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I limp over to Kaiden’s front door, my wounds aching with every step. I knock twice, and the door creaks open.
The smell of stale cigarette smoke and beer hits me. It’s dark inside, but I can make out the couch and the TV. Kaiden’s father is passed out on the couch, a beer bottle still clutched in his hand. I walk around him, trying not to make any noise.
Upstairs, Kaiden’s room is at the end of the hall, but there’s silence within. Hopefully, he’s with Odi right now. I take a right into the bathroom first instead, pulling out the first aid kit from under the sink and then carefully shrugging off my jacket. My shirt is a shit show of blood, dirt, and shredded material. I sigh. That’s another suit wasted.
I inspect the wound – pretty much a graze thankfully – but it still burns and it’s bleeding like a bitch. Grabbing the nearest towel off the rail, I use it to mop up some of the blood, then I grit my teeth and pour antiseptic onto the wound to clean it. Motherfucker. If I didn’t want to keep my presence hidden from Mr Montgomery (and therefore my father) I would probably be cursing up a storm right now.
It never gets easier, the cleanup. Usually my aim is to avoid being the one getting shot, but I guess tonight it was inevitable. Because there’s no way I could shoot Odi. Even if I did hold a gun to her head in a moment of madness.
Shit. I’ve royally fucked up and I don’t even know where to begin making things right with her.
When my shoulder is clean, I wrap it in gauze, my movements slow and clumsy, then I wash the trails of blood from my arm, clean my hands, and do my best to make myself presentable once more. Satisfied, I make my way along the hallway on silent feet, and let myself into Kaiden’s room.
The sweet scent of sandalwood furniture polish washes over me, taking me back in time to when things were easier. His room is the same as it always was, with posters of his favourite bands adorning the walls. If it wasn’t for the slight air of neglect, itwould be like we never left. I know I felt the same earlier when we were all in my room.
There’s a stab of guilt knowing that Odi will never get to experience this nostalgia, will never get to walk through the hallways of her childhood home, won’t ever be able to run her fingers along the walls while she reminisces or see the doorframe where her mother marked her growth each year.
I need to find out what happened there.
Sighing at the mental load which just keeps growing, I wonder if it’s time to start actually writing shit down. My brain feels so full, and my shoulders feel so heavy. Maybe it’s time to start trusting Zie and Kaiden with more, sharing the responsibility equally like a proper trinity.
If they’re even talking to me after this mess.
I shake my head, cross to Kaiden’s bed, peel back the covers and climb in. I can deal with that in the morning. For now, I just need to rest.
Father isn’t speaking to me. I think it’s meant to be a punishment for the gun, but I don’t mind. I don’t have to go to school because of my face. I get to stay home with Mother, but she won’t look at me. I’m reading books in my room and playing with my toys, alone.
I’m playing shooting. Trying to be braver for next time. I’ll just pretend it’s a game. It isn’t real.
I take the limo. I’m half tempted not to, but what other choice do I have, really? Not even knowing where to go, I tell the driver to just drive in any direction while I take a minute to fall apart.
The car slowing a few minutes later and coming to a complete standstill makes me wonder what’s going on, but before I can buzz the intercom to ask the driver, the back door opens and Kaiden pokes his head in.
I grimace and sigh. I’m not in the mood for company. But he gets in anyway, and as soon as the door softly closes behind him, we’re moving again.
Great. Nice to know who’s in charge here.
We don’t speak and Kaiden doesn’t try to touch me. I’m grateful for that.
His phone beeps, and I watch out of the corner of my eye as he takes it out and reads whatever message he just got. He laughs, a deep belly laugh that warms my frozen, numb nerves, and then turns to face me with an incredulous look on his face. I turn my full attention to him.
“You shot him?” The words are a mix of disbelief, respect and pure joy.
I nod, amusement tugging at my own lips as I try to keep a straight face. It’s impossible though, Kaiden’s delight is too infectious.
“Good. That mother fucker deserves it.”
Don’t ask, Odi. Don’t you dare give a shit about him.
“Is he okay?”
Fuck’s sake!
“Sadly, yes.”
That makes me smile.
“Wish you’d shot him in the dick though.”
