by Bradon Nave
“Duke…” Shaking her head, she began crying harder as I took her in my arms.
“I want you to talk to a friend of mine. I think it might do you some good.”
“I…can’t.”
“Please.”
Her silence was all I needed, I’d take it as a yes. Lifting my phone to my ear, I called Lily.
“Hey, boy.”
“Lily…do you trust me?”
“Um…with my entire being…why? Is someone crying? Is everything okay?”
“It’s okay. It’ll be okay. I’ll explain in a little bit. I’m going to go to Kacey’s house before I head to yours.”
“Um…okay. Duke, what is going on?”
“Please just trust me, Lils.”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Love you.”
“Love you too, D.”
***
“That shiner’s an ugly green.”
“Come here, silly.”
Pulling me in for a hug, Kacey sported an oversized sweatshirt and basketball shorts. Despite her facial injuries, the girl looked beautiful.
The house was dark, even the front porch was dim. I nearly missed the large black boot on Kacey’s foot as she hobbled back in through the doorway.
“You…you know Tamara, right?”
“We haven’t met yet, not officially. I’m Kacey.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Quiet and reserved, Tamara stood in the doorway holding her jacket with her head down. “I’m Tamara…or Tam.”
“Come in. I’ve started some tea.”
Walking into the darkness, we found our way to the couch—Kacey next to Tamara while I sat near the end.
“So, Tamara…I’m sorry we waited until now to do a formal introduction.”
“Kacey…have you ever wanted to thank someone and slap them at the same time?”
Tamara’s question left her mouth softly, but had Kacey giving a curious look just the same.
“Um…maybe. I don’t know.”
“I’m thankful that you were important enough to spark an investigation among your friends…I’m thankful that that man is dead. But I hate having to wake up every day knowing that anyone can Google search my name and get the disgusting details of what went down in that office. All my classmates…everyone that sees me when I’m out…they all know what happened. Everyone knows, Kacey.”
Staring at Tamara, Kacey offered a kind smile. “Tamara…Tam, they might know…but that doesn’t mean they judge you. In just the short time I’ve been in therapy, so much has started making sense. I understand my head a little more. Before, I thought I was just bat-shit crazy…maybe I am, but at least now I know why. None of this was my fault, and anyone that judges me for something someone else did…I mean, I could care less what they think because they’re pathetic.”
Silence took the room, Tamara looking around the place. “So, what now?” Her voice was scratchy and shaky. “Now you get to just talk it out? Get a hug or two and live happily ever-after with your cute little boy-toy…precious.”
“No…no, Tamara, that’s not at all how it’s going to play out. I don’t know how it’s going to play out but I do know that I have a long ways to go. Jessie does too.”
“A long ways to go?”
“Yeah…don’t get me wrong, I love my boyfriend. But moving forward I have to be practical about this. Jessie and I have a lot of healing to do. Our lives are so chaotic right now that I have no clue what to expect in a month from now. I know Jessie will always be a part of my life in some fashion or another, but it’s not like we get to just ride off into the sunset and leave all our problems behind. The last time we did that we nearly got killed.”
“Right? I thought my problems were bizarre. You should totally write a book about your story…you might even sell a copy or two.”
“I’m not finished writing, Tamara…neither are you. We have a lot of pages to fill.”
“I…I don’t think I can do this alone.”
“Then don’t. I’m a decent friend…I’m kind of a shitty human being but I care about the people in my life. I think you could use a friend, and this problem, and all the things that come with it, isn’t just going to disappear. Let’s work through it together.”
“Together? That easy, huh?”
“No. It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be achievable. If anything, this entire ordeal has shown me how much I want to live…not just exist. I want to live. I want to love as much as possible and make my best relationships, life-long relationships. This is going to be anything but easy but I definitely think we’re both up for the challenge. Let’s take our lives back.”
Looking to Kacey, Tamara seemed to acknowledge the genuine ambition in her voice. “Okay.
Let’s do this.”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR
“So, I was able to find some tables to use for free. They’re not the prettiest, but with the right tablecloths and decorations I think they’ll work.” Skimming over jotted notes on her notepad, Sarah seemed confident while discussing planned details for their prom party. It was as if she’d been event planning for years.
She and Lily sat pointed at different sections of the yard while writing more notes and giggling. I attempted to tune them out without appearing to be tuning them out. Sitting in a patio chair, I basked in the emerging sun. “Duke…are even listening to me?”
“Um…yes. Tables for free…just need cloths. Got it.”
“What about the music?” Sarah’s persistence was necessary, but undeniably annoying.
Lifting my head and removing my sunglasses, I yawned. “What about Justin’s dad? He did that Halloween party when we were in the eighth grade.”
“Okay…I’m tasking you with that. You can ask Justin at school today. You should probably go get ready if you are riding with me and Lily because we’re leaving in a few minutes.”
“Um, I am ready.”
Looking toward me once more, Sarah shot me a look of disapproval as she stood over me.
“Ew. Aren’t you going to take a shower or put on something other than sweatpants?”
“I took a shower yesterday and if you can wear leggings I can were sweatpants.”
“Regardless, your hair looks greasy and nasty like you styled it with a stick of butter or some shit.”
Glaring at Sarah, I looked to Lily who seemed somewhat amused by our friend’s harassment.
“Mean, Sarah…just mean.”
***
Walking down the stairs, post three-minute shower, I sported jeans and shirt and wet hair.
Prior to getting in the shower I gave myself a quick look over and thought Sarah’s “greasy and nasty” comment was unnecessary. I didn’t look like I was hygienically challenged in the least. Stepping off the stairs and into the living room, I was surprised to find the house silent. Walking to the kitchen and backyard, the girls were still nowhere to be found. The idea that perhaps they’d left me as part of a joke had me somewhat irritated.
Walking back through the kitchen, I found the girls moving slowly through the front door, holding a large, black, rubber tub, bags, and a small cardboard box with a high-pitched peeping noise coming from it.
“What the hell, Duke? You were supposed to be in the shower.” The disappointment in Lily’s voice was coupled with irritation on Sarah’s face as they both stared me down.
“I don’t understand, girls. It’s early, I need coffee, and I was only doing what you asked me to do.”
Stepping closer to me, Lily sat the box down at my feet and opened it. Inside, on top of pine shavings, sat a fat, yellow, baby duck. “I was trying to surprise you but sneaking this guy in is impossible because you’re always there…lurking like some creeper.”
The smile on my face was involuntary as I eyed the tiny duckling—no bigger than a baseball.
“This is mine? This is legit mine?”
“Yep. You can say it…best girlfriend ever.” Lily was right, this was the most
awesome gift I’d ever received.
Reaching into the box, I picked up the wriggling little duck and held it to my chest. “How,
Lily, did you do this?”
“It wasn’t only me. Sarah was my partner in crime.”
“Yeah, D. You weren’t as greasy as I said you were…I was just trying to distract.”
“You girls are freaking awesome! Mom is gonna be so mad—”
“No sir. I asked her permission. She even helped me pick this little guy out.”
“Are you serious, Lily? Everyone knew about this but me?”
“I was trying to surprise you, D. You said you’ve always wanted a duck, and now you have one.”
Duck in one hand, and sporting a huge smile, I motioned Lily in for a hug. “This is seriously the best day ever. I can’t believe you got me a duck. I don’t even wanna go to school, I just wanna chill and do duck stuff with my new homie.”
“I’m glad you like him.”
“I freaking love him. I literally have wanted a duck since I was in grade school…Sarah, come here, buddy. You’re getting a hug for this, too. That is, if I’m not too greasy and nasty.”
Giving both Lily and I a half-hearted hug, Sarah smirked. “It took us forever to find the perfect one. But to be completely honest…you deserve it, D.”
***
Bustling and loaded with voices, the halls of the school were still completely empty to me. I avoided the wandering eyes and even the soft smiles as I walked to Davenjer’s class. So much time being hailed as one of the cool kids, now I just wanted to give that back and be left alone. There were no questions I wanted to answer, no concerns I wanted to address. It really was entirely pointless. I didn’t hate these people but the only reason I was within arm’s length from them was because it was forced.
Walking into Davenjer’s classroom, I found the woman standing near the smartboard, texting on her phone. “Duke!”
“Hey…Davenjer. What’s up teach?”
“Oh my gosh are you okay?” The concern in her voice was genuine as she walked to me.
“Yes and no. But I’m gonna be okay. Things are getting better…I have a baby duck now.” “Um…okay. If you need anything, please let me know. I’m so worried about you and Jessie. I’ve had you in class since freshman year.”
“I would tell you if I wasn’t okay, Ms. Davenjer. I promise. I’m worried about a lot of things and I wish like hell Coach Danes hadn’t done what he did, but I think I’m okay.”
Entering the room, Justin approached us. “Duke Austin…what’s up, dude?”
“Hey, Justin. Not much, how you been, man.”
“I’m okay. How’s Kasper?”
“He’s getting better. We’re gonna go see him this weekend. Hey man, I was going to ask you something…does your dad still do the deejay thing?”
“Ha! If you want to call it that. What is it you’re needing, D?”
“Basically, a playlist and a portable system…loud enough for a backyard dance.” Looking at me curiously, both Justin and Davenjer seemed stumped.
“I’ll let you boys talk. I need to get ready for class.” Davenjer smiled and walked to her desk. “He has that…what kind of backyard dance?”
“Lily and Sarah are wanting to throw some special prom bullshit for Jess and Kacey. I’m down because it means I don’t have to go to the real one.”
“You’re serious? You’re having your own prom…a legit prom?”
“Yeah in my backyard…but only for a few people. We’re not gonna water it down with people we don’t really hang with.”
“I get it…so no Justin on the invite list?”
Walking to us was a smiling Lily. “Justin, you could come…if you had a date. I have the perfect one in mind.”
Looking curiously at my girlfriend, Justin smirked. “Who?”
“Tamara Salizar. She’s coming too.”
“Tam? Sure…we’re cool.”
“Okay then…but you have to keep this on the low. We’re trying to keep Kacey and Jessie from finding out just yet.”
“Gotcha, Lily. So…senior prom in Duke Austin’s backyard? Awesome sauce.”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FIVE
Road tripping was never something I looked forward to, but this road trip had me nervously gripping the steering wheel and nearly at a loss for words. Kacey in the backseat reading some book, and Lily playing Angry Birds, I was left with my thoughts as I drove to the treatment facility.
After nearly an hour, Kacey closed her book. “Holy shit.”
Looking to her in the rearview, I smiled. “Good book?”
“The best.”
“It looks a little scary.”
“My favorite author, Carissa Lynch. Jessie has bought me literally everything she’s written and he even got me a signed copy of her latest.”
“Whaaa? How’d he pull that off?”
“Not sure. He’s amazing.”
“Yeah…I guess the dude is pretty cool. I didn’t know he had pull with literary celebrities though.”
“Not just celebs, but out-of-state animal shelters too.”
“I still can’t believe you have that dog.”
“She saved my life, Duke. If not for Clementine, I would have frozen to death. I couldn’t leave her in the shelter.”
“I know…it’s just odd. You have the dog of two crazy people that basically tried to hold you hostage.”
“Yeah…when you say it out loud it sounds a little bizarre. I just like to think of her as a loving and sweet girl. She’s the only thing of that entire ordeal I want to remember.”
Pulling into the parking lot, I felt my heart race a bit as I put the vehicle in park and looked to
Lily…finally, she removed her earbuds. “Hey, princess, we’re here.”
“No shit? I had no clue. That massive sign didn’t give it away or anything.”
Shaking my head with a disapproving look, I accepted Lily’s sarcasm and the cheek kiss that came with it.
“You two will have to walk slow…this damn air cast is about to get on my last nerve. I hate hobbling around.”
“Kacey, what are you going to do if you still have that on when the zombie apocalypse occurs?”
“Duh, Duke. I’ll push you down and hop away.”
Walking into the facility, Kacey seemed almost taken aback by the low-key atmosphere. Her face flashed a full smile when Jessie appeared from the large, open hallway. Within seconds they embraced.
“I missed you so much, Jess.”
“Missed you too.”
The walking trails surrounding the facility were pretty interesting—all serene and shit. There were lots of bird baths and feeders. Trees and shrubs lined either side of the trails, along with iron park benches.
The four of us walked somberly, side by side, down the wide gravel path. Jessie seemed to be wearing a permanent smile—walking arm in arm with Kacey as she hobbled.
The anticipation on Lily’s face was obvious…it was clear the girl couldn’t hold it any longer.
Finally, she broke. “So…we have some exciting news for the two of you.”
Neither Kacey nor Jessie spoke, just looked towards Lily curiously.
“We weren’t going to say anything originally, but decided it was best to let you know now so that you could prepare.”
“Prepare?” Completely stumped, Kacey watched Lily with an intense gaze.
“Yes…prepare. We know how much you two wanted to go to prom…so we’re having our own, right in Duke’s back yard.”
The four of us stopped completely.
“Whaaaaa?” Jessie seemed somewhat stumped.
“We want to have a legitimate prom with the DJ, and the lights, and décor, and everything. All the fun stuff like pictures and people you want to be around, but not the drama and bitches from school.” Lily seemed nearly overjoyed as she explained.
“You would do this for us?” Taken aback, Kacey’s eyes displayed a look of disbelief.
“For sure. If this is the only thing you have that’s kinda sorta normal from our senior year…I say let’s do it together.” Lily’s voice cracked slightly as Kacey hugged her.
Minutes later we were separated by a fountain. Jessie and Kacey were talking—clearly enjoying what time they had—while Lily and I made small talk. It seemed as if we only arrived a little while ago and already the lady from the front was approaching us with an odd smile…the “can’t you tell I’m about to ask you to leave?” smile.
Saying goodbye to Jess was brief. He looked good…happy and on the right track. We didn’t stick around to witness the interaction between Kacey and Jess as they said their goodbyes.
We sat in the car—waiting for Kacey to exit the building. When she finally came out, something was off. I’d imagine she’d look sad or torn, but this was something different. Kacey looked completely crushed—devastated.
The drive home was starting out pretty awkward. No one was really talking. Hoping Lily and Kacey would make girl-talk or some shit, I kept my mouth shut initially. When that didn’t happen and I caught Kacey on the verge of tears in the rearview mirror in the backseat, I sucked it up and asked. “You okay, Kacey? Sorry. I guess that’s a stupid question. I’m dumb.”
“No, you’re not, D.” Wiping her eyes, Kacey attempted to smile as Lily turned to her.
“Talk to us, Kacey. We’re your friends.”
“Trust me, Duke…your friendship is one of the few things I’m completely secure in.”
“Are you and Jess okay?” Lily’s words raced from her mouth in a panic.
“Huh? Oh…yeah. We’re good. We’re about as solid as two head cases can be.” Her passive tone and the way gaze remained fixed out of the window had me worried.
“Kacey…are you worried about Jessie? Do you think he’s regressing or something?” My question seemed to send Kacey over the edge. I watched her crumble in my backseat.