18. Day 365 – Jake
Day 365 – Jake
O ne year.
I shift, almost dislodging the omega currently sleeping on my chest.
Happy anniversary, baby.
Sighing, I ignore the film playing on my laptop in the background in favour of watching Kenny instead.
She stirs when my lips brush the top of her head, her eyelids slowly sliding open. They flicker around, before she focuses on my face and yawns, showing off her canines.
It reminds me of another day. Another Kenny, snapping at me as I forced her mouth open, checking her like an animal. Fire and fury wrapped up in a bundle of redheaded menace.
Soft fingers travel up my cheek, her spine tensing beneath my touch. I glance down to see her pull her finger away. She examines the end, her brows scrunching at the wetness.
I didn’t realize I was tearing up. I suck in a breath, offering her a small smile when she looks at me. “I’m okay.”
I’m not okay.
I miss Kenny.
And - today of all days - holding a version of her that only exists because of the pain we all put her through… it feels like a punishment the worst kind of evil would welcome.
So close, and yet never close enough.
Not able to talk to her. To listen. To fight. To laugh .
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I wish you knew, Ken.”
Kenny lifts her head at the sound of the door. And then she’s gone, a flash of red darting to Max as he steps through, arms already opening.
His pained eyes meet mine over her head. “Oscar’s heading back to the house. He’s coming back with Theo when he gets off work, if you want to go.”
“Okay.” I force myself up, leaving the laptop in case he wants it. Kenny peeks out at me, her cheeks flushed.
My hand ghosts over her cheek, and then I’m gone.
No, today is not a good day.
Today might be the worst day.