Suddenly, I’mhome.
I won’t say it’s the perfect pair of shoes I’m slipping into. But the lock isn’t as rusty as it was a few minutes ago. And I think my key just might fit.
In the solitude of the moment, Lila and I draw closer to each other. Both intent on removing the space separating us as if we’re under compulsion.
I don’t touch her. Don’t kiss her.
Butdamn, I want to.
“What the fuck is happening in here?”
Kenzie.
Of course. If anyone is gonna interrupt a moment when I feel half alive, it’ll be Kenzie. Every fucking time.
Lila steps back and crosses her arms at her chest. Instinctively, I do the same.
Naturally, that makes us both look guilty. I let my arms lower to my sides instead. I’ve got no reason to be ashamed. I did nothing wrong.
Lila’s smile returns like a mask slipping into place.Huh. “Look, Kenz. Reed’s home.” Her voice holds hints of manic energy.
“Hooraaay,” my sister drawls mockingly as she slinks into what was once a happy little space bubble.
And she pops it.
She turns her back on me, facing Lila. “Why don’t you go help my mom get dinner on the table while I greet my dear sweet brother?”
Here we fucking go. I already see where this plane is landing before we even arrive at the airport.
From over the top of Kenzie’s head, I watch Lila to see how she reacts to being banished. Her smile widens impossibly. “Sure thing. Happy to help.”She scampers off, proving that she’s still under Kenzie’s thumb.
As Lila leaves, she takes with her all the comfort and rightness I felt moments ago. A different type of tension takes its place.
Once Lila’s all the way out of the room, Kenzie spins to face me. The movement is slow and deliberate, as if she’s attempting to be ominous. Give me a break.
Kenzie’s also changed since I last saw her, some of the youthful lines of her face having faded. But she’s still the little squirt she’s always been. Only now, she wears more makeup.
“What’s up, cuck fluffer?” she snarks her typical greeting.
In true sibling form, I reciprocate. “Well, if it isn’t Emo Barbie after a bender.”I spread my arms, knowing fully she won’t hug me. “Did you miss me as much as I missed you?”
Which is none. So probably yes.
Wearing a faux smile eerily similar to the one Mom wore to greet me moments ago, Kenzie taps my chest twice to dismiss my suggested embrace. It’s simultaneously condescending and a touch affectionate. “I haven’t fallen ass-first into the toilet bowl in ages. What’s not to miss?”
“I’ll be sure to leave the seat up tonight to rectify that immediately.”
She narrows her eyes at me, lips pressing together like she’s fighting a smile. My stoic mask slips too as we both stop posturing. After another beat, we share a cleansing laugh.
Although I don’t foresee ever becoming friends with Kenzie, she’s still my sister. Not by blood, but by the years we spent together under this roof. There’ssomelove here.
A tiny bit, which is probably as much as I’m capable of ever experiencing.
From the other room, Mom summons us. “Dinner is on the table, kids.”
I throw my arm over Kenzie’s shoulder, and we stroll toward the dining room. As we enter the hallway, she tweaks one of my nipples.
Hard.
