The Strangers (TheWriteAwards2014)

Chapter 5: unexpected responses (edited)

Walking away from Mikal took all of the strength I had in me, but seeing the look on his and Anastasia's face gave me confidence I never knew I had.

"Where did that come from?" I whispered to myself, stopping mid pace. Something in me just, snapped. The second she opened her mouth, I saw red. First I'm intimidated by her looks, then I'm standing up to her with more confidence than I had in my entire body?Who am I kidding? I asked myself, knowing very well that there was no way I could compete with her. She was tall, slender, and possessed and exotic aurora that I could never compete with. Rage and self loathing intermingled, ccreating a dangeous swirl of thoughts to flit through my mind.

But she was beyond being just beautiful. Despite her slender frame, something told me that she could hold her own in a fight. Something about her very appearance screamed predator, the gleam in her eyes, her mocking smirk, or maybe the way she held herself all together. I grimaced. Maybe I should just go home, anything has to be better than this. But what would Mikal think? It seemed to me that he clearly disliked her, but something told me that they had had a relationship before. Maybe she broke up with him, or she cheated on him and it crushed him? It would make sense. He had always tried to stay away from girls. As far as I know, I'm the only girl that he actually keeps around.

Fiance. The word echoed around my head. Unless they were in an arranged marriage, then there was next to no possibility of that. Ex- fiance, maybe. But how long had they known each other and been engaged before they broke it off? I’ve known him for two years and he never once mentioned it. Thinking about it, he never mentioned any of this. He has been keeping more from me than I originally thought. 

I continued pacing, thoughts swirling endlessly around my mind. Spinning, spiraling, falling, it felt like I was falling down the rabbit hole. One confused thought after the other. All the confusion over everything that happened with Anastasia made me forget the kiss. Mikal had kissed me. I mean really kissed me. This caused more confussion, more dangerous thoughts. Why? was the only thought that kept popping up. If they were engaged, then why kiss me? Why?!

"Everything alright, Sky?" Mikals voice enterupted my thoughts, and I yelped in surprise. His voice was soft, concerned, and restrained. His features were softer than earlier, and he looked worn out. Whatever they had discussed, took a toll onn his emotional well being.

"Yeah, yeah, just dandy." I stuttered sarcastically. Trying to calm my rapid heartbeat, I placed a hand to my chest, taking in slow, controlled breaths. 

"Sorry Sky, I didn't mean to scare you." Mikal said coming to rest his chin on my head as he pulled me into a tight hug. Sighing in relief, i hugged him back. He was my rock, steady and strong,

"It's okay Mikal. But what's going on?" I asked, dying to know who exactly was here, and what Anastasia's deal was. He sighed, lifting me up bridal style. Walking over to his plush couch, he sat down, me in his lap. He held me there, head tucked under his chin as he steadied himself.

"Well... Both of my parents are here and they have decided to stay for dinner. My mother is dying to meet you-"

"Me?" I squeaked. Earning me a low, deep chuckle. I flushed, looking anywhere but at him.

"Yes, you," He said playfully, nudging my head with his, "My father promised that they would only be here for a little while, my guess is two or three days." He sighed, clearly upset, "That probably means that Anastasia will be here as well." He growled, and I couldn't help but pull back at his tone of voice. He noticed and pulled me back to him, an apologetic look on his face before he snuggled his head into the crook of my neck, hot breath tickling the back of my neck. I inwardly groaned at the sentuous feel of it. "I'm sorry Sky, I'll make sure it's as short and as painless of a visit as possible." He sounded sincere, and basing off of the air of agitation that was surrounding him, I knew that he meant it.