The Song #4
I opened the door to the foyer and found a worried Kenneth was standing there. My building manager frowned when he saw me. He asked, “Katie, are you alright?” I nodded. The man stood in front of me looking me up and down.
Kenneth asked, “Did someone hurt you?” I shook my head, whispering, “No.” His frown deepened, but he helped me up to my apartment. I closed the door and locked it then slid down to the floor and sobbed. Why couldn’t I just find my brother?
Why did I keep finding people I feel safe with? Heck, even Kenneth made me feel safe. He does guard the building though, so that had some merit. Keep your walls up, Odette. People always hurt you. Stop thinking people will be nice to you.
Melanie and my friends in Nashville were the exceptions.
My heart panged thinking of them all. Olivia and I bonded the most. I missed my other hermit crab soul sister.
I hoped my disappearing didn’t set her back on her recovery.
I knew Melanie saved her too, but Olivia was in some facility for a while before Melanie got her out.
Your own mother doesn’t like you, Odette. Your father possibly doesn’t want you. Your brother doesn’t like you so much he’s made himself impossible to find. If he wanted you to, it would be easier. I pushed myself up off the floor and got into my bed.
I didn’t wake up until I heard pounding on my door. I pulled the sheet over me as if it would help and make the person go away. Did Mr. Vennox and Beatrice find me? Terror gripped me until I heard, “Katie, open up! Kenneth said you were sad this morning! We are here to cheer you up!”
I sighed in relief because that was Immy. I checked my phone, noting I’d slept most of New Year’s Day away. I yelled, “Give me a second!” I got up and cleaned my face off and brushed my teeth. I threw on some sweatpants and a tank top, ran to the door and opened it.
Immy stood there with a girl and guy. The guy's jaw dropped, “Wow, Immy. You weren’t kidding, she’s gorgeous.
” Immy laughed, “I can’t lie silly. Katie, this is my best friend Lee, his twin brother Brian, and this is my good friend May.
You two had to meet because May likes Keith and you like Keaton. ”
May and I gasped at the same time. I blushed, “I don’t even know Keaton!” Lee snorted, “You’re already together in Immy’s mind. It’s best to just jump on the train, Katie.” May muttered, “Keith and….” Immy cut her off, “I noticed you snuck away on New Year Eve, May. Where did you go?”
May flushed, which had Immy clapping her hands and pointing her index finger at May.
Immy triumphantly shouted, “AH HA! You went to see Keith. Which means he invited you. It also means you’re sneakier and smarter than Lisa.
Which we knew, but you proved it. Bravo to you.
We are celebrating.” Brian just shrugged in a ‘what can you do?’ gesture.
Immy produced several vodka bottles from her bag while I laughed.
My friend said, “Let’s go inside before Kenneth snitches on us.
” I pointed out, “He’s not even in the hallway.
” Immy pushed us inside saying, “He could come check. I snagged these from the party to celebrate with you, Katie.” I found myself beaming with happiness because she was sweet.
I told her, “I’ve never drank that much before.” I’d seen Melanie get hammered though. We called that persona: Drunk Melanie. It wasn’t very creative, but it wasn’t the name I came up with either. I just joined in with their fun. Drunk Melanie was a trip and a half.
Immy squealed, “YES! We get to see Katie drunk for the first time! Don’t worry. We’ve got your back, Katie.” I smiled while Immy went to the kitchen to get everything out to mix drinks. I asked, “How do you know how to do that?”
Immy answered, “My oldest brother’s ma…” Then she corrected herself, “I mean wife, is a bartender. She teaches me things. Adlee is SO COOL.” They were a very laid back family then. My new friend handed me a drink. It tasted pretty darn good. I sipped it while walking to the couch.
Once everyone had their drinks, Immy announced, “May is up first. Tell us about you and Keith.” I bit my lip. May sighed, “We well…” May paused then admitted, “He’s officially my boyfriend.” Immy squealed, “FINALLY! Jesus. Did you ring in the New Year with a bang?” She winked while I laughed.
May flushed whispering, “Maybe.” Lee said, “Oh come on, tell us!” Brian just smirked. May laughed, “I’ll say the rumors are true.” Immy squealed. I asked, “What rumors?” May blushed. Lee answered, “The rumors about Keith being a generous lover.” May laughed and hit him in the arm.
I took a deep gulp of my drink. Immy implored, “So Katie, tell us all about you.” I finished my drink. Immy quickly said, “Hold on.” She grabbed my drink and gave me another. I chugged it. Lee said, “Whoa.” I asked, “What about me?”
Immy looked worried as she asked, “Where did you live before here?” I laughed, “I’ve lived a lot of places. I’m from Tennessee though. Before I came back again, I lived in New Mexico.” Wow. I needed to stop talking. I felt loose and light though.
Immy asked, “What about your friends?” I shrugged, “I tend not to make friends. My mom didn’t like my last ones.
It’s why we moved away from Tennessee the second time.
I was kind of making friends in New Mexico.
I mean they invited me over for Thanksgiving.
That’s being quasi friends, right? They wanted to tell me something, but my ex popped up like the bad habit he is. ”
Lee interrupted, “Like he literally popped up?” I snorted, “No, he walked because people don’t pop.
It’s just a saying.” Immy snickered while Brian made an odd face.
I continued, “Anyway, my psycho ex brought several of his friends for the sole purpose of attacking me. Apparently, he was mad about how I spoke to him the last time we talked or something. My ex is legit insane.” They exchanged looks.
I snorted, “We broke up and he’s an abusive jerk who won’t let go. I swear to you guys that wolves scared him and his friends off. Then my friend showed up. I tried to tell her to get out of there because of the wolves. It was so weird though.”
I reminisced, “The wolves acted like they couldn’t cross some line. My ex and his friends just stood there. Ten on one, man. I was so good though. My friend who taught me to fight would be so proud. I wish I could tell her about it.”
“Why doesn’t anyone memorize numbers anymore? Her number was in my phone she gave me. I didn’t look at the actual number itself, just the name. Now, I won’t get to talk to her until I’m eighteen because my mom took that phone.”
“Over something so silly. Get this guys, my mom thought I had modern ideas because I called my ex emotionally and physically abusive. I could’ve just memorized my friend’s number, but noooooo.
I couldn’t possibly do that. I can’t blame myself for not remembering my brother’s number though. I was five when he vanished.”
Immy interjected, “You have a brother?” I hiccupped, “Yup. He raised me. Looking back, I realize that wasn’t fair to him. He was a kid too and probably resents me. Maybe that’s why he didn’t ever look back. I’d leave our mom too if I could.”
“I still look for him though. That’s become something of a disaster. Now, I’m creating problems. Maybe I’m just havoc. I wreak actual havoc in people’s lives, and that’s why my mom wants me to be a solitary creature. You guys should save yourselves before it crashes down on you too.”
Lee, Brian, and May were quiet. Immy snorted, “Fuck that bullshit.” I gaped at her. I said, “Well, I didn’t wreak havoc into my friend’s life, other than the time she saved me.” Melanie’s life was chaos before I showed up and that was very clear.
Immy pointed a finger at me saying, “You listen here, and you listen good; we are friends. I’ll get you to memorize my number, so you’re stuck with me. I’ve decided. Now, let’s go back to the Wolves.” Lee coughed.
Immy asked, “What? She brought it up. Ohh she needs another drink.” I giggled, “I do. They are so good.” May bit her lip clearly trying not to laugh while Brian rubbed his face. I said, “I like you, May. You’re pretty.” She laughed, “Thanks. I like you too. I feel at ease around you.”
I chuckled, “Like family. Well, not that I would really know. I’ve seen families around each other though. I keep finding myself being comfortable around people, wondering what in THE WORLD is wrong with me.”
May, Lee, and Brian exchanged looks. Immy came skipping back with a drink. My friend sat down dramatically with her hands on her face and elbows on her knees directing me, “Ok, so the wolves.” The peace I felt when they showed up was still odd.
I snorted, “I probably imagined them. Luke and his friends looked like they were going to pee their pants when they started howling. I probably should’ve been concerned the Wolves were going to eat me, but that thought actually didn’t cross my mind. I thought ‘I’m saved.’ Like a weirdo.”
I chuckled, “How crazy is that? Though said wolves did help, so there’s that. Anyway, I woke up in the hospital. My could’ve been friend’s dad brought me there. I’m sure my mom’s boyfriend paid the bill. She was so embarrassed by me.”
“The actual audacity of my mother cannot be overstated. She kept telling me I shouldn’t have made my ex mad. She was so insulting to my could’ve been friends family.” I wiped tears away, “After all they did to help me. She was so rude to them.”
I whispered, “They probably hate me now. I had my friend’s email address at my place there, but we left without going back. My mom drove us straight out of there. I never really got to thank her dad. I barely thanked her when she snuck into my hospital room.”
I snorted, “I think the wolves imprinted on me or something weird. No, don’t use the references in fantasy books right now. It’s just they were chasing us in the car. My mom was swerving all over to avoid them and they stopped at some line again. It was all crazy.”