You're not the one who's waiting

"You're right." You say taking a step back. "There's no need for me to wait." Her expression, although hidden, is clear displaying shock.

"Michael..."

"Because you can find me anytime you're ready. You wait until you are ready, I don't need to. I like you Heather, I've liked you for a long time now and I'm done lying and pretending that I don't." You walk back to the door without her saying anything. The doorway blinds you upon opening it, a brilliant light illuminates the room. You look back one last time, at the curves of the bombshell girl's face, standing still with a wavering smile made up from full rosy lips.

"Goodbye." Heather whispers softly.

"See you soon." You shut the door behind you. The curl of a smile builds up on your face uncontrollably. Try as you might, you can't help yourself from grinning as you walk away. She likes me! She really does like me! After all this time, I'm so relieved.

* In the hallways.

Without watching where you were walking you accidentally bump into the shy Asian cutie who still dresses in her Gothic-cosplay outfit. "Sorry Michael." Hina quickly bows after taking a short step away.

"You have nothing to apologies for." You pat her shoulder as she rises slowly. "I should have been more careful."

"Not about that. I meant I am sorry for what I did at my apartment. I was too caught up in emotions and was blinded to see what I did not want to hear." She bows again, deeper than the last time.

"And like I said Hina, it's fine, you have nothing to apologies for. You were upset because you love your sister, I understand that. It didn't help that I kept bringing up your painful past."

"I was angry that she chose her maiden name over my father's name. They loved each other very much. Why would she abandon him like that?" She lifts her head, crying. You pull her in for a hug to comfort her.

"Maybe the name was too painful to keep? You said she kept herself busy with work, maybe she was hurting as much as you were?" You offer suggestions for her.

"But she continued working at his company... If it was that painful she should have given it up and retired with the money they had made." She continues to cry out, you stroke her hair and let her vent into your chest. "We did not need anymore money. Did she despise me for not being the one who was there instead of my sister? I loved her and she abandoned me with my aunt and uncle..."

"Do you want to find out?" You ask through the brief pause. "Find out if she truly does hate you?"

"I- Maybe..." She mutters

"If it will help you move on I'll help you anyway I can. I'll take you as far as you need to go to find her again and if needs be, I'll be there when you get your answer."

"Yes please Michael. Not yet. I am not ready to face my mother yet, but it is not a far drive to get to her from here."

"Oh, really? You know where she is then?" You ask in surprise. Hina looks up at you from the hug. Warm brown eyes gaze shyly at you.

"We passed by her place earlier." You wait a moment and your heart freezes when she tells you. "Blackburn Tower."

"Well... That's great news." You lie as you smile widely before pulling her into another hug. Your right hand flares up in pain as you grip Hina's back. "Can't wait to go see your mother."