Chapter No. 128: Transparent Man

[Surprised_by_Witches]

Connor went home, though the rented house was beginning to feel a little too crowded lately. He was looking forward to graduation, and possibly getting a place of his own. Most kids moved home with Mom and Dad these days, with the economy being the way it was, but that wasn't an option. True, the house he'd grown up in stood empty but living there would feel like a huge step backwards. He'd let Cecily or Aidan have it, and the pets.

He needed a fresh start. But first there was junior year to finish, and then his summer internship at Tybalt's company, and then senior year and goddess only knew what fresh horrors that would bring. Who knew if he'd even be alive by graduation. Making plans seemed, in any case, premature.

He tossed his bag on a living room chair and went to the kitchen for a snack. Sakira was there, doing her homework, and looked up at him with large knowing eyes as he entered.

"What?" he said.

"I talked with Katrina today."

"That's nice." He stuck his head in the fridge more to escape her than with any real purpose in mind.

"She told me you were pretty mean to her yesterday. Brutal was the word she used."

He didn't say anything, just took out ham and lettuce and tomato and set them on the counter while he searched the cupboards for bread. She watched him as he made a sandwich.

"Don't do that," he said. "It's annoying."

"Don't do what, Connor, look at you?"

"Look through me. It's disconcerting." He sat down at the table. They knew each other so well, sometimes it was a little irritating. It often seemed like she knew how he was feeling before he did.

"You know what she said to me?"

He didn't want to know.

"She said she was sure she'd made the right decision, choosing Aidan."

"Good." He swallowed a bite of sandwich.

"I'm not so sure she did," Sakira said, standing up and kissing his forehead.

His whole body shook. He set down the sandwich, and she pulled his upper body to her, pressing it against her waist. "Let go of me."

"Connor, tears are not a sign of weakness."

"I'm sick of crying," he said. "I made a decision, I'm moving on. I'd appreciate it if you dropped the subject."

She let go of him.

"Damn you," he said, as tears fell unbidden down his face.

She stood there uncertainly. "I think you're a hell of a guy, Connor, and some day some woman who isn't related to you will too."

He held out his arms and pulled her into him as he started to cry. "I really hate you sometimes," he said.

"I know," she said, "Shhh, it's OK. I know."

Next Chapter

[Lynet]

I hope Sakira can push him the right direction.

[Sacharissa]

She is very wise, is Sakira! I guess it runs in the family. And I agree with Lynet...hopefully she can help Connor figure things out before it's too late.