Between the Lines

14

The drive to Darius' condo was quiet again, but this time, the silence wasn't tense, it was just heavy. Kennedy sat curled up in the backseat, arms wrapped around herself as she stared out the window. Kimora kept sneaking glances at her, worried but unsure of what else to say.

Darius, for his part, didn't press for details. He just drove, one hand on the wheel, the other resting against the gear shift.

When they finally pulled up to his building, Kimora glanced up in mild surprise. She had expected him to live in some regular apartment, but this? This was a whole high-rise.

Darius didn't react to her staring, just put the car in park and got out. Kimora followed, helping Kennedy out of the back as they made their way inside.

The lobby was sleek, modern, and almost too quiet for three in the morning. A security guard sat at the front desk, barely looking up as Darius gave him a nod and led them to the elevator.

Kimora rubbed Kennedy's arm as they rode up, trying to ease her sister's nerves. The elevator ride felt longer than it was, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.

When the doors finally opened, Darius stepped out first, pulling his keys from his pocket. They followed him down the hall to a door near the end, and with a quick turn of the key, he pushed it open.

Kimora and Kennedy stepped inside, immediately taking in the space.

The condo was clean, minimalistic but still warm. It was clear that Darius lived here alone, and for some reason, that fact settled oddly in Kimora's chest. Why was he at Nia's place then? Thera thought of her made her remember to text her before she went to sleep to let her know she had a family emergency.

"You can take the guest room," Darius said, nodding toward a door down the hall. "Bed's already made. Should be some blankets in the closet if you need extras."

Kennedy nodded wordlessly, her face still puffy from crying. She glanced at Kimora, who gave her a reassuring look before guiding her toward the room.

Once inside, Kennedy sat on the edge of the bed, exhaling shakily. Kimora kneeled in front of her, placing a hand on her knee. "You wanna talk about it?"

Kennedy hesitated, then shook her head. "Not right now."

Kimora nodded, understanding. "Okay. Just try to get some sleep, alright?"

Kennedy sniffled but nodded. "Thanks, K."

Kimora squeezed her hand before standing up and backing toward the door. "I'll go get water."

She slipped out, quietly shutting the door behind her.

When she turned back toward the living room, Darius was leaning against the kitchen counter, watching her.

"She okay?" he asked, his voice lower than usual.

Kimora sighed, running a hand down her face. "I don't know."

Darius nodded, pushing off the counter and grabbing a water bottle from the fridge. He tossed another to her, which she caught with a small frown.

"You need anything, let me know," he said, twisting off the cap of his bottle.

Kimora exhaled, taking a sip of water before sinking onto the couch. "Thank you for this. I know me and you don't get along or like each other, you didn't have to do this so thank you."

Darius watched her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small shrug, he leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms.

"I never said I didn't like you," he said simply.

Kimora looked up at him, caught off guard. "Really? You move like you do."

Darius smirked faintly, shaking his head. "Nah. You just assume that 'cause we always arguing."

Kimora narrowed her eyes slightly. "So what? You enjoy pissing me off?"

Darius chuckled, taking another sip of water. "A little."

Kimora rolled her eyes, but there wasn't as much bite behind it this time. She exhaled, leaning back into the couch and staring out at the skyline. The weight of the night pressed down on her, exhaustion settling into her bones, but her mind wouldn't slow down.

Darius seemed to notice because his next words came softer. "You should get some sleep, Kimora."

"I know." She exhaled, realizing she barely got any sleep.

Darius watched her for another moment before looking down and heading toward his own room. "Night, Kimora."

She didn't respond right away, just looked down at her hands.

"...Night, Darius."

And with that, the condo fell into silence, the city lights flickering beyond the windows.