Twisted Obsession Page 7

  Miki smirked, attempting to hide his pain. Deny, deny, deny. “Finia doesn’t love you. She’s never even mentioned your weak ass. Go ahead and play with her; you’re just making her warm for me. Did she tell you how much time we’ve been spending together?”

  “She’s being nice to you for Jahlin.”

  “It’s only a matter of time before we’re a family again. She won’t even give you a second thought.”

  Bastard said, “I’m telling you right now, stop stalking Finia. Don’t you get it? She wants to move to New York because of you.”

  Stalking? Bastard didn’t know what he was talking about. “You’re fucking lying. She’d never leave me!”

  “She’d do anything to get away from you, and I don’t blame her.” Bastard walked away.

  Miki stood in the same spot, too shocked to move, too shocked to follow him and demand answers. His gut told him she wasn’t moving for her job. He thought he could manipulate her into staying, but what if her mind was really already made up?

  Was Finia really leaving?

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Miki sat on the couch opposite Mrs. Knight. He looked down at his nails, hardly paying attention to what she was saying.

  “Miki, are you all right?”

  “Since I show you respect and call you Mrs. Knight, how about you show me respect and call me Mr. Reeves?” he asked, irritation in his voice like it wasn’t a request but a demand.

  She cleared her throat and tapped her pen on the pad.

  “What? Is that too much to ask? Heaven forbid, I ask for damn request,” Miki continued.

  “Please calm down. Tell me what’s bothering you. You haven’t been yourself all day.”

  “You don’t know me. You see me for an hour once a week. That’s only a fraction of my life.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  He held back tears. “Finia was supposed to take me back. She was supposed to fall back in love with me, so we could raise our son together. We were supposed to get married, but she’s going to leave me and Jahlin. She’s going to move to New York, and it sucks that I can’t stop her. She’s abandoning us.”

  “Since the beginning, she’s made it clear that she didn’t want a relationship with you.”

  “That’s. A. Lie.”

  Mrs. Knight cleared her throat again. “It’s the truth, Miki. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can move on. Why is Finia moving?”

  “She met a stupid boy and wants to start a new fucking life with him. It’s bullshit!”

  “Please calm down, Miki.”

  “Call. Me. Mr. Reeves.”

  She hesitated. “Mr. Reeves…”

  “You didn’t do your job. You were supposed to get us back together. I quit this shit. I don’t need you anymore; she didn’t take me back.”

  “Don’t make a decision you’ll regret.”

  “I quit my sessions! What do I have to do? Sign paperwork? Say it verbally? Write a letter?”

  “Miki—Mr. Reeves…”

  “I hated this experience. You’re a quack. You probably got your fucking license from an online school. You know nothing. That’s why your one patient offed himself, so he wouldn’t have to hear your bullshit anymore.” Miki stood up. “I wish I would’ve never wasted my time with you.” He walked out the door and slammed it behind him.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Miki went to the lake and scouted out spots where no one could see anything, spots where he could do whatever he wanted in private.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Finia took a deep breath, sliding her finger under the seal of the envelope. Mr. Brown knew she was the mother of a little boy. Did he factor that into his decision? She closed her eyes for a brief moment. Her heart wanted the paper to say New York, but her head wanted it to say Washington DC. Hopefully, Miami wasn’t even an option for a promotion.

  Patrick squeezed her hand. “Where did you get?”

  She opened her eyes and looked at him. “I’m too afraid to look. Do it for me?”

  He smiled and grabbed the envelope. She waited in anticipation. He looked at the ticket, then at her. “We’re together.”

  She glanced over at Mr. Brown, who nodded at her. He winked. A grin formed on her lips. “Where to?”

  He paused, smirking. “I know you don’t care for greasy foods, but New York has the best pizza.”

  Her heart beat quickened. It was really happening…she was leaving Jahlin for two months.

  Back at her office, Finia and Patrick stood near the filing cabinet that faced the window. The door was shut. She felt his intense stare burning into her. He said, “I hope you’re not mad that I asked my uncle to send us to New York. You don’t have to worry about Jahlin. The facility has a great daycare, and there’s a private school around the corner, or he could be home schooled in the office. Everything will be fine. He’ll love it there. He’ll love Central Park, and it’ll give us a chance to spend a lot of quality time together.”

  Caught off guard, she said, “Whoa, you’re moving a bit too fast. I can’t ask Jahlin to leave the only place he knows as home. Besides, he doesn’t even know you.”

  “And, we can change that. We can ease into it. Let me hang around a bit as Mr. Patrick or something.”

  “Jahlin has a father already.”

  “Do you really think it’s safe to leave your son alone with Miki?”

  Miki would never hurt Jahlin. He loved him too much.

  Her on the other hand…maybe it was a good idea that she was leaving. That she was giving her ex some space, so he could cool down. “I need to call Miki to give him the news.”

  Patrick shook his head. “I wish you’d stop talking to him.”

  “He has a right to know.”

  “He doesn’t deserve your respect.”

  “Please be supportive or leave.”

  “Sorry.”

  She dialed Miki’s number. He picked up on the first ring. “We need to talk,” she said.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Miki, Heartless, and Jahlin sat in a corner booth in the dim-lit Pizza Hut. On their table were two cheese pizzas, chicken wings, breadsticks, juice, and soda. Jahlin sat very close to Miki, practically underneath his armpits while Heartless sat on her own side of the table. Close to their son but at a distance like she was on her own island. She was tormenting Miki without realizing it, or maybe she did know what she was doing.

  “Jahlin, I have to tell you something,” she said.

  “Yes, Mommy.”

  Miki stopped eating and cupped his hands under his chin, his elbows resting on the edge of the table. He looked at his son. He couldn’t believe Heartless was doing this now. “Actually, buddy, this summer you’ll be staying with me. We can play video games, watch cartoons, and watch your granddaddy play softball. It’ll be fun.”

  Jahlin glanced at Heartless. “Will you play with us?”

  “I can’t. I’ll be in New York.”

  Miki cringed that she didn’t even hesitate or try to word it in a way that a five-year old could understand. She acted like she was talking to an adult instead of taking the time to communicate effectively with their pride and joy.

  “New York? Where’s that?” Jahlin asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

  Before Heartless could answer any more questions, Miki took over the conversation and explained that she’d be leaving for a little bit, but that she would eventually come back home, speaking in kid terms.

  “Oh, Mommy, will you help me with my homework? We have to go school shopping.”

  Heartless said, “I won’t be here for school shopping, but your dad will make sure to get all your school supplies like crayons and trapper keepers. And, I’ll call you every day to hear snippets of your school experiences.”

  “Snippets?”

  “Yeah, it means…”

  Miki hid his frown of disapproval under his hand and shook his head. “It means sharing a part of your cool adventures, buddy.”

  Hear
tless wasn’t even affected that she was leaving Jahlin. She couldn’t care less, talking in such a dismissive, technical manner. Where was the emotion? Why break the news tonight? It was like she wanted to hurry and get it over with, so she could leave right away. She would start a new life in New York and forget all about them.

  And, Miki wouldn’t stand for that.

  What if Heartless changed her mind and decided to snatch Jahlin away from him? Another man raising his son. Miki would do anything to prevent that.

  “Oh, Daddy, can we go fishing?”

  “Fishing? What do you know about fishing?”

  “Grandma was talking about it. Can I learn, so I can go fishing with her?”

  Miki smiled. “Of course.”

  “Mommy, I can tell you snippets of my fishing adventures too.”

  “I’d like that.”

  Like hell she would.

  After dinner, Miki escorted his family to the front door. He held Jahlin’s hand while Heartless walked in front of them. Miki kicked a rock out of his way. Once they reached the porch, he placed his hands in his pockets.

  Heartless opened the door and switched on the light near the window. “You know the routine, grab your clothes for a bath.”

  “Yes, Mommy. Good night, Daddy.”

  “Night, buddy.” Miki gave Jahlin a hug, squeezing him tight. His son ran into the house. Miki noticed that Heartless kept her hand on the doorknob like she was eager to go inside. He swallowed a knot in his throat. He was willing to give her one more chance to go back to her old ways, to stop being heartless. “Can I come in?”

  “I have to go. I’ll call you later.” Heartless went into the house, then shut the door in his face.

  That was the last time Miki would allow a door to shut in his face. If he couldn’t have the happy family he had waited patiently for, then he didn’t deserve to live.

  Neither did they.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Days later, Miki and Jahlin sat in an old wooden boat in the blazing sun out on the lake with calm waters. In the boat were oars, the cooler, and a small bucket. Miki had packed sandwiches, chips, and bottles of water for lunch.

  He observed his son. Jahlin was pretty good with holding the rod steady and reeling the line when he thought he caught a fish. Miki’s eyes beamed with pride.

  After hours had passed, Jahlin managed to reel in a huge fish. Miki helped him put it in the cooler. They smiled and hugged each other, Jahlin producing his wide, goofy grin. “Now it’s your turn,” he said.

  Miki chuckled and looked at his son, then he scanned the area in the front, back, and sides of the boat. On the lake, they were near an open field, so he had to make sure no one else was approaching. He had gone to the least favorite fishing spot in the area for a reason. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Buddy, do you know how to swim?”

  “No. Should I know?”

  “Well, you like swimming pools and beaches. You’d be a big boy if you knew how to swim on your own. Would you like to learn? I can teach you.”

  Jahlin grinned and jumped up and down. “Yes, yes please!”

  The boat rocked back and forth like they were riding a wave.

  “Shush.” Miki put his finger to his mouth. “Remember loud noises scare the fish away.”

  “Sorry.”

  Miki patted him on the back. “It’s okay, buddy. It’s good that you want to learn. Let me teach you now.”

  Wide-eyed, Jahlin asked, “Now?”

  Miki nodded. He set his fishing rod down, then took Jahlin’s rod out of his hand. Jahlin watched intently.

  This would be easier than he thought, he smiled to himself. “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes, Daddy.” He gave Miki a hug. Miki squeezed his son tightly, knowing this would be their last embrace. He held on for seconds longer than necessary. When he let go, he patted Jahlin on the shoulder, then ran his fingers through Jahlin’s hair. “Mommy will be proud that I’ll know how to swim, won’t she?”

  Miki nodded. “Yeah, buddy. She’ll be really proud. Now, listen to me. No mistakes. I’ll let you play in the water while I hold your hands. Never let go until I say it’s okay. Okay?”

  “Yes, Daddy.” Jahlin didn’t hesitate to jump into Miki’s arms. Miki picked him up, then gently carried him over the boat’s edge, placing him in the water. Miki held on to his son’s waist, directing him to hold onto the edge of the boat.

  Miki grabbed his hands and gently pushed Jahlin’s body into the water where his legs dangled behind him. He was floating with Miki’s help. Just like Miki could create things, he could easily destroy. “Kick your legs and feet. Get a feel for floating.”

  Jahlin did as instructed.

  Miki looked around the area again. “Are you a big boy?”

  His son smiled his goofy grin. “Yes, Daddy.”

  “Good. I’m letting go now, as long as you keep kicking, you’ll be all right.”

  His son’s eyebrows rose. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, buddy. I’d never let you down.” He paused. “I love you, Jahlin.”

  “I love you too, Daddy.”

  “Do you love Mommy?”

  His son nodded. “Yes.”

  Miki closed his eyes for a brief moment.

  If only things had been different…

  He released both of Jahlin’s hands. Immediately Jahlin began wailing his arms. Instead of floating sideways like before, he was leaning straight, his chest already fully under water. “Daddy, I can’t do it.” He frowned.

  Miki took a deep breath, placing his elbows in a relaxed position on the edge of the boat, his head resting on them, so he was eye level to Jahlin. He relished in his son’s pain.

  Jahlin was becoming a man.

  A bittersweet smile formed on Miki’s lips. “Yes you can, buddy. Don’t give up. You’re a big boy now.”

  Jahlin fought back tears as his body sank even more under water. Like a good boy, he didn’t struggle. He didn’t complain anymore. He’d do anything to please his parents, that’s what Miki loved the most about him—he was easy to control.

  Now, Jahlin sank so much that his mouth created bubbles as he tried to breathe. His words gurgled, but Miki could make out what he said, “Please help me, Daddy. I’m doing it wrong.” Jahlin reached his arms towards the boat, but his little arms couldn’t reach it.

  Miki didn’t even budge. It felt good that Jahlin still needed him during his final moments on earth. What a way to bond.

  Jahlin sank an inch further, this time the water covered his nose. His eyes became wide-eyed as he realized he couldn’t breathe. In a panic, he splashed in the water, still trying to reach for the boat.

  Miki didn’t budge.

  Good, his son was a fighter after all. His eyes never left Jahlin’s face. Miki needed to remember, so he could tell Heartless what happened, to make sure she suffered.

  Eventually, Jahlin couldn’t fight anymore. He took his last breath, his eyes glossy. Miki closed his eyes as tears strolled down his cheeks. When he opened them, Jahlin had disappeared.

  Miki scanned the area again. Still nothing fishy. He sighed in relief. He should’ve paid more attention to possible passersby, instead of focusing all his attention on Jahlin.

  Miki glared. He hated Heartless. She screwed him over; now, she had to pay. She made him kill their son. She was making him kill her.

  No peaceful death as drowning.

  That bitch would suffer.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Finia paced back and forth in her bedroom. One hand held her cell phone and the other held a glass full of white wine. “Laura, what if I’m making a mistake?”

  “It’s natural for you to be scared to leave Jahlin. You’ll miss him, and he’ll miss you. You’re buddies with your boss, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Maybe you should ask to switch to the DC branch.”

  Finia drank her wine in three gulps. “Can you come over? I’ll fix dinner.”

  “You don’t ha
ve to bribe me. I’ll see you soon.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Knock. Knock.

  Finia opened the door. She was shocked to see Miki instead of Laura. She blocked the entranceway. “What are you doing here?”

  “I was in the neighborhood.” Miki lifted up his cooler as if he was calling a truce. “I figured I could make you dinner and tell you how excited our son was on his first fishing trip.”

  “Where is Jahlin?”

  “I told him he could spend the night at my mom’s.” He smiled weakly.

  She hesitated before letting him in. The only reason she did—she knew Laura was on her way. She led him into the kitchen, so she could finish cutting up vegetables for the salad.

  Afterwards, Finia tried to toss the knife into the sink. She missed, so it clinked on the floor as it hit the tiles. She bent down to pick it up, then successfully placed the knife in the sink. “Miki, we should talk. I’d really like to talk to you about something important. I’m sorry for everything,” she whispered. When he didn’t respond, she was unsure whether he heard her or not. Not feeling courageous to say it again, she stayed quiet.

  “When you say everything, do you mean about us? About Jahlin?”

  “I mean everything…we should talk, but it’ll take more than a day to get everything out. There are so many things I need to say to you.” She closed her eyes when she felt Miki’s body heat.

  He had walked around the counter to stand near her, his breathing tickling the hairs on the back of her neck. He took a deep breath. “Do you think you were a good mother?”

  After taking a sip of wine, Finia bit her bottom lip. She set the glass on the kitchen counter. “I’m doing the best I can.”

  “A loving mother doesn’t leave her son, doesn’t leave her son’s father.”

  In a defensive stance, she turned to face Miki, but she was greeted with a huge knife into her stomach. She gasped in pain. He put his left hand on her shoulder to keep her balanced and plunged the knife in deeper.