Chapter 10: One kiss

Mikhail:

My whole night was spent replaying yesterday’s kiss. But after a great deal of thought, I came to a decision. I can’t be with Nevaeh. With the Council breathing down my neck and my training, I just can’t be with a human. There’s too much at stake, and I can’t risk my family getting hurt.

I pull on my black Nirvana t-shirt, black jeans, and black all-stars before I grab my leather jacket and make my way out of the door. Rowan, Kell, and Carrick are waiting by the porch. Rowan remains quiet as we file into the car. Starting the car, I contemplate how I’m going to approach the situation between Nevaeh and me.

I’m a couple of feet from my locker when I notice Nevaeh. My heart speeds up the closer I get. As if sensing my presence, she turns to me and gives me a shy smile. Her smile almost disarms me, but I remain stoic. Nodding my head in reply, I open my locker and search through it. Nevaeh’s smile instantly falls at my cold reception. It tears me up that I hurt her.

“Can we talk?” She asks dejectedly. I nod my head and close my locker. “Yeah, let’s talk,” I mumble.

Nevaeh glances around the packed hallway before she takes my hand and leads me to a more private spot. She nervously twists her hands together and bites her lip. “Mikhail, about yesterday…I…the kiss—” “Look, Nevaeh, I don’t know what last night was about, but that kiss was a mistake.”

Her eyes gleam with embarrassment, which makes me feel like the biggest asshole in the world. I want to take it back as soon as she retreats into the curtain of her hair. “Yeah, … I just wanted to apologize. I was just…you know what? It doesn’t matter. Sorry.”

Without another word, she gathers her things and walks away.

I know I should be glad that she agrees, but the only thing I feel is guilt.

I feel edgy throughout my first-period class. Sitting stiffly, I try to avoid looking at her. I can sense that she’s experiencing the same discomfort because she’s letting Jez do all of the talking. My chest tightens with every minute that passes.

Nevaeh rushes out of the room as soon as the bell rings. Sighing with resignation, I wait a few minutes and walk out of the room. The rest of the day is just as stressful. It isn’t until I get home that most of the tension drains from my body. Unfortunately, regret weighs heavily on me.