Sequel to Broken.
"Memories have the ability of unlocking new emotions. They allow you to relive moments with surfacing feelings you were unable to experience then. It's your choice to let these feelings live and take hold or tragically, or in this...
Atlas could feel the energy coming off of Makenna and he wouldn't mind it if it were anyone else, but this was a kick to his gut. He tried his best not to show how much it affected him because this was Makenna, she was cold and withdrawn. But they'd gotten close for a moment there and things had been different. Maybe that's why he was having a hard time with the way things were now.
Makenna had withdrawn and was back to being cold with him. He wasn't sure how to handle it this time because it had been hard enough the first time. Now, things were a lot different. He knew what it was like to kiss her and he hadn't been able to think about it anything else.
How was he supposed to forget it happened? He wondered as he turned to look at her.
Makenna was engrossed in the conversation everyone was having at the table. She had the smallest hint of a smile on her face as she watched Thea and Killian try to tell the story between laughter. She felt his gaze on her face and turned to look at him without reservation. It felt like the most natural thing to do and her gaze connected with his.
Makenna's smile slowly disappeared as she saw the intensity in his eyes. If she wanted to look away, there was no way that she could because his gaze held her captive and she liked it. His eyes roamed her face in a soft caress and then stopped at her lips.
"Atlas,"
Makenna snatched her gaze from his and looked away as Atlas turned to Brianna with a smile.
"What is it you study?"
"Business Administration,"
"Is it something you love?"
"It's something I've learned to love,"
"Good answer." Joe said,
"I think Thea mentioned once that you'll be graduating soon."
"That's right," Atlas said, "I transferred a semester late but I'm hoping to wrap things up during summer break and graduate this year."
"That's ambitious." Joe said, "I admire that."
"Thank you, sir."
"Joe, please."
Atlas nodded in acknowledgement.
"What are your plans after you're done?"
"Mum, please." Makenna didn't like when her parents put people on the hot seat,
Atlas glanced at her and felt kind of nice that she was coming to his rescue, "No, it's alright." He turned to Brianna, "I would love to get my Master."
"Here is the US or back home?"
"Here. Maybe Seattle."
The look on Brianna's face froze and the table went quiet. Her gaze shifted to Makenna beside him but she quickly looked at him and flashed him a smile.
"Sounds like you've thought this out,"
Atlas nodded still feeling the tension at the table. He wasn't sure what he'd said wrong. Beside him, Makenna hadn't heard anything after Atlas' last word. The buzzing sound in her ear had drowned out everything and everyone.
Atlas glanced at Thea and she gave him a warm smile but that was all he needed to know that she'd heard the pin-drop silence. Thea looked at Killian who smiled at her before he glanced at Makenna across the table. He noticed his dad reach beside him and place his hand over Makenna's hand. He watched as his sister snapped out of it and her gaze refocused.
Makenna flashed a quick and unfeeling smile at her dad as she slipped her hands from underneath his. She grabbed her plate and pushed back from the table. "Excuse me,"
Atlas looked up at Makenna and watched her leave the table. No one said anything but he felt bad that she'd wanted so badly to get away from him.
"More dessert, anyone?"
Everyone except Joe declined and Killian got up gathering the dishes.
"I'll help." Atlas got up,
"No, you're our guest."
"After that delicious meal, the least I could do is help with the dishes." Atlas said,
Brianna smiled at him, "You're such a gentleman."
Atlas was glad to help Killian with the dishes. There was barely any food to clear away, so Killian and Atlas got to loading up the dishwasher.
"I'm glad that you're going to be close to Thea after you graduate."
Atlas looked at Killian, "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I knew her before you were transferred here and she was just really, you know, somber." Killian tried to explain, "But ever since you came, I don't think I've ever seen her so happy."
Atlas appreciated what Killian was saying and actually found it surprising because he'd tried to separate both of them. Atlas looked at Thea in the other room with his parents. She looked so happy and it made him happy. "And I don't think I'm the only reason she's that happy."
Killian followed his gaze and watched Thea with a smile on his face. Thea found his gaze and her face brightened even more. Atlas looked from his sister to Killian to find a smile on his face.
How had he missed this? Atlas asked himself as he watched them.
Thea and Killian weren't him and Emily. He'd been too in his head and blinded by guilt and grief to see things for what they were.
Atlas inhaled and looked out of the window in front of him. He was glad that Makenna had stopped him even if it was with her threat or warning. But he knew now that she wouldn't actually have gone through with it.
It was then that Atlas caught sight of her in the dark. She was walking spirals around the swing in the backyard. He watched her do the same pattern a few more times before she sat down on one of the swings. She began moving back and forth at a slow and soothing pace. Then she turned to the empty swing beside her almost like she was expecting someone to be there.
Makenna felt the emptiness more than she had since she'd been home. She looked away from the empty swing beside her and lifted her gaze up to the starry night sky. She inhaled the cool night air and almost felt drowsy with it.
"Are you ok?"
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It's February already? Dang!
Just want to wish you guys an amazing month. Also, if you haven't heard my new single - 25, make sure you do. Want to thank everyone who's subscribed to my YouTube channel, I really do appreciate the support. If you haven't subscribed yet, I would be grateful if you did. (Direct link --->)
