Page 43 of Kings Don't Break

I nod, but I haven’t taken my eyes off the window. My glare’s set on that police cruiser idling at the curb, my rage flowing through me.

I meant what I’ve said—if Ken Stricklin wants to fuck with us, if he dares hurt Korine again, I’m going to fuck him up. I’m going to end him.

10

KORINE

“Baby, come away from the window,” Mama says. She’s nestled into the deep cushions of Blake’s recliner, her short legs dangling.

I tear myself away from peeking out for the hundredth time since Blake left. I’m a living, breathing contradiction; so shattered and grief-stricken, I don’t know what to do or say. I don’t know how to act. I’m confused and anxious. Devastated and regretful. Frustrated at my lack of clarity and strength.

All I want to do is hide away. From everyone… including Mama.

My hand comes up to touch my face, and my stomach churns at the grotesque feel of my lumpy, swollen skin. I’ve been avoiding my reflection for this reason—seeing the damage done breaks me down even more.

“Listen, Korine,” Mama says when I take a seat and join her. “We’re not going back, baby. That was the last time. I don’t care about the medical problems or the money issues we’ll have. We’ll figure it out together.”

“You remember?”

Her face dims and then she gives a nod. “I won’t ever forget that man knocking my baby down. Look what he’s done to my beautiful daughter’s face. You can’t, baby… you can’t go back.”

“Mama, I’ve got no money. I’ve got nothing.” My voice breaks, unable to keep speaking.

She reaches for my hand. Her warm touch soothes even if just a little. “We’ll take it a day at a time. Blake wants to help. We need to let him.”

My phone buzzes, alerting me to a voice message that’s been left.

I don’t need to see the number to know who it is—I blocked Ken’s number, which means any attempt of his to call goes straight to voicemail. But I still get the messages. I still receive his dozen-odd voice recordings.

“Just delete that dang message,” Mama says. “We don’t need to hear a word he’s got to say.”

“It could be important.”

I pick up my phone and press the button to play back his recording on speaker.

“Kor,” comes Ken’s voice. It’s deeper than usual, as though weighted down by guilt and regret. “Kor, pick up the phone. We’ve got to talk about this. We can do it wherever you want. Tell me where and when. Things got out of hand, but please don’t play these games. Don’t shut me out. I’ve been driving all over town looking for you. I don’t want anything bad happening while you’re upset and on your own. You know you never think straight in these situations. Just let me know you and Sunny are okay, alright?”

The beep cuts him off as more emotion swells in his tone.

Mom swats her hand at my phone. “That fool won’t trick me. He can kiss my big, fat behind.”

“He’s been driving around looking for us. I wonder if he’s figured out we’re here yet.”

“It don’t matter. He’s pretending like he’s concerned. If he was so god damn concerned, then maybe he should’ve kept his hands to himself!”

“Mama, calm down or you’ll make yourself sick.”

“Delete that message.”

My gaze slides to my phone screen where Ken’s voicemail is pulled up. More notifications come in. He’s sent a slew of texts, begging me to answer and let him know I’m okay.

Kor… where are you?????

I’ve driven around for hours. Kor, come home.

You’re really going to ignore me? We’ve both made mistakes. I’m worried sick. Let’s talk about it.

In the past, when I’ve walked out and the texts and calls started rolling in, I wound up responding. He’d track me down, and I’d return home hoping we’d finally fixed our problems. Our marriage was still salvageable.