Day 44

Tripoli and Polk were sitting near Kyle's bed like how I usually do. They were speaking in hushed and energetic whispers before realizing I've arrived.

"What's all this secrecy I feel in the air?" I asked aloud.

"Kyle keeps on insisting I should not only continue my love of music but also audition in plays as well," replied Polk with a frown. "Even though I don't want to act."

Tripoli pats Polk's back as she said, "Don't worry, Polk. You don't have to do everything Kyle says. He's not God."

"True," said Kyle before smirking. "But since I am meeting God soon, wouldn't you like me to put in a good word for you?" I shake my head while Polk snickers and Tripoli gasps.

"With talk like that you won't be meeting God but the devil," Tripoli replied.

"Then I'll be in good company," he answered. "Anyway, do as I say or I won't vouch for you when you die, Polk."

Polk does a two fingered salute, "Yessir!"

"Children! You're all children!" shrieked Tripoli as she started walking towards the door.

I didn't jump at the door slamming for the very first time. That was the moment I've realized I've been getting to know not only Kyle but his friends extremely well.

"She meant both of you," I added aloud.

"Says the girl who still makes birthday cards," said Kyle as Polk looked worriedly at the door.

"I'm gonna check on Tree and make sure she doesn't damage a vending machine or something." He got up from his chair and exited Kyle's room, causing the door to slam again.

Kyle looked at the door for a moment before sighing. "Not that I don't mind."

"Huh?"

"Oh. I don't mind that you still make birthday cards like a kid would. I loved them all, even the ones I didn't agree with." I handed him the one I made for his fourty-fourth birthday after he said that.

On the inside of the card, I carefully traced my hand. Kyle cleared his throat before reading.

"You dazzle everyone you meet with the electric purple nails you had done at a fathers and daughters get together. You rock them like the boss you are." Kyle chuckled. "Why didn't I pick electric blue like a real rockstar would?"

I replied with, "It was the daughters choice, not the fathers. Speaking of..." I rifled through my backpack and pulled out what I brought from home. "If you want, I can paint your nails electric purple."

"Okay Renata, do me," said Kyle as he fanned one of his hands on top of the table near his bed.

Which is how Kyle had purple nails and how Tripoli managed to take pictures of the evidence when her and Polk came back.