slightly as he refused looking up at her. Toying with his Mom's phone, he answered,"I got no idea what you're talking about."
"Kyle, I'm not going to judge or tell your Mom. But I noticed he looks at you like you're his boyfriend or something.",she said as the car pulld away from the curb. His face burned brighter at this accusation. It was sort of true, he guessed. They sort of were a couple. But they hadn't had a date just yet. Just some alone time together while his Mom was out. Part of him wondered if that still counted or not. Chewing his bottom lip, he glanced up at Maggie. Who was halfway turned in the passenger seat, she added,"Is there something going on between you guys?"
"...you promise that you won't judge if I say 'yes'?",he questioned. Feeling utterly foolish about trusting her on this. Most of the other adults he knew usually lied when they said that. Kyle pulled the earbuds out of his ears. Feeling slightly trapped as he watched her for a moment. And feeling utterly surprised when she answered,"I promise that I won't. In all honesty it's kind of sweet that you're together. You might actually tame the little jerk."
That made him smile as he turned off the music app. It was so surprising that Maggie was supportive. And that she wasn't going to tell his Mom about this. He was happy that she'd keep this secret for him. Even if he wasn't sure as to why. Tilting his head to the side, he questioned,"Why are you going to keep this a secret? Why not tell my Mom that I'm dating her husband's killer?"
"Because I hated Phil and we both know she deserves better. Besides, the doll had his reasons. And I'm betting they're all Phil's fault.",Maggie answered. Not like she was wrong. The reason why Tommy had killed him was thanks to Phil's transphobic slurs. So he guessed it was his Dad's own fault. Even if his death still made him feel utterly guilty about it. Putting those feelings aside, he toyed with his earbuds cord. Taking them off of the phone, he shoved them back into his hoodie pocket. Then he said,"Thanks, Maggie. You're awesome."
"I know, Kiddo. But thanks for reminding me.",she stated. Giving him a confident wink as they pulled up to his school. Soon as they did, she hurried out to help him out. Opening the door, she brought his crutches out. Kyle slung his backpack over his shoulder as he got out of the car. Taking his crutches as he told Maggie to have a good day. Heading into the school, he took the time to peek at his Mom's phone. Noticing that Tommy had sent him some texts. With a frown, he checked them. They were just telling him to have a good day. And asking if he wouldn't mind inviting Andy over after school. Just so they could patch things up. Something about that comment made his stomach twist with anxiety. Sure he had wanted to talk to Andy to apologize for being a dick. But his mind brought up the conversation that Tommy had with no one in particular.
Who seemed awfully interested in the fourteen year old boy.
He had this urge to tell him that he wasn't interested in that yet. That he wanted to give it a couple of days before even considering trying. But Kyle worried that Tommy would do that himself. Text something to Andy and make him think it was Kyle. So he agreed. Texting something to Karen about asking if Andy could come over. As he wanted to talk to him about the other night and clear the air. Part of him hoping that she wouldn't agree. Make up some excuse that Andy couldn't come over. To his horror, she agreed to drop him off at their apartment building. Also taking the time to tell Kyle to have a good day at school. His stomach twisted as he shoved his Mom's phone into his front pocket. Heading to class with a deeply unsettled feeling running through him. What was going to happen to Andy when he came to Kyle's place? Was Tommy going to hurt him or something?
Was he possibly leading this younger kid to his death?
His mind raced with each horrible scenario as he got to his seat. Putting his crutches to the side as he got to his work. Trying to not think of what could possibly happen to Andy. Praying that whatever Tommy was up to wouldn't hurt the younger teen.
After school, he ordered himself a Kaslan car. Texting Tommy about his day as he patiently waited for the car to pull up. Trying to see if he could find out what the Buddi was up to. Hoping that the doll was going to slip up or tell him outright. But the doll hadn't slipped up once during that conversation. Soon as the car came up, he quickly got in. Kyle sighed as he stared down at his Mom's screen. Clumsily shoving his crutches in the seat behind him and dropping the backpack in the driver's seat. Unsure of what to do as he debated on asking outright. Afraid of what Tommy would say if he did.
But he had to keep Andy safe.
Sitting back against the passenger seat, he texted him if he was angry at Andy. Asking if he was still upset with him for Andy's questions. Not feeling assured in the slightest when Tommy told him that he wasn't. And that Kyle didn't need to worry. He wouldn't punish Andy unless Kyle specifically asked him to do so. Which, he'd never want to. Telling him that, Kyle sighed,"Please tell me that I'm not luring Andy to his demise."
"I don't want him to die...he's a good kid.",he added. Despite what Tommy was telling him, Kyle couldn't help but feel worried. It felt like he was luring Andy to be injured or worse. Killed. He didn't want a kid's death on his hands. Having someone else killed because of Tommy's need to protect him made him feel sick. Sure, Tommy was the one to kill them. But he felt it was his entire fault that the person died in the first place. And he didn't want another person's death on his hands. Taking a deep breath, Kyle muttered,"I'm so done with death and people being hurt over me."
When the car turned his street, he took another deep breath. Trying to keep himself calm as the car pulled up to the curb. He chewed his bottom lip as he immediately spotted Andy waiting outside the apartment building. Kyle shoved his Mom's phone into his hoodie pocket. Then grabbed his backpack to sling it on his back. Grabbing his crutches, he awkwardly opened the car and got out. Once the door slammed, the car peeled off to whomever needed it next. The sound of it driving away caused Andy to stare up at him. A quizzical look on his face as Kyle neared him. Tilting his head to the side, Andy asked,"Hey, Kyle. My Mom said you wanted to talk about last night?"
"Yeah. I know you were just trying to look out for me and I'm sorry for being an ass about it.",Kyle explained. Which was sort of true, he had wanted to apologize for what he said. And how much of an asswipe he'd been to the younger teen. But he hadn't wanted to bring Andy back to the apartment. Andy nodded his head slightly at his words. While they walked, he said,"It's cool, Kyle. I was being really pushy when I shouldn't have. I guess I just got carried away is all."
"It's fine, really. You were just being a good friend.",Kyle assured. Which was true. Andy was just being a good friend. Trying to protect someone who had once asked him for help. Then lied that he hadn't needed his help. It was a wonder that Andy was even there to speak to him at all. When they got to the elevators, Kyle added,"I'd probably do the same thing if I was in your shoes."
While they rode up to his apartment, they spoke about school. Kyle told him about how people reacted to his Dad's death. How so many people wouldn't stop asking about it. He frowned slightly as he told Andy how annoying it was. And just how gross it was too. Wondering why in the Hell anyone would want to know about something that haunted his nightmares. Andy seemed to understand that and patted his shoulder gently. In a sympathetic voice, he said,"Yeah, I get that. Some people just don't have tack, dude. But hey, at last winter vacation is coming up soon."
"Heh, yeah. I'm kind of looking forward to that. Spending a little more time with my sister.",Kyle answered. Also was looking forward to spending time with Tommy. Trying to find ways to have a date with him. Which seemed a lot easier thanks to Maggie's support of them. Something he was immensely grateful for. But he didn't dare say that to Andy. Worried that the other teen would judge him for dating his Dad's murderer. He gave a small grin as he added,"Also it'd be nice to be able to finish some of the books I've bought this year."
"I wanna finish up this comic that I've been working on.",Andy said. Then he proceeded to tell Kyle about what the comic was about. Which sounded pretty cool. A mock buddy-cop comic about Jason Voorhees and Roger Rabbit. That sounded so out there and weird that it was pretty cool. He kind of wished that Andy had the work in progress for him to look through. And he told him as such. Andy's face blushed slightly as they got to Kyle's home. In a soft voice, he asked,"Well, how about next time we hang out you come to my place?"
"Sounds like a plan, little man.",Kyle agreed. Giving the younger teen a grin as they made their way into the living room. Noticing that Maggie already dropped off Glenda and Tommy. Glenda was doodling on the coffee table. When they came into the room, she gave them a wave and continued to draw. Andy was the first to sit down on the couch. Helping Kyle with his crutches as he sat down. A moment later, Tommy came into the room with a tray of three cups of hot chocolate. Before Kyle could ask about it, Tommy answered,"I made it in the microwave. I hope that's alright with you guys."
Nodding his head, Kyle said,"Yeah, that's fine. Thanks, Tommy."
Andy said nothing as he stared at the T.V screen. Doing his best to avoid eye contact with the Buddi. Who looked slightly concerned but said nothing as he set down the drinks on the coffee table. Which had a ton of whip cream on it. Something he knew that Glenda couldn't resist. Nor could he. He picked it up and took a big swig of it. It tasted much better than he thought it was going to. Thanking the doll as he continued to drink his mug of hot chocolate. Andy seemed to be weary of it at first. But when Kyle practically downed it, he started drinking his. There was a strange aftertaste that Kyle started to notice. Making him slightly worried as he stared down at Tommy. Who was toying with the tray as he avoided eye contact with his owner's brother.
Kyle set down the mug and yawned widely. His head starting to feel heavy as he rubbed his eyes. Noticing that Glenda was mimicking his actions. Andy also starting to yawn. With a frown, Kyle asked,"Tommy, what was in our drinks?"
"What did you do, asshole?!",Andy hissed. Slurring his words slightly as he tried to not yawn. The younger teen tried to stand up. His legs were wobbly and he quickly fell back onto the couch. Kyle noticed that Glenda had fallen asleep on the coffee table. Thankfully not knocking the drinks over on herself. While he struggled to stay awake, Tommy answered,"I didn't want to do this to any of you. But he wanted me to. And what he wants, he gets."
"Wh-who?Who're you talkin' about?",Kyle asked. Briefly taking note that Andy was struggling to keep his eyes open. Both teens stared in horror as Tommy set the tray down. In a soft voice, he answered,"Andy's best friend in the whole world."
"Chucky."