bite.

bite. - chapter 14- revenga

Eleven years ago…

Under the twinkling tea lights hung in Micah’s apple tree, Micah and I sat on picnic rug watching the full moon and stars. Tonight was supposed to be a metor shower and Micah was desparate for me to come and watch it with him.

“I thought stargazing wasn’t your thing.” I said to Micah who would probably rather be inside watching a sport game than waiting for a bunch of shooting stars.

“Astrology has always been a hobby of mine,” He said casually pointing to a constellation, “Those stars over there are known as the happy turtle.”

“It’s astronomy, Micah and those stars make up the constellation of Cassiopeia .”

“Yeah, Cassie the happy turtle.”

“Cassiopeia was a woman-not a turtle.”

“According to some schools of thought.”

Suddenly above us a star darted across the sky leaving a bright white trail that soon dissolved into the midnight sky.

“Close your eyes and make a wish.” Micah whispered.

I closed my eyes and felt something being pressed into my hand. When I opened my eyes to see silver diamond ring laid in my palm and Micah bent on one knee. I blinked. We had only known each other less than a year, we were both far too young and Micah had a problem with drink just recently had got really bad. Micah read my expression of confusion and sadness and instantly knew he would not be getting the yes he wanted. Snatching the ring from my hand he stuffed it back into the box.

“Fine, whatever. I must love you more than you love me.” Micah snapped.

Like flipping a coin Micah could turn from perfect boyfriend to an awful nightmare. When he was good it was so easy to forget all the bad stuff that happened between us and I could quickly forgive and forget every nasty word he ever said to me. I could even ignore the stink of alcohol on his breathe.

Micah reached for the bottle of whiskey he had hidden under a cushion on the picnic rug. I recognised the bottle from this afternoon when he had brought it with fake ID from the liquor store. The bottle was now almost empty. Furious, I grabbed the bottle from him and tipped the contents onto the flowerbed. He jumped up and walked towards his house.

“You can’t hide behind this everytime life gets difficult, Micah!” I yelled after him.

“Who died and made you Mother Superior.” Micah flung over his shoulder as he stormed back into the house. I followed him into the house and heard glass smashing and breaking. In the kitchen Micah was venting his frustration on the dirty pile of dishes. When he saw me he took the ring in its blue velvet box and threw it into the garbage disposal.

“Micah stop!” I yelled but it was too late there was an awful noise as the box and ring was mangled.

“There,” he said picking up a bottle of vodka, “That’s destroyed that stupid idea. God forbid someone might want to marry you.”

His words hurt but I put on a brave face trying not to crack and cry my heart out.

“Micah, we’re just kids.” I said rationally.

“We’re in love, Lorna. Love overcomes everything even fucking age.”

“And what about alcohol?” I asked nodding at the bottle of vodka.

Micah lit a cigarette and took a drag,

“Fuck you. Everyone told me you were a cold heartless-”