With Things We Can't Have

CHAPTER TEN

I'LL SEE YOU LATER.

I don't think I've ever been this nervous, and what amplified my situation was having to break the bad news to my best friend. It was hard to think of ways to tell her she wouldn't go home today but to a completely different home for the next few months.

I don't think I've ever given Kendall any bad news before.  I also knew that saying something too soon could put her into fight-or-flight mode.

I found myself constantly wiping my clammy hands on my jeans as I waited for Kendall to return to the car; I'd driven us to our favorite ice cream shop a town over because I wanted her to be comfortable and feel safe while I had to break the fragile ice beneath her.

She needed help and would receive it whether she wanted it or not. Victor made that very clear yesterday, and so have I since I accepted helping Victor.

Victor also reminded me I had a very short time frame to do all this, so I needed to work fast. I had so many ideas. Better ideas popped into my head as I thought about how I would mention rehab to Kendall. 

I gathered I would break the news to her when the car was moving so she couldn't try to run, but now I think that's not such a good idea.

On my part, it was messy, but I'm doing what I can, and if this could save my best friend who desperately needed saving, who was I not to try and help?

I saw Kendall come out of the small ice cream shop with two cherry bombs in hand and a slight smile across my face; this was our spot when we were kids. 

We always came out here to meet boys, or well, I tagged along, but either way, it was our spot. 

The tall blonde got into the car with her mouth-watering, ready to eat some ice cream.  I giggled at her reaction, quickly took a snap of her, and saved it in my memory. 

She handed mine over and quickly dug into her own, not caring about anything being said or thought.

I took a few bites before I checked the time and started the car. My sister graciously let me use her vehicle; thank God for her.

I pulled out onto the main street, heading towards the highway.

We weren't heading back toward our hometown, and hopefully, she didn't notice until we were pulling up next to Victor....

The recovery group home Victor had set Kendall up in was a unique and specific place for younger addicts and alcoholics.  They had great daily programs and therapy sessions for the person's needs.

It was also limited to people, which was even better for Kendall since she rarely got along with anyone but me. 

I just hoped I didn't screw anything up, and I prayed this would help Kendall move forward toward a better future.

"Hey,"  Kendall grabbed my attention, and my heartbeat spiked.  Did she finally look up and notice we weren't headed home?  Fuck! What do I do...

"Hey?" Kendall said again. 

I hummed to her, trying to focus on my driving as truck after truck passed us.