Chapter 8 - Cherry Lip Gloss

Day 8 - Rolled a blank

Kaitlin had hoped the their little fishing expedition would have helped ease Ben out of the shell he was building around himself. As the days were getting shorter and the rains came, he had withdrawn even more into himself.

He became obsessive about keeping everything clean including washing his hands repeatedly, making sure all the dishes were cleaned up and making everyone's bed. Kaitlin wanted to take him to a therapist but she was afraid they would call Newt.

Oh, she planned to call Newt alright, but not until she had a job and they were settled into a home.  He would try to take the kids, or at least his parents would, and she wasn't about to let that happen. She would file for divorce and sole custody of her children when she could prove they were healthy, happy and well adjusted living in a home.

* * *

Kaitlin had some time with Maddy since Reese had invited Jade over to see the fire station. She thought it was cool that they lived there. He didn't. Not. At. All. But as long as she did, he was cool with it.  He just told her the same lie he had heard his mother tell others, “Our apartment is being remodeled.”

Kaitlin talked to the little girl, “My sweet baby girl, you are going to be okay. I am so glad you won’t really remember this part of your childhood. Your brothers love you so much. You will miss Reese so much in a couple of years when he goes off to college.”

At the mention of Reese’s name, Maddy started to cry, “Weese, where Weese? Maddy want Weese!”

Kaitlin sighed and smiled at her daughter, “Of course you do. Well your brother is downstairs with a friend. You are stuck with Mommy! Now let's plaaaay tickle monster!”

Crisis averted when she dissolved into giggles…

* * *

Downstairs, Reese and Jade were playing video games when Ben, aka annoying little brother, came in, sat down and started to pretend to race his car. Reese was having none of it. It was bad enough he lived in a firehouse, he was not putting up with a weird ass little brother.  He turned to Ben, “Ben! Not now. Isn't it your bedtime?”

“Uh uh - Varoooommm!,” he said shaking his head back and forth while shifting imaginary gears .

“Yes it is. Get out and go find Mom. NOW!”

Ben’s shoulders slumped at his brother's tone. He got up and went upstairs without another word, tears burning his eyes. He knew when he wasn't wanted. Ben doesn't even want me now that he has a girlfriend, he thought to himself as he trudged up the stairs. Might as well go to bed.

After Ben left and the two had finished playing video games, Jade said she needed to leave. Reese was hoping she might let him kiss her tonight. She was so pretty and he really, really liked her. So when they got up he chanced a hug, which she readily snuggled into. He continued to hold her. She smelled so nice. He was trying to figure out his next move when his Mother cleared her voice behind them.

The couple quickly broke their embrace and jumped apart. “Uh - Hi Mom. Jade was just leaving,” said Reese. He hoped Jade didn't notice how embarrassed he was or that his mom didn't come down to yell at him for sending Ben upstairs.

“Oh, okay," said Kaitlin smiling, "Well I am glad I made it down before you left Jade. I just wanted to say hello and see if you guys needed anything." It was all Kaitlin could do not to laugh at how mortified Reese was that she caught them with their arms around each other.

“No thank you Mrs. Murdock,” said Jade sweetly, “I need to get home before it gets too late.”

“I will walk you out. I can show you the fire truck,” said Reese quickly wanting to escape from his mother.

“Oh, cool! I haven't ever seen one up close and personal!” squealed Jade.

“Goodnight Jade. And, Reese you know you can't go inside the truck,” called out Kaitlin as the couple turned to leave.

Reese rolled his eyes and Jade responded, “We won't. Goodnight Mrs. Murdock.

* * *

Once downstairs in the garage, Reese showed her the fire truck. They talked for a few more minutes and Reese tried to flirt a little, “Well, um, when can I see you again? Or maybe we can go to the movies?”

“Aww, Reese. I would love to go to the movies with you,” she purred.

“You would - I mean sure! Maybe we can go next weekend,” and then he went for it.

Reese kissed her quickly.

Jade was having none of quick and she kissed him back. 

She kissed me back! he thought as he floated upstairs thinking about how she felt in his arms, the taste of her cherry lip gloss still on his lips. He went to bed with a huge smile on his face. Now to ask his mom for some money for the movies. Ugh. He really wished he could get a job so he wouldn't have to ask. He knew she was working hard but...


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