Hand on Heart

Chapter Four

Waking up the next morning was probably the worst feeling in the world. My head was in absolute shambles and I just knew trying to get out of bed was going to be one of the hardest things I've ever done. Rolling over onto my right side, I snuggled further into the blanket, hoping to God I could just sleep the day away. However, as my arm hit the body next to me, I knew I wasn't getting any more sleep.

"Michael..."

"Brooke, it's way too early," He mumbled, eyes still closed. "leave me alone."

"It's my room, you idiot." Slapping his arm, I watched as he opened his eyes and began looking around at his surroundings.

"Well...that's not exactly what I meant when I said we'd put this room to use." He laughed.

Rolling my eyes, I leaned down to the floor, grabbing the first shirt I could find and slipping it over myself. Getting out of bed, I looked over at the time and knew the kitchen would be full of people which meant getting Michael out of my room without anyone seeing would be a mission.

"What are you doing?" I asked, as Michael had yet to move.

"Sleeping."

"Oh hell no." I replied, ripping the blankets off his body in an attempt to wake him up more. "People are going to wonder why you're not in your room and there's no way in hell I'm letting people know about this." Throwing his stuff in his direction and letting him get dressed, I cracked my door open to see if anyone was around before Michael came up behind me. "Go." I instructed, opening my door.

"Let's just...um..." He stuttered, as he began walking.

"Let's never do that again." I said, finishing his sentence.

Nodding his head as he walked backwards, he replied, "Deal." before disappearing from my sight.

Closing my door once more, I leaned my back against it and began wondering what the hell I had just done. Michael and I had never gone anywhere in that direction before; sure, we flirted here and there but there was nothing substantial behind it. So, to go from that to...this...I don't exactly know how to go back to where we were before. Heading into my bathroom, I began getting myself together, even though with every step I took, I felt as if I was dying. Today was definitely going to be a struggle.

"Don't you look rough." Thomas joked, as I entered the kitchen. Walking over to the coffee machine, I poured myself a cup, trying to not think about-

"Another looker!" Mia said, laughing at the state of Michael.

"Let's just say it was a long night." He said, making his way to the coffee. Leaning against the counter, I kept the mug at my lips, trying to hide how awkward I was feeling but as Michael's eyes locked onto mine, the coffee wasn't sitting well anymore. Looking down towards his hands as he poured himself a coffee, I couldn't help but put two and two together.

"Brooke, you're quiet today." Mia pointed out, causing everyone in the room to look in my direction. Looking at Michael whose eyes hadn't left mine, I quickly looked away and pushed myself away from the counter.

"Just tired." I mumbled and began heading back to my room.

"Brooke," Stopping in my tracks, Michael came up behind me. "I just...I want to know we're okay." Staring at his hands as they held the mug, I honestly didn't know how to answer that. "Brooke..." He begged, stepping closer to me.

"Fine," I blurted out, stepping back from him. "we're fine."

"Fine?" He repeated.

"Just fine and just friends." Opening my door and quickly shutting it, I finally felt as though I could breathe without feeling sick. Michael is one of my best friends...I live with him...what am I going to do!?