Free Wanting You by Danyell Wallace Page B

of hand.” I say to myself. I scroll through my contact list and find my dad's number and I call to get flight information. After I end the call, I cut my phone off and toss it on the pillow. I lay down and stare at the ceiling. Then I close my eyes.
     
    ~ ~ ~
     
    Tamia
     
    My mom and I walk into the house from our trip to the grocery store. I lay the bags that I have in my hands on the counter and go to the den to check on Kellen.
     
    “Hey daddy. Where's Kellen?”
     
    “Hey sweetie.” He says watching the game. “At half time, he went upstairs, and never returned.”
     
    “Okay, thanks. I'll go upstairs and check on him.”
     
    “Okay, let him know that the third quarter is about to end. Touchdown!” He yells. “Yes!” He continues to cheer.
     
    I leave the den and head upstairs. When I get to his room I find Kellen laying on his bed fast asleep.
     
    “Kellen.” I say walking closer to him. When I don't get a response, I gently nudge his knee, and he slowly opens his eyes and looks at me.
     
    “Hey, are you feeling okay?” I ask concerned.
     
    He stretches and sits up. “Yeah I'm fine, I had a slight headache, but I'm good now.”
     
    I walk closer to him, and run my hands through his hair.
     
    “My dad said the third quarter was about to end, if you wanted to head back downstairs to catch the rest of the game.”
     
    “Thanks babe, I'll head back down in a few. Our plane leaves at 10 am tomorrow.”
     
    “Good. I miss being here with my parents and all, but I'm ready to get back to school. Are you sure you're okay?”
     
    “Yeah, why wouldn't I be?” He says standing.
     
    “You look like you have a lot on your mind. That's all.”
     
    “No I'm good.” He says walking past me. I'm going to finish watching the game with your dad, okay?” He says over his shoulders.
     
    “Okay, have fun.” I say mostly to myself.
     
    ~ ~ ~
     
    That night Kellen and I slept in separate rooms, not because we were afraid of getting caught by my parents. No, I thought it was best because I believed Kellen needed some space to think over whatever was bothering him. The next morning after packing, I go to his room to find that it's already empty, and he is nowhere in sight.  I go downstairs and find him in the kitchen with my mom and dad engrossed in what seemed like a serious conversation. When they see me, they stop talking.
     
    “Good morning.” I say looking at them strangely.
     
    Kellen gets up from the table and walks in my direction. He places his hands on my face and stares down at me. After several seconds he leans his head down, and lovingly places a kiss against my lips. Until a throat clears behind him.
     
    “That's enough young man.” My dad says. “That better be all you're doing to my daughter.”
     
    “O hush! Leave your daughter alone.” I hear my mom say.
     
    “I love you.” Kellen whispers against my lips. Then he leans down and takes my bag from my hands and takes it outside to our rental.
     
    “Sweetheart, I'm going to miss you.” My mom says walking to me and embraces me in a tight hug. “You take care of yourself. We'll see you at Christmas time.”
     
    “Move women. Let me hug my daughter.” My dad says from behind my mom.
     
    “You just wait until she leaves this house.” My mom says pointing a finger at my dad.
     
    “I can't wait.” He responds wiggling his brows.
     
    “Gross! Wait until I leave.” I laugh.
     
    “Don't act like that. That's what people who love each other do.” He says hugging me. “I'm looking forward to your next trip home young lady. Keep your head in the books and make sure that young man outside treats you right. Do you hear me?”
     
    “Yes daddy. I hear you. I love you guys.” I say squeezing my dad tight.
     
    “We love you too Tamia.” He responds.
     
    I hear the front door close then Kellen reappears.
     
    “Kellen.” My dad says turning his focus on him. I appreciate everything that you and your family have