Later that evening I find myself sitting alone in my room listening to music as I work on some more homework. After Charlie unleashed the news that she wouldn't be coming over I took it easy at the library, not as set on finishing everything right there.

My parents had both been a little upset when they heard that Charlie was unable to come over because of sudden Student council duties. I was right there with them because, had Charlie been here, I'm sure that our dinner wouldn't have been as quiet as it was.

Or as unsettling. I really hope they get over whatever it is that's bothering them.

I sigh as I lean back in my chair and stretch my arms over my head. My back cracks and I relax until I hear,

"Kim, can you come downstairs please?" My eyes go to the opened entrance in the floor of the attic. A heavy sigh escapes me as I close my large calculous book.

This can't be good.

I thought as I stand from my desk. Whenever mom calls me down from my room with that cold tone of voice a furious blizzard could only be waiting at the end of it. The thought alone has me shuddering in anticipation of what I'm about to walk into.

Downstairs my mother stands in the living room. My father stands beside her. Just from the atmosphere alone, I can tell absolutely nothing is okay.

A huge part of me wants to stay standing, but another part of me knows that they want me to sit down, per the usual whenever we have these little family meetings. I can't help but take note that they've been happening more and more recently. Especially over the smallest of things like someone not doing the dishes or vacuuming. From the pained and angered expressions on both my parent's faces, however, I know this won't be something small like that.

"Your father and I are getting a divorce." The bluntness of the statement hits me like a sack of bricks to the gut. I'm completely caught off guard and it takes me a moment to regain myself.

"Tabitha!" My father hisses at her. "Do you really need to say it like that?" I recoil at the cold tone in his voice. I've never heard him speak like that before. Especially to my mother. Now that I get a better look at him, though, I've never seen my father look more like a stranger than he does now.

His light brown hair has more grey in it than it used too. More wrinkles from exhaustion seem to have taken up residence on his face as well. Dark circles seem to be permanently painted under his eyes. He also seems to have lost a great deal of weight, looking lankier than he did even two weeks ago.

My mother is the same. Like a stranger to me. Almost colder and more closed off in a sense.

"-ly. Kimberly, do you understand?" My mother asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I blink once, twice, three times before I feel like I'm really with them again.

"What?" My mother just sighs and runs fingers through the same amber locks of hair I inherited from her. My stomach knots at the sight.

She only does that when she's getting annoyed or agitated. I shouldn't make this situation anymore worse than what it is.

I push down any feelings of turmoil I have.

Later.

I thought.

I can feel later.

A smile I don't truly feel finds it's way onto my face as I look at both of my parents.

"I know this is going to be hard for a while, but I only want you two to be happy so, if doing this will accomplish that, then I understand why it needs to be done." My parents seem shocked by this. I just hold my smile as I stand up. Tucking some of my own hair behind my ear I continue, "I don't really want to chose who to live with right now. Honestly, I'd just like some time to myself so this can all really sink in. Could we talk more tomorrow?" Both of my parents, still struck at my calm demeanor, just nod and I take that as my opportunity to make a quick escape.

I dart for the stairs and all the way up to the attic where my room resides. As soon as I make it up the ladder, I pull it up and lock the door. Just as the latch clicks into place my phone vibrates and I dive for it on my bed.

S.O.S! I need you!

I send to my closest childhood friend. They're the only ones I can rely on right now.

Why couldn't Charlie be here now?

I squeeze my eyes shut as I hold the phone to my chest in a death grip.

If she were here, none of this would be happening right now.

Five minutes later and there's still no reply to my message. My anxiety is starting to get out of control and I find myself pacing my room as the conversation from earlier replays in my head.

"A divorce. They're getting a freaking divorce. Why didn't I ever notice? Am I just that stupid? Am I just that moronic? God, how could I not have noticed? It must be because of me. It has to be. I think this all started when I brought home that really bad test grade." The words just seem to continuously leak from my mouth like water from a faucet. They won't stop and I find myself unable to calm down.

Of course, it's because of me. Miss Know-It-All my ass. If I was really her I'm sure I would have seen this coming.

All of a sudden a hand comes down on my shoulder, stopping me from moving altogether. I jump, startled and whirl around just as I'm pulled flush against their chest. The scent of sandalwood and mint engulfs me and I'm instantly calmer than before.

My hands come up and curl into his shirt as I pull him closer to me. My eyes flutter close and I lean into his warmth. His protection.

"It's okay now. Calm down. It'll all be alright, Kim." He said, his voice soft. There's a hypnotic note to it that calms my erratic heartbeat. I burrow my head deeper into Kieth's chest and I'm sure his shirt will be permanently rumpled once I let go.

"What took you so long, Keith?" I asked, my voice muffled by his shirt.

"When you sent me the text I was still in the shower. I only saw it after I got out, then I rushed here like a bat outta hell." I move my head so that I can look around him to the opened window my bed sits under. Then, my eyes travel up and up and up until they meet his almond-colored ones. I notice that his hair is indeed damp.

A droplet of water falls onto my nose and I can't stop the smile that upturns the corners of my mouth. Keith returns my smile and taps me on the nose before getting serious.

"Tell me what happened." I look away, unable to meet Keith's eyes now. He gently pulls away from our hug, untangling my fingers from his shirt and entwining them through his own before leading me towards my bed. We climb onto it and sit across from each other.

For a long time, neither of us talk. Unconsciously, I start playing with my fiery locks of hair.

"My parents are getting divorced." I finally mumble out. Keith doesn't shout or become enraged or is even shocked which doesn't surprise me.

Of course. He's always been smart. He probably saw it coming from a mile away while I was just blissfully living in ignorance.

I click my tongue in annoyance at the thought but don't voice anything. I continue to play with my hair until Keith's hand comes up to stop me. I look up at him from beneath my lashes.

"I'm sorry." I don't know why it's those two words that do me in, but they do. Tears well up within my eyes and spill over. I bow my head, unable to meet Keith's eyes once again. He doesn't say anything as he silently pulls me towards him and onto his lap.

"I just don't understand. Why? What happened? Is it because I'm just incompetent? Am I just stupid? It's all my fault, right?"

"It could never be your fault, Kim. Never in a million years. This is between your parents. It doesn't have anything to do with you." I curl my hand into a fist, gripping onto his shirt once more.

"Yeah, but you don't know that Keith. I'm such a failure as their kid. I just wish I could be better." Keith turns me in his lap and forces me to meet his eyes.

"You are better, Kim. You're the best you possible and I wouldn't have it any other way." I try to look away, but Keith only cups my face with both his hands. He gives me a small smile as he says, "You aren't getting away that easily. Not until I'm done. You're amazing, Kim. Actually, you're more than amazing. If you weren't, well I wouldn't be here right now, would I? We've been together through everything and we'll absolutely get through this together as well. No matter what, I'm here for you and, even if it's hard to talk to them now, I know your mom and dad are here for you too." I can feel my lip trembling and I bite down on it hard enough to draw blood, trying to stop myself from crying again.

"But-but I'm such a-"

"Great person." Keith said, cutting me off completely and smiling widely. "You're a great person whom I'll always believe in and be with for the rest of my life."

"You really mean it, Keith? You'll be here forever?" Keith's eyes grow kinder if at all possible and he leans forward before placing a gentle kiss on my heated forehead.

"With all my heart."

Kim and Keith's story is complete! So, were you shocked? I really wanted the reveal of the divorce to just hit people like it hit Kim. She had absolutely no idea it was coming and it just completely blindsided her which is what I was going for. If you enjoyed this story hit that star button and drop a comment below. I love hearing from you! Until the next story, Bookoholic's!