A Demon Called Cancer

Chapter Two

Kyle walked the short distance back home. He was almost hoping his parents and Ike would be in bed, but knew that wouldn't be the case being that it was only 7:00 in the evening. When he entered the living room the three other Broflovskis were sitting quietly watching some old black-and-white movie. All three eyes turned on him as soon as they noticed he was home.

"Kyle! You're back so soon?"

"Are you feeling okay, bubbeh?"

"Yeah, Ma. I'm fine."

His mother stood up from the couch and made her way over to him, placing the back of her hand on his forehead. "Are you sure you don't feel too hot? Cold?"

"I'm fine, mom. Promise."

Sheila nodded. "Okay, hon."

"Actually, I did have a question to ask..."

"Anything baby! What's wrong?"

"No! Nothing's wrong, I just wanted to ask if maybe... Maybe I could sleep over at Stan's house tonight?"

His mother frowned. Clearly, she didn't want Kyle out of her sight for too long, given his fragile state. "Oh... Honey... I don't know, it's a school night, and I don't think it's the best idea... Gerald? What do you think?"

His father's face was also masking an expression of apprehensiveness. "Kyle, don't you think it'd be better for you to be in a comfortable environment... I mean just given the situation?"

"I'm not made of glass, dad."

"I know, Kyle... It's just-"

"Look, mom and dad-"Kyle interrupted. "I decided to tell Stan the news, about my diagnosis. And the truth is, he didn't take it very well. I'm just a little worried about him, and he's worried about me. Do you think that I can sleep over? Just for tonight? Plus, after I start my chemo treatments I might not feel up to hanging out with him, so I figure that we should maybe get together and just chill and talk. I think it'll make us both feel a little better. Please, mom and dad?"

His parents sighed and looked at each other. "I guess its fine, Kyle." His father said.

"But I expect you to go to bed at a reasonable time and wake up for school tomorrow!"

Kyle beamed. "Thanks so much you guys! I love you! I'm going to go upstairs and pack an overnight bag!"

He ran up the stairs, almost tripping on his own feet. This was so exciting. A road trip... God, he felt so rebellious. He hadn't done anything this bad since... Since... Nothing. He wasn't a bad kid. He always obeyed his parent's house rules, did his chores and followed curfew. But now was his time to experiment. He had a whole week before treatments started and he was going to go all out. This was going to be a life-changing experience.

He grabbed a large yellow duffle bag from his closet and began packing in an unorganized fashion. He threw random shirts in the bottom, his toothbrush, glucose meter and a few pairs of underwear. Not knowing what to expect, he just packed the necessities.

As soon as he was pleased with the contents of his bag, he made his way down the stairs.

"Alright I'm heading out now!"

"That's a pretty big bag for one night." Ike spoke up. God dammit, why did he have to be so observant?

"Yeah, Kyle? What's with the huge sack?" His father asked.

"Oh... I just packed some textbooks in here, in case Stan and I want to do some studying." He lied.

"That's my bubbeh! My smart little boy! Always doing what's right." His mother exclaimed as she came over and kissed his forehead. "Please be safe tonight, baby. And call me if you feel ill at all."