Chapter 4

Michael and I quickly separate from each other and I get off the bed, my heart pounding.

"What are you doing in here?" I snap at Yani as she angrily stands at the door.

She rolls her eyes, "Mom told me to call you both down to dinner. But instead I see you two almost kissing! God, I knew you were a little slut!" She shouts.

"I'm not a slut!" I retort harshly as Michael stands to the side uncomfortably.

"Yes you are! And you're a bitch too. You were totally going to kiss him and I know it! I know exactly what you're trying to do and you're a horrible sister!"

"Me?! Have you realized the way you act towards me? Your older sister? It's not a ray of sunshine being related to you! Why do you even care if I kiss Michael? What, kissing a guy automatically means I'm a bitch now?You know, I've never gotten any respect from you. Only name-calling and attitude. If you acted more like--"

"Don't you dare!" Yani yells. "Daddy said we're not supposed to mention her name!"

"Well guess what?" I walk toward her, "I don't give a fuck what daddy said not to say!" I screech at her, extremely livid.

"HEY!" Our attention turns toward the loud shout at the door.

"What on earth is going on here?" My mother is standing at the doorway, a frown across her face.

Yani folds her arms and glares at me. "Go ahead Aniko. Tell mom how you're a whore!"

My heart clenches and my fists ball up. My own sister doing this. Treating me like crap! My mother just... stands there. And so does Michael. Not a word from either of them. I sigh and look up the ceiling, trying to force myself to ignore the tears welling in my eyes.

Don't cry. Don't cry...

Before the tears can fall I run out of the door.

Why does she always get to me? Get under my skin?

And the ultimate question is, what the hell did I do?

Our relationship has been turmoil for as long as I can remember. And it got even worse that horrible night, three years ago.

I hurry to the garage and put my sneakers on my feet.

I stand up and get out of the door, running.

Forgetting about Yani, my mother.

Forgetting about Michael.

And only thinking about one thing: One foot in front of the other.

-

It might have been an hour. I don't know. It's nightfall by the time I stop. If I had it my way I would just run forever. I slowly start walking back home but all the thoughts come back to me again, I take a long and deep breath.

He nearly kissed me. I can't believe Michael and I almost kissed. If Yani hadn't walked in... He truly would have.

My anger flares up again with every step toward home. I decide to turn around and go to the local park. The stars are out and they can help me relax. Stargazing started in my childhood. Before the Jacksons left, LaToya and I would always point out constellations.

I sigh. "Some family I've got." I chuckle softly and shake my head as I think about what happened.

Finally reaching the park, I slump onto the bench. The leaves are rustling in the autumn air. For a few minutes, I enjoy the silence. The peace. I lift my eyes to the sky.

"Big Dipper, Little Dipper.."

"Ursa major, Pegasus."

I jump and scramble off the park bench. Who the hell?

"Sorry. Startled you," Michael says quietly.

I tuck some hair behind my ear and purse my lips.

"Ani--"

I hold my hand up to him, stopping him. "No. Don't, please."

Michael sighs and closes his mouth.

I sit on the bench again and fold my arms in my lap.

"We um.. dinner wasn't that enjoyable without you there." He says quietly.

I shrug a shoulder. "I honestly couldn't stand another moment in that house. Felt like I was suffering."

"I wish you didn't run away." Michael says quietly, fiddling with his fingers.

"You and my mother were just standing there," I remind him, and he has a guilty look on his face.

"I'm sorry."

"Why does Yani hate me so badly? I didn't do anything to her."

Michael glances at me. "I think she's jealous of you."

I scoff. "There's no way. She's our parents' favorite, and she never misses the opportunity to call me 'ugly' or 'stupid'. No way in hell is she jealous. I mean, we're sisters."

"I do think she's insecure Aniko. Deep down inside she's still your baby sister. Maybe she's been through more pain than she wants to share, and being incredulously rude is her way to shut people out."

I ponder for a moment. "Maybe. But what could I possibly have that she doesn't?"

"Me." Michael answers.

I frown, confused. "You? What do you mean y--"

Soon I feel his warm, soft lips connect with mine and the world stops. All of our surroundings are irrelevant. All I care about is him.

He gently puts his hand at the back of my neck while his lips kiss mine sweetly.

Then he pulls away, kissing my forehead.

"I wouldn't do that to Yani," he whispers with a small smile.

--

Chapter 4

Yay, they kissed!

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~Joy ✌️