by Alexa Shaik
“Goodnight,” he said, switching off the light.
“Goodnight, Keith.” He shut his eyes and Keith got out. He turned only to bump into someone in the dark. Kyra.
“I’m sorry... I... I...” she stammered.
“It’s okay,” he said, reluctantly walking away.
Kyra bit her lip, “Wait,” She’d wanted to thank him earlier but had heard him talking with Kendall. She’d heard her son wish Keith was his dad. It tore at Kyra. She was denying him a father.
“I just wanted to say thank you. For saving my life. Was that the same guy that stabbed you?” Keith, who was now facing her, nodded. She looked beautiful, even in the dim light. It made it no easier for her to talk to him.
He swallowed before replying, “Yeah, that’s the guy.” He touched his arm and winced. Kyra had a soft look in her eyes and it took Keith all the courage he could muster not to grab her and kiss her. “I have to go sleep. Long day tomorrow,” he said, before he could do something stupid.
“Goodnight, Keith.”
“Night, Kyra.”
She closed the door behind her and bit her lip. She knew he was in pain and that didn’t make it any easier for her. She replayed the moment he had held her in her mind over and over again. Even with one hand, she had felt his strength. He had drawn her to him and that’s all she wanted in the moment. To be close to him and let her fears fade away.
He still had the same look in his eyes that had melted her heart away years ago. The look that could dig deep into her soul and arouse feelings no one else would. And the feelings were slowly and at a fast pace, springing back forth. And no matter how hard she tried, she knew she couldn’t convince herself otherwise. But if she could conceal them for him, surely, she’d learn to let go. Or so she thought.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Keith woke up with a start. He was breathing heavily, sweat dripping from his forehead. He pushed back the hair that was plastered to his face and sat up. Having finally controlled his breathing, he went downstairs for a glass of water. He was still shaken up by the dream, the images not quite gone. He downed the glass and placed it on the sink.
He put his arms on the sink, his head bowed. The dreams were back. He couldn’t believe it. It had barely been three months! He’d have to go back to the therapist. He straightened up and touched the scars on his chest. The constant reminders of his suffering. He walked back to the room, careful not to wake the rest of the house.
He passed by Kendall’s room who was asleep. He smiled, in spite of himself and closed the door. Then he went back to his room and got into bed. He thought he wouldn’t be able to sleep immediately, but after he got in, he was out in a less than a minute.
Kyra sat on the couch, still stunned. She had been sitting alone in the dark in the living room as she always did when she wanted to think and couldn’t sleep. She’d seen Keith go to the kitchen in only his briefs. But that wasn’t what dazed her. He had scars all over his chest and back. They looked like they were healing and were not all that big. Still, they were noticeable.
Furthermore, he looked like a mess. He had drunk water then leaned against the sink as if he was spent. Even as he walked up the stairs, he looked tired. At that moment, her curiosity had grown. She wanted to know what had happened to him when he had left. She needed to.
She got up and went to her own room, wondering what was in store for her, now that Keith Gorbachev was back in her life.
CHAPTER NINE
“Ah!” Kendall screamed, excited as Keith threw him over his shoulder and onto the couch.
“Now you’re going to get it from the tickle monster!” Keith said, tickling him. Kendall laughed so hard and Keith found himself laughing along. They had woken up early and made breakfast with Lydia. Kyra was still asleep and they didn’t want to wake her up. He stopped tickling him and sat back, tired but happy. Kendall sat up wiping his eyes. “You’re a tough one, kid,” Keith said, laughing. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed like that.
“You win this time...” Kendall said. He hesitated before saying anything further. “Keith?”
“Hm?” he answered, taking the remote and switching the TV on.
“Do you have any kids?” Keith was taken aback by this question, but he tried to his shock as he answered. What could he say?
“I have a boy, about your age.” He noticed Kendall didn’t look too happy with his answer. “Oh...” was all he said.
“What’s up, little guy?” Kendall looked at his hands and mumbled, “I was wondering... if you’d be my dad... because I don’t have one. And you’ve been spending time with us lately.” Keith could not explain it but that statement touched to the inner core of his heart that he couldn’t say anything for a while. He wanted to rush in the moment and tell him everything, be his dad.
“Come here,” he said instead. He hugged his son tightly to himself and thought of the time he had wasted not being there to see him grow into this young boy.
“I’ll be here for you, for as long as you want me to.”
“Thank you!” he said, his eyes lighting up, and hugging him at the same time.
“Oh! Mom... you’re awake.”
Keith pulled back and turned to see Kyra looking at them. Shocked? Upset? Angry? Sad? What was the emotion displayed on her face? He couldn’t tell, but as Kendall ran to his mother to greet her, he knew it wasn’t a good one.
“Kendall honey, go and play with granny outside. I need to talk to Keith here,” she said stroking his face. He ran and she walked into the living room, not looking at Keith.
“Good morning,” Keith said, awkwardly trying to break the silence. She didn’t reply at first. She sat on the arm of the couch across from him, still not looking at him. Finally, she looked up, “Keith... what are you doing?”
He knew what she meant but he asked, “What do you mean?”
She sighed and sat up, “Why would you tell Kendall that? He’s a kid for Pete’s sake, Keith!” Now he could see anger in her eyes. But there was more. Fear.
“I meant it Kyra,” he said in a low voice. She stood up and paced around.
“We were doing just fine...before you showed up! Now you’ve got Kendall wanting a father...” her voice caught and she faced away from him. She shouldn’t cry. She shouldn’t even be feeling like Keith was stealing Kendall from her. But, damn it, that’s how she felt! She’d woken up to find both of them laughing on the couch and the next thing, Kendall asking for a dad!
“It’s not fair, Keith! It’s not. He’s the only one I’ve got. When you left... I was a mess... but when he was born... he gave me a reason to live. He’s everything to me,” she said turning back to him. He had stood up and was looking at her with sadness. But he hid it fast, replacing it with a blank expression.
“You don’t have to worry about that. I know I wasn’t there for both of you. Damn it! I didn’t even know you were pregnant... but I’m his father too, Kyra! And God knows I will do my best to be the best dad I can be to him. So, do him a favor, and me too... stop being selfish!” with that, he turned on his heel and went upstairs.
He didn’t mean to say those words, especially after he saw how torn she’d looked. But that’s how he felt. And he meant what he said; he would be the best father he could be. For Kendall.
His phone rang bringing him back to reality. He picked it up from the dresser and answered when he saw that it was his boss. “Gorbachev! Where are you!? I’ve called over 5 times. Switch on your TV now! Channel 2!” he ran back to the living room and flipped channels. Kyra was going to protest since she was watching something but said nothing when she said who filled the screen.
“The state is in a panic as a new criminal threatens the peace of the civilians. He earlier sent a video to us stating a few things. Let’s replay it...”
“Dear citizens of Boston, many of you might have seen me in recent news. Allow me to introduce myself: I am your new villain Parelli,” he chuckled, “I didn’t get what I want... and... th
at makes me super mad. And trust me you don’t want Parelli mad! So, with that said... Gorbachev... get me what I want or... your girlfriend goes down! Get to work, pretty boy!” he finished with a twisted laugh.
“You hear that, Gorbachev?” he had forgotten he was holding the phone to his ear. “Take care of the girl then come down to the station ASAP.” He put the phone in his pocket and ran his fingers through his hair.
“Keith... was it... was it me he was referring to?” He turned to her. She looked pale and scared. He nodded slowly and walked to her and squatted in front of her. “Don’t worry, Kyra. I promise he won’t get to you.”
“Kendall!” she suddenly panicked and grabbed his arms, “What if he gets him? He can’t...” Keith instinctively hugged her. “Sh... He won’t. He doesn’t know about him.” Kyra pulled back, tears in her eyes. “You sure?”
“Yes,” he said with a smile. She smiled back, wiping away the tears that had already found their way down her cheeks. She was beautiful, she had no makeup on, she hadn’t brushed her hair, but she looked amazing. Just watching her... looking at her, made knots in his stomach and his heart ached for her. He stood up and faced away before he could do something stupid. Like kiss her.
“I could drop you and Kendall at Ian’s on my way to the station.”
“No, I am coming with you,” she said. He turned around to find her standing up, determination in her eyes.
“Kyra, it’s not safe... we both know it. You heard the man... he wants you if I don’t give him what he wants,” he said, pleading with her. He didn’t want her involved in any of this. “He might take you as some sort of blackmail.” She crossed her arms and looked at him, challenging him.
“I’m going and we’re not debating about it.” She ran upstairs to get ready, grabbed her jacket and walked out. She got Kendall and settled him in the car. Keith followed her, got in and they drove off.
The drive to Ian’s place was silent, both lost in on their thoughts. They were thinking the same thing; the fight they had had that morning. They had had their fair share of fights when they were dating, but none had been this heated. It was usually about where to eat or what to do, but now they had Kendall to think about. And that was no easy decision. Keith knew he would have to go beyond himself to show he could take care of Kendall. And for a slight moment, fear seized him.
What if Kyra took it to court? She was the mother and they always ruled in favor of them. He pushed the thought aside. Kyra would never do that, no matter how angry at Keith she was. She cared too much about Kendall to drag him into that mess. After all, she had experienced it herself.
Keith remembered when she had told him about her parents. They had just started dating and she wanted to be completely honest with him from the very start. She told him of the fights her parents had always had, to the point of taking it to court. Her father, being a gambler and going into debt, had lost custody of them. He was only allowed supervised visits on alternate weekends and some holidays. It had been hard on both Kyra and Ian, living two separate lives.
He shook his head. Kendall would never experience that. He looked at the mirror, and Kendall looked back, a smile on his face. He couldn’t help but smile back at him. He had the same goofy but cute smile he had when he was a kid. He had so much in common with his son, it amazed him and he enjoyed it. Mini me, he thought, smiling to himself.
CHAPTER TEN
“Hey big guy!” Ian said as he lifted Kendall up, “Is this a surprise visit or what?”
Kyra motioned for Keith to take him to the backyard. When they had gone out, she asked Ian to sit down. “We need your help.” He looked tense and tried to figure out what his sister was driving at. He’d felt something unusual in the morning and now connected it to what he was about to hear. She held his hand and went on, “Remember the guy I told you attacked me the other night? Well, he was on the news this morning and he gave some warning to Keith about hunting me down. And I’m scared. For Kendall. I know he’ll be safe here with you...” Ian looked at her and knew it would be pointless trying to argue with her. She was going with Keith and that fire in her eyes was enough to convince Ian that she’d do anything for Kendall.
She was brave... braver than he’d ever thought she’d be. So much had happened to her lately, all in one blow. Keith was back and this guy was threatening her. He hugged her, “I’ll make sure he’s alright.” She hugged him tightly and closed her eyes. Whatever would she do without him?
“One more thing... don’t mention any of this to him. I don’t want him worried.” He nodded as they went outside. Kendall ran to her and hugged her. She kissed his forehead. “You’ll stay here with Uncle Ian till I get back, okay? And be a good boy like you’ve always been.”
“Yes, mom.”
She stifled a cry. He was so young, so innocent. And she would do anything to protect her son. Even counter Parelli himself. She avoided meeting Keith’s eyes as she handed Kendall to Ian. They got in the car and drove off.
“I’m sorry about all this,” he said as he drove.
“It’s not your fault,” she replied staring far ahead. They got to the bank, shortly after to find Murray waiting on them. He looked at Keith, confused, when he saw Kyra get out of the car.
“It’s okay,” he said, receiving the briefcase containing the money.
“Do what you have to, Gorbachev. And please be careful.” He gave him a pat on the back and nodded to Kyra.
“Women,” he muttered under his breath when Keith and Kyra got back in the car.
They drove on to meet Parelli and his guys, both lost in their thoughts. He tried to divert his focus on something else but he simply couldn’t. All he could think of was Kyra. The woman he’d fallen in love with. He stole a glance but lingered too long when she caught him staring at her. He quickly looked away and swallowed hard.
She felt her heart smiling. Even though she was still upset by his words that morning, part of her had longed for this. The look that told her that he still cared about her. She stole a glance at his jawbone, as he fixed his eyes on the road and folded her fingers before she could stroke his face. She buried that longing with a blank look on her face and focused on her phone.
Parelli was waiting for them when they arrived. He had chosen a deserted place for the meeting. There were rustic car parts and the ground was rather dry. There were two cars, both white minivans. Before him were two of his men and three more behind him. Keith got out first.
“Right on time, Gorbachev,” he said as he eyed the briefcase he was carrying. A few seconds later, Kyra got out. Parelli rubbed his hands together and gave out a hollow laugh. “I gotta say, Gorbachev... you surprise me. Am I lucky or what?”
He motioned for one of his men to check the briefcase. “It’s all in here, boss.”
Parelli grinned and approached Keith, “Nice work, G. Now let me warn you not to interfere with my business, got it? And as for you, pretty lady,” he breathed into her ear, “don’t ever cross my path,” he said, showing her his gun tucked in his belt. She inhaled sharply and Keith held her hand as she steadied herself.
He and his men got into their cars and as they drove off, one of them shot up in the air. Kyra froze and stopped breathing for a moment. Keith hugged her, trying to calm her down. She started breathing heavily and was gradually able to maintain her constant breathing following his instruction. When she was finally able to speak, she let go of him. “We have to hunt him down. He can’t go on like that, terrorizing people.”
“I know... I’ll work something out. Promise.”
“Don’t promise...”
“Kyra...”
She stopped him by a raise of her hand.
“I don’t want to talk about it, please.” She got in and settled in the car.
Ian was relieved when they got back. He hugged Kyra when she got out. “You okay, sis?”
“Yeah,” she kissed his cheek and hugged him harder. “Where’s my baby?”
“He’s inside watching Ov
er the Hedge,” she went in. Ian walked over to Keith. “You look worn out.”
“I’ll be fine, thanks.” Ever since Keith’s return, they’d never held a long conversation. He understood that Ian was just looking out for his twin sister. “If you don’t mind, I’ll leave now.”
“Don’t you want to say bye to Kendall?”
Keith let out a weak laugh.
“No, I don’t want to spoil his time with his mother. If you will, excuse me.” He got in the car and started the engine. “I am sorry, Ian. For everything.” With that, he left.
Kendall looked up when Ian walked in. “Where’s Keith?”
“Oh... he just left.”
“He doesn’t want to see me.” He said in a low voice. Ian looked at Kyra.
“He had to take care of a few things... but I am sure he wanted to see you buddy.” He searched for words to lighten him up. “How about we order some pizza, huh?”
“Um...okay.” he still didn’t sound happy. Ian glanced at Kyra and bit his lip. Both were thinking the same thing. Keith would never be out of Kyra’s life. No matter what.
Kyra joined Ian in the kitchen. She tossed the leftover pizza in the fridge and threw the paper plates in the trash. The kitchen was spotless and she couldn’t be prouder of her brother. Any girl would be lucky to have him. “Hey, you,” she punched him playfully on his arm.
“Hey,” he said, drawing her in for a hug. They stood there in silence for a few minutes until he spoke up. “Remember when life was simple?”
“When all I had to worry about was whether you’d end up with Shelley or Leah?”
“Fifth grade, huh? I had it all figured out. Me and Shelley, one baby and a farm. And my sister would live right next door.”
She chuckled. “Good times, but now everything’s changed.” He held her tighter.
“I know, and I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
She finally let go and started pacing around the kitchen. “What am I going to do? I can’t look at Keith and deny I still have feelings for him, but.... oh, he makes me so mad! We fought this morning.”