What I'm Not

Chapter 11

"Takara!" We turned around to see Principal Douglas taking large strides toward us. Douglas was a very athletic man with four state championship titles in Cross Country. He had flat black hair and mud brown eyes. He usually wore professional clothing. "May I have a word with you."

"Sure. Lets go Brooklyn-"

"No. You alone, Takara."

Takara glanced at me and walked with Douglas for a few yards. After a few minutes, Takara bowed and walked away.

"What did he want?" I asked.

"He didn't like me living with you and gave me a few options."

"What are they?"

Takara stopped. "I could move out and get a job to support myself or..."

"Or..." I urged.

"I get adopted into your family."

I felt a wave of shock roll through me. Takara as my brother? No. I don't think I'll be able to accept that. And yet, a part of me wanted him to become my brother. Him living with me, calling me sister, caring for me...

The forbidden romance.

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My dad signed the adoption papers and handed them over to the woman behind the counter. She stamped the papers and handed him a few other papers.

I hugged Takara and he laid a hand on my shoulder. My dad's face went red and he stormed off into the car. We followed him until we saw him lock the doors of the car after he got in.

"Come on, dad," I said playfully. "Let us in."

He turned a hateful gaze toward Takara and looked away. Takara leaned forward and tapped on the glass.

"Otosan," he tapped the glass again. "Can we go home together?"

Dad reached for the ignition and fired up the engine. The doors unlocked. Takara opened the back door and let me in before climbing in himself. As soon as the car pulled forward, I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes.

"Brooklyn, sit up." My dad'd voice sounded irritated so I obeyed.

"Do I call you 'dad' from now on Mr. Hudson?" Takara asked.

"No," my dad replied. "You'll address me as Mike. Mike Hudson."

"Dad!" I shouted.

"If thats what you want, Mike." Takara reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of gum. He extended a piece to dad. "Would you like a piece of gum, Mike?"

My dad took the gum and tossed it in his mouth. Takara gave one to me as well before he tossed a piece in his mouth.

"You shouldn't let him treat you like that," I whispered.

"Its fine," Takara replied. "I'll take it as tough love."

After five minutes of silence, dad spoke up. "Takara, I'm going to drop Brooklyn off at the house. You're going with me to buy clothes for you."

"Your clothes are fine, Mike. You don't need to spend money on clothes for me." Takara scratched his shoulder. "I might need a new phone though."

Dad swore. "You don't need a phone."

Takara nodded. "I'll take your word for it."