The week passed by in a blur, still with no word from Michael. I began to engross myself in work to get my mind off of things. That night meant nothing to us, so why did I feel so rejected and hurt?
On Thursday, Mother called to inform me that we were having dinner at her house on Saturday so that Dad could meet with Michael and Brooke. My Mom and Dad were divorced and had a history of not getting along well. Something amusing was bound to happen when those two were in the same room. Plus with all the pressure Michael couldn't help but acknowledge me.I was definitely looking forward to Saturday.
******
"Haven't seen you since you were a boy Michael." My father spoke cutting his lasagna while keeping a firm gaze on Michael. "Yes sir." Michael timidly replied forking through his salad. My dad could be quite the intimidating man. It was obvious that Michael was scared out of his mind. It was quite funny.
"Haven't changed much. Just got rid of the afro." Dad continued. Michael smiled nervously. Brooke giggled. "I thought it was adorable. You should've kept it." She spoke grabbing hold of Michael's hand. I smiled. "I kinda miss that fro too." I commented staring straight at Michael. We were doing a very good job of embarrassing him.
"You know, I'm still very confused as to how you and Brooke got together. If anything I would have expected you and Erin before you and Brooke." On reflex, I spat out my water and Michael nearly choked on a piece of lasagna. I instantly cursed myself for not keeping cool. Mother, Dad and Brooke all exchanged worried glances at one another.
"What's gotten into you two??" Mother asked. I laughed nervously and Michael coughed, trying to regain his composure. "Noting Mother. It's just funny that you would think that there would ever be any type of romance between Michael and I. Never." I replied adding emphasis on the last word while I stuffed my mouth with salad.
Dad shrugged. "Well, you know what they say. Friends make the best lovers." He said. "I guess that would explain what happened to us. We were not friends before we were lovers." Mother replied. "Do not go there Terri." Dad warned. I was hoping they'd continue arguing so the attention would be off of us.
Michael laughed. "That's ludicrous. I've only got eyes for Brooke." He spoke staring straight at me before placing a kiss on top of her hand. Brooke smiled widely and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "You better." Dad replied. "Or else you won't have any eyes to look at another girl with." Michael gulped and I couldn't help but laugh.
"So, where do you two plan on settling once you tie the knot?" Dad asked, helping himself to more lasagna. I was so thankful the subject had been changed. "Jersey." Michael replied. Dad smiled. "My girl will be closer to me." Mother frowned. "Well why so far away?" She asked. "Jersey's not that far away Mom." Brooke replied. "Plus, the city is so busy and Michael and I want to settle down and have a house of our own." Michael nodded. "In addition to that Jersey's a great place to raise kids." He added.
"Terri, let the kids move where they want. They're right. The city is no place to raise kids. That's exactly why I should've gotten custody." Dad spoke. Mother narrowed her eyes at him. "Frank." She growled. I was suddenly ready for the night to end.
"Asshole." I spat to the back of a still figured Michael. He was standing on my mother's balcony, staring at the city below. Mom, Dad and Brooke were all inside talking things over. This was our moment alone.
Michael spun around. "Erin." He spoke. "Don't Erin me." I shot back coming over to stand next to him. I stared down at the taxis below. "You sure know how to brush a girl off." I said. "You've hardly talked to me in two weeks."Michael sighed. "I'm sorry, I just don't know how to act. This is a hella awkward for the both of us." I rolled my eyes. "How do you think I feel! She's my sister! Aren't you the same person who said you didn't want this to change our relationship?? By ignoring me you're doing just that!" I shouted letting all my anger out.
Michael sighed. "Look Erin, don't take it personal.I just figure if I distance myself from you I can forget about what happened between us. I love Brooke and I don't need anything distracting me from that." I sighed. "I think I understand." I replied.
As I walked away I couldn't help but feel hurt and confused. I was loosing my best friend all over a stupid mistake.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Another chapter!!! Thanks to everyone who's been reading and reviewing!! I hope you enjoy!!
Chapter End Notes:
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