Changes in Latitude

by ZanderbabeKer

8:29

''You know you're not supposed to go there. ''The boy warned his big brother.

''Uh huh."

''So why're you goin'? ''

Michael just sighed and continued stuffing clothes into the duffel bag. ''Because I want to. I need to get out of here."

''Dad's not gonna let you go."

''Dad doesn't have a choice." Michael sneered.

But it wasn't Morgan's fault. He was only a ten year old kid after all. He didn't get it. They were just so different. And it wasn't just the age difference and the striking difference between Morgan's jet black hair and Michael's brilliant red. They reacted to things, to situations, differently.

Morgan played with the duffel bag's strap. ''You know he didn't mean it. ''

That was the real difference, Michael knew. Morgan always thought that Dad never meant
anything he did. Michael remembered feeling that same way at one time. The man he Called "'Dad" could do no wrong. He was the center of the universe. The sun and the moon and everything in between. On how wrong he'd been! What a stupid kid. Blind!

"So you're really gonna go? ''Morgan dropped the strap as Michael zipped the bag. ''Are you even
gonna say anything to Mom?''

Michael caught his reflection in the mirror. His eye was already swollen and changing colors. He'd be lucky if it wasn't swollen shut by morning. But he'd have the shiner for a while. A nice reminder of the consequences of questioning his 'father'.

''Once again, she took his side." Michael explained, trying not to let the bitterness overtake him. ''How many things does he have to break or smash before she figures out what he is?"

''What is he?''

''A pain in the ass.'' Michael replied glibly.

Morgan shook his head. ''And you think it's gonna be easier to live with those people?''

Michael shrugged. ''Somehow I don't think I'll be getting any more of these at the Quartermaines." He pointed to his eye.

''Can I come see you? Do you think they'll let me?"

''Mom and Dad? I dunno. We'll figure it out though, little brother.''

Michael ruffled the kid's hair. If Sonny had only hit him three days earlier, the move wouldn't be an option. But his father couldn't do anything about his change of address now. He was eighteen and there wasn't a damn thing the Crime Lord of Port Charles could do about it.

''See you later, kid." Michael flung the bag over his shoulder and walked out the door.

9:28

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