Needing is One Thing

Chapter 17. Can you love me again?

The cab driver gave Mika a searching look as she paid him but didn't say anything other than to thank her for the tip. She stopped for a moment as the taxi pulled away behind her, looking up at the Anderson mansion.

My home. There's no going back now. She had her own life and she would live it.

Her grandfather put the wheels in motion: freeing her from her father's house, giving her the means to change her life but Mika hadn't really felt different. I haven't felt free until now. He could have given her all the money in the world, it still wouldn't have mattered. She had needed to break free from the grip of her father on her own.

Steadying herself, Mika pulled out her keys and opened the front door, wondering what she would find on the other side this time. Inside, the house was quiet but not empty.

"You're back!" Damien ran down the stairs into the lobby, stopping in front of her, a little out of breath. "I was worried..." He took a look at her, his soft violet-blue eyes searching hers. She knew their question.

I stood up to my father, she thought. I stood up to him and now I'm free. Mika gave him a small smile. Even the thought of it was liberating.

"I'm so glad." He pulled her into a hug. "I knew you could do it." She held him close, tight for a second, thankful for his support. Damien was the best friend she could ever have. "Thank you," he whispered into her ear.

"Mika!" Erik strode down the steps into the foyer. His hair was disheveled as if he'd been running his hands through it. It looked out-of-place on the typically stylish brother along with the dark circles under his eyes. "I'm sorry but you shouldn't be here."

She released Damien and turned to him with her own concern. "Erik, what's wrong?"

"James is back."

Mika felt her heart drop down to her feet. Nervousness flooded her, making it hard to breathe. James was home; she had her chance. I have to talk to him.

Distantly, she registered Damien laying a hand on her shoulder. Erik's eyes bored into hers, trying to convey the seriousness of the matter. He shifted in front of her, his arms spread a little to make sure she didn't get past him. "Mika, James is back but he isn't well."

"But..." I can't wait. Mika turned to the stairs and Erik grabbed her hand, gently holding it. Damien's hand on her shoulder pulling her back. He gave a small squeeze in support before letting go of her.

"You can't go up there," Erik asserted. "You have to go. You can't be in the house right now. Please!" he entreated her.

"Why?" I'm going to tell him; I'll explain everything. If she could stand up to her father, she could tell James how she felt. Can't I? He might not feel the same but at least he'll know. Mika tried moving past Erik, pulling herself out of the boys' grip.

"He's been hurt!" Panicked that she wasn't listening, Erik blurted it out.

The words hit Mika like a truck. Hurt. James is hurt?

"We found him shortly after you left for the funeral," Damien explained behind her, meeting Erik's eyes over her. Erik subtly shook his head and Damien's mouth firmed as he stared back, refusing to break eye contact. Erik's face fell; he couldn't agree.

"How?" Mika managed to speak. "How did it happen?" She looked up the stairs as if James would be standing at the top of them. She didn't care if his eyes were cold or distant. She just wanted him there.

"Mika, please." Erik put his hands on her upper arms, holding her in place. She hadn't even noticed that she tried to go past him again.

"We don't know what happened. He can't remember," Damien answered her, sounding miserable.