Kanin

After seeing those eyes in the mirror, my nerves were on overdrive. I had to resist the urge to look over my shoulder. It wasn’t real, I kept telling myself, but I felt like I was lying.

“Kanin,” my father rounded the corner to where I was standing in the kitchen. He looked me over, suddenly knowing something was wrong. “What is it?”

I cleared my throat and shook my head, “oh, it’s nothing.”

He nodded, knowing I wasn’t telling him the truth, but he ignored it. “I’ve got to go out of town for business for a few days, you going to be okay?”

That’s when I noticed the duffle bag by his feet. He’d told me about his trip a week ago, but I’d forgotten. My father worked for some big business that required him to travel a lot. I wasn’t even sure what he did.

I nodded, “yeah, dad, I’m going to be fine.”

“I don’t like the thought of leaving you here alone.” He fidgeted, scratching the back of his neck. I couldn’t even believe he was thinking of cancelling his trip because I’d gotten in trouble.

“Don’t worry about it, warden, I promise I’ll follow your rules.” I told him, crossing my arms over my chest. I was happy for our separation for a few days. I couldn’t wait to have the house to myself.

“This isn’t a joke, Kanin.” He looked suddenly very serious.

“I wasn’t joking.” I said quietly, looking him over. I thought I saw something flash in his eyes. Was my father afraid? There was no way. Nothing scared him.

He nodded, “okay, then. I’ll be back in a few days. Keep your phone on. I’ll call every night to check up on you. I left money for you. There’s food in the fridge.”

“Dad, I’ll be fine.” I told him as I walked him to the door. “No worries.”

He stood in the doorway, unsure. Finally, he hugged me and then walked to his car. I watched him drive away.

“Finally!” I shouted as I closed the door. I was alone. I had the house to myself for three days.

What would I do with all the freedom?

I stood there, in the entrance to the living room, for what seemed like hours. I was trying to figure out what to do with myself. I suddenly heard my phone beep, a text message. I hurried up the stairs to find it.

It was my best friend Delilah telling me about a party tonight. A smile crossed my face. Yeah, I’d regretted staying out late last night. But this was one party, a party right down the street.

I rifled through my closet for the perfect outfit. I finally settled on my favorite pair of black, ripped skinny jeans, my white converse, and a sequined tank top. I curled my hair and did my makeup. By the time I was done, it was almost time for Delilah to pick me up. I wouldn’t take my car, because I knew my father could track my GPS.

Ten minutes later, Delilah knocked on my door. I greeted her with a smile. She wore her red hair braided over her shoulder. Her dark brown eyes were rimmed in dark makeup. She wore a black dress with her favorite pair of knee high boots. She looked gorgeous as always.

She hugged me quickly, “Kay! You look fantastic!”

“You to.” I said, grabbing my small purse by the door. I made sure the house alarm was activated and the door was locked, before following my best friend to her car. She drove a small compact car, a few years older. She often complained about it, calling it my cars “older sister”.

When she turned over her engine, her favorite pop band played over the speakers. She instantly started singing along. I stuck my hand out of the car and let it drift through the wind.

I was happy.

When we arrived at the house party, the yard was already littered with red plastic cups. The music was blaring through the open door. Cars lined the streets and driveway. I was suddenly happy that this house was in the middle of nowhere.

“Guess whose party this is.” Delilah pulled me close and whispered into my ear.

“Whose?”

“Bobby Stuart’s.” She smiled.

I stopped dead in my tracks. Bobby Stuart? The Bobby Stuart that I dissed at the club last night? I couldn’t be unluckier.

“Oh no, I know that face.” Delilah turned me to look at her. “What happened?”

“I kind of ran into him at the club last night.”

“So?”

“He asked me to come home with him. I said no.” I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling absolutely embarrassed. “I left him in the middle of the dance floor.”

“Oh, Kay,” she shook her head. “I’m sorry. If I would’ve known, I wouldn’t have suggested this party.”

“It’s fine. I mean this is a big house. I probably won’t even see him.” I told her, putting on a nervous smile.

“Let’s just get a drink, forget about it.” She suggested. I nodded my head and followed her into the kitchen.

I looked at every face, trying to place Bobby’s, but thankfully he wasn’t around. Delilah poured me a drink and handed it to me in a plastic cup. I smelled it first, turning my nose up at the strong alcohol odor inside. Delilah was a regular drinker and I wasn’t. I guess sometimes she forgot that I don’t really drink. I didn’t say anything though.

“So, what were you doing at the club?” Delilah asked, her back resting against the island.

“Disobeying my father’s stupid rules.” I rolled my eyes.

“Right, the three rules.” She took a long swig of her drink. “So I have to leave to drop you off before ten?” She didn’t look pleased.

“Nope.” I smiled. “Dads out of town for a few days. So no rules.”

“Sweet.” She nodded, her eyes roaming around the party. “Oh crap.”

“What?” I spun around to see what she was looking at. Right there, coming my way, was Bobby Stuart. He looked handsome as ever with his bright blonde hair and puppy dog brown eyes. He played football and worked out regularly, and his body showed it. I spun back around quickly, “oh crap.”

“Hey, Kanin,” Bobby said when he stopped beside me. “I’m actually glad you’re here.”

I sighed and then spun around to greet him, “oh hey, Bobby.”

“Can I talk to you for a sec?” His eyes traveled from mine and then to Delilah.

“She’s all yours.” My best friend nodded.

Thanks, Delilah.

I followed him out the back door and towards his patio. He offered me a seat by the pool, I took it willingly. He sat before me, looking very nervous.

“So what’s up?” I prompted.

“I actually wanted to apologize for the club thing. I don’t even remember what I said, only that I was a total jerk. I was really drunk.”

So that explained things.

I smiled in relief, “it’s fine.”

He smiled as well, “so what did I say?”

I laughed, “oh, nothing really.” Besides asking me to come home with him.

“Oh good.” He sat back in his seat some. “I’m glad you’re not mad at me.”

“Yeah, I’m not.” Anymore.

“Well like I said, I’m really glad you came.”

“Me to.”