The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 9

MichaIve slept in my experience bed for the past week, even though my body itched to do an some other maneuver up the guide and into Ellas window. Shes been avoiding me ever since we correct out in my car. Im guessing she unavoidably some time to sort with her thoughts that I was overwhelming her.Ella has always had issues with intimacy and pushed people away, including me if I try to cross the friend line. I actually had to work to become her friend. Weve always lived next door, hardly it took me bribing her with a juice loge and a toy car to even get her to let me climb over the fence into her yard.But it was outlay the time. Fifteen years later, were still friends. I cant imagine my life without her, something I grasped that night when I prep are her on the bridge. Even though I knew she wasnt going to jump, seeing her standing on the ledge made me reach that I fate and need her in my life forever. She challenges me, pushes me, and pisses me off, but I wouldnt have it any(prenominal) other way.Its late in the afternoon when I wake up. Blinking against the b unspoiled sun, I pass my butt out of bed and throw on an old tee and some jeans. Ethan and I are still working on fixing the blown head gasket on my car, so I consign him a text that Im up and ready to go. I head into the kitchen and drink the orange juice straight person out of the jug.My mom walks in combing her hair, and scolds me. Micha Scott, how many times have I told you not to do that crap? She snatches the juice away and sets it patronise in the fridge.I wipe away the juice from my chin. I calculate its called selective hearing.She does up the buttons on her jacket, dressed to head off to her day job as a secretary at the dealership. She also has a night job as a hostess at a cafe. You are such a smart ass. She holds up a red fancy bra. Okay, so I know Ive always been the cool mom, but finding this in my bed is intersection the line.Isnt it yours? I grab a box of cereal out o f the cupboard.She scowls at me as she tosses the bra into the chip behind her. I have much more class than that.Thinking of her trashy dress the other night, I cant help but laugh. Thats breaking news to me.She gently slaps the back of my head and I laugh, rub it like it hurts. If you must know, I had a date that night with a really nice guy, but hes a little younger than me and I was trying to make a good first impression.So thats why you had that trashy dress on. I scoop a handful of cereal out of the box and stuff it into my mouth. I was wondering about that.I didnt look that bad, she protests, grabbing her keys from the hook on the wall. Did I?I hate it when she asks questions like these ones that dont have a right answer. I shrug and put the cereal back into the cupboard.She grabs a granola bar out of the cupboard. So Ellas back for good Im guessing?I crunch easily on the cereal. Yeah, until summers over.She handgrips for me to embellish. Are you going to tell me where she was for the last eight or nine months?College, I say. In Vegas.Wow, Im actually impressed with that answer. She peels the wrapper off the granola bar. Good for her.I frown. Why? She bailed on everyone.Im not expression how she did it was right, but its good shes going somewhere in her life.I told you I have plans. I beneficial need to figure out a way to make them happen.She sighs and pats my head like Im still a child. I worry about you spending too much time chasing her. You might have to realize that maybe she doesnt want to get caught, sweetie. Trust me. It was something I had to learn with your dad. She hangs her bag over her shoulder and drums her fingernails on the echo. Micha, did you think about what I told you the other night?You mean with that random text you sent me?She sighs heavy-heartedly. Im dreary I broke the news to you like that. Its been sitting on my chest for a while and I just couldnt figure out a way to do it. I panicked. She hangs her head. Im a terrible niggle, arent I?I shake my head and give her a hug because I can sense she needs one. Being a terrible news breaker doesnt make you a terrible mother. Ive always had a roof over my head and food to eat.She hugs me back. Yeah, but sometimes it feels like I should have exhausted more time with you. I mean, every mother in the world gives more than what I do.My eye travel over her head to the window. Ellas house is right outside, looking broken and beaten. Not every mother. In fact, some cant help not to.She steps away, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Are you going to call him?I eye my fathers number tacked to the wall next to the telephone set. I havent decided yet.She dabs her fingers under her eyes, fixing her makeup. Just make sure to think about it from both sides. I know hes been out of your life for forever, but he sounded genuine on the phone. I think he really wants to see you.I force a smile. Alright, Ill think about it.My father bailed out when I was six and w e havent heard from him since. My mom went looking for him right after he left, but she came back telling me she couldnt find him. Ive always wondered if she did find him, but didnt want to tell me the truth.My mom leaves the house and I relax on the couch with my feet kicked up on the tabulate as I wait around for Ethan to show up. Im surfing through the channels when the home phone rings.Hello.Umm is this Micha? A voice responds.Yeah why? Whos this?A long pause fills the connection and I think Ive lost the weirdo.Are you there? I ask, getting annoyed.Yeah. He clears his throat. This is your father.I nearly drop the damn phone.Micha, this is you, isnt it? He sounds old and formal and it pisses me off.Yeah its me, I say through gritted teeth.I know your mother was going to have you call me, but there is something I need to talk to you about, he says. And it cant wait.I consider his request. Ive been waiting almost fourteen years to talk to you. I think you can wait a little bit lo nger. Then I slam the phone down and punch the wall.The sheetrock crumbles to the counter top and the hook holding the keys crashes to the floor.Fuck I collapse to the ground, hoping no one walks in and sees me fall apart.Especially Ella.