Michael's Story

Chapter 32

"He's gone," Felix announced.

"Where?" Michael asked.

Felix shrugged, "No fucking idea." Michael leaned forward, his hands pressed into the arm of the recliner, "I knew we should've got his ass right then and there."

"We had to be quick," Felix said.

"I know," Michael pushed himself backward as he paced a few steps away, "But this is what I didn't want. I didn't want him to leave."

Michael's placed his hands on his hips. Felix eyed him carefully, making a note of Michael's temperamental presence. For the last few days, something about Michael seemed off. He was more irritable, more aggressive, and kept conversations short. Felix thought maybe it was just because Gerardo still being alive and free. Still, after Michael's odd rant about the dangers of expectation, he knew something else was up.

Felix squinted at Michael, "Is something wrong?"

"A lot of shit's wrong right now," Michael replied.

"More than just this?" Felix asked. Michael tilted his head at Felix.

Michael stared blankly at Felix when contemplating whether or not he should tell Felix about the situation with Junie. It seemed Felix was already on to him and sure that Michael was keeping something under wraps.

Michael couldn't swallow his pride. The issues between him and Junie needed to be resolved before he would tell anyone about her. Julian was the only one that knew about Michael's interest in Junie. If Michael had it his way, Julian wouldn't even know.

"Once this is over, I'll be good," Michael told him.

If Felix could see through Michael, he'd see how much of a mess he was. He missed Junie, which was the worst thing he'd ever felt for a person. Part of Michael wanted to confide in Felix. But Michael was too ashamed to admit he'd messed up a good thing.

There was only one person that could answer the questions Michael had. As far as Michael knew, Junie wanted nothing to do with him. His ego wanted him to change things, but with her father's passing, he knew she would only push further away from him.

*****

All the lies Nico told the day of the funeral were riding on Junie's nerves. Knowing how cold her mother could be, Junie struggled to find a way to reveal the truth. With writing being as helpful as it had been for her, she decided it was the most appropriate way to express herself.

Forcing her pen to the paper, Junie hesitated to write her truth. Then, after writing a few sentences, her writing began to flow. Everything she felt hindered her was expressed fluently as she recounted her experiences.

Creeping up on Junie was the fear of her mother's response. Still, Junie knew it wouldn't change the facts even if her mother didn't take her side. If this caused mayhem, Junie hoped it would leave her smoothed and polished after the dust settled.

Finalizing the letter to her mother, Junie folded it in half. Her mother would be home from work in three hours. The clock ticked slowly, and it began to agitate Junie. Impatience drove her to her next idea. She would put the letter on the dresser in her mother's room.

Taking a huge breath, Junie popped up with her decision made. Suddenly, her phone rang. Snatching it up with the most curious look on her face, the word 'Unknown' glared at her.

Junie had an inkling that it was Michael. Instead of answering, she let the call ring through. Within no time, the unknown caller tried her again. Junie lowered her eyes, cleared her throat, and tucked her lips.