Chapter 21 #2
“Good,” Kai says, crash landing beside me. “Because we still need to hang out.”
I rub my temples. “I just wanna nap.”
Kai reaches down beside the couch, unplugs a cord and then lifts the drone I got for his birthday. “Come on, let’s get out of here. The drone’s all charged up. We’ll head out to Logan’s Point and fly it around.”
I hug my waist. Since reading Mom’s diary and the ugly words that came from Camila’s lips at school, it’s the last place I want to be. “I don’t want to go to Logan’s Point.”
“That’s cool. How about the mountains just outside of Logan’s Point? Imagine the views out there.”
I smile at his animated excitement and agree. “Okay. I’ve been dying to take it out ever since we picked it up at the store.”
“Awesome. Let’s go.” Kai hitches the drone under his arm and gets off the couch. “It’s a bummer we can’t go out to Dead Left Cliff. Since Milo couldn’t keep his yap shut, Mom’s been grilling me about going out there.”
Sick of hearing Kai blame things on his brother, I brush him off. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.”
After quickly changing into denim shorts, a black t-shirt, and tying a green hoodie around my waist, I meet Kai downstairs, avoiding the dining room as we make our way into the garage. From the quietness downstairs, I gather the game has been packed away.
“Who brought you home?” Kai asks as he backs down the drive.
“Your grandpa.”
“Okay, good. I was hoping I didn’t leave you stranded.”
“Would it have mattered? You’d already bought your movie tickets, right?”
“I figured Jake or Laura could’ve driven you home.”
I side-eye him. “While Aunt Maddy’s away on the busiest day of the week?”
He groans. “I dunno. Why is this turning into another fight?”
I sigh, sinking against the leather seat. “I don’t know. I don’t want to keep fighting with you.”
He smiles. “Good. Me neither.”
The car rolls through Main Street and we pass the neighborhoods leading out to Mountains Road. Kai loves taking his car out here because there are so many twists and turns on the road as we climb the mountains.
“Anyway,” Kai pipes up. “Why were you playing that game?”
I fidget in the seat. “They were entertaining to watch.”
Kai laughs. “Ha. I see. You were mocking them.”
I rock my jaw, searching for the right response.
“I wasn’t taking it seriously. Let’s put it that way.
Besides, it’s basically the same as the games we play.
Except, they don’t get to watch a heap of speed-runs on how to finish a level.
Their games are random, depending on what number they roll, and what cards they draw. ”
“Pfft. Whatever. They’re not the same.”
In some ways, the twins are more alike than I care to admit. “How was the movie?”
Kai smirks, shaking his head. “Some chick flick. I would’ve rather eaten gravel. Dang, James. You’ve no idea how awful those things are.”
My stomach flips. “Yeah.”
“But hey, Tabby liked it, and I got to have my arm around her the whole time.” He chuckles. “Block your ears. Ha. We even made out a few times. Saved me from the boring bits!”
My insides twist in distress. I am simultaneously jealous and offended. The mix of emotions is causing extreme havoc in my body.
Kai tilts his head to gain a better view of me. “You okay? You look like you’re in pain. Geez, did the mention of making out in the movie theater make you sick?”
He had a total rom-com moment, while watching a rom-com, and it’s all a total joke to him.
Plus, he’s convinced I’d hate every second of it.
How am I supposed to partake in this conversation?
Do I just blurt out that I’m actually obsessed with romantic situations?
That I’m jealous he’s the one going out on dates?
If I did, would he slam on the brakes and ask where his best friend went?
“James, what’s going on? You’re freaking me out.”
I swallow hard and wipe my clammy forehead dry. “Sorry,” I breathe. “I think I drank one too many milkshakes in Aunt Maddy’s office today.”
Kai slows the car’s speed. “I’ll take the bends easier so you don’t hurl.”
I give an unconvincing smile. “Thanks.”
After five minutes of silent driving, Kai parks in a parking bay on the mountain’s edge and at a high altitude. He gets out and retrieves the drone from the back seat. “Ready, James?”
I get out, smoothing a hand over my swirling stomach. “Mhmm.”
He fires up the drone, and watching it swirl around in the sky is a good excuse to stay silent. As I watch it circle above us, my mind clears. Maybe I was right to always avoid talking about dating with Kai. My head has never been such a mess.
As the drone flies over the valley below, Kai leans against the railing. A relieved exhale pours out of him. “Man, I’m so glad this morning went well. It wasn’t my imagination, right? Everyone loved Tabby?”
I nod, resting on the railing beside him. “Your family only said nice things about her.”
He puffs out a laugh. “I’ve never been so nervous.”
“Really? Why were you so nervous?”
“Because I really like her.”
I stare at him, seeing genuine admiration in his expression as he thinks about Tabitha. “I don’t mean this to sound rude or anything, but why do you like her?”
He turns to look at me. “Huh?”
“What do you like about Tabitha? You’ve never actually told me.”
He smiles and pushes off the railing. He stands taller as he brings the drone in. “There’s so much to like about her. She makes me feel calm. She doesn’t judge me. Above all, she’s kind, considerate, and loyal. What more could I ask for in a girl?”
My mouth sours with disgust. Does he own the ultimate pair of rose-colored glasses, or what? The words he described are the total opposite of what I’d call Tabitha Jones. Are Milo and I the only two people to see her as she truly is?
I give my delusional friend an uneasy smile. “You really think she’s like that?”
Kai lands the drone on the dirt in an empty parking space. He takes one hand off the controller and squeezes my shoulder. “I know you’re still warming up to the idea of me having a girlfriend, but give her a chance. You’ll really like her, James. I promise.”
There’s the second broken promise he’s given me today.
“Sure,” I say, taking the controller. “Whatever you think.”
“Don’t crash it,” Kai says, looking down the ravine. “I ain’t climbing down there to rescue it.”
I nudge him as the drone soars into the sky. “Excuse me. You’re the one who totaled your last drone. I’m a good driver.”
“Unless it comes to passing your driving test,” he teases.
I nudge him harder, sending the drone haywire.
Kai fights for the controller. “Hey, you crazy person. Look out!”
I get the drone back on course, plucking the controller from Kai’s grip. “Stop panicking, you baby.”
“Speaking of babies, I’m so glad that thing is finally out of the house.”
I grin. “You mean Gandalf?”
Kai groans. “Oh my gosh. It’s hellish enough sharing my room with Milo, but having that screaming smelly thing around sent me through the roof.”
I snort. “Geez, Kai, you’re so dramatic. Gandalf was not that bad. I even miss the little guy.”
Kai scoffs. “You do not.”
I shrug, bringing the drone back toward us. “I kinda do.”
“You freaky weirdo.”
I laugh and land the drone. “Give me a break. It was extra credit I severely needed.”
“I doubt you needed it that badly. You’ve been studying day and night. If you’re still failing after all that work, there’s no hope for you.”
I shove the controller at him. “Well, thanks.”
“I wasn’t being sarcastic. I really mean you’ve been working hard and it should pay off.”
I cross my arms. “And what if it doesn’t? I’ll be too dumb to function?”
“You’re so touchy about this school stuff.” He grabs my shoulder, giving me a slight shake. “James, you’re not getting kicked out of school. You’re too stubborn to let that happen.” He smirks. “I know that because you’re exactly like me.”
I blow out a hard breath. “Kai, I really don’t want to leave Ashworth Academy. The thought petrifies me.”
He nudges me and then picks up the drone. “It’s not happening, Jamie. I’ll protest harder than I’ve ever done if they even consider tearing up your scholarship.”
I giggle, easily picturing the scene Kai would create. “Okay, bro, I believe you.”
“I got you.” He grins, giving me a salute. “Come on, let’s head home. I’m starving.”