Michael's Story

Chapter 23

For the first time, the silence between them wasn't as comfortable as before; This kind of quietness made both Michael and Junie uneasy. The smooth sound of the tires rolling against the concrete replaced the conversation. Junie felt compelled to speak, but her words got lost in her cluttered mind.

On the other hand, Michael had nothing to say to Junie except one thing. It was clear what he needed to do next. Gerardo tried to have him killed because of something Pablo put him in the middle of. It was time for Michael to show them exactly who they were dealing with. Even with how he felt about Junie, he knew that staying away from her was the best way to protect her.

Michael was already taking risks by being seen with her in the Hood. Still, he knew that no matter what the people knew about him, they had enough respect to never give up information about him. With Julian and Travis around, people were often reminded of Michael's presence. Before Alejo and Gerardo could catch wind of his budding relationship with Junie, he'd have to end it.

Pulling to the curb, Michael shifted the car's gear. Junie kept her eyes low and her lips pursed. Junie sat still for a few more seconds waiting for the words to come. Junie perked up once she figured out what to say. But when she opened her mouth to speak but Michael cut her off.

"I think I need space for a while," Michael said sternly.

Junie stammered, "If-if this is about what just happened, I don't feel any way about it. I..." she lost her words again.

Michael shook his head as he looked away, "I don't think this will work."

"Okay, but —"

"I just can't do it," Michael added.

"But, Michael,"

"Junie, I got way too much going on." So Michael increased his volume a notch.

Those words stung Junie. Michael took her up high and brought her back down quickly. Junie saw all the potential in their relationship but couldn't make him see things through her eyes. Her heart got heavier the more prolonged Michael's serious gaze burned right through her.

"So, flip on me....just like that?"

"Flip on you? I said this last night, too."

"You also said that you want to see where this goes. That I'm the only person you want. What about that?"

"If any of that mattered, we would be together. But, unfortunately, it's not that simple. So you're not even trying to see it from my perspective." Michael said.

Junie scoffed. Junie needed to get away from him before he could see her shed a tear.

Instead of continuing the conversation, Junie popped the door handle and attempted to get out of the car. Michael scrunched his face as he reached for her arm to stop her from leaving abruptly. Junie turned her back to him, waiting for him to let go of her so she could go home.

"I'm not done talking to you," Michael said.

"You are," Junie said back.

"If you care about ending on good terms, you would turn around and face me," Michael told her.

Junie huffed out an annoyed sigh. Michael insisted on keeping his hold on her, knowing she would turn around and face him if he stayed persistent. Suggestively he gently tugged on her arm.

"Look at me," Michael demanded assertively but sensually.

Slowly, Junie lifted her feet back into the car and shut the door. Making eye contact with Michael was impossible. However, staring at the dashboard in front of her was less intimidating.