Sink or Swim

20

Chapter Song: Stay- Gracie Abrams

"You sure you're okay Ken," Tish asked. She kept glancing over at me out of the corner of her eye.

"Yeah, I'm okay," I sniffled. "I think I have a migraine."

"Well, I'll give you some medicine when we get home or make you some tea, yeah?" She said sympathetically. 

"Yeah, okay. Thanks for picking me up," I gave her a sad smile. I wiped some tears on the back of my sleeve not caring if my makeup was smeared.

My dad just got home from being called into work so while he showered and made sure Liv was still asleep in bed Tish came to pick me up. Tish has said my dad mentioned it sounded like a girl talk was needed.

"You wanna tell me what's really going on?" She eyed me.

"I saw Cal kissing a girl at the party," I sighed rubbing my eyes some more. "And part of me thought or hoped he still liked me. I know it sounds stupid."

"It's not stupid to have feelings, Ken. Does he like this girl?"

"I don't know. We've never talked about her which is why I was surprised." I shrugged.

"Has he told you he has feelings for her?"

"No," I grumbled.

"Well have you told him you have feelings for him?"

"No," I said a little quieter.

"Ken just lay it on the table for him. Guys don't always get what's going on in our heads, trust me." She rolled her eyes probably thinking of my dad.

"What if he doesn't like me back?"

"Then that's his loss, Ken. And we're all here for you if that were to happen. However," she paused to look at me. "I see the way both of you look at each other and I highly doubt he doesn't like you."

"Oh yeah?"

"Considering what he got you for Christmas?" She nodded towards the bracelet I was wearing. "I think he's very fond of you."

"Thank you, Tish." I gave her a smile as we pulled into the driveway. When she parked the car I took off my seatbelt to give her a hug. "I love you."

"I love you too, Kenny." She whispered in my ear. As she pulled away she said, "I know it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders right now but just do what makes you happy, Ken. Because that's all that really matters at the end of the day. We can all figure out the rest later."

"I think I'm gonna stay out here for a little bit," I said taking a seat on the porch.

"You want a blanket?"

"Yes please." She went inside and brought me out my favorite blanket. I didn't know she knew which one I preferred. I guess she really does pay attention.

I tried to call Liam in the time that it took for her to grab me the blanket but he didn't pick up. He was probably too busy staring at Riley.

While I sat wrapped in my blanket I played random games on my phone and scrolled through social media. Everyone was posting fireworks or videos of them counting down to midnight. The normal New Years' post.

Mason posted a video of Riley and Tyler dancing together. I had to admit they looked good dancing together. But then the camera zoomed in on Liam's face and I lost it. He looked absolutely miserable. Was this what Cal and I looked like?

I was hoping they'd be on their way home by now. It was posted earlier in the night. I think it was before the countdown. But I couldn't tell.

I saw headlights on our street and waited for them to pull up or pass. If they passed, I decided I would go to bed. It was getting really cold.