Kith and Kin ✔️

30. Looming Trouble

He was sitting in his room, completing the essay which was due tomorrow when Mr. Dixon entered the room. Mr. Dixon's eyes were red and his clothes wrinkled. This was actually the first time he had came out of his room since his wife's funeral.

"I need to talk to you son." His voice was raspy since it was probably the first time in weeks that he had opened his mouth. He coughed to clear his throat.
"Do you need anything?" Michael was worried for him. He hadn't been eating properly for weeks now and had bags under his eyes.
"No I just wanted to tell you something." Michael noticed that he was hesitating, something wasn't right.

"What is it?" He finally asked.
"I-I'm sorry, son, but I c-can't do this anymore." A tear ran down Mr. Dixon's eye and Michael looked at him helplessly.
"What are you trying to say?" This was concerning him more that he had ever admit.
"M-Michael I can't stay here anymore. Her memories, they are haunting me. I think I'll go insane if I stay here any longer." He was on the verge of breaking down.
Michael could now feel the sweat beads forming on his forehead.
"Does this mean?"
"Yes son. I'm sorry but I'm leaving." Mr. Dixon patted his back and stood up.
"So what time are we leaving?"

Mr. Dixon turned around to face him. His eyes were glistening with un-shed tears.
"Only I am leaving son."
"What about me then?" Michael couldn't really believe this. It felt as if his world was shaking and the confusion was making him really uncomfortable.
"You're eighteen now. I think you'll be able to manage." Saying this Mr. Dixon walked out only to stop once again. "Before I forget, the new family will shift in here by tomorrow so make sure you're gone by then."

Michael could feel his heart beating wildly. He could understand why Mr. Dixon was being like this but his brain was still not accepting it. He went to the bathroom and washed his face. He couldn't believe that he was now homeless. How will he manage to get a place so soon?

*******

Alexander knew that something was very wrong when a distraught Michael called him. He at once rushed towards the local diner, knowing full well Michael must've gone there.

He wasn't surprised when he saw Jason sitting next to him but this didn't make him worry any less.

"What's wrong?" He asked, once he was in hearing range.
"I don't know man but I think his girlfriend dumped him." Jason said, not caring about the glare Michael was directing towards him.
Alex punched his shoulder and took a seat.
"Ow! What was that for?" Jason whined.
"Shut up." Alex turned away from Jason.
"You shut up." They started bickering like a 65-year old couple
"Why are you so annoying?"
"Why are you so ugly?"
"He-"

"Can't you guys be serious for a moment?" They both snapped their heads towards Michael who looked ready to explode any time now.
Jason gave a look to Alex and blew out a breath.
"Okay princess tell me what's wrong."
Michael stayed silent not knowing how to tell them that he was in a delirious state now.

"Come on man don't be like this. You know we're here for you." Alex said, trying to relax him.

"Mikey I'm dying here. Just tell me what happened." Jason sighed and put his head on the table. Suddenly he slammed his fist on table loudly and shouted, "Stop being a princess and spill it out."

Michael and Alex glared at him but he just grinned in response.

"Mr. Dixon left." He said quietly.
"Annnddd?" They both spoke in unison.
"And now I've got no place to stay."