The One I Cant Have (a Michael Clifford Fanfic)

Chapter 31

We walked around with our freshly wounded arms, inhaling the fresh fall air. The streets were swamped with people rushing to get to their destinations. Every now and then someone would knock into our arms, putting us into immense pain. 

"Your birthday is coming up." I said, trying to make conversation. Michael and I have been together for months, but we still manage to be quite timid when it comes to starting conversation.

"A month and four days." he said, flatly. Today was October 16. 

"I can't believe it! You're going to be 20!" I said, playfully pushing him a bit with my shoulder.

"And not to mention, in less than two months, you'll be eighteen!" he cheered, returning the push.

"Mmhm." I hummed. "December 13th, 1995" I stated.

We walked infront of a small cafe and Michael gestured that we should go inside. He held open the door as I walked in. 

The cafe was small and rustic-looking. There were couches in the back and fall leaves scattered all over the floor. The room smelled of coffee and and fresh baked goodies. I looked around and my heart sunk, looking at all the delectable pastries and knowing that I hadn't eaten in days, and didn't plan on eating anytime soon.

I felt Michael's strong arms wrap around my waist as we stood in line.

"What do you want babydoll?" he asked me.

"Umm.. Nothing." I replied.

"Oh, come on. It's on me!" he insisted, squeezing me tightly.

"It's okay. I'm fine." I said. 

"I haven't seen you eat in days! At least get a danish." he persisted on.

"I have been eating!" I lied.

"What have you eated?" he questioned me.

"Ummm.."

"Next!" the cashier said.

"Hello, yes, can we order one large hot chocolate, and a coffee cake?" he order.

"Yes sir, name?" she asked.

"Ed Sheeran." he said.

"Excuse me?" the kind cashier, with the nametag of Lauren, asked.

"Dolly Parton." he replied.

"I'm sorry, once more please?" Lauren asked, quite confused.

"VIC FUENTES" he screamed.

"Ohhh.. Vic Fuentes. I'm sorry, your order will be ready soon." she smiled, handind us our recepit and change.

We found a spot on a vacant couch near the back. Despite all the space, we sat so close, my knee was slightly overlapping his.

"I thought you didn't like coffee.. Why'd you order coffee cake?" I asked.

"Because it's your favorite." he explained.

"Michael!" I screamed, annoyed at his actions. I specifically told him I wasn't hungry. Why didn't he listen?

"Carter, tell me exactly what you have eaten in the past few days." he held both my hands.

"Um.. I.." I stuttered.

"Carter... Why? Why haven't you been eating? Is it because of your dad?" he looked me right in the eyes. His green eyes so full of sadness and love. A mixture that, when combined, is so powerful. I started tearing up.

Michael noticed, and pulled me in for a hug. I cried into his oversized sweatshirt, happy to be on the opposite side of his wounded arm. 

I sat up a bit, and Michael wiped the leftover tears that were on my face. People barely payed attention to us, since we were in the back, but I was still embarassed.