Chapter Forty Two

Michael arrived in Texas but what he saw was quite shocking. Pictures of him wanted was posted everywhere. It was a good thing he was wearing a hood and dark glasses. He quickly called White to ask him what was going on.

"Yo! Man! Where the f**k are you?" White asked.

"I am in Texas."

"You can't  be here, pictures of you are posted everywhere."

"Yeah, I just saw that now. Can you help me book a room or something? I need a place to stay and get Austin over too."

"I don't think Austin would come. Nigga was really upset, yo"

"Just call him over here." he hung up the call.

He had to look for a place to hide.

After a while, White and Austin came to meet him. White hugged him but Austin stood behind with both hands in his pocket.

"Did you get what I asked you to?" White handed the key over to him. "Let's go then. Anyone brought a car?" He looked at Austin but Austin didn't reply.

White searched Austin's pocket and brought out the car key. He handed the key over to Michael as they all went to where the vehicle was. Michael got close to the driver's door but instead of opening the door, he threw the key to Austin who was quick to catch it. "Drive." Michael told him.

Austin threw the key back to him and said, "You are not the boss of me any more and I don't take commands from you."

Michael threw the key to him again. Austin caught it and Michael looked at him and said, "I am asking this as friends to friends."

Austin was surprised and he took the key and drove off with Michael and White in the car.

They got to the apartment White had gotten from him and they waited for Michael to settle down before bombarding him with questions. Austin was the first to speak. "Why are you here?" Michael was taking off his clothes when he paused and turned to look at Austin. Austin repeated the question and waited for him to answer.

"Why? I shouldn't have come back?"

"Yes." Austin replied bluntly.

White was sitting at a corner, watching them exchange words.

"Do you still loathe me?" Michael asked but Austin kept mute. "I just want to make things right with everyone."

"With everyone, uh? Or is there this particular person you want to make things right with?"

"I want to get back together with Nora." Austin burst into laughter. "What's funny?"

"You," Austin answered. "Do you think Nora would be a fool to accept you back that easily?"

"I never said it was going to be that easy." Michael took off his clothes and laid on the bed. "I have thought about it and I think it is time to make a change. I know I f**ked up and I just want to make things right."

"How about it is too late?"

Michael sat up and looked at Austin with confusion. "What do you mean? Is she married?"

"If she was married, that would have been better." White told him.

"Can someone just tell me what the f**k is going on?"

"I heard she lost her brother." White answered.

"Lost her brother?"

"Andrew died few days ago." Austin told him.

Michael's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"I heard he was trying to go to the bathroom when he slipped and fell. She blames you for all her misfortunes, you raped her, made her life a living hell and you talking about going back to her? Who does that shit?"

"I have to go and see her." He was about to stand up and leave but White stopped him.

"Are you forgetting you are on the wanted list of the police?" White asked him. Michael realized White was right so he sat back to think of what to do.

"What do you think I should do then?"

"Just stay here, we will find a way to bring her to you."

"We?" Austin looked at White. "If you want to carry on this crazy mission, you are free to but speak for yourself."

"What the hell is wrong with you, Aus?" White asked. "Let's not forget we are the only friends he has. I still don't get why you are mad at him."

Austin stood up and was about to leave but Michael stopped him. "You have all reasons to be mad and angry at me. I know you are trying to keep what is left of the gang but, I can't do this anymore.  I can't continue living my life with guilt and regret and I want you to..."

"To what?" Austin asked. "Do you know how many hearts I have broken? Do you know the shitty mess you put me through? Now you are backing out and telling me this? Do you think I don't have someone that I am deeply in love with but i can't go to her because of the mess I have made and you are telling me..."

"At a point in our lives, we come to place of realization. I have come to that place and I know you will too." Michael cuts in. He placed his hands on his shoulders but Austin shook them off.

"You and Kelvin made us this way and now you two are trying to be the good guys?" Austin scoffed. "Have fun!" He opened the door and slammed the door after him.

White came to meet Michael and encouraged him not to feel down. "He is just hurt that is all. We are his only family. First, it was Kelvin and now you...he is just lost that's all. Do whatever you feel is right. I will go and talk to him."

"Thanks man!" White nodded before leaving the apartment.

Michael laid on his bed as he thought about how he would meet with Nora without the police finding out. He wasn't sure he could wait for White to come up with a plan. He had to do this himself. This is a risk he is willing to take when he decided to come back and nothing is going to stop him, not even the police.