Kai #2
I start talking in riddles, talking around what I meant by that, fighting to keep calm.
I hate being questioned. “I mean that they needed someone they could trust at the Pump Palace. I was moved around. But, if you make Dax responsible and trustworthy on paper, it all works out for everyone. 6 months, debt is clear. Don’t forget who you work for, asshole. ”
I hear him swallow thickly before he says, “Okay. I’ll do it.”
“No shit, you’ll do it. You act like you had a choice,” I snap, rolling my eyes.
“You set it up, I’ll take care of the rest.” I end the call and look around the kitchen, finally letting my irritation roll through me, I throw a glass across the room relishing in the sound of it shattering against the wall.
‘The seem’-ya’ has made a fool outta me one too many times, they will know who I am soon enough! And they’ll pay for treatin’ me with anything other than the respect I deserve,’ I think, slamming my fist on the table as I stand, knocking the chair over as I storm out of the house.
Maddox
I sat in the hard vinyl chair, picking at the peeling cover, waiting for my PO to call me back. My leg was bouncing with anxiety. I hate this part, so I let my mind wander while I waited and started thinking about what Kai had said before I left.
As if my mind knew I needed a distraction, the thoughts came fast. ‘What did he mean there hadn’t been anyone else? There’s the picture, the asswipe in the hallway, plus all the ones he didn’t let me see. And Mel said he turned into a manwhore. Could she be wrong?’
Getting dizzy with everything running through my mind, I shake the thoughts from my head, ‘Focus, Maddox, not right now. Gotta get through this meeting without getting excited.’
I was here to meet with Mr.-fuckin’-Daniels, the guy who’s so far in my dad’s pocket he might as well be lint. I wanna change my PO, but that’s not allowed. He sets up the “jobs,” so I can still help Dad, and as long as I do what I'm told, I get left alone.
I want that, I want to be left alone, but I want Kai more. Today was a tease, and now that I have this new knowledge to consider I wanna go back to what we were building before I went away. Being away from him for those eighteen months was the worst. I can’t do that again. But…
‘How do I know who’s telling the truth? Kai or Melody?’ I think, still feeling like killing Melody for lying to Kai, all the updates along the way and of course that damn beanie picture she stuck in with all the letters. ‘How..’
“Mikhailov, get in here!” Mr. Daniels called my name pulling me from my spiraling thoughts.
Standing slowly, I follow him back to his little cubicle. It’s a small layout, big enough for a desk, a chair, and a cheap half-bent metal folding chair. As he takes his seat, he nods at the fucked up contraption across form him, his subtle way of telling me to take a seat.
Settling into the crappy seat, I looked over at the weasel-faced older man, pretending to look over job options, knowing he wasn’t deviating from the plan ‘daddy’ put in place.
Looking over at me, he finally speaks. “Tomorrow at 3 pm, your ass will be at the Pump Palace and will be there till 11 pm. Mack will replace you at 11. Don’t get too comfortable though, your dad is gonna be shifting some things and you will show for whatever shift he assigns you to.
” He looks up from the papers in front of him, checking that I’m paying attention.
He looks over the top of his glasses, making eye contact with me, a malicious grin spreading across his face, as he continues speaking in his nasally tone, “I wouldn’t recommend fuckin’ this up. You’ve already seen what he can pull. I suggest you stay in line.”
I look at this man in contempt, “You think I need you to tell me that? I got it. Can I fuckin’ go, now?” I ask, ready to get anywhere I can be alone and replay the last few days.
Mr. Daniels looks at me, sighing, “Maddox, you’re on a very short leash with Mack. Now, I’m not sure of all the details, but it’s in your best interest to do this as he’s laid out. Don’t be flippant about it.”
Rolling my eyes, I hit him with a deadpan stare, “Dude, I’ve lived with him for 18 years, you think I need some hired help to tell me how to do things when it comes to him?” I ask with a snarl.
“Have it your way. Just do what’s expected, and this’ll be painless. You have six months before I sign off on your probation. Be smart about things and we’ll get along fine,” he mutters, trying to sound threatening and falling flat.
Rubbing my temple, I needed a cigarette and out of this sour-milk smelling office, “Got it. Now can I fuckin’ go?” I ask again.
He pulls his glasses off and throws them on his desk, “Yeah, but don’t make either one of us have to go lookin’ for ya.”
I stand, waving him off as I turn and head for the door, I need to think.
Stepping out into the busy city streets, I feel like I’m being watched.
Looking around, I catch sight of someone disappearing around a corner and I could swear they looked like Anton.
Shaking it off, ‘There’s no way. Stop bein’ so paranoid, Dax,’ I think, turning to head for home.
I need a shower and then I have some questions for Mel.
Melody
When I get home from hanging out with Dani, I find Dax waiting in my room. “The fuck you want?” I ask, dropping my bag as I sit on my bed.
“What exactly do you know about what Kai did after the phone call?” he asks. I think back to the string of events that had happened over the last nine months.
Before I can even open my mouth, Dax looks at me, holding up a finger. “Think about this before you just tell me what you think I wanna hear. I wanna know what really happened.”
‘What does he know? Did Kai tell him somethin’? Did Dax tell Kai the truth about the letters?’ I take a deep breath,searching for my cigarettes. Lighting one, I glare at Dax as I sit heavily on the bed.
“He turned into a manwhore. He was out all the time, rarely had time for us. It’s a miracle he even passed his classes.
There was always someone. Old, our age, in between, just guys.
And lots of them. Gifts from the older ones, the ones our age were doin’ his homework.
Why?” I ask, passing him the smoke as he reaches for it.
He stared at his hands as he listened to what I said, and then, dropping his voice, “No reason. Other than that we didn't use a condom, too rushed in the moment to think of it. I should probably get tested before work tomorrow, huh?” he says, biting the inside of his cheek.
“Yeah, you should.” I sigh, “Now get out. I need a shower and then I’m takin’ a nap,” I say, dismissing him.