Be Mine Tonight - Michael Clifford

Chapter 8 - Morning After

My eyes fluttered open and I realized there were two arms wrapped tightly around me. I noticed the familiar scent of cologne. It took me a second to remember where I was. When I did I shot up, startling the sleeping Michael next to me.

"What the-" he started

"What time is it!" I said

He threw his head under a pillow and mumbled. "Dammit, Michael! Get up!" I threw the pillow on the floor. "where is my phone?"

He was rubbing his eyes and reached over and grabbed my phone from his nightstand. "It's 6:30"

I let out a sigh of relief. My parents would kill me if I didn't go to school today. Especially if I showed up home with a bruise on my face. "I need to get home. How bad does it look?"

He examined my face for a second and I couldn't help but giggle at his hair. Purple and black pieces in different places on his head. His eyes were puffy and red, as he was still waking up. "Better than last night. If you have makeup that might help."

"Thanks" I told him. I meant it. I was so thankful to him for last night. "Seriously. Thank you for being here for me last night."

He looked at me with a seriousness I had never seen before. "Of course. Call me if you ever need me again, okay? I'm here for you."

I guess that means we're friends. I actually made a breakthrough with the person I never thought I would. I smiled. "Same for you."

~

~

When I got to my house it looked like my parents had already gone to work. Which meant I had enough space to get ready for school an to cover up my bruise. I would have to make something up if it wasn't covered enough. Adam wasn't a bad guy, he just got a little angry. I trust him and he loves me.

I hurried through my house, making sure I was ready for the day. Shower, breakfast, makeup for the bruise. While I was doing all of that I couldn't help but think about Michael.

He helped me last night when he could've called someone else, or even slammed the door in my face. Honestly I never expected him to be the person he is. I feel bad for him, but I could never show it. I mean, the poor guy lost his girlfriend and best friend back to back. He's hurting and he wants to decrease the amount of hurt he might have in the future. But he also doesn't want anyone to feel bad for him. The fact that he even sits and talks to me is shocking. His anger was a cry for help, and I'm going to be the one to help him. Hopefully then he will be back out doing what he loves.

After applying a heavy amount of makeup I decided the bruise was covered enough. If anyone asked, I would just say I ran into a door or something. I was clumsy enough for people to believe that.

I was on my way out to my car when Adam pulled up in his. "what are you doing here?" I said

"I figured we could ride to school together"

I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I was ready to spend time alone with him again. Breaking up with him wasn't my plan, but I certainly was not about to let myself get hit again. "we never ride together"

He smiled, any other time that smile would have made me giggle on the inside. But today I just felt sick. "I want to spend a little more time with you."

"I think it would just be easier for me to ride alone" I said

"But why? We could save gas. You know? Save the planet. Increase the polar bear population. Be green?" he laughed at his own joke and focused his eyes on something behind me. His expression changed.