School at least helped to some degree as we prepared for SATs and our college applications. Mr. Graves and the other teachers stepped in to help me pull my transcripts together so I would at least be eligible to apply to a community college, wherever I might be. Mr. Graves remained optimistic about getting approved to become foster parents before Lucinda could move us, so he encouraged me to check out the community college in Bozeman. Max was applying to the University of Montana in Bozeman, so I grudgingly agreed, even though I still felt a long way off from being ready for any kind of college. Max and I took Kevin with us to check out the campuses on his birthday, March twentieth. We planned to take him to a local comic book store and out to eat once we were done.
Max and Kevin hung out together while I met with a counselor at the school. By the time we met back up, I was loaded down with forms and school catalogs the friendly woman had given me.
“So, how did it go?” Max asked, giving me a quick peck on the lips in front of Kevin’s eagle eyes.
“She said she felt I’d have no problem keeping up with college classes,” I said happily, sliding my arm around his waist as we headed toward the parking lot.
“See, told you. Piece of cake.”
“Well, I’m still uber nervous, but if I study hard, maybe I’ll make it,” I said, still not overly confident.
“Babe, you got mad skills. You’ve just never had the chance to fine-tune them,” he said.
“Hey, you say that to me,” Kevin piped in.
“Yeah I do, punk,” I said, ruffling his hair. “Now it’s time for some birthday fun. I have a hard-earned twenty-dollar bill with your name on it,” I said, grateful to finally have money to my name. I had been working afternoons at Max’s dad’s store, doing what Max used to do while his dad began to train him in management. Karen stepped in and volunteered to pick Kevin up each afternoon while I worked since most evenings we were at their house for dinner anyway. The new arrangement worked out perfectly since Max and I could drive to work together. I was a little apprehensive he would get sick of me, but he seemed to crave my company as much I did his.
“And I plan on matching that twenty,” Max said, reaching in his wallet to pull out a twenty.
Kevin’s eyes went wide with shock as we both handed him his birthday money. “Seriously?” he asked, not daring to believe his good fortune.
“Seriously,” we said in unison.
Kevin spent more than an hour at the comic book store as he happily pawed through endless cartons, looking for just the right comics. His head was already buried into one of the comics as we pulled out of the parking lot.
“So, what would you guys like for lunch?” Max asked, maneuvering out of the crowded parking lot.
“McDonald’s is good,” I said, looking back at Kevin. “Right bud?” I asked.
“Can we go someplace where we get served?” he asked hopefully.
“Of course we can,” Max said, making a left at the light. “I know the perfect place. My parents used to take me there for my birthday.”
Max took us to a swanky place called Starky’s. It was packed when we arrived, but the wait line moved fast and before we knew it we were shown to a table. The décor of the restaurant was simple, but had an elegant look to it. I instantly felt out of my element, looking around at the well-dressed people around us as we made our way to our table. A string quartet played their instruments quietly on the far end of the room and many of the male diners wore suits and the women wore trendy skirts and dresses. I felt underdressed in my worn jeans and hooded sweatshirt. I opened my menu and gulped uncomfortably when I saw the higher prices.
“You okay?” Max asked as I took a nervous drink of my water.
“Yeah, I think this is a little nicer than what Kevin wanted,” I said, hoping he would suggest we try somewhere else.
“No way, this is perfect,” traitorous Kevin said, taking in our surroundings.
I shot a glare his way, but he was oblivious to it as he resumed reading the comic he had carried in.
“Katelyn, it’s good. Okay?” Max asked, reaching for my hand.
“Ugh, how do you know me so well?” I grumbled, searching the menu for the cheapest item. Sheesh, even the burgers are pricey. Where’s the ninety-nine cent menu? I thought to myself.
“Okay, you’re over thinking this,” Max said, plucking the menu from my hand. “I’ll order for you. The burgers here are as close to heaven as you can get.”
“Okay, a burger sounds good,” I admitted grudgingly.
Max quickly took my mind off of how out of place I felt and soon we were laughing and joking around with Kevin. The meal was every bit as good as Max promised and we all dug in with gusto.
“Can we go to your house now?” Kevin asked Max as we piled into the vehicle.
“No, bud, Mom’s expecting us home tonight,” I said, reminding him. Lucinda had been spending a little more time at the trailer over the last few days. Her antsy behavior had me on edge, but I had kept my lips sealed around Max, knowing he would take it as a bad sign.
“Oh yeah,” Kevin mumbled. “Do you think she remembered it’s my birthday?” he asked sullenly.
“I’m sure she did, bud,” I said, avoiding Max’s eyes since he knew that I was the one responsible for reminding her.
“And don’t forget, we’re celebrating with my parents tomorrow night when they get back into town,” Max said, looking in the rearview mirror at him.
“Yay, I forgot about that,” Kevin said, easily pacified.
Max dropped us off outside our trailer just as dusk was settling in. I promised to call him later that night before closing the door behind me. Lucinda was waiting for us as soon as we entered the trailer and I knew instantly our time here was over.
My time with Max had ended.
“What’s up?” I asked, trying to ignore the duffle bags waiting by the front door.
“We’re leaving,” Lucinda said giddily.
“Why? Did Jim get released from jail early?” I asked, grasping at straws.
“No, but things have been over between us for a while. I’ve met the most fabulous man you’ve ever laid eyes on.”
My heart dropped at her words. She had already met someone else. I looked toward her room, expecting her newest infatuation to walk out. “He’s not here. We’re picking him up. He has to check in with his parole officer one last time, and then we’ll be home free.”
“Parole?” I asked.
“Yeah, it’s no big deal. He did a few years for some bogus drug charge,” she said unconcerned.
“I’m not ready to leave,” I said sinking down on the couch.
“Aw, come on, Katelyn, you say that every time. Don’t you want to know where we’re going?” she asked.
I shook my head no, fighting the tears I was trying to hold back.
“Well, Ms. Negativity, we’re moving to Florida. Jack has some buddies down near Miami that are going to set him up with a job. Just think, no more jackets or boots, we’ll get to wear flip flops and swimsuits every day.”
“I don’t want to wear a swimsuit every day,” Kevin piped in, still standing by the door. “I don’t want to leave either. I want to stay here with Max and his parents,” he added, running to his room.
“This is your fault, you selfish bitch!” Lucinda screamed at me. “You had to drag him around those people, making him believe he could fit in. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that ring on your finger and the gifts that boy has been buying you. He wants one thing, to get in your pants. Once you spread your legs for him, he’ll be through with you.”
“You’re wrong, he loves me!” I yelled, standing up to face, her shaking with rage. “And his parents love us more than you ever have. Just because guys leave you after you spread your legs doesn’t mean the same will happen to me,” I said meanly.
She lashed out at me with the back of her hand, knocking me back onto the sofa. “You have no idea what you’re talking about little girl,” she snarled, towerin
g over me. “The only reason I’ve been dumped is because of you two.”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” I said, making a move to stand up again.
“Fuck you!” she said, reaching out to knock me down again when a crash on the coffee table startled us.
Looking over, I saw Kevin standing with his baseball bat in hand. “Don’t touch her again,” he said in a wobbly voice, holding the bat with shaking hands. “We’ll go with you, but you can’t hit Katelyn ever again. Understand?” he said, not lowering the bat.
“Fine, I was done with her anyway. Pack your crap, we’re leaving in the morning,” she said, stomping down to her room.
Kevin dropped his bat and rushed to my arms. “Are you okay?” he asked with tears streaking down his cheek.
“I’m fine, bud. You didn’t have to do that,” I said, wrapping my arms around his shaking body.
“Yes I did. I’m the man of this family and it’s my job to protect you,” he said through quivering lips before he burst out in tears.
I held him while he sobbed in my arms, feeling heartsick that he had to stand up for me. Eventually his sobs died, away and he fell into an exhausted sleep. I pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and covered him. Heading toward the phone, I dialed Max’s number.
“Hey you,” Max said answering the phone.
His words made my mouth dry out as my heartache griped me.
“Katelyn, are you okay?” Max said anxiously.
“No,” I finally said.
“I’m on my way,” he said disconnecting, not needing an explanation.
I was already waiting for him outside when he screeched to a stop in front of the trailer.
“What happened?” he asked, making a move toward the trailer door.
“We’re leaving tomorrow,” I said, stopping him in his tracks.
“What?” he asked.
“Can we go for a drive?” I asked in a dead voice.
“Kevin?” he asked.
“He’ll be fine for now. He’s sleeping.” I said, climbing into the SUV.
“Tell me everything,” Max said, climbing into the driver’s seat.
“Lucinda met someone else. Some drug dealer I think, since she said he just finished parole.”
“Where does she plan on going?”
“Miami,” I said.
“We can fix this. My dad can have my uncle hustle on the fostering papers for the Graves first thing Monday morning.”
“It’ll be too late. We leave in the morning.”
“Stay with me. You’ll be eighteen in six months.”
“I can’t. I can’t abandon Kevin.”
“You could report her and take your chances. At least you’d still be in this state.”
“At what cost?” I asked. “Should I put Kevin’s happiness above my own? What if his foster parents turn out to be assholes? What if they never let me see him?” I demanded.
“I don’t know,” he said, pounding the steering wheel in frustration.
“I know,” I said quietly, and that was the truth. I would leave in the morning with Lucinda because Kevin had to come first. We only had to make it six months before I was an adult and able to finally make decisions. “I’ll come back,” I promised as a lone tear tracked down his cheek.
He pulled the vehicle down the same dirt path we had been on before and I unbuckled my seatbelt. I willingly let him pull me into his arms as he kissed me tenderly. I cupped his face and kissed the trail the lone tear had left behind. “I will come back,” I said again before capturing his lips with mine. I intended the kiss to be comforting, but somewhere in the midst of the passion we had been keeping at bay things heated up. His lips claimed mine more savagely as he drank from them like a man dying of thirst. I returned his need, equally and frantically pulling at his sweater so I could run my hands over the hard planes of his body. He ripped away the clothing that was obstructing me, allowing me easy access to his warm skin. My shirt and hoodie quickly followed as we allowed ourselves to get lost in each other’s bodies.
The only regret I had when we finished was that I had wasted so much time making us wait. We righted our clothing and Max slowly backed out of our hidden spot. “I will always love you,” he said, looking at me long and hard before pulling onto the main road.
“And I love you too,” I said sadly, clasping his hand tightly in mine.
We were almost back to the trailer park when several cop cars and an ambulance came zooming up behind us with sirens wailing. Max pulled off to the shoulder and I looked at him anxiously when the trio of emergency vehicles turned into Shady Lane. Max turned in after them and my heart dropped to my knees when I saw the vehicles screech to a stop in front of my trailer.
I didn’t allow Max to fully throw the vehicle into park before I propelled myself out of my seat. In a fog, I watched as two of the cops hauled Lucinda out of the trailer as she screamed at them. “It was an accident,” she screeched. “Do you really think I would hurt my little boy?”
“This is your fault,” she screamed, finally spotting me. “He wouldn’t leave without you! He wouldn’t leave without you!” She repeated as they tossed her in the backseat of one of the cruisers. Her screams were muted, but her words ran through my head as I raced for the steps of the trailer only to be detained by one of the cops.
“You can’t go in there,” he said as I fought against him.
“I have to. He’s my brother. He’s all I have!” I yelled. “Please,” I begged.
“The paramedics are trying to save him, you’ll just be in the way,” the cop said, relinquishing me to Max’s arms.
“Please don’t let him die!” I pleaded with Max.
“It’ll be okay,” he said, rubbing my back. “Here they come,” he said as three paramedics lifted a stretcher out of the trailer.
I rushed to the stretcher as they opened the wheels underneath it. My heart stopped as I saw Kevin, hardly recognizable and covered in bruises and tubes. I reached for his hand and held it tightly in my own as they prepared to load him in the back of the ambulance.
One of the paramedics tried to make me stay behind as I followed the stretcher. “He’s my brother,” I gasped. “He’s all I have,” I added brokenly as she finally let me climb into the back of the ambulance.
“Sit there,” she said, pointing to the bench seat along the side of the ambulance.
I nodded my head, feeling completely numb inside as they worked frantically over Kevin’s lifeless body. I prayed silently to a God that I feared had abandoned us so many years ago as they stripped my brother’s shirt away to use metal paddles on his chest. I covered my mouth in horror when I saw the black bruises covering his small precious torso.
“We’re losing him,” were the last words I heard before darkness took over my vision.
Chapter 17
I woke to my eyes being pried open and a bright light shining in them. Reality crashed in and I sat up abruptly.
“Whoa, take it easy,” the same paramedic from earlier said as she tried to push me back down.
I resisted her shove. “Where’s my brother?” I asked frantically, looking around the curtained off cubicle I was in.
“They took him to surgery,” she said somberly.
“Surgery?” I squeaked. “Why?”
“I can’t say. A doctor will be in to see you soon.”
“Please, you have to tell me,” I begged, remembering the words I heard before I passed out. “Is he dead?” I asked frantically.
“No, but he’s in critical condition. His heart stopped beating in the ambulance, but we were able to get it going again,” she said, sighing heavily.
“I don’t want to lose him,” I whispered.
“I know, honey,” she said, patting my knee. “There’s an anxious young man pacing the hallways waiting to see you. Can I let him in?”
“Max?” I asked, relieved I wouldn’t be alone.
“I think that’s what he said his name was,” she said, headin
g out of my curtained off area.
Mere seconds passed before Max was by my side. He pulled me into his strong comforting arms as I sobbed against his chest.
“He’s going to make it,” Max said forcibly. I couldn’t tell if he was trying to reassure me or himself.
The next few hours passed in a pain-filled blur as Max’s parents arrived along with the Graves and several other adults I hadn’t met. I was passed from one set of arms to another as each person shared in my grief while we waited for any kind of news.
Kevin had been in surgery for two hours when a cop and a social worker arrived to ask me questions. They led me away from the others to an empty area where we could talk. I had spent years protecting Lucinda, lying to teachers about my injuries and living conditions, but as I remembered Kevin’s bruised and battered body on the stretcher, I let it all flow out of me. Tears I thought had dried up years ago fell from my eyes, hot and fast as I told them everything, the abuse, poor living conditions, unsavory people she had exposed us to, and all the people she had scammed over the years. They both took notes as I talked and allowed me time to compose myself as I sobbed through the tougher parts. I explained my fear of the system and being separated from Kevin. I told them about my “someday soon” plan and how I was afraid Kevin would die and I would never get to prove to him that someday soon did exist. They were both kind and reassured me none of it was my fault as I sobbed silently.
“If I would have reported her, Kevin wouldn’t be hanging on for his life,” I said brokenly.
“Katelyn, your mom has a sickness and that sickness is to blame for this, not you,” the social worker said, giving me a sideways hug.
I felt drained from all the crying after talking with them and walked back to Max and his parents feeling lethargic. Karen seemed to sense my needs and led me to the far end of the ICU waiting room where a small loveseat sat. She pulled me down to sit with her and rested an arm around me, letting me lean against her. Max dragged a chair over silently and held my hand as I watched the slow-moving hands make their way around the clock on the wall near the door. Everyone remained silent while we waited, and I appreciated their presence. For so many years, it had seemed like it was just Kevin and me facing the world alone, so having them there made me feel loved.
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