The Opening Act

Chapter 5 - Part 1: You're not fooling anyone.

2 WEEKS BEFORE THE TOUR BEGINS 8PM

Grace's POV:

        I'm worried sick about Michael. He's never home anymore, he's always out till late at night, sometimes he gets home the next day.  The tour begins in 2 weeks and that man is a mess! He hasn't even talked to me ever since that incedent a few weeks ago. Just the usual "Hey Gracie" and some small talk.
        I sat on the kitchen table, eating some waffles i had prepared earlier. "Oh! waffles" Michaels hand directed it's way to my plate. 
        "Hey!" I slapped his hand away from my food. "Learn some manners" I snapped.
        He licked the syrup from his fingers. "Wanna play COD?" he asked.
        "Oh, well look who decides to talk now" I nagged.
        "What are you talking about" he raised one eyebrow and crossed his arms.
        "I'm talking about you getting drunk all the time and barely spending time with your best friend. Thats what im talking about" I replied.
        "I'm sorry Gracie, ever since we- well you know" He struggled. "Kissed" he whipered "I've been kinda embarrased to look at you." 

        "No worries" I shrugged. "C'mon lets go play!" 

        "I'll meet you there! Just give me a sec" he said as he opened the fridge. 

        I walked into the hub, turning on his Xbox. I was kinda glad things were going back to normal, I missed Mikey. Michael walked in with 6 beers in his arms. 

        "Michael!" I laughed. "You know I don't like beer!"
        "I know, thats why i didn't bring you any!"  he laughed, stuffing the beer in his miny fridge. 

        After a few rounds here and there Michael finished all the bottles he'd boughten earlier. He seemed a bit tipsy too. I can recognize his tipsy face any day. Drowsy eyes and a devilish grin. 
        "Michael, you okay" I asked.
        "Actually, im not." he said putting his controller down. He moved up a bit closer to me in the couch. 
        "What's wrong?"  he got even closer. I was starting to feel uncomfterable, he reeked of beer. 
        "I'm hurting again Gracie" he whispered. 
        "Oh, Michael. You haven't told her anyth-" He leaned over and placed his hand in my cheek, turning his head to the right, he got closer. 
        "I'm hurting Gracie" he said again. Before he striked another move i quickly got up. I can't believe he's doing this again!
        "Michael Gordon Clifford!" I yelled. I think I scared the drunk out of him for a second. "I don't know what the fuck has gotten into you! But I wont allow you to fucking do this to yourself" He didn't say a word. He knew damn well that I would go ham if he said anything. I grabbed my bag and started heading out.

         "Where are you going?" he pouted. I ignored him completely. I was so fed up!
        "Luke!" I yelled accross the house, looking for him. "LUCAS!"
        "What?" he came out of his room, scared and confused. 
        "I'm heading out and you're coming with me." I demanded. His faced lightened up a bit. 
        "Okay! I'm coming, hold on." He rushed back inside his room.
        "Gracie, I'm sor-" 
        "No!" I interrupted Michael. "You already said that. I don't wanna hear it anymore. When I come back this shit better be fucking settled" I threatned. 
        Luke rushed downstairs, his car keys danging from his pocket. "Lets go." he said. I followed him out the door.

INSIDE LUKE'S CAR

        "What happened? you and Mikey got into a couple fight" Luke grinned. 
        "A couple fight?" I laughed.

        "Yeah, when are you both gonna admit you two are dating!" He said.
        "We aren't" I said vaguely. 
        "C'mon Gracie you aren't fooling anyone." he teased. I didn't find the joke quite appealing.

        "Luke...take me to a mother fucking pub please." I muttered. 
        He started the engine.

        Sydney looks really nice at night. I was observing the city as we drove by. "Since when do you even want to hang out with me" Luke began.

        "Huh?" I was confused.
        "You don't really like me" he smiled. "So its a bit surprising that you chose to hang out with me instead of Ashton. I mean, you two get along pretty well." 
        "Luke, I get along with all of you guys! You guys are my friends!" I said. 
        "I don't know, you seem a bit mad everytime I talk to you" he confessed.
        "Because your a dumbass!" I giggled. He looked so damn good with that beanie on. 
        We ended up hanging out in the beach instead. Luke loves the beach, even at night. I never really got out of the house often since I was always writing music and stuff, but tonight I was gonna simply let it be. I kinda feel bad for avoiding him so much. He's actually the funniest person once he opens up. Luke was right, I was always mad around him. I guess I just wanted him to stay away from me because of my feelings and all that crap. 
        "Dare me to get in the water?" Luke grinned. 
        "No! You're gonne get sick!" He ran off "Lucas!" 
        He jumped in the ocean. The waves were huge, it was 10pm. "Luke get out of there! Its dangerous!" I ran towards him.
        "No worries kitten!" He said trying to look as tough as possible. He's such a dork. "I know how to swim!" He bragged. 
        I watched him as he played in the shore like a child. I know things are crazy right now with the whole tour coming up, I don't know how things were gonna end up, but one thing I knew for sure was that I was falling in love with him. I was falling in love with Luke.