Inspiration Point Read online

  “Yeah leave it, we will sort it out,” Zeke added.

  “Thanks,” I said again. I couldn’t sit back down with them, I felt so uncomfortable, so I went back up to my room and waited.

  I had no idea time could move so slowly, I found myself constantly checking my phone and looking out the window, just wanting him to be home already. I picked up a book to read but wasn’t really interested, but that’s what I was trying to do when Emin came in.

  “What time is it?” I asked, sitting up on my bed.

  “Nearly nine,” he said, sounding as fed up as I was. “How are you doing anyway?”

  “Same as you I imagine, anxious for Dad to get home,” I said.

  “No, about the stuff with Mum, I mean what she said was pretty harsh,” he said apologetically.

  “It’s nothing I didn’t already know Emin, I just want to hear from Dad now, to see what I did,” I explained.

  “You didn’t do anything Hayl’s, you couldn’t of, you were five!” He argued.

  “That’s not how Mum sees it,” I complained.

  “There will be an explanation, you’ll see,” he sounded hopeful.

  “Well, whatever it is it won’t change anything, you must know that.” I was so frustrated. “You don’t know what it’s like Emin, I've only ever really had Dad. Mum and I simply exist together when we have to. You have them both.”

  “Let’s just see Hayl’s, you never know, once this is all out in the open it might even help make things right – Mum seems to think so.” He said still taking the positive side of this.

  “Well if that's what Mum thinks I doubt it will help me much, maybe I am better off not knowing,” I said as I put my head in my hands. “Where is she anyway?” I asked.

  “In the other spare room, she’s already gone to bed,” he said.

  “Great, a full house,” I said begrudgingly.

  “I’ll be here for you no matter what happens,” he reassured me. “Zeke too you know.”

  I stopped and looked at him trying to see what he was getting at.

  “You know, he was just as excited to be coming over here this weekend to spend some time with you as I was, I guess he missed you too. And I can tell he is worried about you, you’re like a sister to him.”

  I held back a smile, knowing he wouldn’t understand.

  “We'll both be here for you Hayl’s, no matter what,” then he put his arm around me. It was nice, just like it used to be.

  We sat there like that for a while and then he said, “Kind of like old times, isn’t it?” Obviously thinking what I was. “Especially, being in this house and all.”

  “I’ve kind of been wondering lately whether I had just imagined all the good stuff, it seems like forever ago,” I said.

  “There were plenty of good times Hayl’s, and there will be more, I’m sure of it,” he said as he kissed me on the forehead.

  “Now, try and get some rest, you look exhausted,” he said as he pulled my blankets up for me and closed the door as I laid down and tried to get some sleep.

  I wasn’t asleep long before I woke up from a nightmare. Images of the day that Mum and Emin left us mixed up with one of my Dad trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t hear him. I couldn’t reach any of them.

  I shook the dream off and decided to go to the kitchen to get a drink to calm myself down a bit, but thought I would try to call Dad again first. I flicked open my mobile and noticed it was just after midnight. I dialed his number, but it didn’t ring, straight to message bank. I threw the phone back on the bed and went downstairs.

  I got to the kitchen and went to turn on the light when I noticed Zeke was there staring out the window. The moon was bright enough for me to see his face, he looked worried.

  “Couldn’t sleep either?” I said softly not wanting to startle him.

  He turned towards me and leant back on the counter, the moonlight from the window behind him made a halo of light which framed his body. He had loose drawstring pants on and a tight singlet that almost made me blush he looked so yummy.

  “Is everything okay?” He said quickly. “I mean you haven’t heard from him have you?”

  “No, I just tried to call again, but his phone it still switched off,” I explained as I went to the fridge. “I’m going to make some warm milk, would you like some?” I asked.

  “Warm milk,” he repeated.

  “It helps me sleep,” I answered him.

  “I remember,” he said. “Your Dad used to make it for you all the time when we were younger.”

  “I make it better than him though, with honey and cinnamon,” I smiled.

  “Sounds like I better try some then,” he said and he moved to sit at the table.

  I was still making the drinks when he spoke again. “Emin told me what your mother said to you,” he said quietly. I could tell he was trying not to upset me. “You know he was pretty upset with her for saying that stuff. I have to admit I couldn’t honestly believe she said it to you, how are you holding up?”

  I sat down at the table and handed him his drink.

  “I guess I always knew how she felt, but it was a bit of a shock to hear her say it out loud,” I said as I took a sip of my milk.

  “So I guess that’s why you ran off,” he said taking a sip of his milk. “Where did you go?”

  Until this moment I’d forgotten why I was avoiding Zeke, but I decided to tell the truth, it had been working for me so far.

  “I went to Tyler’s, he’s used to this stuff with Mum so I knew he would understand,” I said.

  “Did it help, talking about it with him?” He asked, but I could tell he was being cautious with his questions.

  “A little, I felt better after I cried a bit,” I said.

  “Well, I’m glad he was there for you, especially if he made you feel better,” he said sincerely.

  “Did you… mention anything about us?” He asked warily.

  I answered simply, “Yes, I wanted to be honest with him too.”

  “That’s fair,” he paused for a minute. “So what did he say?” still being careful with his questions.

  “He gave me a few things to think about,” I said.

  “I bet he did,” he said raising his eyebrows. “What did he say to you?”

  “He mentioned that you were…. a little more experienced with this sort of thing compared to me,” I said, now I was being careful.

  “Is that all?” He asked disbelievingly.

  “No, he also mentioned that this might not be a serious thing for you, that you like a lot of girls I guess.” I could tell this comment had hurt him a little.

  “Well, that is a bit to think about, but what matters most is what you think,” he said now looking at me thoughtfully with his beautiful eyes.

  “Well, I think you have been really honest with me, so it’s not that I don’t believe you. It’s just…. well you do always seem to have plenty of female attention. Even at the Sweat Room the other night, there were three of four girls hanging around just like when you were at school. So I guess it leaves me thinking why you would choose me, when you could have anyone you like?” I asked, having another sip of my milk.

  “Hayln, I want to be with you because I have never felt like this about anyone before,” he was talking so fast now it was a little hard to keep up. “Look I know what people think, and I guess it is my fault because I encouraged it. But the truth is, apart from a few awkward dates and some school dances I have never actually been serious about anyone, until now” he said genuinely.

  “So the reputation you have, where did that come from?” I asked innocently.

  “A lot of talk I suppose, I mean at school I always enjoyed getting attention from girls, especially since it seemed to annoy the other guys, but I never acted on it. People just assumed I had, and I let them believe it. Like I said that part is my fault.”

  “So you have never…. been serious with anyone before?” I asked a little disbelieving.

  “If you ar
e asking if I am still a virgin, yes I am – but if you tell anyone that I might have to kill you. I have worked hard to get this reputation you know,” he smiled teasing me.

  “I like the truth better,” I reassured him.

  “You know that actually was the best milk I have ever had,” he said pleasantly surprised as he took our mugs to the sink.

  “I’m glad you liked it,” I said as I stood up.

  “Do you mind if I walk you back to your room?” He held out his hand to me, still teasing me a little.

  “What if Emin or my mother sees you, how will you explain that?” I smiled back at him but had no intention of letting go of his hand.

  “That’s what I was down here thinking about actually, before you came in just now,” he said as we walked to my room slowly. “I was thinking it might be easier if Emin knew how I felt about you.”

  “How so?” I questioned. “Weren’t you worried about how he will react – unwritten law and all that.”

  “Yeah I was, but seeing you so upset and not being able to comfort you the way I want to is worse than what Emin could do to me. I was glad you were able to go to Tyler today, but I have to admit I wished it could have been me,” he said truthfully. “Could I ask another question, if you aren’t too tired?” He said, being careful again now, I nodded for him to proceed.

  “Did you kiss Tyler today?” He couldn’t look directly at me when he asked this and I knew I was about to hurt him, but I couldn’t see a way around it – I wasn’t going to lie.

  “Yes,” I said softly and then waited for him to respond, but he didn’t say anything so I continued. “He thought I needed another option to consider before I make any decisions.”

  “And what was your conclusion after kissing us both?” I could see this was a double edged question for him.

  “Kissing him felt safe,” I said stopping at my doorway and taking his other hand so I was holding both.

  “And kissing you made me feel… alive,” I said looking into his emerald eyes.

  “Well that’s a pretty decent start I suppose,” he said slightly satisfied. “So I guess I’ll just have to find a way for you to feel safe with me too,” he said squeezing me hands softly. “Now you should try and get some rest before your Dad arrives.”

  I started to close the door but reached for him instead.

  “Zeke,” I paused. “I do feel safe with you,” I reassured him as he turned back towards me.

  He was closer to me now than he had been all night and I found it hard to resist.

  “But a little bit of danger never hurt anyone,” I smiled mischievously at him.

  “Really,” he said as he flashed his heart breaking smile.

  We both moved together embracing each other at the same time and then we were kissing, more intensely than we had ever kissed before which took me by surprise. The heat washed through me again as I pulled him towards me falling back into the wall behind me. He lifted me up so I didn’t have to stretch to kiss him as I wrapped my legs around his waist to balance myself. I found myself short of breath but moved my lips to his neck as I didn’t want this to end just yet. His hands held me in a way that made me feel utterly safe and yet dangerously excited all at the same time. My teeth brushed his earlobe, and he sighed deeply.

  “Having fun?” I whispered.

  He brought my lips back to his, kissing me so passionately that I felt a little dizzy when he stopped.

  “I think, you’re the dangerous one Miss Knox,” he said breathlessly. “Not that I’m complaining”.

  It took a moment for me to catch my breath as well. “So I suppose, we should go to bed now,” I said, not really wanting to, but not having any other options.

  “That’s probably what we should do, since your brother is just down the hall,” he said obviously not wanting this moment to end just yet either.

  “That’s true,” I said. “So I guess I’ll see you in the morning then.”

  “I’m not leaving Hayl’s, not unless you ask me to,” he assured me.

  He let go of my hands so I could go back to my room. I was just starting to close the door when he said, “and if you ask me, after that kiss, I don’t think Tyler stands a chance. Sweet dreams Hayl’s.” I could hear the smile in his voice and felt the same smile reflected on my face as I started to realize the truth in what he said.

  I checked my phone before I got into bed. There were no missed calls, so I lay down and went to sleep hoping I would dream of that kiss with Zeke, and not have another nightmare.

  When I woke the sun was only just coming up, I quickly reached for my phone – no messages, so I dialed his number but it didn’t ring. I got up and pulled my hair back out of my face and went downstairs. There didn’t seem to be anyone up so I was surprised when I saw my mother in the kitchen. For a fleeting moment, I thought of leaving again, but then rethought it. It is my home after all, so I went to the fridge and grabbed the orange juice.

  “Morning Hayln, did you get much sleep?” she asked pleasantly, obviously making an effort.

  “A bit,” I replied. Acting like her presence in my house didn’t bother me. “What about you?”

  “Not really, this isn’t like him. Not even to call I mean,” she said.

  “I know, I’m worried too,” I agreed. At least they were starting to take this more seriously.

  We sat together for a while saying nothing, she played with her food a little but didn’t try to start a conversation with me. Her face still looked hard when I decided to ask her a question.

  “Do you still love Dad?” I asked not giving her any warning, I wanted to see her reaction. She didn’t seem surprised though.

  “Yes, I still love him, but it’s not as simple as that Hayln,” she explained. “Your father and I have certain issues that aren’t going to go away.”

  “I don’t suppose you will tell me what they are?” I asked.

  “Not now Hayln, but maybe one day,” she said as her face softened a little.

  The boys arrived in the kitchen only moments later, “no word from Dad then?” Emin asked.

  “Nothing yet,” I replied catching Zeke’s eye as he sat down at the table.

  “So what are we going to do then, we just can’t keep waiting around for him doing nothing,” he exclaimed. Obviously everyone had now decided that something was wrong.

  “Well, I have been thinking about that,” my mother said. “I am going to start by calling some of his old friends, starting with Able Crowson, and you three are going to your classes.”

  “No way,” I spat out.

  “Me either, I am not leaving, I want to help,” Emin said.

  “And what about you Zeke?” My mother asked although she knew what he would say.

  “I am staying with these two,” he said confidently.

  “I thought as much,” she said. “Well once you have all finished breakfast, go have showers, you look as if you’ve been up all night.”

  My eyes flicked to Zeke's again, but didn’t say anything, none of us did. We all finished and went upstairs.

  I had finished in the shower and got dressed in my blue jeans and my favorite t-shirt when I remembered I had promised to meet Tyler before school. So I grabbed my mobile and dialed his number. He picked it up in two rings.

  “Hayln, are you okay?” He asked quickly.

  “Fine Tyler. It’s just that Dad’s still not home, and I am going to stay here and try and find him,” I said very matter of factly.

  “I can come over and help,” he said, but the last thing I needed was him and Zeke in the same room today.

  “No, it’s fine Tyler really. Emin, Mum and Zeke are all here. Besides Aunt Maive would flip her lid if she knew you missed even one class.” He didn’t like it, but he knew I was right.

  “Well, I will come over right after school okay,” he said. I knew I wouldn’t be able to argue with him about this, so I agreed.

  “Alright, I will see you then, hopefully I will have some news,” I said.<
br />
  “Take it easy Hayln, it will be okay.”

  “Bye Tyler,” I said as I turned the phone off.

  When I got downstairs everyone was waiting for me.

  “We thought you would want to be here when your mum rings this Able Crowson guy,” Zeke said.

  “Thanks,” I said smiling.

  My mum pulled a notebook from her handbag and flicked through to find the right page. “Here it is,” she said as she grabbed her phone.

  Just then we heard a car come to a sudden stop outside the house, and we raced to the window. We all saw the same thing, my father getting pushed out of the back seat of a car. He was getting knocked around by some burly guy I had never seen before and then we saw my father’s face. Bloody and beaten down the left side and he also seemed to be struggling to stand up straight.

  I didn’t need to see anymore, I raced to the door. By the time I was outside, the man who pushed Dad from the car was getting back in saying, “you have 48 hours Knox – no more,” and then he drove away. I was on the ground with my father in my arms as the rest of my family raced out to meet me with their mouths open in shock. I looked down at my father – his blood was everywhere.

  Explanation

  My mother raced inside to get a medical kit as Emin and Zeke propped Dad up on their shoulder, and brought him inside to the lounge. Mum had already covered a lounge with a sheet and had the medical kit ready, along with ice and bottle of bourbon.

  She attended to his head wound first because it was bleeding badly.

  “It isn’t as bad as it looks,” she reassured us. “Head wounds bleed easily, but this doesn’t look too deep.

  She cleaned the wound well, taped and bandaged it. She then washed his face, cleaning all the blood from his hair and skin, he looked much better.

  “Now tell me where else it hurts,” she said to Dad. “Is it just your ribs?”

  My father spoke for the first time, his voice rough from his dry throat. “Yes, just my ribs,” he confirmed.

  “Hayln, go get him a drink of water,” my mother said.

  But Zeke’s hand found my shoulder. “You stay here with him, I’ll get the water.”