*Kyle*

I sighed as I watched Zacky go outside to smoke. I could see the hurt in his eyes when he talked about Amber.

“That is exactly why I don’t fall in love.” I said to myself.

I sat back on my heels and looked up. Come to think of it, I’ve never had a ‘boyfriend’. Sure, I’ve had a fuck buddy every now and again, and some of the locals at the club like to pretend I’m their girlfriend but I’ve never really had an actually boyfriend. My life is far too fucked up for that.

It was just about midnight and I still haven’t heard from my mother. Although I wasn’t entirely surprised since she probably didn’t even realize I was gone yet but come tomorrow when she needs more booze, there might be trouble.

Zacky walked back in and he looked a little better. The nicotine probably helped his mood. He sat back down and started filling up another box with stuff from a desk.

“I’m sorry.” I said softly.

He shrugged.

“Forget it.” He said with an edge to his voice. I swallowed and taped my box up shut.

I heard him sigh and he sat down on the coffee table in front of me.

“I didn’t mean to snap, I just-“ I cut him off by putting my hand on his mouth.

“Don’t. I get it.” I said with a smile.

He let out a breath and kissed my hand. I smiled and took it away and stood up. I stretched my arms up above my head, pulling my top up slightly, and yawned. I looked down and saw Zacky staring at my stomach. I giggled and pulled my shirt down.

“What are you looking at?” I asked him. He shook his head slightly and shrugged.

“I just can’t believe you had a kid, you know with your body in what shape it’s in.” He said.

Yikes.

I swallowed hard and turned my back to him.

“Yeah well, I was young when I had Troy.” I said.

Shit. There is no way that he believes that Troy is my son. No way in hell. He’s right, my body definitely doesn’t look like I’ve been through child birth.

Zacky just nodded and I yawned again.

“Well, I’m gonna hit the sack.” I said.

Zacky stood up and nodded.

“Me too, goodnight Kyle.” He said with a smile.

I smiled back and went into the guest bedroom. I smiled when I saw Troy sleeping peacefully. I grabbed a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and quickly went into the bathroom to change. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. Maybe things would work out after all.

The next morning, I woke up in a panic. Troy had to go to school.

“Shit.” I said when I looked at the clock.

I had about 15 minutes to get him up and ready for school.

“Troy! Get up, we’re late!” I shouted.

Troy bolted up and went straight for the bathroom. I dug in his bag and pulled out some fresh clothes and followed him in.

“Here, put these on.” I told him.

He took the clothes and I went into the bedroom to change. When I was done, I rushed out into the living room and saw Zacky drinking some coffee.

“You want some?” He asked. I shook my head and paced, waiting for Troy.

Zacky raised his eyebrow at me and took a sip of coffee.

“What’s the rush?” He asked.

I huffed and put my hands on my hips.

“Troy’s gonna be late for school.” I said.

A smile spread across Zacky’s face and he bit his lip.

“Kyle, it’s Saturday.” He said.

Really? REALLY? I flipped on the TV and turned it to a news station.

“thanks for joining us on this weekend addition of KWRT news”

I smacked myself in the forehead and stalked back into the bathroom. I could hear Zacky chuckling as I told Troy it was Saturday. He laughed too and I just shook my head and walked out.

“Stop laughing at me.” I told Zacky.

He straightened up, but still had a smile on his face. I had to admit it was a cute smile. I smiled to myself and poured myself a cup of coffee.

“So, what are we doing today?” I asked him.

“Well, Matt’s coming by soon and we’ll load up most of the furniture and start moving into the house.” He said.

I nodded and took a sip of coffee. A few seconds later, my phone rang. It was Tate. I sighed and went outside to answer it.

“Hello?” I asked.

“Kyle, where the hell are you?” He asked. I could hear the worry in his voice.

I sighed and sat down in a chair.

“At a friends’.” I said. Well it wasn’t a complete lie.

Tate sighed and I think I heard him put a glass down.

“Your mom was in here all night bitching about you and when I tried to call you to pick her up you didn’t answer.” He said.

“Did she get into trouble?” I asked.

“Almost. Randy Mars was in and they got to talking and dancing and then his wife showed up and almost kicked her ass.” He said.

I groaned and put my head in my hands.

“Jesus, what did you do?” I asked. He half chuckled.

“I bought them a round of drinks and they cooled down.” He said. I smiled. Tate always came to the rescue.

“Thanks Tate.” I said.

“Kyle, you gotta do something about her. I can’t have her starting trouble in my bar. I love you girl, but she’s bad for business.” He said.

“I know Tate. But I don’t know what to do.” I said.

“Get her into treatment. That’s the best thing for her Kyle.” He said.

“Yeah, like she’ll go.” I said skeptically.

“Kyle, she has to. Before she hurts herself or someone else.” He said.

I looked down at my scratched up arms and nodded.

“I know. I know.” I said.

“Well, I just wanted to let you know what happened. You know I’m here if you need me.” He said.

I smiled and nodded even though he couldn’t see me.

“Thanks again Tate.” I said.

We hung up and I sighed heavily. I know I need to talk to my mother but I can’t. Not just yet. I’m not ready.