The Source

A Kaylee and Kevin Short Story

“I know. I was stupid, but it’s been a week,” Kevin pleaded. “Surely, I’ve suffered enough. I swear it wasn’t intentional. It was just a really stupid mistake. I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”

Kaylee stared back at her boyfriend, mercy not being in evidence. He was sitting on her bed, torso bent over in a miserable slump, his hands twisting in his lap.

“Please? I swear I didn’t run out. I was rationing it—just like I promised. It’s just — I couldn’t bring my supply on the bus. I’m begging you. I’ll get down on my knees if I have to.”

Kaylee scoffed, swiveling back and forth in her desk chair, arms crossed. “Yeah, I don’t need to be seeing that. I told you that stuff was addictive; you just wouldn’t listen.”

“Yes, I know. You’re always right. I’m always wrong,” Kevin replied, sarcasm lacing his words. “Oh,” he continued, his face shifting to worry.

“Sorry, that was mean. As soon as I said it, I knew it was mean. See what’s happening? I didn’t listen to you and now I’m paying the price. I’m becoming one of those people. What if you can’t stand to be around me anymore? What if I flunk out my first semester? I’m having trouble concentrating in class. And what about my handwriting? I’m getting tremors. I can barely read my notes.”

He held out his hand, which looked pretty steady from where she was sitting.

“Your handwriting has always been atrocious,” she told him, dismissing his displayed hand as irrelevant, although maybe it was shaking just a little. “Why don’t you take notes on your laptop? You have it with you all the time.”

“I can’t type that fast,” he muttered. “I’ve got a condition where I need to fix every typo as soon as I type it. It slows me down too much.”

“Look, sweetie, I know you’re irritable right now. That’s understandable in your condition. And I don’t think you could be mean if you tried. Look, it’s not that I’m not sympathetic,” she assured him. “But the supply isn’t infinite. And my contact has his own needs.”

“I know. I wouldn’t be bothering you if I had any other way. But the market’s entirely dried up. You’re the only one left. I mean, there are still a few online auctions, but I’m not made of gold. I checked out the health clinic, but they don’t pay for donations of blood — and stuff. At this point, I am desperate enough to consider selling off body parts. I’ve never even seen a spleen, how important can it be? I’ve tried to get by on the weak stuff, but there’s a definite point of diminishing returns. And, regardless, it’s just not cutting it. I fell asleep in Physics this morning.”

“At eight a.m.?” Kaylee scoffed. “I’m not surprised. You’re a night person. I told you to wait until you could get one of the afternoon sessions.”

“They conflict with Calculus. And I have to take both. I think they’re trying to weed out the unworthy. But, with modern chemistry, I can beat them at their own game. Help me, Kaylee Louise Tranter. You’re my only hope.”

Kaylee sighed and snatched up her phone.

“Thanks, babe,” Kevin said with a heartfelt sigh, though he continued to wring his hands. “I owe you an infinite…”

Kaylee raised a finger to shush him and placed the phone to her ear.

“Oh, hi! Yeah, it’s me. I thought I’d just be leaving you a message. Yeah, Uni’s great. Meeting a lot of new people. Having loads of fun. Okay, yeah. Got it. I’ll make a note: Improve lying skills. No, really, it’s not that bad. Just lots of work and stress. And speaking of lots of work, is there any way you can get me a shipment? Yes, I know it’s only been a week. No, my heart is fine. Mom made me have a full physical before she let me come here. No, I’m not having cognitive issues. Who even asks something like that? Do. Re. Mi. Fa. Sol. La. Ti. Do. Do. Ti. La. Sol. Fa. Mi. Re. Do. Satisfied? Uno. Dos. Tres — wait, are you just messing with me? Damn it! Look, it’s not for me, it’s for a friend.”

She paused to give Kevin a significant look.

“No, he’s trustworthy. He’s just had supply chain disruptions. No, he’s good for it. Right, Valrhona. Quarter kilo. Yep, Mom set me up with an Oronoco Premium account. It should be in your hands by tomorrow evening. Right! Great talking to you too! We need to have a get-together. Yes, him too. No, Old Ball and Chain is no longer acceptable language. You’re not that old. Say hi to Lessa. Yes, and Emily. Of course, I meant Emily. Thanks, Chris. You’re the best.”

“What did he say?” Kevin asked as soon as she disconnected. “He’s going to help? But isn’t he in Boston? How long will it take? Can it be mailed safely? I can spring for FedEx. They do an excellent job packing fragile items. Sorry, I’m babbling. I can’t begin to describe how desperate I’m getting. I never knew caffeine withdrawal could be so horrible.”

Kaylee smiled back at him.

“It’s going to be alright. Chris knows a guy. I’ll have two six-packs of Jolt Cola for you first thing in the morning. But it has to last you the rest of the month.”

Kevin sighed and his whole frame visibly relaxed.

“Oh, babe, I could kiss you.”

Kaylee playfully swiveled her chair back and forth.

“Then why aren’t you?”