Kwame slowly sat on the chair by the desk. Tears streamed down his face. He looked straight at them and asked, "Why?"
"I loved her before you did. She belongs with me," Marvel said, swinging his legs off the bed to stand.
"Oh really?" Kwame asked, wiping his cheeks with the back of his hand.
"No, no! Don't listen to him. It was a mistake," Alchemy said quickly, stepping closer to Kwame.
"A mistake?" Kwame repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
"It wasn't a mistake. She loves me," Marvel answered.
Kwame's jaw tightened. "Get out, Marvel. I want to have a conversation with my girlfriend."
"I'm going nowhere," Marvel said, crossing his arms.
"Get out of here right now before I do something I'll regret," Kwame yelled, his voice shaking with rage.
Marvel hesitated, still reluctant to leave. That's when Kwame grabbed the glass cup on the nightstand and threw it at him.
Marvel's reflexes saved him, he ducked, and the glass shattered against the wall behind him.
"Get out now!" Kwame shouted, his whole body trembling.
Marvel glanced at the broken glasses scattered across the floor, then at Kwame's face. Without another word, he left.
"I'm so… "
"Don't!" Kwame cut Alchemy off, his voice sharp with pain.
"Do you love him?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.
Alchemy went silent. Words failed her.
"Answer me," Kwame demanded.
"Yes, I love him. But… "
"Let's break up," Kwame said, interrupting her before she could finish.
"No, no, listen to me. I love you more than I love him. I can't live without you," Alchemy sobbed, reaching for him.
"Nonsense. Absolute lies," Kwame replied, his tone cold. "If you truly loved me like you claim, you wouldn't have betrayed me."
"It was a mistake. Please, forgive me," Alchemy pleaded through her tears.
"I give you your freedom, Alchemy. You can be with whoever you please," Kwame said quietly. Then he turned and walked out.
In the hallway, he ran into Marvel.
"I heard what you said. Thank you. I'll take care of her," Marvel said, a smug edge to his voice.
"I Hate You!," Kwame said slowly, his voice firm and steady, meeting his brother's eyes. Then he walked away.
The next morning, everyone gathered at the table for breakfast when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Marvel said, pushing back his chair and leaving the room.
Minutes later, he returned. "It's no one," he said, pausing for effect. "I mean, no one we don't know. I present to you… Gisela!"
Noise erupted throughout the house. Smiles and excited chatter filled the room, everyone looked happy, except for Alchemy, who sat frozen, confusion written all over her face.
"Oh my goodness, Gisela! Kwame said you spent the holidays in China," Aunt Kathy exclaimed as she drew Gisela into a warm embrace.
Gisela smiled. "Someone called and asked for me. They said my best friend needed me."
Kwame's expression tightened. "Who called you?" he demanded, his voice edged with irritation.
"Relax," Gisela replied calmly. "It was your father."
"Of course," Kwame muttered, shaking his head. "Who else would it be?" He turned and left the room.
Alchemy looked at Gisela, surprised. "Kwame is your best friend?"
"Yes, he is," Gisela said. "He's the one I trust completely. And you must be Alchemy."
Alchemy's lips curved slightly. "It seems your trusted friend isn't pleased to see you here."
Gisela said nothing. She simply walked away.