by Erin Hayes
What’s more, he’s become a staple in my family’s life as well. As evidenced by his presence here.
I open my mouth to tell him to go ahead, but someone speaks up before I do.
“I’ll do it.”
Both Kaleb and I blink at Ken. My little brother is pale, and I see the tremor in his hands as he takes out his mini-tab, ready to take her order. But his mouth is set into a determined line, and his gaze stays on the Human woman.
“Are you sure?” I ask, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“Yep.” Ken flashes me an enigmatic smile. “I’ve got this.”
He hesitates one more moment before walking with strong purposeful strides towards the lady. The hair on his nine tails is on end, the last indication that he’s out of his comfort zone.
Still though, amazingly, I watch as he approaches the Human, greets her, and starts taking her order.
“Well, I’ll be,” I murmur proudly, crossing my arms as I watch their interaction. Ken’s stiffness melts away millimeter by millimeter until he’s grinning.
Like a normal kid—Meta or Human.
Kaleb’s arm falls across my shoulder. “He’ll be fine,” he rumbles in my ear before giving me a kiss on the forehead. “Ken is going to be all right.”
Relief spreads throughout my chest as Ken keeps talking. It almost takes me too long to realize what’s happening. Forgiveness. It’s one of the strongest forces we have. There may be twelve years of war between our races and certain sects of society may not like what’s happening, but there is still room in our hearts for forgiveness and seeing past our differences.
Forgiveness.
“You know,” I murmur to Kaleb. “Maybe this Complex thing is going to work out.”
We have a long way to go, I know. But every step in the right direction helps.
His hand slips into mine and gives a squeeze. “I think it will.”
And then we both flinch as we hear some dishes crash in the back. “Daisy! Michael!” Mom shouts angrily. Of course, those two would be making trouble. I turn in time to see the two miscreants run out of the kitchen, their laughter filling up the restaurant.
Mom comes out of the kitchen with spaghetti sauce spilled all down the front of her apron, and she wields a ladle like a club. She looks like her usual, tired self, but a smile comes easily to her face as Daisy screeches and hides underneath an empty table.
Our gazes connect, and she gives a curt nod. “Just another day, isn’t it?” she sighs.
I glance back at Ken and squeeze Kaleb’s hand. “Yes,” I agree. “Yes, it is.”
And what a wonderful thing that is.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my novella from THE COMPLEX!
All reviews are appreciated.
If you would like to read more from THE COMPLEX series, please click on the link below:
The Complex Website
About the Author
Sci-fi junkie, video game nerd, and wannabe manga artist Erin Hayes writes a lot of things. Sometimes she writes books.
She works as an advertising copywriter and she’s an award-winning New York Times bestselling author by night. She has lived in New Zealand, Texas, Alabama and now in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, cat, and a growing collection of geek paraphernalia.
You can reach her at [email protected] and she'll be happy to chat. Especially if you want to debate Star Wars.
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