✓ Wake Up, Mike ⇔ Mileven {1st - "Wake Up, Mike" Trilogy}

Twenty Six

Will.

I'm not disappointed or anything. I'm excited to have El staying with us, but that doesn't mean I'm going to keep quiet. I walked into the doorway of the kitchen, but no one noticed me.

"You're doing the wrong thing, you know," I stated simply before turning around and walking to the door. I went out and sat in the car, waiting for my mom. I still can't believe she agreed to this. What makes her think we can even afford it?

The door opened then and I looked over at her. She didn't say anything at first, she just stared at her lap.

"I know what you're thinking and trust me, it'll be ok. Everything will be ok," She spoke softly, trying not to upset me.

"Mom, we can't afford this," I shot back, not really meaning to. I'm so tired of having to remind her.

"Will, Hop offered me a job. And it's good pay." She stopped me from continuing, and my eyes widened. A new job? But she isn't qualified to be anything close to a cop.

"A job as what?" I asked, now just filled with curiosity. It wasn't until now that I noticed we were already driving.

"He wants me to help with kids. Mostly for the ones whose parents were just arrested. It messes them up, understandably," She spoke like it was no big deal, but it was insanely big.

"Mom, that's amazing! Will you be home more?" My voice was practically seeping with hope. She turned to me with a big smile and nodded. "Ok, so, we can afford it. But what if she never adjusts? And I hate to assume this, but I think they've both been through enough," I practically mumbled, and she sighed loudly.

"I understand, Will, I do. If it was up to me, she'd stay with him." She was gentle with it, but I responded so quick, I almost cut her off.

"It is up to you! She's coming to our house!" I yelled, and she glanced at me with a shocked expression.

"Will, calm down. Karen was freaked out and I offered to take her in. I didn't ask for her, I want her to stay where she's comfortable. Hop thinks it would be better, anyway. I really am sorry, I know they want to stay together," She explained in a desperate voice, but I just turned away and looked out the window.

I'm happy she's coming to live with me because I want to get to know her better. I want to be her friend, and I think living with me will seal the deal. So, yeah, it's not like I'm disappointed, I'm just annoyed. Mike and El need each other, it's so obvious. I don't want them to be uncomfortable or sad. I just want them to be ok.

They deserve it more than anything, to be happy.