Page 38 of Tainted Kitten

“You’re gonna be their favourite person after sorting that out for them.” Garrett chuckles, and my dad joins him.

“Kids love me.” I beam, flashing my teeth.

Garrett is staring at me a little too long, and I can tell my dad notices. I know why he’s staring at me. Today, my lips aren’t black, they are natural, and even though there is black liner on my eyes, it’s simpler. Not as thick. I decided to forgo the goth girl look for the camping trip. I might scare the fucking animals away or something. My hair, however, is still in the two side buns. I didn’t want to shock everyone by looking like a completely different person.

Dad finishes up doing something to my tent and then stands back to assess his work, nodding his head in pride that he managed to get the job done.

Guys can be so weird.

“Right, well, remember that there’s no phone reception up here, but the boy, Jared, has a satellite phone. Just use that if you need to contact us. We also have the number, just in case we need to reach you.” I nod as my dad approaches me and notice Garrett still watching in my peripheral. When dad reaches me, his smile drops, and he sighs. “Are you ok?”

Shit. Can he tell I’m all sorts of fucked up right now?

I clear my throat, “Yeah. Sure, I’m all g Daddio.”

He smiles again and shakes his head. “Just… be safe. Ok?”

Biting the inside of my cheek to try and fend off the overwhelming emotions that his simple request has ignited, I nod quickly and smile, not able to talk. Then he steps closer, holding his hands out a little.

“Any chance of a hug?”

I swallow the lump in my throat, reminding myself that Will is not Brian. Will cares about me unconditionally. Will is my dad.

I step forward and hug him. My dad.

By the time he pulls back, I have tears falling down my cheeks, and he offers me a sympathetic smile.

“Rhys, I really want you to try to have fun this weekend. Just enjoy this beautiful place.” He gestures around him. “Enjoy some laughs with your friends. Enjoy and accept how much everyone cares about you. And have a think about talking to us about whatever has you so rattled when you get back home. We only want to help. We only want you to be happy.”

Well, fuck. More tears spring free, and I nod before Lexi comes up to my side and throws her arm around my shoulder. Then my dad leans forward and kisses my forehead before moving away to join the kids in their frisbee game.

Lexi shifts her hold and pulls me into her, wrapping her arms around me, and I bury my face in her neck.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” I whisper, and she strokes over my head, avoiding my buns.

“My guess is you have a lot going on, and you’ve been keeping it all in. In my experience, it's better when it comes out. Don’t worry, though. We all have your back, no matter what. We are here for you whenever you need us.”

“Thank you,” I whisper again, and Lexi gives me a little squeeze.

“I think Garrett wants to speak to you.” Lexi whispers, and a smile tugs at my lips.

I nod into her neck and stay that way for another minute before pulling back and sucking in a deep breath.

“You good?” Lexi asks, her blue eyes roaming over my face in concern.

I nod, “Yeah. I’ll be ok. How’s my face? Did I ruin my makeup?”

Lexi grins, “The waterproof stuff you wear never budges. You still look perfect. Oh, and I’m really digging the look you have going today.” Her smile is wide, and man, she’s lucky all the parents are still here, or I’d slap a kiss on those perfect lips of hers.

Lexi nudges my shoulder before walking off, and I turn to see Garrett still watching me from the other side of my tent.

“Come for a walk?” He asks, and I nod, which sends his lips into a quirk.

I scoop up my camera, looping the strap over my neck, and we walk across the clearing to where the river weaves through the reddish rocks along the bank. I follow Garrett’s lead, taking a seat next to him on a boulder. He’s quiet, just looking out over the water, so I use his silence to take a few snaps of the falls. I’m not sure if I should be talking or not, but eventually, Garrett beats me to it.

“I want you to know that I want you to be my girl.”

My brows shoot up, and I lower my camera, darting my eyes from the water to look at Garrett as he maintains his stare over the river.

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