Umbrella

21|Ransom

Michael received the ransom later the next day. He read it over and over a million times trying to comprehend exactly what they wanted and if there was any way around it. The culprit typed the letter, making it harder to distinguish who might of wrote it. 

The amount they were asking for was pocket change for Michael and he almost gave it up in a heartbeat before realizing he would only be playing into their game. 

"If you give them the money, you can't be sure they'll give you Lauren. This might just be a trick" Explained his lawyer. "If it makes you feel better, they can't kill Lauren because she's the only leverage they have over you"

Marissa was up and walking that same day and prepared tea for herself and Michael. Lincoln had yet to return from his so-called "business". She turned on the stove and placed a kettle full on water onto the stove pot, waiting for it to begin boiling. As she stared into the steam, she smiled. The warmth it provided her was something she had not felt in ages. Looking back at Michael who sat reading the letter on the giant sofa, she felt safe and secure although barely knowing him. She could not comprehend why this was a foreign feeling to her. Had Lincoln not made her feel this way?

Turning back towards the kettle, Marissa placed a tea bag inside and waited. However, while placing it inside she mistakenly placed her hand onto the kettle giving herself a small burn. 

"Ouch" she said softly staring at the new injury she made to herself. 

At this point, Michael might of read the letter at least a hundred times and he still got nothing out of it. He could not understand why anyone would want to hurt him. He looked up at Marissa who he had not noticed was up and about in the kitchen. 

"You need to be resting" he spoke. 
"I need to do something, I feel so useless just laying in bed all day" she replied running her hand through her hair. 

How much Michael wished it was his rough fingers going through every knot in Marissa's hair. It was at her most vulnerable form that he found her the most beautiful. The pair stood staring at each other almost getting lost into the soul of the other. It stayed like this for a while before Marissa broke the trance to check the tea. 

She gulped. 

Michael looked down at his shoes which reflected his face back up at him, his cheeks red like a rose. This might possibly be his second chance with the love of his life. 

--

Lauren sat crying. Her teddy bear was drenched in tears as she screamed her lungs out calling for her mom. She had been screaming for almost an hour to no avail. Claire and Lincoln sat in the living room with the TV raised to the maximum volume in order to drown her screams. 

"Annoying ass bitch" Claire mumbled under her breath. 

"Hi mom, this is my girlfriend, Marissa" Michael smiled introducing Marissa to Claire for the first time. 

Claire's smile quickly vanished. This was not the woman she imagined her son would bring home. Claire did not feel she was even worthy of stepping foot inside their polished mansion. 

"Nice to meet you" Marissa smiled, holding out her hand. 

Claire only looked down at it before walking towards the dinner table. 

Marissa and Michael looked at each other before he mumbled "sorry".

At the dinner table, Michael's father, Robert sat at the head. He quickly stood up and shook hands with Marissa, smiling at her. 

"Welcome to our home" he said pleased with the woman his son had brought home. "She's gorgeous" he said. 

Marissa smiled. 

She was overwhelmed at the power the house gave off. 

"What do you do?" Claire asked taking a sip of her wine. 
"I'm a teacher for the third grade" Marissa said proudly.

Claire scoffed. 

"My son is an actor on the big screens, you're just-" She began before Michael cut her off.
"Mom, please." He warned. 

Marissa gave a weak smile to Michael as he apologized with his eyes. 

Claire stared at Marissa dress. It was too plain for her taste. It was a loose fitting sundress which did nothing to enhance Marissa's features. Instead, it made her look fluffy and almost pregnant. 

But that was only Claire's opinion. 

After a few moments of silence, Claire spoke again. 

"Okay, I can't take it anymore. This has to be a joke, where's your real girlfriend?" 

"She clearly misses her mom. She's just a child, this is expected." Lincoln spoke. 

Claire turned to him. 

"Well, you're her dad go shut her up" She said annoyingly.

--

Back home, Michael held Marissa's hand as she tried to sit on the couch. Her healing ribs still made it hard to do basic postures. 

"Thank you" she relaxed. 

Michael stared at Marissa and watched her slowly drink the tea she made. Her eyes squinted as the cold coffee touched her tongue, making him smile. 

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, I bought you these" Michael smiled, handing her a bouquet of Crocus flowers. 

Marissa looked at them when suddenly a memory flashed. Her eyes widened. 

"Wh-what did you see?" Michael asked nervously. 
"I- I saw L-Lincoln. He had his hands on my neck, dragging me up the wall. I remember I couldn't breath. Those same flowers were on the floor and they were the last things I saw before I blacked out. Lauren was screaming"

Michael clenched his jaw repeatedly. 

"He left me on the floor the entire night. I couldn't sleep on the couch or the bed." Marissa let out a tear before looking up at Michael. 

"It was your fault" 

Michael gulped.