Balotelli-Bale Series Book #4: THE OTHER MAN PART 1

Chapter 13: My Weakness

"...a person is only as strong as their own weakness..."

"I'm happy to know that at least one person loves me in this world!" Keith exclaimed when he found me sitting in the visitor's room.

I have been crazy busy looking for a job. I need it now more than ever after Nick ended the business contract. I was mad at him when he told me but I fought the urge to throw a fit. I have been ignoring his calls since but I cannot get him out of my mind. I find myself savouring the memories we made on Miami and Cuba. I miss him.

I am so desperate enough to sign up to be a waitress. I just need to get a job soon so that I can help pay the Burkes back considering no heir is forthcoming in this century. I also would like to save up some money for a rainy day.

"I brought you your favorite cake." I told him while hugging him tightly.

Keith isn't a bad person. He just has bad habits and is irresponsible. Other than that he is a perfectly imperfect older brother.

"Thank you for coming Keira. It means a lot to me. Dad won't visit."

"It's nothing Keith." I sliced the small cake I  made him. "Just try and understand how disappointed he is. You really let him down."

He is paying more attention to the cake. Pineapple upside down cake is his favorite. When we were younger I used to make him one every weekend.

"What happened to your head?" He asked after looking at me for a long while. I brought my fingers over to the stitched part of my head. Like my dad and mom, he also doesn't know about Jason's violence. I have carefully hidden that part of my life.

"I hit my head against the wall while walking. It's nothing." I shrugged it off.

He winced slightly stretching out his hand to touch mine. "Beautiful girl, you're lying to me. But I won't push you. I may not be around but I'm here if you need someone to talk to." I fought my tears but they spilled. He gave me a moment to compose myself. "So, how's mom and the old man?"

"Mom's condition is getting worse by the second. Chemo is proving to be too expensive. She doesn't even leave her room anymore. But she is her joyful self, always scheming. Dad is sick. His heart..."

Keith's gaze hardened. "I wish I could do something to help her. I can't lose her. I'll lose my mind."

He loves our mother dearly but he wasn't thinking about that when he was squandering money.

"We can just hope for a brighter future."

I pushed the slice of cake towards him. He used the plastic fork I brought considering metal ones weren't allowed.

"Superb as always." He commended me after the first bite. "Why aren't you a master chef by now? You have mad skills sis."

"Thank you. I'm still job hunting and it's really hard."

"Not that hard if you have the right connections."

"What do you mean?"

"I know it may be hard but ask dad to reach out to Nickolas Bale."

"I don't think that is a good idea." With the way I'm starting to feel about Nick, it's best that the distance between us only grins longer, not shorter. He scooped a piece of cake and brought it close to my mouth. "No thanks I'm watching my weight." I told him.

"Did Jason tell you you're fat?"

Jason controls what I eat and how much. He tells me my waist is too chubby and I need to cut down on my portions. I am already counting calories and barely eating but he still picks on me. I'll never be good enough for him.