Strategically Careless

Chapter 11

Blake's POV

    "Ok, this is it right?" Collin asks as Kid stops the car in front of Katie's house.

    "Yeah, that house right there," I say pointing to the nicest maintained house on the block. 

    "Ok, I'm going to go in... Meet the family." Collin takes a deep breath. 

    "No fear. You got this." I encourage him as he gets out of the car and closing the door behind him.     

    "Are you sure you're ok being here?" Kid asks me seriously.

    "I'll be fine." I nod. "This isn't about me," I say looking out the window at the house directly next to Katie's, the worst maintained house on the block. Surrounded by dirt and weeds paint chipping off the house and shutters falling off with trash in the yard. My house. 

    "Ok. Call me if you need anything. I got your back." Kid says.

    "Thanks. I really missed you Kid." I say turning back to him squeezing his hand I've been holding. 

    "Missed you too." he nods. 

    I get out of the car and get our bags from the truck bed. I wave to Kid one more time and walk up to Katie's house. 

    "Hey. I've missed you so much. How was the flight? Where is Blake?" I hear Katie say thru the partially open front door. 

    "I've missed you too. The flight was fine. And Blake is outside talking to someone. I think he said his name was Kid?" Collin answers. I better give them a moment. 

    "Of course," Katie says.

    "She is acting really weird." Collin comments. Weird? How was I being weird?

    "Weird how?" Katie asks. Yeah. I want to know that too.

    "She hugged him and they held hands in the car. They kind of acted like a couple. So she was acting normal but weird for her. Were they ever a thing?" Collin asks making me want to laugh.

    "Her and Kid? No." Katie laughs. 

    "Then is she ok?" Collin asks. 

    "Yes. She and Kid are just different. She kind of raised him. She hated having to leave him here." Katie answers. 

    "So that's her little brother?" Collin asks.

    "Buy blood no but they do consider themselves family. Is he still out there with her?" Katie changes the subject, thank god.

    "Yeah. I felt like a 3rd wheel the entire ride so I left as soon as I could." Collin says. I didn't mean to make him feel like a third wheel. I was just really excited to see Kid.

    "That seems about right. Kid is the only person that Blake trusts completely with everything. She considers me family too but they are ride or die. He knows things that I don't even know. There is nothing they wouldn't do for each other." Katie explains. She's not wrong. But there are things that Kid doesn't know. There are things nobody should ever know.

    Are you sure they aren't in love?" Collin asks.

    "Positive. Just good friends." Katie says. I'm glad she knew how to change the subject without telling him too much. But Collin's asking too many questions now. I need to make it stop.

    I walk in the door interrupting them. "Hey, Katie." I hug her quickly. Katie hugs me. "Mama I'm home!" I call out and head to the kitchen. If I know Mama she will be in the kitchen.

    "She really loves your mom" Collin laughs as I head to the kitchen.

    "That's good. I think she is the only thing that could cheer my mom up right now." Katie says. I hate seeing Mama sad.

    "Sweetie! You're home!" Mama says turning me from the oven. 

    "Yeah," I say hugging her. "I've missed you. I'm so sorry for not visiting you sooner."

    "No, I completely understand. I would understand if you didn't come back at all. I'm sorry you had to come back here." she apologizes to me.

    "It's fine. You know I would do anything for y'all." I say finally letting her go. Mama gives the best hugs. 

    "Derek and Aaron will be home in a little while. They will be so excited to see you. I didn't tell them you were coming. Bless their hearts they have been so strong through all this. They have made all the arrangements because I just can't..." she says trying to hold back tears by the end.

    "I'm sorry. It must be so hard. I can't imagine. Can I do anything?" I say rubbing her back.

    "Thanks. Sweetie, I'm good. I'm just glad that we got to spend the last few months as a family. Well, except for you of course. You know you're welcome to stay here." she sniffles.

    "No, I don't want to impose. I'll get a hotel room or stay with the guys." I tell her.

    "At the creek? Please tell me you aren't going to sleep outside." she glares     

    "No some of them rented a house together," I explain 

    "You know you're always welcome here," she says.

    "Thank you." I smile. "If it's ok with you I am going to go. I don't want to risk running into anyone." I say looking at the clock.

    "Of course. Be safe." she looks at the clock too and nods. I give her one last hug then head out the back door. 

~~~~~~~~~

Katie's POV

    I see my mom walking into the room looking tired and sad headed towards the stairs.I guess Blake left.  She's spent a lot of time in bed crying and sleeping the last few days. I stop her before she goes up the stairs. "Hey, Mom this is Collin," I say motioning to him. He looks so nervous. 

    "Hey, it's nice to officially meet you. I'm sorry it had to under these circumstances," he says sticking his hand out for her to shake. 

    "It's nice to officially meet you too." Mama smiles at him. 

    "Did [Blake] leave already?" I ask.

    "Yeah. You just missed her," she says pointing behind her at the kitchen.

    "Did she go home?" Collin asks.

    "Sure that works." I nod.

    "When we first landed I forgot that she grew up here too. Until I met her friend." Collin says to my mom.

    "She has a friend here?" Mom asks looking at me concerned.

    "Yeah. Kid gave them a ride from the airport." I explain.

    "He's such a nice boy. It can't be easy for her to be back here-" my mom yawns.

    "Mom"

    "She grew up here. Why wouldn't she want to visit her family and friends?" Collin asks.

    "It's not important. Where are Aaron and Derek?" I ask changing the subject. I already know they are on the way home but I need Collin to be prepared to meet them. I know he was nervous.

    "Running errands. They should be back any minute." Mama says.

    "Hey, Mama we're back. We got everything on your list." Derek calls walking thru the back door. Perfect timing. 

    I glance at Colling looking uncomfortable as my brothers walk into the living room where we are. I give his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Who is this?" Aaron asks.

    "I'm Collin. Nice to meet you." Collin says holding out his hand. Aaron and Derek look at each other then start sizing Collin up and rubbing their chins.     

    "The boyfriend." Aaron nods.

    "hmmm... dresses normal enough." Derek comments.

    "Doesn't look crazy," 

    "Looks can be misleading though,"

    "Right. What do you think?" Aaron says glancing at Derek.

    "Boys. Play nice. Stop acting like he isn't standing right in front of you." I say rolling my eyes at my brothers.

    "I'll give him a chance," Derek says completely ignoring me. 

    "We will be watching though. We see everything." Aaron says intimidatingly.

    "That's right. You hurt her and we will hurt you." Derek nods patting the gun on his hip to Collin.

    "I will not hurt her. She is far too valuable to hurt." Collin says looking at Derek's gun with wide eyes.

    "I like this guy Katie," Aaron says finally shaking Collin's hand.

    "Thanks." Collin gulps.

    "Ok, I have to go to work. I'm on night shifts this week." Derek says.

    "What do you do?" Collin asks.

    "I'm a cop." Derek answers.

    "Oh, that's cool," 

    "Be careful." I wave.

    "Don't worry. Nothing ever happens here." Derek shrugs leaving the room.    

    "I'm going to go lay down." Mama yawns walking upstairs.

    "Is Blake going to come to the funeral?" Aaron asks

    "Yeah, she is already here." I nod.

    "Here here?" Aaron says pointing to the floor with wide eyes.

    "She was here but she left before it got too late," I answer.

    "Where did she go?" Aaron asks.

    "Home" Collin nods thinking he is being helpful.

    "Yeah right. Where did she go?" Aaron laughs.

    "The creek," I answer.

    "Of course." Aaron nods.

    "I thought you said she was going home," Collin says confused.

    "That would never happen." Aaron scoffs.

    "Why not? Doesn't she live around here somewhere?" Collin asks.

    "She grew up around here yeah." I glare at Aaron. 

    "Doesn't she have a family she wants to see?" Collin asks.

    "Oh I get it he doesn't know," Aaron says pointing to Collin. 

    I slap my forehead. "Aaron you're so dumb. Shut up."

    "Blake was-" Aaron starts but I cut him off.

    "Aaron I swear if you don't shut up right this second." I threaten and Aaron puts his hands up in surrender.     

    "Remember when I told you that Blake didn't have a very loving family?" I ask Collin hugging him looking up at him.

    "Yeah but a lot of people don't have lovey-dovey families." he shrugs.

    "Sad but true. But -" I nod

    "So her parents didn't hug her enough. That's no reason not to go home." Collin says cutting me off.

    "She has her reason. Believe me. It wouldn't surprise me if she just decided to go back to the airport and fly out of here right now. I'm going to go watch tv." Aaron nods walking upstairs.

    "Ohhhhk?" Collin questions.

    "It's best not to think about it. She knows how to get in touch with us is she needs anything." I reassure him.

    "Does she just disappear a lot?" Collin asks.

    "When she is here yes. She says I'm always invited to go with her because she doesn't like being at my house. She says it's too close to home. But I'm not really friends with her friends." I explain.

    "That would explain why Kid didn't come to say hey to you." Collin nods.

     "Yeah. Blake and I grew up next door from each other but we have had two very different lives. My family and I have tried to be here to help but she is very stubborn." I say.

    "What do you mean?"

    "Blake prefers trying to get by on her own and rarely asks for help. Unfortunately, that has led her to make some pretty bad mistakes." I nod.

    "Has she been arrested?" Collin asks.

    "Normally she can talk her way out of it. Or she gets away before the cops get there."

    "Does Derek know?" Collin asks. 

    "Blake hasn't been here since Derek became a cop. But he knows. We have all tried to help her. Now they go by old military rules. Don't ask, don't tell." 

    "Ok good to know." Collin nods still looking like he has many questions.

    "I want to tell you. I want to tell you everything. But it is very important that Blake has a friend right now. I hate that I am keeping secrets but they aren't my secrets to tell -" I say begging him to not ask anymore.

    "Katie. It's ok. I understand. There is a lot that I don't know and I would like to know but I don't care. But all I care about is that I get to spend time with you." Collin says hugging me tightly.

    "BARF!" Aaron yells from upstairs.

    "Shut up Aaron" I yell back. Nobody would believe that he's 6 years older than me based on his maturity level.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~

Blake's POV

    I walk down the familiar path. It's overgrown since I've not used it in years but it's still clearly here. It brings back so many memories. I'm not even to the clearing yet and I already hear the familiar arguing I've missed so much.

    "Come on Luke, switch with me. I want to stand near the fire." Miles yells.

    "No way dude. Put on some f*****g shoes." Luke yells back and I can't help but laugh. Some things never change. 

    "Do y'all hear something?" Kevin asks

    "No you're being paranoid," Devon says.

    I walk into the clearing to see all of them huddled around a fire. Some of my best friends in the whole world. Miles, Devon, Kevin, Luke, and of course Kid.  "Well, y'all are boring," I comment getting all of their attention. 

    "Blake!" Miles yells surprised.

    "Hey" I wave. Before I can react Miles is charging at me and tackles me to the ground. "Oh my gosh. I thought we stopped do that in high school." I groan rolling on the ground in pain. 

    "I've missed you so much. These people suck." Miles says hugging me.

    After a second Miles gets up and offers me his hand. "Being tackled hurts worse than I remember," I comment taking his hand.

    "Sorry. I was just so excited to see you." Miles says sheepishly.

    "It's ok," I say patting his shoulder. 

    "Hey, Blake" Luke walks up to me hugging me next. 

    "Hey, long time no see" Devon hugs me. 

    "What brings you back here?" Kevin asks as he hugs me.

    "Yeah, we all thought that you would never come back after you left." Miles comments.

    "Katie's dad died so I'm here for the funeral," I explain.

    "Oh gosh, I'm sorry. I know they are a second family to you." Miles says.

    "I'm fine. I want to hear what's up with yall. What have you been up to? What's new?" I ask changing the subject.

    "Same old same old." Miles shrugs.

    "Nothing happens in this town," Kevin says.

    "It's so boring here," Devon says.

    "Come on it's been almost 5 years. Something had to have happened. New girlfriends?" I ask.

    "Miles had a girl for a while but she dumped him," Luke says.

    "Awwww who was it?" I ask wiggling my eyebrows.

    "Just one of the churchers. I didn't fit into her world." Miles shrugs kicking the dirt. 

    "So I f****d some churchers before?" I shrug.

    "That's different though. You're a girl. Plus you're you." Devon says.

    "What does that mean?" I ask crossing my arms.

    "You know that like half the guys in our high school wanted to get with you," Luke says.

    "What?" I ask raising an eyebrow

    "That's true. All my friends talked about you all the time." Kid says.

    "Yeah, you were the topic of a lot of locker room talks before football practices and games." Miles nods

    "Yeah. I think I could name ten guys off the top of my head that wouldn't shut up about you." Kevin says.

    "Oh my gosh. Let's move on. What does being a churcher have to do with it?" I ask changing the subject.

    "The girl churchers want to have a little bit of fun in secret but they know that they will never end up with someone like us so they never get serious. They ignore us in public and eventually leave us for someone daddy approves of. The guy churchers don't care if the world knows who they're f*****g they just want to have fun." Miles explains.

    "I forgot how everyone in this town is up each other's ass. It's ridiculous." I sigh.

    "Speaking of guys. Who was with you when I picked you up from the airport?" Kid asks with a scowl.

    "Oh did you bring a boyfriend home to meet us?" Kevin asks excitedly. 

    "Yeah right like she could get a boyfriend," Luke says.

    "You got a city guy?" Miles asks.

    "Thanks, Kid," I say rolling my eyes at him. "You really know how to be annoying."

    "Where is this guy?" Devon asks.

    "He's not my boyfriend. He's Katie's boyfriend. I don't have a boyfriend." I explain.

    "So that means your free for some fun later." Luke winks at me.

    "Luke" I sigh running my hand down my face in exhaustion. "We talked about this. If you hit on me I can hit you."

    "We said that in high school. It doesn't apply now." Luke argues.

    "Then let's renegotiate. You hit on me and I can kick you in the balls." I shrug.

    Luke covers his crotch with his hands and gulps. "Hitting is fine. I like that deal."

    "God I hate you all" I smile.  

    "We've missed you too." Miles hugs me laughing. 

    We all spread back out around the fire as the sun starts setting more. It's weird being back after all these years but it's nice to have this extra time with them. "Hey, have you heard this new song?" Devon asks the group showing his phone to Kevin. "It's from some new person."

    "Let me hear." Kid says and Devon hands him one of the headphones. 

    "We have been standing here with him all day. When does he think we heard new music that he wasn't around for?" Luke comments with a laugh as he walks up to me with a beer.

    "I don't know" Miles laughs.

    "I see that Devon is still the same. Always in his own world listening to music. Good to know that that hasn't changed." I smile looking at him. 

    We spend the rest of the night hanging out with my friends. I had a great time and I really missed them. I wish I could spend more time with them but we all know I can't stay here but I'm not focusing on the past. Not right now.

~~~~~~~~

Katie's POV

The next day... 

    "Where is Blake?" Mom asks me and Collin as we are cooking dinner in the kitchen.

    "She went to pick up Colby from the airport early," I explain.

    "Early? She has never seen morning unless she stayed awake until morning." My mom says raising an eyebrow.

    "Yeah early for her. So she woke up at noon at the earliest. Well, she has only been here for less than 24 hours. She can't have gotten in too much trouble. Did you see her this morning at the hotel, Collin?" I ask.

    "No I haven't seen her since we got here yesterday," Collin says shaking his head.

    "Oh great. Katie do you know for sure that she got a hotel here?" she asks putting a hand on her hip turning to me.

    "No, I just assumed. I did leave my window unlocked for her just in case." I shrug.

    "If she wasn't here and not at the hotel where would she be?" Collin asks.

    "The woods." I sigh.    

    "She would sleep in the woods?" Collin asks.

    "Yeah at the creek with the guys" I nod.

    "I don't even want to know which question to ask next," Collin says flabbergasted. 

    "Who is this Colby kid? Are they a thing?" Mama asks interrupting Collin before he asks any questions we know Blake wouldn't want us answering.

    "He is my roommate," Collin explains.

    "And my friend," I add.

    "Is this the guy that told me Blake got shot again?" Mama asks. 

    "Yeah" I nod.

    "I already like him." she smiles turning back to the pop she was stirring.

    "Mama I'm home!" Blake calls out from the front door. 

    "In here sweetie," Mama yells back over her shoulder. 

    Blake walks in followed by Colby who is looking around. "Mama this is Colby, Collin's roommate." she introduces him.

    "Nice to meet you. Sorry, it's under these circumstances," he says sticking out his hand for her to shake. 

    "Nice to meet you too," Mom says shaking his hand.

    Blake walks over to the counter next to the stove and jumps up on in sitting to talk to her. "Where are Aaron and Derek?" she asks.

    "Aaron is out making last-minute arrangements and Derek is working nights this week so he is sleeping," Mama tells her.

    "Dang it. I haven't seen either of them yet." Blake sighs.

    "Did you sleep at the creek?" I ask.

    "Yeah. I didn't mean to but you know how it goes. Lost track of time then it was late and we were there." she shrugs.

    "Ok. My windows unlocked if you need it." I offer.

    "Thanks." she smiles at me. 

    "Who's car did you borrow to pick Colby up at the airport?" Mama asks.

    "I took Kid's car. Well, it's the car that Kid has been using but it's not his car." Blake explains as Mama glares at her with a pointed look. The same looks she used to give us when we were little and doing something bad. "It's not stolen. It's just not his. It's his work car. He won't let me drive his car." Blake says putting her hands up in surrender.

    "At least it's not stolen." I sigh. Colby looks at me with a questioning look. 

    "Kid wouldn't steal a car. He doesn't know how to hotwire one." Blake says shaking her head. "Speaking of cars. I have to go give Kid his car back. And I should probably leave before it gets too late." Blake says looking at the time. 

    "Mind if I come with you?" Colby asks Blake concerned.

    "Yeah, that's fine. Just know that my friends suck. And don't trust a word they say." Blake shrugs 

    "Ok," Colby laughs. Blake hops off the counter and walks towards the door with Colby following her. As soon as they are out the back door Mama looks at me with a smirk. 

    "They like each other." she smiles.

    "Mom!" I yell laugh.    

    "He likes her. Her we are not so sure about." Collin explains.

    "No, she likes him. I can tell. A mother knows." Mama says pointing to her head with a spatula. 

    "You're not actually her mother," I comment. "Also how can you tell. You know how Blake is and there is nothing flirtatious about their interaction." 

    "I'm the closest thing to a mother she has. And think about it, she is taking him to meet her friends." My mom says like it's obvious. 

    "She has invited me to go before? What does that matter?" I ask.

    "Yeah but every time you say you want to go she talks you out of it. You have never actually been but she barely hesitated to let him go." Mama says.

    "To be fair I'm not one of them. We live in the same part of town and we are friendly but we are not the same. We're churchers." I say.

    "Whats a churcher?" Collin asks. 

    "Notice how they is a church at every corner in this town. Well, a churcher is someone that goes to one of those churches and looks down on anyone who doesn't. They feel high and mighty and wear nice clothes that everyone else can't afford. It's like the haves and the have nots. We, the churchers, are the haves and Blake is the have nots. I don't know, Blake explains it better." I sigh.

    "I think I get it." Collin nods still looking confused. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blake's POV

    "It was really nice of you to coming all this way for Katie," I say making conversation as Colby and I walk thru the woods. "I know you've been busy." 

    "She's my friend." Colby shrugs.

    "so this is what we call the creek," I say as we walking into the clearing. I look around to see a fire already going but nobody is around. I know the guys wouldn't start a fire then leave it unattended. That's stupid and reckless. But I don't see anyone around. 

    "There is no creek here," Colby says looking around.

    "There is one not far from here. We just call it that." I explain.   

    "Do you just hang out here alone or are you going to introduce me to some imaginary friends?" Colby teases.    

    "They're not imaginary. They're just idiots." I say looking around trying to spot them. I know they are planning something to mess with me.

    "Well, for right now it looks like we are alone, and I want to tell you something," Colby says taking a deep breath.

    "We aren't alone. They're here." I say turning around to look at the treeline behind me. 

    "Blake, there is nobody here. nobody can hear us and nobody can see us." Colby says sounding annoyed.

    "No, they're here." I look at him shaking my head.

    "I could say or do anything I want. Nobody is here. I just really need to tell you something." Colby says frustrated.    

    "So are you saying that I could murder you right now and nobody would hear you scream?" I ask trying to change the subject. I don't want to listen to whatever emotional speech he has planned.

    "Or I could kiss you and nobody would stop me," he smirks.

    "You and I both know you're not going to do that" I scoff turning to look back at the woods when I hear some movement. 

    "I will if it gets you to shut up and listen to me for a second," Colby says.    

    "Yeah right. I-" Before I'm done talking Colby reaches around me grabbing my chin making me turn to look at him then crashes his lips into mine. f**k. Why doesn't he have to be such a good kisser? I didn't have time to process what just happened before Colby kissed me. It was soft, sweet, and passionate. That was definitely not what I was expecting. I even made a murder joke to try to avoid this situation. I know the guys are in the woods watching right now and I want to stop it. But at the same time, I really didn't want it to stop.

    Colby and I break apart to see Kid standing about 20 feet away at the edge of the tree line looking like he could shoot Colby right now. I turn back to Colby with an I told you so glare.  

    "My bad. I really needed you to shut up." Colby says rubbing the back of his neck smiling.

    "I told you." I glare then turn back to Kid stepping in front of Colby. Kid's a good shot he could easily still hit Colby since I don't cover most of his body but I know Kid wouldn't shoot me so hopefully that is enough to deter him. I take a few slow steps towards Kid.

    "Hey Kid this is Colby. Colby this is Kid." I awkwardly introduce them as Kid is still glaring at Colby.

    "You're name is Kid?" Colby asks walking behind me.

    "Yeah. That's what they call me." Kid says harshly.     

    "Did your parents give you that name?" Colby asks.

    "No Blake did. Just kind of stuck." Kid explains.

    "Thanks for the show dude," Luke says walking out of the woods near where Colby and I were standing.

    "Luke shut up" I slap my forehead shaking my head.    

    "Now I get why you turned me down last night." Luke jokes.

    "No. I turned you down last night for the same reason I've always turned you down. You're gross." I tell him.

    "I'm Colby." Colby waves.

    "I'm Kevin." Kevin walks out of the woods.

    "I'm Devon," he follows Kevin.

    "Where is Miles?" I ask looking around.

    "f**k!" I yell as I'm tackled to the ground. "Miles! Every time!" I groan psuhing him off me.

    "I've missed you!!" he yells trying to hug me 

    "Its been less than 12 hours." I sigh as Miles gets off me standing back up. 

    "I'm just making up for lost time." Miles shrugs as Kid offers me his hand. 

    "God I hate y'all" I complain taking Kid's hand standing up. 

    "So Blake, is this your boyfriend?" Devon asks looking at Colby like he's an alien.

    "Yeah this is the first guy little Blake brought to meet us" Kevin chimes in.

    "We are not dating. He just did that to annoy me." I explain dusting myself off.

    "Right. I couldn't get her to shut up." Colby agrees 

    "Damn. We should have tried that years ago." Luke says.

    "I swear if you even try to kiss me Luke I will kill you." I threaten

    "Dang it" Luke sighs

    I feel my phone vibrate in my back pocket. I pull it out to check. Its a text from Katie "Hey, Blake you know I wouldn't ask you this if I didn't have to. Your dad is outside drunk, yelling at Aaron. I don't want to get my mom upset. We need your help." I tilt my phone some showing Miles as the guys continue to talk and get to know Colby. 

    Miles nods crossing his arms without saying a word. "Boys play nice." I instruct turning to run back thru the woods we just came from.

    "What was that about?" I hear Colby asks as I run away ignoring him. 

    I run thru the woods for a few minutes before setting out of them across the street from my house and Katie's house. 

    "You're drunk. Cant you just go inside!" Aaron yells at my dad. "My dad's funeral is tomorrow and I don't want you to get my mom more upset." 

    "Ohhhh booo hooo. You're just being a little b***h! You know I always hated you" My dad says slurring his words. 

    "Please just go inside" Aaron sighs.

    "You and your family are so judgemental of my family. You're up on your high horse judging me. Well not everyone can afford a horse." Dad slurs taking a drink of whiskey.

    "What are you talking about?" Aaron asks looking at Dad like he is stupid, which he is.

    "You're nothing. You're less than nothing." Dad says. I've heard enough of this. I walk across the street in the middle of the fight crossing my arms as Dad stands there looking dumbfounded. "Hey Dad."