I Will ALWAYS BE HERE
639 Words
CHAPTER 5
POV: KAYODE
The house was quiet when I arrived.
Too quiet.
The police had already left.
Amanda was sleeping at the neighbour's house.
Kemi was sitting on the couch, hugging her knees.
Her eyes were swollen from crying.
I slowly walked over and sat beside her, leaving a little space between us.
"Hey," I said softly.
She didn't look at me.
"Hi."
"How are you feeling?"
She let out a bitter laugh.
"Do I look okay?"
I didn't know what to say.
After a few seconds, she finally spoke.
"My mom..."
Her voice broke.
"My mom killed my dad ."
I looked at her.
She continued crying.
"I don't know why she did it."
I remained silent.
"And..."
She wiped her tears.
"That's why Desmond was blackmailing her."
I froze.
"I still can't believe it."
"I called the police."
"I had to."
She covered her face and cried harder.
"I feel like the worst daughter in the world."
I gently held her hand.
"No."
"You did the right thing."
"It wasn't easy."
"But you did what was right."
She looked at me.
"I still feel guilty."
"I feel like I betrayed her."
"You didn't betray her."
"You chose the truth."
She squeezed my hand.
"I don't know what to do anymore."
"You don't have to face this alone."
"I'm here."
She looked into my eyes for a few seconds.
Then she slowly rested her head on my shoulder.
Neither of us said anything.
The silence said enough.
Without thinking...
I kissed her forehead.
Just once.
She looked up at me in surprise.
"Kayode..."
I quickly looked away.
"I'm sorry."
"I shouldn't have done that."
She smiled through her tears.
"No."
"I'm glad you did."
For the first time since I arrived...
She smiled.
A small smile.
But it was real.
Seeing her smile made my heart feel lighter.
The Next Morning
The sunlight shone through the window.
I slowly opened my eyes.
I had slept on the couch.
Kemi was still asleep beside me.
I had covered her with a blanket during the night.
She looked peaceful.
A few seconds later, she opened her eyes.
"Morning."
"Morning."
"Did you sleep well?" I asked.
She nodded.
"Better than yesterday."
"Thank you for staying."
I smiled.
"You don't have to thank me."
I stood up.
"I'm hungry."
She laughed softly.
"So am I."
"I'll make breakfast."
Her eyes widened.
"You can cook?"
"A little."
I walked into the kitchen.
"Eggs and toast?"
"Perfect."
A few minutes later, breakfast was ready.
We sat down and ate together.
She took a bite.
"Wow."
"This is actually nice."
I laughed.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
She laughed too.
It was the first time I had heard her laugh like that.
For a moment...
She forgot everything that happened yesterday.
After breakfast, she helped me wash the plates.
Just then...
Both our phones rang at the same time.
We looked at each other.
Then we checked our phones.
Missed calls.
Messages.
Vanessa.
Lisa.
Linda.
Tony.
Charlie.
Maxwell.
Kemi sighed.
"I guess everyone is worried."
"They care about you," I said.
She nodded.
"My life changed overnight."
"It will get better."
"I'm not sure."
"It will."
She looked at me.
"Thank you."
"For everything."
I smiled.
"I'll always be here whenever you need me."
At that moment, Vanessa called again.
Kemi answered.
"Hello."
"Kemi! We've been calling you since yesterday!"
"I'm okay."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Kayode stayed with me."
After the call ended, she walked back inside.
"School?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"Not today."
"I need one more day."
I nodded.
"That's okay."
"Take all the time you need."
She walked up to me and hugged me tightly.
"Thank you for not leaving me."
I hugged her back.
"I'm not going anywhere."
And for the first time...
I truly meant those words.
- Writer
