Chapter 10
Trent was waiting for me by my car. "How was class?" he asked as we made our way toward the on campus coffee shop.
"It was okay. I'm ready to start the classwork. I hate going over the syllabus."
"I admire your ambition. My dad said my mom was the same way when they met here."
Unease settled into my stomach, and I wondered what direction Trent was going to take the conversation, but he surprised me by changing the subject.
"Any more notes?"
"Nope," I told him feeling relieved that my car remained note free for the day.
The days went by, and I wrapped the security of my newly-established routine tightly around me, desperately wanting it to last. Kill was back to joining me in bed every night, and we ran most days, altering the time to fit my classes.
Trent met me at my car every day, and we talked about the almost-ever-present notes. They now showed up on my car at school, instead of at the house. Sometimes Trent would try and hide them from me to spare my feelings.
He attempted to convince me I didn’t need to read them, but relented when I explained his meddling was making me rethink my newly granted forgiveness. Our friendship slowly solidified, mostly because he was the only one who knew about the notes.
I kept my personal life and my relationship with Kill out of our conversation, changing the subject when he asked.
When I talked to my dad, I avoided the subject of Jason entirely, making sure Kill was nowhere near me. The guilt that burned through my veins started to eat at me, and I was now going through Tums like it was the world’s most irresistible candy.
The morning of my birthday, I woke up to a text message from my dad.
I wanted to be
the first person
to wish you Happy
Birthday. Love
you. Call me later.
I text him back before climbing out of bed.
You were the first.
Thank you. Love you
too. Call you soon.
My Birthday always haunted me. The anniversary of my mom's abandonment. This year, I promised myself I’d have a great birthday without letting negative thoughts surface.
Kill, like always, was already out of bed. There was a brownie sitting on the night stand with a card propped next to it. I seized the card, a gigantic smile on my face. The card itself was silly and made me laugh, but my laughter died when I read what he’d written inside.
Happy Birthday, Slick,
I know you have memories attached to this day that aren’t happy. I want you to push those away and have a great day. You deserve it. I wish I could make every day happy for you, because since you have been in my life, my days have been brighter. I also wish you would recognize your potential. Everyone who meets you can see it simmering under the surface waiting for you to unleash it. I promise to be there when you do. Thank you for being the best friend I have ever had. Now get downstairs so we can start this day off right.
Love,
Killer
I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt as I reread the card. I finally put it back in its envelope and stored it in a special place so I could cherish it forever. Afterwards, I bound downstairs to see what Kill had in store for me.
I had to work later, so I didn't want to waste any time. My favorite misfit family was in the kitchen waiting for me. Amy ran over, almost knocking me to the ground as she wrapped her arms around me. Jessie was right behind her and helped keep us all upright.
