The Way of Fate (Book 1)

23. Two Different Conversations

Chapter 23: Two Different Conversations

Allen

I tossed my pen down in frustration. Why couldn't I seem to focus on my work? There was so much I needed to get done today, and yet my mind was anywhere but here. It was like a severe case of spring fever, which is odd considering it's the middle of December.

Sighing, I pushed my chair back from the desk and stood up. I couldn't look at this paperwork any longer. None of it seemed to make sense. I checked the time instead, and sighed again when my watch told me I still had another four hours here. I hadn't even had lunch yet.

Leaving my office, I headed towards the break room. Hopefully something there could distract me for a few minutes. Eating lunch might also be a good idea, before I end up passing out.

I never made it to the break room. Just as I was passing the elevator, it opened and someone stepped out. Someone who I wasn't expecting, but just his presence made my whole day brighter. My beloved Mika, with Sam on his hip.

I wanted a distraction from work, and him being here definitely was a distraction. "What are you doing here?" I asked, completely surprised.

Mika smirked as the elevator door closed behind him. "What? You want me to leave?" He reached for the button again, but I stopped him with a hug and a quick kiss.

"Of course not," I replied quickly once I backed up. "I love that you're here. Come on."

Leading him to my office, I noticed Melissa's smile when she noticed Mika and Sam. I just smiled back at her, knowing I wouldn't hear the end of it from her later.

"Seriously," I said once I closed my office door and we were alone. "What are you doing here?"

Handing me my son, Mika took off the backpack he was wearing and placed it on one of the chairs in front of my desk. Then, unzipping it, he pulled out a few tupperware containers while I removed Sammy's winter coat.

"I got bored, so I cooked," he said simply. "Thought you might want some lunch. If you haven't eaten yet."

I definitely did not deserve this man. "I love you," I said wholeheartedly. Then, of course, I had to kiss him again.

When he broke the kiss a moment later, he immediately looked down at the container in his hand. "I hope it's still hot. I just made it all."

"I'm sure it will be." But then a thought occurred to me. "You didn't walk all the way here, did you?"

His mouth dropped open like he couldn't believe I just asked that. "Are you kidding? Of course I didn't walk! I do know how to use the bus, you know. I'm not an idiot."

I shifted Sam in my arms so that I could reach for Mika with one hand, but he backed out of my reach. I only want to have him calm down and not get upset. Of course that wasn't what I was trying to imply.

I tried using my words instead, dropping my hand back down to my side. "I know that, Mika, I'm sorry. I was just... worried. It's cold out and a long walk." I knew that Mika would be able to handle that walk by himself, although I wish he would put on something a bit heavier than that sweatshirt he was wearing to do so. It was Sam I was more concerned about being out in the cold for so long. But he was fine in his jacket, especially considering he wasn't outside for nearly as long as I feared.

"I can take care of myself," Mika snapped back. "And him."

I sighed. "I know. I definitely know that. But because I love you, I'll always worry. Now can we not argue anymore? I don't like arguing with you."

Nodding, Mika set the container he was still holding on my desk and then pulled out a plastic truck and handed it to me. Sammy had been getting antsy in my arms, pulling at my shirt collar while we had been talking a moment ago, so I was grateful Mika had thought to bring one of his toys. I placed Sammy and his truck on the floor, and he immediately started playing with it, lost in his own world.

"So what'd you make?" I asked, curiously trying to peer into the containers. "And why'd you make so much?"

Mika shrugged. "I honestly don't know. I was just cooking." He paused for a moment. "Actually, I wasn't bored. I was trying to ignore your parents' bickering. I'm sorry, but they're annoying."

I laughed. "Why do you think I moved halfway across the country as soon as I could? They'll be gone in a few more days. Promise."

We fell into a comfortable silence when we started eating the chicken and pasta dish he had made. Every time he cooks, I'm always reminded about his determination to get into culinary school. He's gotten one step closer, having passed his GED test the other day, which I am so proud of him for.

He had been so worried about the test that that was all he could focus on last week. It made me think that I asked too early about Amy. Except, even though the test was almost a week ago, Mika hadn't said anything about it again. I wish he would at least tell me why he said no in the first place.

So I brought it up once again. "The other day," I started. "Why did you say no? I'm curious. I really thought that you'd-"

"Why would you think I'd agree?" he asked, cutting me off.

"I know you don't like to admit it, but I know how you feel."

"Okay, yeah, maybe. Not that much, though."

Now I was really confused. How could he not love Amy enough to want her away from that family? I barely knew the girl and I knew she deserved better. "Really? But she's your sister."

Mika nearly choked on the piece of chicken he had just stuck in his mouth. "What?"

"I mean, I know you said once that you two aren't actually related, but I know you still consider her your sister and everything." I barely knew what I was saying anymore. I was rambling. "You know what, it doesn't matter. You said no. I shouldn't press you for a reason."

"Wait, what about Amy? When did she become a part of this? She has nothing to do with this!"

It was at that moment that I started to realized that maybe we're having two very different conversations.

"I don't think we're talking about the same thing," I ventured. "What are you referring to?"

Mika raised an eyebrow. "You wanting to marry me? I don't want that, Allen. At least not now. Maybe. I don't know what I want, okay? Just not that."

So we were on two different pages. I pushed all thoughts of what he just said about marriage out of my head for the moment. "How about, instead of talking about that, I actually ask you the question I was planning on asking you last week?" He nodded, so I asked it. "What would you say to adopting Amy? I could help you get legal custody of her. She could live with us. I know she'd be happier than where she is now."

"Fuck," Mika said before getting up and practically running out of the room.

I wanted to go after him, but he probably needed space to think, so I let him go.

"Fuck!" Sam cheered from the floor and I groaned. He knows five words, and one of them had to be that one, didn't it?

"No, Sammy," I said quickly, going over to kneel in front of him. Then I pointed to his toy. "Truck." Thank god Mika brought this toy. I might be able to play this off. "This is your truck."

Sam smiled widely and held up the toy. "Fuck!"

Sighing in defeat, I stood back up. I glanced at the containers left across the paperwork that still needed to get done today. At least I had a little distraction from it. But now I had Sam here, since I didn't know if Mika was even going to come back any time soon.

"Well Sammy," I said, looking back down at my son. "Looks like you're staying with me for a little bit."

"No!" he cheered with a smile.

I couldn't help but smile back. "No? But your daddy left. You're stuck here, buddy." I know he didn't understand anything I was saying - he didn't even know what he was saying most of the time - but he went back to playing with the truck. Guess that means it's time for me to get back to my work.