Middle Child Syndrome - Chapter 70

Chapter 70: Ch 70: Pay me for the repairs
The pair of arms heading toward Rika tensed her body and triggered her fight-or-flight response, making her want to run at the slightest provocation.

However, Rika stood her ground and waited to see what the man would do.

She expected a lot – a gunshot wound, a stab wound or even a punch.

What she did not expect was for those arms to close around her and pull her into a tight hug, which cut off her circulation and made her gasp for breath.

“I cannot believe I did not recognise you as soon as I saw you. I mean, we even used to be close in the past. Fuck! You still look the same as you did before. I should have realised it when I first saw you.”

The alpha babbled, and Rika felt someone was playing a prank on her.

She did not know who this man was, but he clung to her like she was his lifeline.

Moreover, it looked like the man also had much to say to Rika, but he was holding back.

“Hey, don’t you remember how we spent time during childhood? I always came over, and you would sit in the corner to avoid your siblings. Don’t tell me you truly do not remember. I’m Andrew! Andrew Tweten. Now, do you remember?”

The alpha seemed convinced that he knew Rika. But try as she might, she had no recollection of who he was.

And she was not going to pretend she knew who this man was.

“I’m sorry, but I’m sure you have the wrong person. I don’t remember anyone with Andrew’s anime. Are you sure you are not mistaking me for my sister? It has been a long time.”

Rika asked to try and clarify. But she did not expect the man to take offence to her words and make a frustrated face.

“I do not mean Suzie when I say I was close with you. Fuck! What can I tell you to convince you that you know me? Ah, it was around when you began to befriend that notorious alpha pair. We three used to fight all the time, and you used to break us apart.”

The man tried to jolt Rika’s memory but was sure it would work this time.

But little did he know that his desire to help Rika only confused him.

“You…fought with Emily and Damian when you came over, and this was when I was young? Do you know how little it narrows this down to? I can remember a dozen people who fit that criterion.”

Rika was not trying to mean; she was just being truthful.

And if it hurt this alpha’s pride and he decided to hit Rika for it, she would not mind. It would be deserved, and Rika did not mind taking such a punishment.

“I see! I did not realise that it was such a busy time for you. And I guess you forgot all about me since I also left quickly. Our time together was pretty short compared to your other friends.”

Andrew made a sad face, and Rika felt guilty. But at the same time, she knew that she did not need to feel guilty about it.

But she still felt terrible for not remembering who this person was.

‘Look, you caught me at the worst possible time. I am sorry, but would you mind heading back for today? Just give me some time to gather myself mentally.’

Rika asked as she clutched her head to relieve her developing headache.

Andrew looked taken aback by her sudden request and a little lost by what Rika asked of him.

“I…alright! I should head back for today. But are you sure you do not want me to be here? I can help with the shop-”

Rika’s expression was firm, and she screamed that she did not want this man in his shop.

In the end, Andrew just sighed and went away. He did not need to look back until he reached the broken door.

He turned back and headed toward Rika with a determined expression. His phone was clutched in his hand, and Rika suddenly felt she should not be in this man’s line of sight.

“Give me your number! I will return today, but I need a way to contact you in the future. I do not care how long it takes me, but I want to contact you. So can you enter your number in here?”

Rika wanted to say no but had to do as she was asked.

Andrew looked too determined to hear any refusal, making Rika sigh angrily.

“Fine! Give it here. Here is my number. Are you happy now?”

Rika expected the alpha to be happy and return once he got the number. But once he received his phone, he still had a suspicious expression.

The first thing he did was call Rika as soon as his phone was in his hand. But Rika’s phone was on silent, so it did not ring.

Andrew’s face had a very innocent smile, but it was clear that he was not happy on the inside.

“Before you think I made a mistake, just stop. My phone is not ringing because I have it on silent. It is not because I gave you the wrong number. If you still don’t believe me, call me right now.”

Rika assured her as she brought her phone out to show her the missed call that her cellphone had received. Andrew did not look happy with the outcome, so he called again.

This time, the call connected and Rika’s phone buzzed in her hand.

“See, your call is connected. If you are done with this, can I ask you to leave? I have a lot I need to get done before I go after my shift today, and you being here does not allow me to do any of my work.”

Rika meant to insult the man by speaking like this, but his alpha brain likely considered it a compliment, and he left happily.