Better Days

Chapter 20: Phoning the Enemy

All of us were sitting a patiently waiting at the dinner table for my aunt and uncle to finish the food. We never really eat together unless it is a special occasion.  We all get home at different times. So it wasn't practical. My aunt came in with pasta and I slowly reached for the plate. Why am I not hungry?

"Since no one is going to ask. I will. Whats the special occasion?" Quinn narrowed her eyes.

My aunt started spewing a fool proof lie. But I watched as my uncle flickered his eyes towards me. Oh fuck. It might be about me. It most likely is about me.

I sat back and folded my arms. "What is this really about?"

"Well we all know what happened two days ago."

"What? Did you decide to send me to another country this time?" I mumbled.

"Morgan." I recieved a warning tone from my uncle.

"I just want to understand why we are having dinner two days after the fact. What changed yesterday that caused you to make us all sit here?"

My aunt looked for help from the other adults. She knew she was on her own.

"You never told me how the date went."

"It. Was. Fine." I grumbled stabbing my chicken.

"Nothing else?"

"You want me to say it was magical? Exciting? Dangerous? Embarrassing?"

"Embarrassing?" She made a face.

"Yeah I'm embarrassed and frightened that my past keeps trying to ruin me. Don't you realize what this means?" I said holding up my arm. "It means I can't go anywhere anymore, with anyone. I don't want to live my life at home and at the island. " I hissed. "I don't need anyone else getting hurt because of me."

They looked at me and I suddenly lost my appetite thinking about Austin again. "May I be excused from the table? I just remembered that I need to change my bandages."

My aunt nodded. I slid my chair out and went to the bathroom. I slowly unwrapped my arm. The cuts weren't bleeding anymore, but they were scabbed. "You don't need the bandages anymore." Nathan smiled.

I looked at him. "They are scabs. What if they open again?"

He picked at one and I barely flinched. "See you're strong. You wont let a scab defeat you."

I scoffed.

"Soon those scabs will become scars. Then you'll haves new trophy to show off." He smiled touching my hand.

"I don't know what you are feeling. I could never know. But, I have the best chance out of everyone. You are following down your father's steps. Just at a different point of your life. Talk to me Morgan." He pleaded. "Don't take this on alone."

"Why do you almost always mention my dad when I do anything. Why does everyone only mention him? Does no one remember my mother?"

"You were were raised by your dad. Its only natural you act more like him."

I skewed my lips. "I want to face Viviana head on."

He squatted and held my shoulders with a proud smile. "I knew you would say that. We have to convince the party poopers."

"Or we could do it with out them."

"I would love to. But they are your caregivers. You also aren't 18 yet." He laughed. "But they did raise the question. What if you die?"

I looked at him and took a deep breath. I put my hand to his head. "I think.... I'm ok with dying if my family is ok. I rather it be me then others."