A weekend with the Alpha novel Chapter 69

The month that followed flew by fast. I divided my times between work, Zion and Lionel.

Four weeks ago, I reported to the University because though it was the exam period when I disappeared, they still needed my presence there. Mr Cook, the vice Chancellor, however, told me Aaron had stepped in and informed him why I wasn't present. I didn't know what Aaron told him, but it sounded genuine enough because Mr Cook believed it and granted me pardon for the days I missed. I didn't know what exactly he told them and I didn't ask.

Daniel also came back two weeks ago and apologised, claiming he had overreacted. When I asked him what changed his mind, he admitted Aaron had come to his house to speak to him. In his words, Aaron had admitted to kissing me and that I only kissed back because he made me. He also told him that in the week I spent with him, I had welcomed no form of entanglement because I had him in mind. Somehow, Daniel believed him and returned.

I was happy about his return. I was also grateful that Aaron had gone out of his way to help put things right, even when he could have chosen not to.

When Daniel asked if I was willing to try again, I said I wasn't. I told him the break helped me realise my priorities, and I'd only drag him along if I let him back in. Besides, my life was more complicated than it was months ago when we started dating. There were things I'd never tell him and that would leave a hedge in the relationship. He felt sad about it, but it was for the best. I wouldn't feel happy with myself knowing I didn't give my all to the one I was with. To give my all to Daniel would reveal too much, which would only put him in harm's way.

I received a call from the hospital where Lionel had been admitted the last month, informing me of his discharge being today. The nurse asked if I could come and pick him and I said yes.

His release would have happened sooner, but two weeks ago he experienced a sudden concussion, which made the doctor readmit him to run a few more tests on him. There was a slight change in his brain tissue, and they had to treat it before discharging him.

I drove over as fast as I could. The doctor gave me a few papers to sign and after signing them; I handed them over and we were free to leave.

"I hope I'm not being such a bother," Lionel said as I helped him into the wheelchair and pushed him towards the door.

"Nonsense," I answered, pushing him into the hallway. "You're my brother. I would do this in a heartbeat."

"I don't know. Sometimes I feel I'm dragging everyone back. First, I lost my money on drugs and had to live with mom. Then I tried to find my feet back, only to overdose. Now I'm in the hospital and once again single." he said, his voice wounded and pained.

Ouch, Shamsi left.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know your girlfriend broke up with you." they looked so good together this past month and I wouldn't have guessed it. My heart went out to him.

He shrugged, "It's fine. She needs a man that can take care of her and the past month it had been the opposite. I don't blame her. My life is shit. Good thing she ran."

"Oh, now I understand why she looks familiar!"

"Sesi? What are you doing here?" I wasn't surprised she knew the hospital. She had followed us over last month and probably raced here.

"Hey, sorry to barge into your activities like this. I needed to get away. Everyone's face seems to annoy me today."

"Do our faces annoy you?" Lionel asked with an already intimidated voice.

"Hers doesn't," she replied, turning her attention to Lionel and staring at him hard.

He swallowed, "Oh."

The awkwardness lingered in the air as the two who had never met before stared at each other in silence. "I'm sorry I didn't introduce you two. Lionel, this is Sesi Hart, Aaron's sister. Sesi, this is Lionel Adams, my brother."