Page 34 of Mika's Heart

Chapter 8

Mika

The entire ride back from the celebration, I didn’t say one word to him.

If Atka noticed something was wrong he never once asked. Has this all been a game to him?

The way that woman wrapped herself around him made me want to puke and he didn’t do anything to stop her.

Once we arrive back at our apartment, I decide to take Comet for a walk.

After about an hour of wandering aimlessly I find myself outside of my brother’s house.

Watching through the window I feel like an outsider.

Taylor has his arms wrapped around Arin and they are dancing to music I can’t hear.

Is it wrong to want that for myself? Someone to love me, someone to hold me and put me above everyone else?

I found my brother but he has his own family.

He would probably hate it if he knew I feel like an outsider but that’s what I am always on the outside.

Turning to wipe the tears from my eyes, I start to walk away but arms reach around me and pull me back. I start to panic until I realize it’s my brother.

“What’s wrong?” He asks dragging me inside.

“I want to go home.” I blurt out stunning myself.

There is no good reason for me to go back to Ohio but I can’t stay here and watch Atka with other women.

“Can you?” I start. “Can you get me a ticket to Ohio? I can pay you back, please.” I beg.

“First of all, if I buy you a ticket you will not pay me back. You are my sister; I will get you anything you need. Second, why? Have I done something or did Arin make you feel unwanted?”

“No, no please it’s nothing either of you have done. I just ... I need to go, please don’t make me explain.” I answer.

Just then Arin enters the room, “I’m sorry I was trying to give you some privacy but I couldn’t help overhear you. You realize if you leave now, you’ll have to start your apprenticeship all over again?”

“I can’t stay, please don’t make me stay.” I sob.

“Well.” Arin draws out dramatically. “What if instead of going back to Ohio, you go to White Summer? Let me call Fiona to make sure it’s okay.”

Before I even answer her, she’s got her cell phone to her ear.

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