Sworn 'Brothers'

4-Now What?

Driving Wade back home was awkward to say the least. He just sat staring out the window with his arms crossed glaring at the passing scenery.

"Are you really that mad at me?" I asked him.

Or not. I thought when he didn't respond or even acknowledge that I spoke to him.

He never once looked at me even when I dropped him off at home. He grunted out a thanks before climbing out and walking towards his house. I waited until he went inside to head home myself.

He must be really mad, he didn't even wave at me.

"What have I done?" I asked myself quietly. "I'm sure he's going to hate me now."

My phone ringing scared me because it's usually off when I'm driving. Ignoring my phone until I made it home proved difficult since it kept ringing almost constantly.

I hope that's not important. I thought as I stopped at a red light.

When I finally made it home I checked my phone to see an unknown number was responsible for all of the missed calls. Calling the number i realized it was a lot later than I normally get home so my parents are probably going to freak out on me.

"Why haven't you been answering your phone?" A voice greeted me through the phone.

"Well hello to you too." I grumbled back.

"Hello, Mikki."

"Dante."

"I wanted to make sure you made it home, but you weren't answering." He stated.

"I was driving." I stated. "I don't use my phone while I'm driving."

"That makes since, I guess." He cleared his throat. "So, how are you doing."

"Dante, what's going to happen now?" I asked lowering my voice. "Is everything going to change now?"

"Probably." He sighed. "You are my blood brother now."

"What does that mean exactly?" I asked. "I'm not anyone special."

"You are now." He chuckled. "People will try to use you to get to me." He sighed. "I won't let anything happen to you though."

"Dante, was this really a good idea?" I asked looking down at the cut on my finger. "It seems like I'm already loosing the people I care about."

"It'll get better." He stated. "Hey, my mom is having a party for her birthday on Saturday you should come."

"Yeah, it might be fun." I stated. "I've gotta go though, my parents are waiting for me."

"I'll see you later." He said. "Good night, Mikki."

"Good night, Dante."

Walking inside I was ambushed by my parents. Asking me where I was, why I was so late, fretting over if I was okay, and making sure my secret was kept safe. It's always the same thing everyday. It's particularly bad on nights that I come home late, like tonight.

"Why are you home so late?" My dad asks interrupting my moms ranting.

"I had a weird morning and didn't want to take it out on anyone so I took a drive." I stated. "I lost track of time is all."

"Weird morning?" My mom asks.

"Weird how."

"Three girls all wanting to be my girlfriend." I mumbled. "They came to the food stand with gifts." I sighed.

"Wade and I had a fight too."

"Oh, hunny!" Mom continued to gush over me. I yawned and dad hugged her shoulders.

"Why don't we let her go to bed?" He asked. "It's late and she wakes up early."

"Good night Mikki." She smiled and hugged me. "Remember tomorrow is a new day."

"Night." I hugged them both before heading to my room.

I quickly got changed and laid down.

I hope she's right. Tomorrow is a new day, but will it be a better day?

I tossed and turned most of the night getting little to no sleep. When morning finally arrived I was still trying to fall asleep for longer than an hour or so at a time. By the time 6 o'clock rolled around I was to the point of giving up on sleep. Sighing I sat up and ran my hand through my hair.

Today is going to be so fun.

I checked my phone and saw that I had a message from Dante.

Have you ever been to a shooting range?

No.

Meet me @ the one on North 13th and J 10am.

Ok.

Getting ready for the day I realized that I couldn't wait to be able to tell someone my secret so that I didn't have to go through all this extra crap everyday. I waited until eight to finally decide to start my day. Having breakfast with my parents was pretty normal. As always they wanted to know what I was doing for the day and what time I expected to be home.

*************************************************
791