IX

I cleaned myself up, walked downstairs, and headed to the dining area.

"Good morning, everyone!" Igor, Nadia, and Kodiak were the only ones in the dining area.

"Good morning, sweetie. How's your hangover?" Nadia asked me.

"It's not that bad." I sat down beside Igor. I refused to sit next to Kodiak after everything.

I should start avoiding him probably.

We ate peacefully and once in a while had a short conversation, "What are your plans for the day?" Igor asked me, "I plan on calling my brothers today and my mom too."

Kodiak has been quiet throughout the meal and wouldn't even glance at us, but that's none of my business.

I picked up the black phone my father left me and dialed my mom's number first.

(Annika, Noelle)

'Hello, who is this?'

'Mommy, it's me.'

'Dukke! (doll) Oh, my baby. How are you? I miss you so much.'

'I miss you too, mamma. I think I'm okay here.'

'What's wrong, honey? You know you can talk to me.'

'Don't tell Pappa please.'

'I won't.'

'Promise?'

'Jeg sverger på livet mitt. (I swear on my life.)'

'I think I have feelings for Kodiak but it seems like he does not like me.'

'...'

'Do what you think is right, dukke (doll). If you think you have a future with him then go ahead, but if you think there's none, then stop.'

'I love you, mamma.'

'And I love you, dukke (doll)'

'I'm gonna call Pappa and the others.'

'Okay. Take care and call me. I'm always here for you.'

I ended the call and zoned out a bit, thinking about what my mamma said to me.

If you think you have a future with him then go ahead, but if you think there's none, then stop. Do I have a future with Kodiak? I need another opinion on this.

I tried calling Pappa but he didn't pick up. I tried calling my brothers but only Magnus picked up.

(Magnus, Noelle, Adalee)

'Hey, this is Magnus. Who dis?'

'It's Noelle.'

'Hey, loser! I miss you! What's up?'

'I miss you too, rasshøl (dipshit). I just wanted to check-in and stuff. I tried calling the others but they didn't pick up.'

'They're out on a business-related meeting. And I know you, kid. What's wrong?'

I sighed, 'I think I'm fucked.'

'Are you pregnant?'

'Who's pregnant?'

'Hi, Adalee! Sorry if I'm disturbing your time together. And no, Magnus, I'm not pregnant.'

'You're not disturbing anything, hun.'

'Yea, we're always here to help you. So, what's wrong?'

'I need a second opinion, I mean a third one, I called mom before you and she told me to see if I can see a future with this person.'

'Who?'

'Is he cute?'

'Wait. I need you to swear that you won't tell pappa.'

'Jeg lover at jeg ikke vil (I promise I won't).'

'We promise.'

'I think I have feelings for Kodiak but it seems like there's no chance he would like me back.'

'Fucker. I would tell you to pack up and come home but that's kinda not a good idea.'

'Oh God, that's horrible. What did your mom say?'

'She said, If you think you have a future with him then go ahead, but if you think there's none, then stop. I don't know if I see a future with him. It seems like there's always something in the way. He makes me think that he cares about me but at the same time he doesn't.'

'He's known to be with one girl but play with another. He's playing with you. In my opinion, just stop.'

'I agree with your brother. He seems like the type of guy who'll break your heart.'

'Do you want me to ask dad to move you to another place?'

'I'll be fine here. Don't worry.'

'Let's hang out next week to take your mind off things.'

'I would love that. Thank you, Adalee.'

'It's no problem, hun. Now, guard your heart okay?'

'Yea, Nellie, take care of yourself.'

'I will. I love you guys!'

'We love you too, kid.'

I threw my phone on the bed and sat down on the floor.

Maybe they're right? Maybe there's no future for the both of us?

I stood up and walked towards the kitchen to get a cup of water. I sat on the kitchen counter and thought about what I should do. I was deep in my thoughts that I didn't hear the kitchen door open or that someone was in front of me.

I felt someone brush my hair out of my face, I looked up and saw Kodiak smiling sadly at me.

"I didn't mean to listen in your conversation with your brother."

I pretended to be confused, "What are you talking about?" he sighed then took the cup of water out of my hands and placed it beside me.

"You have feelings for me?" I avoided eye contact with him and sighed, "Yea, I guess."

"You have no future with me, люблю (love)" he lifted my chin and made me look at him, "I am not someone capable of loving you. You deserve more than me."

I felt tears in my eyes, "Why not give yourself a chance to love me?" he shook his head, "I love someone else. You know this." I felt a tear slip out the corner of my eye.

"Give me a chance. I know I can be the one you need." I begged him, he wiped the tear then kissed my head, "I can't do that, малышка (babygirl)."

I pulled away from him and jumped down from the counter, "I don't want to be made a fool. Please stay away from me for the time I'm staying here." I started to walk out the kitchen when I felt his hand grab my arm and push me up against the refrigerator, "You can't tell me what to do, малышка (babygirl). I will have you when I want, and whenever I want."

He smashed his lips against mine and pulled me up so that my legs wrap around his waist. "Stop. This isn't right." I attempted to push him away, he kissed my cheek and whispered, "Let me have you, one last time."