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

pressed my teary face against his chest. "I've become this

shouldn't have said anything. I should be punished. Do you want

hit him, but he just held me

argument left me in tears, but

the argument,

way to ease the tension.

into

Brandon

at my teary reflection in the mirror

past had always been careful around Chris. I never acted out of line. I monitored his every mood, and if

now, despite Brandon's indulgence and affection, I found

you need to stop this," I said to

out of the shower, Brandon had already warmed up the milk. He was now in his loungewear, sitting

computer to take the towel from my hand and dry

had and said, "Brandon, do you

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

upset because you deceived me and didn't tell

"Hmm?" He seemed confused.

cup. "I thought the boss behind Xander was you. I assumed you were deliberately hiding your identity from me."