London Love

Chapter 15

We had just got off the bus. Michael decided that we should roam around until we find something to do. I wasn't complaining though, It was a nice day out and I was dressed for the occasion anyway.

"Oh, I forgot to ask about Chantel..." Michael scratched the side of his head "How is she doing?"

"Not good actually." I said remembering that her mood still lingered with the unfortunate memories of her loss.

"She's coping but I think she needs a miracle to help her get back on her feet." I sighed "I just wish I could do something."

"Just being their for her is enough. I know it was hard for her loosing the baby but..."

"How did you find out?" I said causing him to look at me.

"Word got around." He stated I slowly nodded my head. That is the thing about living in this area, once something that interests people happens there will always be the turning point of them gossiping about it.

We were across the road when we saw two boys looking our way. Michael obviously knew them because they began to call his name. When we got closer to them I noticed that Kyle was the one calling Michael over. 

"Yoo Layla I haven't seen you in ages, you cool?" He greeted but I ignored him. I really didn't want to talk to him, it brought back memories to what he said to chantel. Also when I'm around him I get this weird feeling that I can't really explain. 

"Ohh fam, you just got parred nicely." The guy next to him shouted, he looked quite decent but the only thing that wasn't helping was the fact that his grey jogging bottoms were nearly around his ankles. While Michael chuckled and greeted him all Kyle gave me was a stern glare.

"You know Layla, you need to fix up and stop hanging round pricks when you can hang around with. us right here."  I was bewildered at this point and I quickly made eye contact with Michael. He looked as confused as me.

"Man saw you around these ends yesterday. Talking with the enemy." He paused "Your a slag you know that, Layla."

How the fuck can he say that to me. How am I a slag because the last time I checked I ain't done the deed with anyone. He's just saying that to wind you up Layla. Don't get mad.

"There is no need to talk to her like that man..." Michael sounded reluctant to say those few words.

"Nah Michael,  she's leading you on. I'm not surprised that she's pregnant aswell..."

That's when reality struck and my hand slapped him hard against his cheek. He was about to raise his hand at me but Michael stopped him.

"Your a fucking prick Kyle! I can't stand you. How the fuck could you call me a slag!? Of all people!"

"That's the thing, I Saw you lipsing Jerome yesterday and now your with my brother probably trying to lead him on like you did before."

"So you're fighting your brothers battles. If he had a problem he should come to me! You don't need to get involved!" I shouted getting really agitated.  He came closer to me so he was directly in front.

Kyle was to close for my liking. The smell of alcohol stayed on his breath. He wasn't much taller than Michael but I guess that was the only thing I could compliment him about. His eyes, his eyes held so much hatred and I didn't think it was just because of the likes of me.

"The thing with you Layla is that once that waste man breaks you. You would come running back to Michael. And truss me he ain't gonna be there for you." He chuckled

"You ain't shit. You think your bad Layla but look around you. There is no way that this is going to get you anywhere in life." He tapped the side of my head. "No man deserves a slag." he whispered harshly in my ear.

I didn't want to show any weakness in front of him. So I left it. I lowered my head in shame and just walked away.

"Layla! " Michael called from behind but I just gained more speed. I turned into a long narrow ally way which was a quicker process to get to the bus stop and get home.

"Layla! Stop walking, we need to talk!" I'm sick of talking. I thought everything was starting to become better with us but it seemed to get worse.  Maybe I was leading Michael on. I couldn't put into words how much Kyle's comments hurt me.

I was swiftly pulled back and turned around. The tears began to cascade down my cheeks. I couldn't hold back much longer.

"Is that what you think of me Michael? A slag leading you on?!" I sniffed

"Layla what kyle said was stupid and I'm sorry..."

"Why didn't you say those things to me before. If you thought I was leading you on, if I hurt you in anyway you could have told me." I paused and thought about how his appearance had changed and how these bad habits became his priority. Were they because of me?

I looked at his face and I could see the one thing that I hadn't noticed from his eyes before. It was hurt. He looked hurt.

"It was me wasn't it? Because I didn't bother to talk to you and see you more often. I made you like this. Smoking weed Michael was to forget. Changing you was to forget about me and how we were as friends?" I asked.

"Layla that isn't true. I did those things because it felt right, it kept me going. My mum took my sister to get away from me and you left me too. So the only people that were left was the mandem and Kyle. They showed me this." He said pointing at himself "Don't blame yourself for my own choices."

"Michael I didn't leave you, I just needed to focus on my exams. That is why I hadn't spoken to you in a while. There was no reason why you should have thought that I had left you. I'm sorry that I made you that way. And I'm sure your mum didn't leave you because of you. She loves you, your sister loves you, I love you." I said the last part lowly but I knew that I only loved him in a brotherly way.

I really do care for Michael.

He shook his head. "That love for me that you have isn't the love that I have for you Layla. " He paused rubbing the side of his face.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but...I love you Layla. I haven't stopped loving you from day one." He said his eyes grew with contentment trying to show me that he was serious.

"Michael...I..." I couldn't form the right words.

"It's alright. I know you don't love me in that way but I needed to get it off my chest." I really felt bad that I couldn't love him the same way he loved me but someone else has stolen my heart. I couldn't help the way I felt.

I grabbed Michael and hugged him. He was shocked at first but he hugged me back rapping his arms around me. "I'm sorry Michael, I'm so sorry. " I whispered in his ear.

The moment  was cut short by someone clearing their throat behind us. We broke apart to stare at the little old lady.

"Can I get through or are you going to stand there all day." This woman had a mouth on her but she looked familiar.

Michael started to laugh when we let her pass.

"She was that old lady that you nearly fell on, remember?" He chuckled pointing at the old woman staggering to the end of the ally way. I quickly looked at her again and just as she turned the corner she gave me that same dirty screw she gave me last time.

I looked back at Michael and began to laugh with him. So that heart to heart talk was clearly left because we were caught up in our laughter.

***

"You didn't have to take me home." I said to Michael as we walked up to my front door.

Today had its ups and downs but we still got through it okay.

"I wanted to." He said I quickly gave him another hug that lingered on longer than necessary. As we were about to pull away my front door opened abrubtly and a person I least expected stood before me.

"Dad?"