"What was up with the dirty looks?" Luhan laughed jokingly, waving at the guests.

An awkward breakfast has just ended. Kai went home, claiming he had business to attend to. Karl had to go shopping since she didn't bring luggage.

"She hates me."

He chuckled, patting his cousin on the arm. "Stop messing around; why would she ever dislike you?"

Hana narrowed her eyes, expression dark. "You don't believe me." 
"What do you mean?" He raised an eyebrow. "Sometimes, I don't get you. You're always so tense and distant. Just relax."
"There's nothing to relax about," she snapped, removing his hand off her shoulder. "Did you see her out there? How she insulted me?"
"It's just a familliar expression. You don't react that way when Auntie or I comment on your height," Her cousin rolled his eyes. "You know you're not that tall; why make it a big deal all of a sudden?"
Glancing up, her eyes stared sternly into his. "I've had enough, Luhan. That's why. It's been bottled inside me for years, and I'm done. I thought you would understand and help, but I stand corrected."

Hana turned around, lip quivering.
It hurt her pride. It hurt her trust. 
A mix of dread and sorrow flooded her head and heart.
This thudding feeling grew as she walked up the stairs.
It pounded in her ears as she packed her bags, ignoring her cousin's eyes as she marched out the door and into the car.
"I'll call you," she spoke in a monotone, pulling out of the complex. 
Once out of his view, she swerved into an empty parking lot. 

Out came the waterworks.
Alone and nowhere to go.
She cried out of loss. For the longest time, she took the mistreatment and the harm because she knew he was there.
They were going to stick together through thick and thin.
When Karl forced her to do her afterschool duties, the younger did them in order to avoid confrontation.
She didn't speak of these acts when she got home. There was no point.
Using makeup to cover any blemishes, she disguised the cuts and bruises on her pale skin.
He didn't ask. He didn't notice. And she was okay.
She cried out of betrayal. She teared over his ignorance.
Most of all, she was angry at herself.
Through tears, she hit her chest. "Why am I so stupid? Why didn't I just shut up and deal with it? Why didn't I stop?" 
Hours passed.
Her bloated eyes were closed shut, head leaning back.
The child was asleep.

When she awoke, the sky was dark
She called out for Luhan. No response.
She was alone, once again. 
Steering out of the empty lot, Hana drove to the convience store.

Even girls need a cold beer sometimes.

----

Author's Note:

a slight touch of angst.

the bird has left the nest.

updates soon.

xoxo,

cactus