Malory and Kyle must participate in the annual April Fest production as the leading co-stars. If they can cooperate by the end of the production, their long records of uncivilized behaviour towards each other will be forgotten. 
Malory and Kyle attempt to cooperate, grabbing the opportunity to make a positive impact on their own future. In the process, they become entangled in the chaos of the other’s personal life. Malory learns of Kyle’s disturbing reality, and Kyle learns of Malory’s scarring past. Can these two brilliant but messy teens learn to rely on each other in the face of their silent battles?

Between The Lines

 The table is quiet as Ron and Olivia sit beside each other –opposite to me- eating their lunches. 


 “I’m surprised you didn’t yell at me for cursing at Kyle,” I say, not looking at Olivia. 


 “I didn’t have a reason to,” she says, carefully. 


 “Why is the lunch table so quiet today?” I ask. “Do you both think I’ll explode and walk away again?” I try to make it sound like a joke, but I can’t bring myself to smile. 


 “I’m sorry,” a voice says behind me. 


 I stop stabbing the fork at my macaroni pie. 


 I don’t turn to look at him. “For what?” I ask, “Or is that none of my business, either?” 


 “Who said you were welcome to sit?” Ron asks him. 


 “Shut up, Ron. I’m trying to apologize,” Kyle says. 


 “Yea. By talking to your best friend like that,” Olivia says. 


 Kyle exhales sharply and shuts his eyes for a moment. “Yes. I know I haven’t been myself since the start of this term...” he says, pausing to choose his words carefully, “but... you have to believe me when I say that... I wasn’t planning for this term to be… the way that it’s turning out.” 


 “My uncle has me doing a lot more now,” he says. “He’s busier… and I have to do so much for him and for myself, too. I- I’m just… tired.” 


 “That doesn’t explain the bruises,” Ron tells him. 


 “If I tell you why I have them,” he pauses, “you have to promise me not to ask for an elaboration on the subject.” 


 “Fine. I promise. Whatever.” Ron says. 


 “I had a debt to repay,” Kyle says. “And I didn’t pay it off in time.” 


 “A debt?” I ask, raising a brow. “Really?” 


 “Yes, Lloyd, really,” he tells me, annoyed. 


 “Tragic, really,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Is that all you’re going to say?” 


 He turns to a disappointed Ron. “I told you I’d be more open with you –but I can’t tell you everything at once.” 


 “You can, actually,” Ron says. “But whatever. Take your time.” 


 Kyle sulks. “So do you all forgive me, then? I can’t have Ron staying mad at me –and Olivia is the only person who cares enough to keep my notes –and I have to get along with you, Malory, for the play, so...” 


 “I forgive you. But you’re still a dick,” Ron tells him. 


 “I agree,” I say, nodding with a pout. 


 “I’ve never hated you,” Olivia says. “I’m cool with whatever.” 


 Kyle huffs out a relieved smile. “Thank you,” he says, lowly. “So, Lloyd,” he says, lifting his spirit, “What do you say we actually start rehearsing for this thing?” 


 He doesn’t sound frustrated or mad when he says it, but instead hopeful. Like he genuinely wants to make the effort, and get things done the right way. 


 He offers me a small smile and the plaster on his lip stretches a bit. It looks as though it hurts –and I watch it hoping he doesn’t go through anything worse. I find myself being grateful that he took out the snakebites. I don’t think he’ll be needing them anymore –and once his lip heals completely, I think he’ll be better off without them. 


 He’d definitely look better without them. 


 “About damned time, Davidson,” I say, shoving him away slightly with my shoulder and smiling as I get back to stabbing my lunch.


The Return [7]