Chapter 33
Micah Barrett
The knock on my door wakes me out of a deep sleep. I glance at the clock, and I’m astonished to see it’s already almost noon. How could I have slept in that late? I stumble out of my bed and nearly trip over a box of books I left in the middle of the floor.
“Coming!” I call out, my voice still rough with sleep.
I pull the door open to find Tobias and Kiki standing there with matching grins. And behind them in the parking lot, I can see a truck loaded down with furniture.
“Surprise!” Kiki says, holding up a sack containing lunch from the burger place. “We brought reinforcements.”
“And actual furniture,” Tobias adds.
Skyler runs inside my apartment and around my empty living room.
I run a hand through my hair, knowing it’s sticking up everywhere. “You guys didn’t have to do this.”
“It’s no big deal.” Kiki brushes past me into the apartment and sets the food on my kitchen counter, the only surface not covered in boxes. “I don’t want you sitting on the floor and eating cereal out of mixing bowls.”
“That’s not—”
“I’ve learned it’s best to just say thank you,” Tobias says.
I shrug sheepishly. “Thanks, Kiki.”
Tobias grins at me. “Come on, let’s eat and then get started on getting everything up those stairs.”
We quickly eat, then the next hour is spent hauling furniture up the narrow staircase while Skyler climbs on each item we bring in. The couch requires all three of us and some creative angling to get it through my doorway.
“I thought you said this would fit,” Tobias grunts as we finally wedge it into place.
“I measured!” Kiki protests, though she’s laughing. “Mostly.”
The two chairs come next. They’re matching armchairs in a soft blue that Kiki insists will “brighten up the space.” I love them even though I didn’t think my apartment needed brightening. I’m just happy to have four walls and a roof.
Once the furniture is in, Kiki disappears back down to the truck and returns with bags from Target. “Plates, bowls, silverware, glasses, dish towels,” she announces, setting everything on the counter. “The essentials.”
“You really didn’t have to buy all this.” I’m overwhelmed by their generosity.
“Consider it a housewarming gift.” Tobias claps me on the shoulder. “Besides, I can’t have my little brother living like a feral raccoon. It reflects poorly on the family.”
Kiki swats his arm playfully. “What he means is we’re proud of you. This is a big step.”
Something warm and uncomfortable swells in my chest. I’ve spent so long being frustrated with Tobias, with his rules and expectations and constant hovering, that I forgot he’s also the guy who raised me when our parents died.
Who made sure I had everything I needed even when he was barely an adult himself.
“Thanks,” I manage, my throat tight. “Really. This means a lot.”
Kiki pulls me into a hug then steps back and surveys the apartment with her hands on her hips. “Did you unpack your clothes?”
“I’ll get to it.”
Kiki moves toward the stack of boxes against the wall, reading the labels I scrawled in marker. “What have you unpacked?”
“I was waiting for Cricket to come,” I admit. “She said she’d come over to work on her novel while I unpacked. I’m surprised she hasn’t shown up yet.”
A glance passes between Tobias and Kiki.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing,” Kiki says quickly. “I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Her parents got back today, right?”
“Not yet. They’re coming tomorrow.”
Kiki shakes her head. “I saw their car in front of their house. I’m pretty certain they’re back.”
Panic seizes me. Cricket’s parents came home a day early? She’s going to be freaking out. “I’ve got to go over there.”
Tobias shifts his weight. “We should probably get going anyway. We need to get ready for Skyler’s birthday party next week.”
At the mention of her birthday, Skyler comes running over. “I get a Bluey party!”
I pat her on the head. “That’s awesome. I can’t wait.”
They gather their things and head toward the door. Kiki pauses on the threshold and turns back to me. “Micah? Don’t be afraid to talk to Cricket about… things.”
“We talk.”
“I know,” Kiki says, her expression softening with something like sympathy. “Just… open up to her. She needs to hear what’s in your heart.”
Before I can ask what she means, they’re gone, their footsteps echoing down the stairs.
I need to go be with Cricket, but I have no reason to go over there.
Would it be stupid if I just show up? I pace the floor, trying to think of something.
At the last second, I grab my guitar, thinking I could use the excuse that I need her help with my new song.
I get in my car and race over to Cricket’s house. As I pull up to the front, I see her parents’ car. Kiki was right. They’re home.
Just great. I was going to be there when Cricket faced them. I guess late is better than never.