Knockout by Tracey Ward Page A

even off the back of the bike, dad was coming out the door. I worried that Kellen was in trouble for shouting at Laney or taking me with him when we both knew I wasn’t allowed so I met my dad halfway.
    “I jumped on the bike and refused to get off,” I explained quickly. “It wasn’t his fault. I was worried he’d hurt himself driving away mad and I knew he’d be careful if I was with him so I went. I know I wasn’t supposed to but—“
    “Jenna, it’s fine,” dad interrupted quietly. He put his hand reassuringly on my shoulder, shaking his head. “No one is mad. Not at you.”
    “Dan, I’m sorry,” Kellen said, coming off his bike as well. “I should have left her behind. I never went over 40mph, I swear and she wore the helmet the whole time.”
    “I know you were careful. We’re not angry at you either.”
    “But you’re mad at someone,” I said slowly, reading his tight eyes.
    He nodded. “We are. At least, I am. I’m angry at Laney for what she said.” Dad stepped past me toward Kellen. “Son, I’m sorry. It should be her here apologizing, not me, but when I told her she needed to make things right, she left.”
    “It’s over between us,” Kellen said heavily. “There’s no making it right this time.”
    “And that’s fine. Whether you two stay together or split up, I don’t care as long as you’re both happy. But what I do care about is how she handled it. She owes you an apology and you’ll get it. Just not tonight, apparently.”
    “That’s fine. I’m not in the mood to hear it tonight.” Kellen ran his hand over his face, looking suddenly tired. “I owe Karen an apology. Laney as well. I shouldn’t have shouted like that and I definitely shouldn’t have used that kind of language in her house.”
    “She’ll get over it. But for now it’s late. Jenna, why don’t you go inside and get to bed. Kellen, you’ll stay the night in the pool house.”
    “That’s alright. I’m going to drive back home.”
    Dad stopped and stared at Kellen. “No, you’re not. It’s too late for a drive like that tonight and you already look exhausted.”
    “No, I really—“
    “Get your ass to the pool house, Kellen.”
    I was surprised when instead of fighting or just jumping on his bike and leaving, Kellen smiled.
    “Yes, sir.”
    Dad nodded, then headed for the house. “Goodnight, you two.”
    “Goodnight,” we both called back.
    “You’ll be gone in the morning, won’t you?” I asked Kellen when dad was gone.
    “Yeah. I’ll get a few hours of sleep but then I’m gone.”
    I nodded in understanding, feeling my throat tighten up. I was scared. I hadn’t been scared on the back of his bike and I hadn’t been scared sitting in a boxing gym at nearly midnight in a shady part of town, but right now looking at him standing there itching to leave, I was terrified.
    “Remember that you promised me,” I whispered, trying not to let my fears show in my voice.
    He met my eyes and nodded slowly. “I remember.”
    “You’ll keep it, won’t you? Even with you and Laney splitting up.”
    “That has nothing to do with you and I, Jen.” He wrapped me up in his arms and held me tightly.
    I felt a tear escape my eye as I hugged him back, knotting his cold sweaty shirt in my hands. “You’re my best friend,” I breathed.
    I felt him nod his head before resting it against mine.
    “You’re mine.”

     
     

 

Chapter Ten
     
     
     
    He disappeared for two months after that. Two long, silent months. If I texted him he always answered back, but it was quick. He was distant and that hurt. I blamed Laney of course, but it wasn’t really her fault. Not entirely. I heard from dad that she eventually called Kellen and gave him the apology he deserved. Kellen had apologized as well and the conversation ended without further shouting or cursing. That was impressive.
    They were still split up, though, and even though I felt incredibly relieved by that fact, I knew it meant everything