Twisted Roots (DeBeers 3)

That's all. Thinking only of yourself. Maybe you can't

help it Maybe you inherited it from your father." he

said bitterly and took another sip of his straight

bourbon.

"That's not fair. Miguel."

"I'm tired," he said. "Tired of protecting

everyone, tired of fighting for happiness. Maybe there

is something here we can't stop. Go on. Hannah. Go

on to bed. You have to bear responsibility for your

actions now. I'm not going to get in between you and

your mother on this. I hope you'll come to your senses

and make a change." he said and turned away. "I have

my own pain to endure. I'm not taking on anyone

else's for the moment." he muttered,

Stunned and deeply hurt, so much so I felt mortally wounded. I was speechless. This time my tears did burn my eyes. I let them roll dawn my cheeks and fly off with my quick stride out of the library, through the corridor, and up the stairs to my room where I slammed my door shut and sat on my bed, the fury in me feeling like a small hurricane building and building and threatening to burst and

blow me apart. I wanted it to do just that.

What was it Miguel had said: He hoped I would

make a change?

Yes, Miguel, that's exactly what I will do, I

thought, and I went to my phone.

Heyden picked up after one ring.

"Hey," he said. "Sorry I was so hard on von. I

understand what you're feeling, how scary this whole

idea is for you, and I guess--"

"No, you don't." I said quickly. "Make the

arrangements. We're taking Uncle Linden and we're

leaving as soon as you can arrange it."

"Really?"

"Just do it!" I nearly screamed.

"Okay, okay. Hey." he said. "you're not going