29 Brother.

Dylan was nowhereto be seen the next morning. This startled me a bit since he had never left my side after the plane. I ferreted around my bedroom, stirring at the unaccustomed emptiness. Not that I was scared of the wind, but it just felt so lonely. I had already admitted that I love him, I should spend more time with him.

But Sonnia and Michelle visited me. Maybe it was lucky that he was not here.

"Dale's impossible!" Sonnia said. "But I'm glad you're alright Leigh. It's very lucky of you to survive such accidents without scratches."

I poured coffees for all of us with Michelle's help. "What about Dale?" That's right, I hadn't heard from him since last night. He was never like this. He always ran to me the first thing whenever, whatever happened.

Michelle took two cups to the table and said. "He's very angry that we took Dylan in."

"Yea, even if he's gay!" Sonnia complained.

That was probably my fault.

"Maybe it's because Dylan's…gay?" I suggested trying to cool off the atmosphere. But inside, I was a bit worried.

Sonnia shrugged. We talked a little more about my condition and they decided to let me rest. I didn't want to rest. Story about Dale was nagging at me irritably that I had to go out see him right away.

I went straight to Dale's house, trying to put Dylan's aside unsuccessfully while I was walking. My mind kept coming back thinking about him pondering about how he treated me. Could he have liked me too? Hope flickered on and off liked about-to-be-broken light bulbs. Then, my mind wandered to our time together roaming across to the future. Will I ever have a chance to confess my love? Do I want him to know? Or should I keep it a secret? No, Leigh! Concentrate! It's about Dale now!!

The buzzing bell awaked me from the never-ending train of thoughts. I pulled myself together and placed a smile on my face. In fact, I did not have to. I could not stop smiling since last night. Love forced it.

Dale opened the door and I quickly said hi. His face was expressionless then turned sulky. "Are you okay?" seeing his sullen face, I asked and touched his forehead which he moved away instantly. I staggered. Dale was never like this. What changed him during these days when we hadn't time to get together?

"Are you with Dylan Ziarre now?" Dale demanded, voice sounded threatening.

My mouth was about to curve into an O for 'No'. But, then, it also looked 'Yes' to me. We did hang out a lot. I didn't want to lie to Dale, but neither were I brave enough to speak the truth. Swinging my arms to wave the shyness off, I blundered on my answer. "'Yo--no, I mean Nes--no-"

"What exactly is it?" Dale pressed on demanding my answer.

I mumbled hesitantly avoiding his stare. Wait, is he mad about this? Why? Dale doesn't like Dylan?

My silence provoked Dale. He was about to shut the door into my face. I could not let that happen and jammed myself between the door and the wall

"Wait! What is it? We're just friends! And he's gay!"

"I don't believe a word about that guy being gay!" Dale shouted. "I know he just wants to get close to you!"

He got it right. I was shocked. "N-no--"

"Michelle's right Leigh." Dale continued with an angry tone. "Any sensible human would never believe such stupid rumor. He clearly likes you! Yesterday he was hugging you, wasn't he?!"

No, he's just doing his duty forcing by the contract. I could only answer that in my head.

"Nothing to say?" Dale smirked. "What about you Leigh? Do you like him?"

Now, I was totally exasperated. If Dale had asked me this a day earlier, I could tell him 'no' without any hard feelings. But how could I say it now? I didn't want to lie. I couldn't tell the truth!

The tension's getting on my nerve and I could hold it no longer. I peevishly shouted. "Okay! Okay!" Oh! What is this?! "If you don't like it, I'm not gonna be friend with him anymore! You're happy?!"

Outraging, I turned and tramped away, didn't wait for an ending. His behavior today really pissed me off. What happen to Dale's logical lobe of brain? Is he making me choose? Between him and Dylan?

Of course, I would choose him! We knew each other for so long! And I loved him too. I doubtlessly had to choose a family over a random guy, no, random demon.

Yet, I was agitated at what I had announced. Knowing for certain that I could not be with Dylan anymore, and with such short time of realizing the crush. I was going to spend a lot of time with him. I was going to be good to him. Thanking everything he had done for me. Now, it could only be a dream.

Obviously, I could not expect anything more than friendship from Dylan anyway. I lost in every way comparing to him. Long, long, light-year long way out of his league. My look was so ordinary and he was so good-looking. My dresses were cheap and tomboy while he always dressed well. And the greatest difference was our character. He was a popular out-going guy whereas I was an introvert anti-social who was never at ease with the arrival of tomorrow.Most important thing, we live in a totally different world!

I sighed considering all the reasons and possibilities between us and thought about Dale. A drop of tear drew a line across my cheek.

I gave up.

Tears brimming in my eyes and washed down my cheeks. It felt just like dad's bike when I lost a very important part of me.