Chapter 12

Kenny's POV

I hear the doorbell ring. I answer it and it's Stan, his face is red and he has his hands behind his back. He's rocking back and forth. "Hey dude…are you drunk?"

He holds up a bottle of whiskey. Oh crap, he is! "Maybe a little…I lost count after the third bottle…" He starts tearing up and I signal for him to come inside.

"What's the matter?"

"Kenny…" He wraps his arms around me and buries his head on my chest and sobs loudly. I already know what this is about. I gently stroke his hair.

"I guess you found out the truth?"

He pulls away and looks at me. "You knew too?"

I nod. "Yes, unfortunately."

He shoves me. "Why the hell didn't you say anything?"

"I promised them I wouldn't. It really wasn't my place to tell you."

He holds up his fist. I put my hand up to block the hit I fear is coming my way. "I should slug you like I did to Kyle, you son of a bitch!"

"Calm down Tyson! Nichole and I were out in a difficult situation. I get you're pissed at me, but I really tried to stay neutral. But if you feel like you need to hit, then go ahead!" I put my hand down. I don't want him to hit me, but I know I deserve it.

He puts his hand down and shakes his head. "I'm not going to hit you. I'm not mad at you…I'm mad at Kyle!" He sits down. "I'm mad at Wendy too…"

I sit down beside him. "I know dude. What they did was fucked up. I told them that."

"I don't understand it. What did I do to push her into Kyle's arms?" He sniffles and takes a drink straight from the whiskey bottle.

"You didn't do anything wrong. Things happen."

"But I was always faithful to her." He starts crying again. This time, I pull him into a hug. I'm not good with tears, especially coming from dudes.

"I know you were. Don't be upset, she doesn't deserve you."

"Kyle doesn't deserve my friendship!" He pulls away and takes another drink. I'm starting to worry.

I nod in agreement. "You need to sober up. Getting drunk isn't going to change what happened."

"It made me feel better." He wipes his nose on his sleeve. "Do you mind if I stay here tonight? I don't want to go back home."

"You can stay as long as you need to."

"Thanks Kenny! You're a great friend." He hugs me and starts crying again. "Please don't betray me the way Kyle did!"

"I won't."

"Daddy?" I look and see that Tommy has entered the room. He has the worst timing.

"Tommy, go back to your room!" I order him.

He looks at Stan and then at me. "What's going on? Why is Uncle Stan crying?"

"None of your damn business! Go to your room!"

"Sorry! I hope you feel better Uncle Stan!"

"Thanks little buddy!" Stan wipes his eyes as Tommy leaves the room. He turns towards me. "You're so lucky."

"How?"

"Because you have a beautiful little boy. I wish you wouldn't yell at him." I can see the tears forming again. "You know, I had a beautiful little girl for 6 months…but she's not mine!" He buries his head in his hands.

"Dude…she can still be your daughter. Just because it's not biological doesn't mean anything."

"Wendy and Kyle won't allow that. Besides, I don't even want to see her anymore. It's going to hurt too much."

"I'm really sorry dude."

He looks at me and sighs. "I feel so stupid! How didn't I see it before? That baby looks like Kyle."

"You were lied to. It's not your fault."

He starts hiccupping. "How could they do this to me? They made a fool out of me! All this time! They…they…" Before he can get that sentence out he throws up…some of lands on me.

"Dude…"

"Sorry…" He says as he wipes his mouth.

I look down at the vomit on my pants leg and shoe. "It's fine. Let's get you cleaned up. I'll give you a pair of my pajamas and I'll wash these clothes for you." I stand up.

"Thanks Kenny. You're a really good friend…unlike Kyle!" He takes another drink from his bottle.

"Anytime dude." I take the bottle from him. "I'm going to take this because you've clearly had enough." We both stand up and Stan stumbles. I help hold him up and help him up the stairs to bathroom. I get him a towel and give him some privacy. I grab pajamas from my drawer and place them on the bed in the guest room. I'll grab his dirty clothes when he gets out of the shower.

I head to my room and change my clothes. I still can't believe he threw up on me. Poor guy. I lie down in my bed and turn on the tv when I notice Stan in the doorway. "What's up dude?"

"Can I sleep in here?" He asks nervously.

"What's wrong with the guest room?"

He looks down. "I don't want to be alone…"

"You're not alone. Tommy and I are here."

"I don't want to sleep alone. I haven't slept alone in a long time."

"Don't you think that will be weird?"

He shakes his head. "No. I'll sleep on the other side of the bed. I just need a body in the bed with me."

"Okay, fine. Come on!" I pat a spot on the bed.

"Thanks." He gets in the bed and I notice he has the whiskey bottle with him.

"I thought I took that from you?"

"You just left it on the counter. I needed some more to help me sleep." He takes a drink from it.

"That isn't a healthy way to cope."

He nods. "I know, but I'm really sad. You know what makes it worse?"

"What?"

"I still want to be with Wendy. I should tell her I forgive her and we can move forward with our marriage."

"Don't do that. She made her choice. You're only going to end up disappointed and hurt."

"I still love her." He lies his head on my shoulder.

"I know you do, but the marriage is over. I don't know why you would want to stay in it. She made a fool out of you!"

"So did Kyle! He's not innocent either!" He begins sobbing again. "I just want my family back…"

"I know you do. Things will get better." I put my arm around him.

"I love Wendy! I love her so much!" He takes another drink.

"I really need to take this from you. You feel better when you sober up." I grab the bottle from and put it on my nightstand.

"I promise I won't drink or smoke anymore…"

I chuckle. "You don't need to make promises to me."

"I told you before I would stop smoking. I mean this time! I'm going to do better. I love you Wendy!"

"Stan, I'm not-" Before I can finish, he kisses me. I quickly pull away from him.

"Please don't leave me for Kyle…"

"You need to rest. Talk about this more in the morning." I try to tuck him in unsuccessfully.

"Can you hold me? Please?" He's clearly had one too many and not in his right mind. I let him lie his head on my chest and I put my arm around him. I let him stay like this until he falls asleep.