Chapter 32:

-A chance for Michael-

She sat on the bed edge and touched his shoulders, but he only turned himself off from her.

"Alex, listen." he didn't respond. "Alex, can I talk to you a moment?" her voice became more loudly, however he still didn't want to answer. She took the headphones of the head from him and he rotated annoyed about, mounted and shouted at her.

"I want to hear nothing, understood! That is only a fucking joke and a bad one. This guy out there isn't my father, that's impossible and a fucking impudence, to claim something similar."

"Alex, tame your language. I can assure you that it is your father. He's my single brother and I am your aunt and this is no lie."

"Where was he all the years? Didn't he love me, what a father actually feels for his/ child? I hate him."

"Don't say this. He's never forgotten you, Alex. Your mother died in your birth and he blamed himself for it. He'd never forgiven himself and he held it for the best to vanish. It wasn't because of you, he loves you... he always does. Give him the chance to know you and spend a day with him. It would mean much to him. Do me the favour, please. It would mean also much to me."

"I can't do this. First, he let me down and now, he wants to lead a father-son conversation with me, it doesn't work that way."

"Alex, I understand your anger, but give him this day. He has to tell you something important and you should listen to him."

"O.K., O.K.. I give him a chance."

"Common, let's go to him."

Kathleen slid something aside so that Alex could get up and could get dressed somewhat decent: a black T-shirt with a red dragon on the front and a few half torn jeans, probably it was fashion at the moment. When he was ready, both went back into the living room. The three men were talking and seemingly they had something to laugh about and they stopped as Kathleen returned with Alex.

"My aunt told me that you have to tell me something, Michael!"

"If I can invite you for lunch, we can talk about it."

"Yes, we can."

"What do you desire?"

"Hmm...pizza."

"You quite like junk food?" Michael could manage a smile.

"Well, if you grow up here, you haven't hardly any choice. I'd like to go to McDonalds, but the doctor told me that I have an allergy to meat and therefore I like pizzas and drinks."

"Not exactly healthy. Do we want to go?"

"I don't mind..."

Alex went already into the stairwell and waited for Michael at the entrance below. Kathleen stopped Michael shortly, as he wanted to leave the apartment too.

"Don't be too hard on him, please." she besought him.

"It must be, before something bad happens, but I will be at pains to teach him it as gentle as possible. So or so, it doesn't become easy for him. It's time for you to rest, Kath. we see us later." and he left the apartment too.