Chapter 3.3 – Highways And Byways

Ethan’s Point of View

I just didn’t know what to say or what to do. This had to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. My parent’s raised me right, they taught me about being safe… well my dad did, if my mom tried I would have seriously barfed. But with that aside, I had to bring it to their attention, I just had to suck up my pity and be a man! ….

A slightly young, about-to-be-dead kinda man.

“Dad…”

“Ethan what on god’s name is wrong!? We have been sitting here for 20 minutes, and still you haven’t said a word. What gives?” my dad sighed, trying to push the information out of me. I got as far as telling them I had something important to say, and getting them both to the couch. After that I froze. I utterly and completely felt like an ice sculpture.

Jayla nudged me, and whispered “It’s OK.”

My dad looked up at us, eagerly waiting for me to say something. “Ethan what happened?” he gulped, his eyes never leaving our faces.

“Jayla- I- your going to be grandparents?” I replied with a nervous laugh “Surprise?”

They stared, and stared…. and stared some more. “WELL!?” I shouted, guilt eating away at my insides.

“Umm…” my dad coughed, then looked over at mom. She just sighed, and shook her head. “I can’t say anything… I was a teen mother too. All I can say is this baby is going to be YOUR responsibility, and you have to accept that.”

We both nodded.

Even though my mother didn’t say anything wrash, Jayla still cried “I’m so sorry! You treated me so well, and… and… I got pregnant by your son! I understand if you want to kick me out. I know your mad.” she sniffled, throwing her face into her hands. Right before I was going to comfort her, mom stood up and wrapped her arms around Jayla.

“Sweetheart, I am not going to kick you out. Cody and I love you dearly. You made a mistake, and the way your going to pay for that mistake is by raising a baby in highschool. That’s enough of a hassel in itself… trust me I know. I had twins at your age. I’m not saying I won’t help you, because my mom helped me… but this is on you two.” she kissed Jay’s cheek, before letting go and looking over at me. “That means YOU need to get a job young man. Jayla and this little tike need some income. And it’s NOT coming from me. That’s the punishment I am giving you, as my son.”

“Alright mom…” I sighed “I’ll start looking for one.” Even though I was only 16, going on 17… I was going to make sure my daughter or son was well taken care of. I was never going to be a dead beat. That’s MY baby, and I’m going to love it.

Cale’s Point of View

I hated this. I hated it more than death itself. My Kitty, the only girl I ever really loved… gone. I don’t know where she is, or what she’s doing. It’s been nearly 3 days, and I haven’t slept or ate. How can I? Every night I would sit out on the porch and just wait for her. Hoping that by some chance she will just pull up in that small purple car I bought her, and smile at me. Hugging me, and kissing me. Filling my nose with her sweet scent. I’m so sorry Kit… I should have never accused you. Please come home…

I clenched my body in a tight embrace, and cried. Letting all the tears stain my jeans. It really is true, that statement… “You never know what you have, until it’s gone.” It’s just eating at me. Some hope in my mind feels as if she will come back, but my heart is screaming “NO!”

But that’s when I heard it. The sound of her engine, the slam of her door. I looked up with tear filled eyes, and wiped them away, squinting into the darkness. “Kitty?” I whispered to myself, feeling as if I wanted to leap off the steps and run towards her. But my body remained still, I needed to see her. It was the only proof that I wasn’t just wishing so hard, that I “thought” it was her.

She walked up the sidewalk, with her head held low. I still couldn’t believe it. Was this really her?! Was my baby finally home? She unlatched the gate, and proceeded to walk through it. Her eyes staring at me, as she waved a small hello from across the yard.

I quickly helped myself to my feet, and ran-walk towards her. I stopped before her, and lowered my head and sighed. “Where were you?” I was trying to be strong, trying to hold in all my emotions. I hadn’t seen her in 3 days, no way was I going to scare her off again. At least… I wasn’t going to try to.

“Cale are you alright?” was her reply. Was I alright?! WAS I!? NO I WASN’T! I was pissed, and upset! I couldn’t contain it!

I lifted my head, and stared at her with narrowed eyes “ALRIGHT!? No I’m not alright! I have been worried sick about you! No cell phone answers, no text messages, no nothing! I would have even accepted a freaking pigeon note! I just wanted to know where you were!”

“Cale… I- It was… something personal.” she finally choked up, with fear in her throat.

“Personal? It was… personal?!” I raged “Are you kidding ME?! You leave for 3 days, and don’t even expect to give me an explanation as to where you WERE?! Kitty this is the crap I was talking about!”

“Cale I just can’t tell you! I can’t!” she cried, throwing her hands out in desperation.

“KITTY!” I screamed “Tell me what the heck is going on!” I had enough. I seriously had ENOUGH. I love her, and she loves me… why can’t she share with me something as simple as this? Why was she hidding it from me?!

“It’s..” she cried “It’s about my family. My real family. I hired this private investigator to find them for me. Please don’t hate me.”

I stopped shouting, and cleared my expressions “Hate… you?” I questioned, with a puzzeled look “Why would I hate you?”

“Because I’m trying to do something as impossible as this. I was scared you would think bad of me, for trying something so stupid.” she sniffled, as tears filled her eyes.

I smiled. I don’t know why, but I did. “What’s so funny?” she whimpered, staring at me with a confused look.

“Kitty, I could NEVER hate you. If you wanted to find your family, I would have loved to help! I love you so much, and wanting to be with your real mom and dad is a wonderful thing. Who would I be to stop you from that anyways?” I smiled, rubbing the side of her cheek.

She looked at me, and sighed “I guess I misjudged you then. Maybe I should have just told you? I’m so sorry…”

I laughed. “Come mere, you silly Kitty cat.” I smiled, bringing her into a hug. “I’m just happy your home.”

And so over the next few months I helped Kitty try and track down her older brother. She told me about how her parent’s died, and how the reason she was gone for three days because her stupid P.I’s system had a malfunction and they were trapped underground. She said it wasn’t a big deal considering there was many rooms under there and they had plenty of food and water. Still… it is a bit ackward her having to live with the guy she hired to help find her lost family.

On one specific night though, we finally found out that this one man truely was her brother. We found his address, his name, and all contact information we needed. I surprised Kitty and told her that I asked Dagger if we could stay with him for a few days in his apartment. He agreed, and so tomorrow we are heading to Bridgeport to see her brother.

It was hard for both of us to get any rest, with so much on our minds. We tossed and turned, trying to sleep, but neither could.

She rolled over and tapped me on the shoulder. “You awake?” she asked, kissing my arm.

I turned to face her “Yea..” I sighed “I can’t really sleep. I’m kinda nervous about this trip. Why are you awake?”

“I’m nervous too. I mean… what if he doesn’t like me? Or what if he’s married, and has a great adopted family, and doesn’t want nothing to do with?!” she gulped, going on and on about how much her brother is going to hate her.

“Kit, if he is anything like you… he’s not going to hate you. He was seperated from your parent’s too, and I’m sure he wants to know who you are as well. He might even remember you!” I exclaimed, trying to reassure her.

“I doubt it.” she sighed “I was only 10 months old when they died, and he was 2. I only ever knew I had a brother from a gold locket I had. My “dad” sold it…”

“I’m sorry hunny.” I cooed, kissing the side of her cheek. “I wish there was a way I could make you feel better.”

She scooched in next to me, and put her hand on my butt. “There is… one thing you could do.” she giggled, looking up into my eyes as she played with my pants zipper.

“Well, if that’s the only way.” I smirked, toying with her shirt.

I snaked my arms around her small figure, and started kissing her all over. “Stop teasing me Cale. That’s my job.” she laughed, trying to undo my pants.

“What? So now it’s just jump into it? No fooling around?” I smiled, putting her down. She placed a finger to my lips “shhhh…”

She put her arms around my neck and brought me closer to face her. “I love you.” she smiled, and from there we made love for countless hours. I swear make up sex is the BEST. So much firey emotions trying to escape… aaaaahhhh… yes.

We woke much later than we had planned (I wonder why?) but we still managed to get there in a reasonable amount of time, only barely missing the 8 o’ clock traffic.

I called Dag ahead of time to let him know we were only minutes away. When we finally did arrive, I was exsausted. A 3 hour drive, with only a little bit of sleep could wear anyone out.

“Dagger!” I shouted as I walked into his apartment “Hey man, how’s life been treating yah? I’m guessing not so bad! Nice place you got here.”

We started to talk, and Kitty just stood behind us getting aggitated. “Caaaale, I’m so tired.”

Dagger pointed to his bedroom, and I looked at him confused.

“Dude, that’s your room?”

“No really? I thought It was the neighbors. Who else’s room do you think it was?” he chuckled, then shook his head at me.

“No I meant that why are you givng us your room? Where are you going to sleep?”

“I’ll sleep on the couch. You two are my guest.” he smiled, and I brought him into a hug.

“Thanks Dag. That means alot.”

“No problem. I just want to make sure you guys are comfortable.” he laughed “But not “too” comfortable. If you catch my drift.”

“Shut up.” I smirked, before punching his arm. “Besides we already took care of that last night… if you catch MY drift.” So great to be able to talk like this again. I can’t do it with Ethan because he’s a werido, and good god I would never do that with my dad. Dagger and me could always joke together. I miss it.

I brought in the rest of our bags, (and Kitty’s shoe collection) and placed them on the floor. By the two trips I made, Kitty was already knocked out on Dagger’s bed. But I can’t blaim her… I can’t wait to do the same.

Even though I really did want to catch up with my brother, I seriously just couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer. I did learn that he got a job as football player, and that even though he is just starting out… he isn’t getting paid all that bad. I also learned that he is dating this really nice girl, and he thinks that he may even love her. Way to go Dagger. I’m so proud of him.

I sat on the edge of the bed and kicked my shoes off “Good night sweetie.” I whispered, as I leaned over and kissed her cheek. Tomorrow would be an even bigger day… meeting her brother.

We got dressed and ate breakfast, and saw Dagger off to work. After about an hour, we got out the address and made the 20 minute drive over to his house. He lived on the 10th floor of the Bruntle Apartment Complex, in apartment 2A.

When the elevator dinged onto his floor, we both took a deep breath and walked out. We slowly walked to his door, and Kitty hovered her hand over the door. “I can’t…” she cried “I-… I don’t-… I can’t”

I placed a hand on her shoulder and kissed her “Yes you can.”

She inhaled a large some of air and knocked hard onto his door. We heard a loud shout, and some mummbling before the door swung open. “I told you I don’t have your money yet Sal! – Oh, what do YOU want? I ain’t buying nothin, so… scram.”

Kitty took one look at him and her eyes widened and her mouth hung open. I kept looking at him then at her, waiting for someone to say something. “Hi.” I finally manged to choke out.

“High what? High as in drugs? I don’t have any… so just beat it, aite?” he grummbled before trying to slam the door. I stuck my foot in the way, and he looked angry.

“WHAT?!” he shouted.

Kitty tried to speak, but she was so nervous, and scared by this man that was suppose to be her brother. She ran behind me and hid and I saw her cheeks flush red. “Look…” I started “This girl right here. Kitty LONG. Has something very important to talk to you about. If you will just give her a moment of your time? No… were not selling anything.”

“Nothing? Well… what ever then. Aite Cat, you got 5 mintues follow me.” he sneered, opening his door and walking in “Don’t mind the mess.” he chuckled “Maid hasn’t been around.”

I turned to Kitty and placed both my hands on her arms “You can do this. Just explain to him who you are, show him the pictures of him and you the P.I dug up. I believe in you.”

“Y-your not coming with me?” she sniffled, staring into my eyes with fear.

“No. This is for you and him only. Don’t worry, I’ll be right out here if you need me.” and with that I kissed her and she walked inside, closing the door slowly behind her.

Kitty’s Point of View

I was scared outside of my mind. I couldn’t believe the image I was presented with. All along I pictured this sweet young man, not this trashy hobo. I walked inside and glanced around. There was trash everywhere, the funiture was old and rusty and oh my god! Were those drug needles?!

“Where am I?” I whispered to myself, as my brother came out of the bathroom.

“Sorry… had to take a leak. Now what is it you want sweet cheeks?”

GROSS! Sweet cheeks?! I’m his sister!

I took a deep breath “Jake… I’m- I’m your sister”

“Kay, what? and how in the world do you know my name?!” he shook his head and looked at me like I just escaped from the funny farm.

“Were related. Our parent’s died in a car accident over 18 years ago. We were both so small, and they seperated us… the took us apart Jake. I’ve been looking for you for over 5 months now. I finally found you!” I chirped, a smile spreading across my face. When I said it out loud, I finally realized it. I have family. There really is someone who looks like me, and acts like me. My brother. My real brother!

“Is this some kind of joke?” he laughed, glaring into my eyes.

“Wha- no?”

“You know… I bet Geroge set you up to this. That idiot. Always screwing me over, because he knows I’m- I was an orphan. Tell him the jokes on him, cause’ I ain’t falling for his crap.” he spat, then shook his head.

I threw my hands on my hips ” This isn’t a joke! I’m not screwing you over! I’m honestly trying to tell you I’m your real sister. I grew up an orphan, not knowing my real parents. I was abused, verbally and physically. Just. Like. YOU.”

“I’m not buying this crap.” he shouted, putting up his hands. UGH! I can’t believe this… I’m trying to pour my heart out to this man and he is completely refusing it! I know he’s my brother… we share the same eyes, and hair color. He might have dyed it black with green highlights, but I can see the pink roots. Plus we both have short fuses! How can I deny he’s not related to me?

“Can you atleast look at these files! PLEASE?! I hired someone to find you. Your the only blood family I have!” I shouted, reaching for my bag.

“I don’t wanna hear it! NOT AT ALL! This was funny at first, now it’s just getting out of hand. How much did he pay you to do this? HOW MUCH!?” he raged, and I could see him try to hold back his tears.

“NOTHING! I wasn’t paid to do this- Please just look at this file and these pictures.”

“NO! I don’t want to look! I don’t care! Just GET OUT! I don’t ever want to see you again… LEAVE NOW!” he shouted pointing towards the door.

“But Jake.”

“Stop calling me that STUPID name! I hated that name! No one calls me that. My name is Alex! ALRIGHT!? NOW GET OUT!”

I ran out into the little lobby area with tears streaming down my cheeks. “I TOLD YOU!” I cried, throwing myself into Cale’s arms. “He hates me! He really hates me!”

“Shhhh…. it’s alright Kitty. Everything is going to be alright.” he soothed, rubbing my head and kissing my cheek over and over. I really tried to tell him. But, he just kept denying it. I know he doesn’t live in the greatest house, and doesn’t have a perfect attitude… but for some reason I still am hurting for him. I could hear the anger but I could see the pain. The same pain I lived through my entire life.

We drove back to Dagger’s apartment and I ran through his doors looking to fall into his arms as well. I wanted my boyfriend and I wanted my best friend. I looked out onto the patio and I saw Dagger with his girlfriend. That’s when I started to feel sick. It wasn’t because I saw them… but from everything I just experienced.

He looked so happy, and content out there with her. I didn’t want to ruin his moment. Cale came up shortly after that, and that’s when the bomb hit.

I found myself charging through the living room, and slamming the bathroom door open. I dropped down to my hands and knees and let the vial come out of me. My head was spinning and everything started to go so dark. A couple times I almost passed out, but luckily Cale was there to catch me.

We arrived home about a week later, and thanked Dagger for letting us stay so long. I wanted to go home that day when I got sick, but the sickness didn’t stop. It kept coming and going, coming and going. Finally Cale saw that I wasn’t getting any better so he took me home. I didn’t know what to think of the sickness. At first I thought it was my emotions, then I thought I ate something bad… but then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

“Cale… sweetie.” I cooed “There is something I think I should tell you.”

“What?” he asked, sounding rather concerned.

“I’m Pregnant.”

Thanks for reading!