The Guardian by Katie Klein

Author:Katie Klein [Klein, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Amazon: B005E4I09K
Published: 2011-07-31T05:00:00+00:00

SEVENTEEN

Carter drops me off in front of Ernie’s just as my shift is about to start. I’m dangerously close to being late—a fire-able offense, in Ernie’s eyes. But then, everything is a fire-able offense to Ernie. I run to the kitchen, grab my apron and notepad, and head to the first table without drinks. The good thing about this—being in a rush—is that there’s no time to talk, or eat. The truth? I can’t stomach Stu’s eggs—I can’t stomach anything. Not today. Thankfully, the steady stream of customers demanding refills and extra napkins keeps me busy throughout the night. I’m grateful for the distraction, happy to have small, manageable tasks to occupy my mind. I don’t want to talk. Not to Arsen, who makes a point to smile at me every time I pick up a table’s entrees from the kitchen window. Not to Flavia or Stu. I even ignore my mom, who keeps asking, in passing, if something is bothering me.

It’s after eleven when we arrive home. And when we walk inside the house and she flips on the lights, I head straight for the bathroom, lock the door behind me, and turn on the hot water.

I sit down on top of the toilet, bury my face in the towel I grabbed from beneath the sink, and burst into the tears that I’ve forced back the majority of the afternoon. Throat tight and eyes burning. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I’m crying: because I witnessed an accident I predicted, because Selena wouldn’t listen to me when I tried to warn her, because Carter believed me—no questions asked, because Seth was there . . . always. . . . Maybe all of it.

When the tub fills, I shut off the water, undress and climb in, then cover my face with a hot, wet washcloth, rinsing away the black mascara zebra-striped across my cheeks. I wipe my nose and take a deep breath. My chest shudders. I close my eyes to relax, but all I can see is the green car crossing the intersection, slamming into Selena. I don’t want to shut my eyes. They ache, a dull pain throbbing behind them. I don’t want to see the accident playing out in my head anymore, an endless loop of nightmare. I don’t want to risk seeing something new, either. My temples pound in consternation.

In my bedroom, I pull on a pair of shorts and a tank top. I brush through my stringy, wet hair with my fingers, and stare in the mirror.

And there’s Seth, reflected behind me. His face replicates my hurt. My eyes fill with tears as I spin around, crashing into him. Tears stream down my face as I press my body against his, mingling between our skin.

“I don’t want to fight with you,” I choke, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He sits me down on the edge of my bed, his brow furrowed, frowning. “It wasn’t you, Genesis. I should’ve never left you like that.”

I don’t know how long we sit there, quiet, holding each other.

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