Page 22 of Mercy & Malice

“I don’t know why he won’t leave us alone.” Her eyes are on the side mirror as she mutters, “I don’t think he ever will.”

Agreed.

The remainder of the ride home is silent until we pull into the driveway. When I don’t make a move to get out, she asks, “You’re not coming inside?”

“No.”

She unhooks her seat belt but doesn’t attempt to get out as she studies the house. “It’s your home. Don’t avoid this place because of me. I’ll stay out of your way.”

“Like you’ve stayed out of my bed.”

Her eyes widen, realizing she’s been caught. “I miss you.”

My jaw feels like it’s going to pop out of its socket if I clench my teeth any harder.

“Micah, yell at me. Tell me you hate me. Say whatever you need so we can try to get past this. Please.”

I wish I could. “If I unleash the anger I feel for you, you’d never speak to me again.”

Her face drops as she picks at her nails. “You hate me. I understand why.”

When I look over and her eyes meet mine, I feel the weakening of my soul just from being around her. “Yes, I hate you.” And myself. “There’s no getting past it. You lied; you played me. And out of all the people in my life, I thought I could trust you. Even competing in the game against each other, I never thought you’d be the one to stab me in the back.”

Her plunging an actual knife into my back would’ve been easier. At least I’d have a wound and visible damage that would make the pain make sense.

“I never thought I’d do it either.” She pushes the door open and climbs out.

As she walks up to the house, my dad appears in the doorway, a smile on his face as he greets her then looks over to me and waves before closing her inside.

All these motherfuckers are testing me. And I’m at my limit.

12

BROOKE

“Where’s your car?” Mom asks as we head to Belgrave.

“At Sweet Fleur. I had a flat.”

“I told you those tires wouldn’t last.”

Yes, it was totally the quality of the tire. “I’ll take care of it after we leave school.”

“Well, plan on being there a while. After that outburst, you’re lucky you’re not grounded for life.”

Sure. In my head, I calculate how much I have saved up. My tire will cost some, but I still don’t have enough to get my own place. And even when I do, Mom will guilt me into staying. Before, I was underage and felt ashamed for even considering deserting her. However, she’s with Mr. Montclair now, and that’s loads better than leaving her alone with my father.

When we get to the parking lot, I tell her I’m going to get started on the remainder of the cleanup still needed in the gym, then I’ll meet her in her office. I should have plenty of time to get my final completed before she notices I’m taking a tad longer than I should.

Mr. LeBlanc is already in his classroom when I arrive.

He gives me a chipper, “Good morning,” then passes me my unfinished exam.

“Thanks again. It shouldn’t take me long.” Not that I’m any less tired this time around. But I won’t make the mistake of falling asleep.

After I get finished, I double-check my answers then bring it to Mr. LeBlanc. He takes it from me with an ear-to-ear grin, “Any questions?”

“No, sir.”