They Don't Know (BOOK TWO)

Chapter 58

"Can we talk?" His voice is pleading, reflecting the look of hopefulness on his face.

Her usually bright brown eyes are dull as she stares at him. Crossing her arms she looks him up and down. "How did you find out where I live?"

Malcolm adjust his weight on his crutches. "I asked Sevyn to ask Manny for me."

Miranda rolls her eyes, "Of course." She studies him a moment longer before stepping to the side and gesturing him in. "Come in."

Making his way into the house, Malcolm looks around at the beige walls adorned with photographs of her family. There's a big book case filled with novels of all kinds, lined up by color and size. An L shaped couch is in the middle of the room along with a flat screen tv and glass table. Miranda sits down in the arm chair beside the couch, making it clear that she doesn't want to be next to him.

"So...what do you want?" She asks.

"You haven't answered my text or calls." Malcolm responds.

"I've been busy, you know how hard senior year can be." Her face remains neutral as she speaks but her words are cold.

Malcolm rests his crutches against the wall and hops over to the couch, sitting down gently. "I know you're avoiding me for what happened at the game."

"No, I'm just pretending it never happened." Her eyes are dark as she looks deep into what seems like his soul. "Just like you wanted."

"I never meant it like that." Malcolm insists. "It didnt feel right kissing you because you just broke up with your boyfriend, I didnt want to take advantage of you because of how vulnerable you are. I'm a guy, I've seen my own friends do that to girls and I don't wanna be that type. I care about you."

She scoffs and looks at the floor. "I've heard that plenty of times before."

"Is that why you think you're not worth it?"

Miranda's head pops up at his words and her eyes narrow. "What?"

"You heard me." Malcolm says boldly. "The reason you came on to me so quickly is because you're used to guys wanting you for a moment before throwing you away. Look how quickly you went after that boy Drew from the basketball team." He watches as her face crumples and he knows he's hit a nerve.

The fire from her eyes disappears and her face turns softer. "I've been hurt in the past. It's not my fault I'm this way, boys do this to me."

"You let them."

"You think I like getting hurt?"

"No. But you don't feel strong enough to defend yourself." Malcolm holds their gaze. "You said it yourself. You wanted to prove to Jose you don't need him yet you tried to get back into a new relationship. The only thing that says about you, is that you're fast."

Miranda scoffs, "I'm a virgin."

Malcolm tries to keep a serious face but a smile cracks through. "What does that have to do with anything?" He laughs.

Miranda chuckles sadly and shrugs. "I don't know, I just needed something defensive to say." She admits.

He laughs and shakes his head. "Seriously though Miranda. I really like you, I just don't want you to throw yourself into something you're not ready for cuz it makes things hard on me and you."

Miranda sighs and bites her lip for a second. "Can I tell you something?" She asks. He nods. "When Jose broke up with me, I was more relieved than ever because...then I was free to be with you." Malcolm's eyebrows raise questioningly and she continues. "When I realized I liked you I felt guilty like I was mentally cheating on José. I didnt feel like our relationship was real anymore. Then when he broke things off with me, I was hurt that he would leave me so suddenly until I realized that's exactly what I wanted. He tried to get back with me but I refused because I saw myself with you, rather than him."