Crossroads

Even though he was right and I knew that I was at fault, why did I feel like I was the one who had been wronged? Why did I end up crying?

Brandon turned back and, seeing me crying uncontrollably, reached out to hold me again. "It's my fault for being too harsh. I won't say such things again." The more he said this, the more upset I felt.

I raised my hand and hit him. "You're not at fault. Why are you saying it's your fault? It's clearly my mistake."

"No, Mae, you're not wrong. It's my fault for having ill thoughts and speaking carelessly." Brandon insisted on taking the blame.

This made me even more distressed. I hit him again and again.

Finally, overwhelmed by my tears, I bit him.

"That hurts," Brandon said.

It was the first time he had ever said that.

I sighed in relief. Tears were still streaming down my face as I looked at him. Brandon wiped my tears away. "Once you're done biting, no more crying. Otherwise, your eyes will be swollen tomorrow, and that won't look good."

"It's all your fault," I blamed him again.

"Yes, it's my fault. I won't do it again," Brandon said as he wiped my tears away.

he wasn't at

my teary face

shouldn't have said anything. I should

him, but he just held me

heated argument left me in tears, but it ended swiftly, within

and the argument, the awkwardness

for a way to ease the tension. "I'd like

said before pushing me back into the bathroom and shutting the door behind me. "Brandon, I was wrong. I'll change," I admitted through the

always right," Brandon said before

at my teary reflection in the mirror when

never acted out of line. I monitored his every mood, and if he frowned, I would worry that I had

and affection, I found myself

you need to stop this," I said to

already warmed up the milk. He was now in

his computer to take the towel from my

about the dinner we had and said, "Brandon, do you know I've

about?" His hand moved through my hair and massaged my scalp. It

you deceived me and didn't tell

"Hmm?" He seemed confused.

was you. I assumed you were deliberately hiding your identity from me."