Heartbroken

Chapter 11: Milo

            I squinted at the mirror, staring deep into my soul, hoping that I would actually find something. I was disappointed, again, for the thousandth time. I pulled my towel higher on my waist, running a hand through my wet hair. I tried to look dignified, standing straighter, puffing out my bare chest. I began to pace, thinking that it might make me look a little bit more... authoritative.

The annoying thing is that out of all my college classes, I never thought of studying the social aspects of life. Another annoying thing is that my Gift is pretty much useless. I can't show off to anybody or else they would suspect something abnormal, and you never really need to know the exact temperature of a toaster to toast your bread. Though I do appreciate the fact that I can create a bunch of random computer programs when I'm bored.

I leaned my head back, a hand to my forehead, squinting my eyes at the ceiling. Why was I trying to convince my father that Allegra is being abused, when I don't even have enough evidence to show that she really does live with her aunt and uncle. Before I tried to drop the case on anyone, I needed good, solid, proof.

I toweled dry and changed into some inconspicuous clothing. Gray t-shirt, black jeans, dark purple scarf.

I was going undercover, and I had a few places to be before Mercy and Allegra came for their daily psychiatrist visit.

I hunkered down a little more in the car seat, my eyes riveted to Allegra's houses door, listening intently for any kind of... unusual sound. I felt kind of bad about spying on Allegra, but if she was literally being abused, I would rather have spied on her and helped her instead of not spying and not knowing. But why would I do that for Allegra? I barely even know her, but maybe her friend knows more... I racked my memory, trying to recall all the times that I had seen Allegra at school with other people. It had been few, though I did find one person: Ingot Harper. The gorgeous and popular girl that dominated our entire school. And I know her address.

It's worth a shot.

A few minutes later I stood at her front door, surprised at how close her house was to mine. I never really pay attention to anyone in this neighborhood. I knocked. The sounds within the house quieted, and a middle-aged woman -- who I assumed was Ingot's mother -- opened the door.

"Is Ingot here?"

The woman's eyes lit up.

"Milo!" she yelled, reaching forward to trap me in an embrace. I breathed a sigh of relief when she finally let go and left to find Ingot.

I stood awkwardly on the threshold, looking down. When I looked back up, I found Ingot, confused at why I was here.

"Milo." she said. I nodded

"Ingot," I said back, sounding a lot steadier than I felt.

"Yes?" she leaned against the door frame, running a hand through her hair. I took a small step back.

"I need to talk to you about Allegra."

"What about her?"

I took a deep breath. "I need to ask you a favor."

"A favor?"

"Yes, a favor." I shivered a little. "May I come in."

Surprised, Ingot opened the door wider so I could squeeze past her.

"Let's go to my room," she suggested, leading the way. "I'm sure that you would like some privacy."

I nodded, grateful.