Teachers Tapestry

Fifty-six

My adrenaline was still so high. We've been at Colton's house for three hours. It's similar to ours. Every similar.

Kinsley has a room upstairs next to Colton's, while mine is downstairs. I don't really mind, just the change is something I'm not used to.

I've been sat on this bed just thinking about everything that's happened in the last three hours.

Schools about to finish and I said I'd meet up with birdie. Am I even still going to go?

A knock appeared at the door.

"Hello." I said and the door cracked open.

It's Colton.

"Hey kiddo, I think we should talk. All of us. Could you come to the kitchen. Kinny's already in there." He sent me a smile and I nodded, getting up letting my feet drag me behind him.

I sat at the kitchen table next to Kinsley who ate a bowl of ice cream. While Colton sat next to us.

"Okay, I know what's happened in the last couple hours is...a lot. I'm sorry girls." He said looking at both of us. "And I know you both have many questions." He added.

"Colton, I have a feeling bubble." Kinsley said

"What kind of bubble Kinny." He spoke softly

"I don't know. I'm not sad, but I'm not happy or angry. I feel confused. Why am I staying here and am I leaving my bedroom behind." She spoke folding her arms in her lap.

"It's so okay to feel confused pumpkin, it's so okay." He said with a smile as he moved her into his lap. "We aren't staying here forever, you won't have to leave your bedroom behind. You'll be home again soon. We're all staying here for a little while your dad goes away. He's become very mean and not nice to either of you. So I asked him to away for some time." He explained in a child friendly way. But I could see that there was more to his words than he was letting on.

"Are you going to come home with us?" She asked innocently.

"Yes I am sweetheart. I am coming home with you both." He said and the biggest, most toothless, smile I've ever seen appeared on my sister's face.

"Really? Forever this time?" She asked.

"I hope that's the case Kinny." She said and she hugged him as far around as her tiny arms could go around him.

"I love you Colton." She said.

"I love you too Kinny." She said. She jumped off him and ran out of the kitchen.

I still had so many questions of my own. So many questions.

"I'm sure you have questions so before you ask any, let me explain what I know." He said and I nodded.

He began explaining what he knew. Apparently when my mom died, I had inherited the house but only had legal access when I turned 18, which was during the summer. Both Kinsley and I had substantial amounts of money in inheritance. Which I didn't even know about, so it was a very big surprise. He also promised to go grab my car tomorrow which would be amazing.

He also explained, that my dad had many issues. Even before I was born. This isn't his first alcoholic spiral, he's had many more but has always had them covered up by his parents. But since the last few years it's been hard for him to cover his tracks.

While Colton explained further on everything i stay there, taking it all in. I'm not surprised by most of it. But I'm surprised by the fact that this isn't his first alcoholic spiral. I could I have not known, until now.

Even though it's still a lot to wrap my head around.

"I know it's a lot. More than you should carry. I've made emergency therapy appointments for tomorrow. Today has been a lot. And I'm sorry for that." Colton said.