be shocked at the way Stuart is talking to Kyle, Kyle punches Stuart in the nose. I hear a distinct crack. Stuart screams and falls back onto me. Kyle grabs him by the collar, lifts him, and punches him again. Stuart's blood sprays across my face, my neck, my sweater, and my hands.
Someone pulls Kyle off Stuart. “That’s enough, man. Take it easy.” I recognize one of the guys. He was our waiter the other night, and is Kyle’s cousin, Evan.
A couple of guys I don’t know are helping Stuart. He’s got a hand over his nose. When he speaks he sounds like he’s sporting a serious sinus infection. “If it’s broken, I’ll kill you.”
Kyle is no longer struggling against his cousin and the other guy. “Back off,” he says, and shoves Evan. They release him and he straightens. I’m surprised by how calm he looks. His breathing is calm. His hands are dangling loosely at his sides. There’s even a slight grin on his lips.
He takes a step toward Stuart. “I’d like to see you try, little Stewy.” Kyle pokes Stuart in the chest. “I may be the poor son of a dirty cop, but at least I’m not the pussy son of a dirty congressmen.”
Stuart looks like he wants to say more, but he must have a little sense because he doesn’t. He turns away. The two guys follow him.
Evan comes up behind Kyle and pats him on the back. “You okay, man?”
Kyle shakes him off, pushing out a laugh. “Why wouldn’t I be?” He turns his attention to me. Sticks out a hand. I grab it and he pulls me into his arms, kissing me full on the mouth. I want to be glad, but distress bells are pounding inside my head.
Hoots and hollers go up all over the room. Thick tension, I hadn’t noticed until now, shatters. The air is breathable again.
Kyle steps back. “We need to get you cleaned up, and then we’re having a shot.”
“Me? What about you?” I say, wiping at something red next to his mouth. It’s thick, still a little warm, and kind of sticky.
It hits me like a wrecking ball. It’s blood.
Blood.
Blood.
Blood.
My mind says it over and over. And I see all the blood pooling under my parents. The way they were lying there like they were sleeping. Except for all the blood underneath them. And I’m shaking. Trembling so much my teeth are chattering.
“Looks like Maddie’s in shock. What’s wrong, darlin’? Afraid of a little blood?”
The words ring in my ears, but I can’t focus on anything but the blood. It’s all over my fingers, my hands. I touch my face and feel it there.
“Shut up, Evan,” I hear Kyle snap.
“You and your family are nothing but trouble.” Gina’s voice. I think she’s talking to Kyle. I silently pray she doesn’t say more, but she goes on. “Maybe you should just leave her alone. Haven’t you done enough already?”
I lean into Gina.
“Hey, Roomie,” she whispers. “Wanna get out of here?”
“Y-Yes,” I respond.
“Come on.” She grabs my hand and starts to walk, but I can’t move. I’ve forgotten how to put one foot in front of the other. “Maddie?”
Someone—Kyle—lifts me into his arms. I want to scream. Beat my hands against his chest. My thinking is no longer rational. I know he just protected me, got in a fight with Stuart, but all I can focus on is the blood.
His father killed my parents, and it can’t be taken back.
“What are you doing?” Gina’s voice again.
“I’ll take her to her room.”
22
Maddie
This is About a Boy
I sit up with a start. The sun is beating through the windows. Birds are chirping, their nests built on the tiny ledge along the side of our building. For a split second I think I’m late for class. Then I remember it’s Saturday. The clock on the nightstand says nine sixteen.
Gina is asleep in her bed, her hands tucked under her face.
She’s at peace, I think, noticing how soft her features are without all the stress and worry etched in them.
I pick up my shower bag and quietly go into the bathroom. Leaning against the sink, I stare at my reflection. I expect to see blood everywhere, but my face is clean. I glance down and realize I’m in my sweatpants and a tee.
There are two other girls in the bathroom, standing at other sinks, so I don’t freak out. I can’t help wondering how I got out of my blood stained clothes. Then I