12: Opportunity
1263 Words
Family. That word tasted bitter in my mouth. For as long as I can remember, I have had no family. The only family I know is Xena. My father hates me. So much so that I could feel it every time he looked at me. It’s my fault for killing my mother, I get it. But at the same time, it wasn’t.
I’ve heard of how fathers and daughters bonded at the death of the wife. But not in my case. And Trina? She was the torn in my flesh.
The buried memories of my family made my heartbeat escalate. I unconsciously gripped the napkin on the table.
It wasn’t until I felt Aide’s hand on mine that I snapped out of my reverie.
“It’s fine if you don’t want to talk about it,” he smiled with pity in his gaze.
I looked away from him and brought my hands to my thigh. I didn’t need his pity. I didn’t need anyone’s pity. I might lie to myself that I’m fine whenever the mention of my family is brought up. But I wasn’t. I craved family love. The kind of love Father gives Trina. I am his daughter too. But I guess I lost that privilege the night my mother died.
I cleared my throat, thinking of clear skies and flowers, “it’s okay. I’m fine.” I lied to Aide looking at him. His eyes were too focused on me, it made me a little uncomfortable.
I shifted in my seat as I continued, “No, it’s fine. I have a stepsister, a stepmother, and a dad. My mother died when I was being born.”
“My goodness,” his voice took on a soft edge, “I’m so sorry Summer. I had no idea.”
“It’s fine really. I’m used to people getting this kind of reaction. At least I’m not dead,” I chuckled mirthlessly trying to lighten the atmosphere.
Soon, the waiter came and delivered our orders. We settled into less serious topics. And I found out the Aide is in our school. He’s in the junior class. But we’re age mates. He had to repeat a class because he had to take a year off to attend an academy outside the pack.
“It was nice having you, Summer. I hope we get to do this another time,” Aide held my hand in his and looked into my eyes when we were in his car.
I smiled although it didn’t reach my eyes. I felt guilty for being uncomfortable held by him. He was a nice guy. But I hated people touching me.
Removing my hand from his, I acted like I was checking a message on my phone so I could get my hand back. I doubted I wanted to do this a second time.
“It was nice having you too,” I replied and got out of his car. He started the car and drove off.
I couldn’t register saying no to Aide from dropping me off. He was insistent on doing so. And saying no to him multiple times made him sad. I felt another pang of guilt at that so I had to reluctantly agree. Although I had him drop me at a conspicuous location not too far from Kane’s home.
The last thing I wanted was for him to know I lived with Kane.
I walked to Kane’s house with a heavy heart. The talk of my family weighed heavily on me. Especially after I found out that Aide is an only child and he was doted on by both parents. During lunch, they had called up more times to make sure he was okay. Father had never done that for me.
I think he knew how it affected me. So he had to put his phone in silence. I felt bad for his parents. He didn’t have to do that. Because I’m unfortunate in this life about a family doesn’t mean he has to too.
I was so engrossed in my thoughts I didn't notice Derek walking towards me with a huge smile on his face.
“Summer,” he called with a smile. I stifled hearing the unmistakable sound of his voice.
I looked at him, my heart freezing. There he was looking at me like he owned me, like he could control me with a twist of his fingers. How bold of him to think he could get me again.
“Derek,” I called his name back with a small fake smile of my own when all I wanted to do was turn my back on him and walk off. But I was curious as to what he would say this time.
“Good thing I’m home right now. You would have missed me if you came like five minutes later,” he walked closer to me, thinking I came here for him.
Good thing he didn’t know I lived with Kane yet. I guess Trina mustn’t have told him she found me training by Kane’s field.
I smirked, half-assed that he thought I came for him, “I’m not here for you.”
“Then why are you here?”
“I believe it’s none of your business,” I began walking away, my curiosity for what he wanted gone. However, I heard his footsteps follow me. He wasn’t giving up so soon. How persistent. Makes me remember the time he chased me. Only now circumstances were different. And I’m wiser.
“You can’t walk out on me Summer, I said I’m sorry about what happened between us. I was lured by my friends,” he grabbed my hand, turning me around.
Gasp left my lips at the audacity of him touching me. The anger I had never felt for him came rushing down and I pushed him away. He appeared hurt when I looked into his eyes. But I could see the shock more.
“Summer…” he breathed out, unable to complete the sentence.
A small part of me still pitied him. But as soon as it came, I pushed it back, reminding myself of how I was humiliated that day.
“Derek. I’ve had a shitty and tiring day. I need to rest,” I turned around again, unable to keep looking into the eyes that I once believed looked at me with love.
“Why are you tired?”
Scoffing, I stopped to look back at him, I realized he was wearing the basketball practice uniform, “I have blood flowing through my veins. I’m not an object and tend to get tired like everyone else,” I deadpanned, getting annoyed in real time.
“Did you go on a date with someone?” His eyes roamed my body, “you’re dressed rather nicely for anything else.”
“What if I say yes?”
I watched him look away from me as his jaw worked. But when he looked over at me, a smile was replaced on his face. Which soon turned into a grimace. I could see his fingers flexed from anger at where he was holding his duffel training bag.
“What else do you want me to do to convince you that I’m changed and a good person?”
I thought for a while, my smirk widening as an idea came to mind.
“Anything?” I asked to be sure and he nodded his head, his eyes intent. My smirk widened into a full smile, almost splitting my face into two.
- Writer
