Knowing You're There

Chapter 18

            “She doesn’t look too bad right now,” Sarah said. 

            “Can we please not talk about this?” I said.  “You told the twins, didn’t you?” 

            “Not yet.  Just Nathan.” 

            “As if he really cares.”  I shut my locker door and zipped my backpack. 

            “Well you know that he doesn’t really like dogs much,” she said.  “So I’m assuming you aren’t doing that well with this?” 

            Eyes shut, I lifted my sunglasses.  “My family says I have dark circles.  I haven’t slept in two nights.” 

            Sarah sighed.  “Well remember, you can always get a new dog.” 

            “Do you know how much paperwork that is?  How long that would take?” My grip tightened around Star’s harness.  “Just keep this on the DL, would you?” 

            “You have my wo—” I heard Nathan’s jacket before smelling his spiced body spray.  It sounded like she was getting pulled.  “I’ll catch you later Lia!” 

            Just as their footsteps faded, new ones were getting louder.  I spun around and Kurt crashed into me. 

            “You have no idea how glad I am to see you,” I said. 

            “That’s funny, I feel the same way about you,” he said, kissing my forehead. 

I gave him a quick peck on the lips.  “I worked on the songs a little bit more last night.” 

“Perfect.  Me too.  So there will be an adorable and romantic practice at your house tonight?” 

I nodded.  “I begged my parents like crazy last night.  We’re going to have to find another alternative soon.  They’re getting annoyed with the noise.” 

“I know.  Just remember that for backup we always have the coffee shop,” he said.  I hugged him closer.  He did the same.  “Are you feeling okay today?” 

“My dog is going to die Kurt.” I bit my quivering lip.  “My dog is dying.” 

I leaned into his shirt as he stroked my back.  At least I had Kurt to trust through all the insanity.  He kissed the top of my head several times.  The bell for homeroom rang as we stood there.  I still didn’t move. 

“Just remember Lia,” he said, “I’ll be right here.” 

The day went on like it did as usual.  At lunch the girls discussed what they were going to give their boyfriends for Christmas.  I thought for a minute or so about how there was only a week left until Hanukkah.  Kurt needed a present.  As if I needed any more stress.