Tell Me What To Do

Chapter 5

"So who's the girl?" Calum asked.

"Isabel. And she isn't a random, I met her last night."

"And you brought her home to have sex with her?"

"Something like that." Michael said as he reached for a bowl and poured himself some cereal.

"Look man, everyone is worried about you." Luke started, "Where is Daniel?"

"He's at my mothers."

"For two solid weeks, what the hell is going through your head? That poor kid is going to completely forget who you are if you aren't careful."

Michael scoffs as he takes a seat on the kitchen counter, "Probably better off that way." 

There was an awkward silence that filled the room. Michael was aware that all eyes were on him. What did they expect him to do?Jump up because people were worried? They worry too much, he thought. He put down his bowl and sighed.

"Are you guys done judging me?"

Luke got up and sat in front of Michael, studying him.

"Look, I hate to smother you like this. We all do. You're a grown ass man, you don't need us telling you what to do. But you have a kid now, he needs a father. He has already lost one parent, are you really going to let him lose another one? That's selfish bro. But, from now on, you're on your own. I'm done babysitting you. I will be here if you need me but... I'm done with all the rest."

Luke paused as he stared at Michael's frozen face, turned around, nodded at Calum to signal that he was leaving and walked out of the door.

Calum stood still. "He's right, you know." He said, calmly.

"You think I don't know that? You think that I don't know that I am a shit father and that Daniel deserves so much better?"

"Then why don't you start acting like a good fucking father instead of complaining about not being one? Dammit Michael." Calum shook his head as he walked towards the door.

"I'm glad Gracie isn't around for this bullshit."

Michael winced at these words as he stared at the door.

"I didn't ask for this" He said quietly to himself.

"Didn't ask for what?" Said a voice softly

Michael jumped and looked around to find the source, finding Isabel standing in the corner.

"Christ, you gave me a fright."

Isabel turned a shade of pink and gave a slight smile, "Sorry. I was just wondering if I was getting that coffee any time soon."

"Coffee. Shit, yeah. Have a seat."

Isabel studied the room around her, her eyes falling on the toys that lay in front of the TV.

She cleared her throat, "Um, do you have a child?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. His name is Daniel."

"Please tell me you aren't married." Isabel said with a shaking voice.

"No, no. Nothing like that."

"Then... ?"

Michael walked towards her with the coffee. He didn't really feel like telling her his sob story, he hardly knew her. Yet, something made him want to do it. Something about the way that she looked at him told him that is was okay to open up.

2 hours later and Michael was in tears. He hasn't cried since Gracie passed away but somehow, all the feelings that he had kept bottled up inside all came pouring out as he spoke to Isabel. She watched him intently, studied his words carefully and replied with all the things that he needed to hear. He was suddenly greatful for having her here and was saddened when she told him that she needed to go.

"Oh. Do you want me to take you home?" He asked as he wipped away the remainder of his tears.

"That would be nice."

"Okay. Let me just grab a quick shower. Watch Tv or something while I'm gone."

She gave him a small smile as he got up and walked away.

Standing in th shower, he let his thoughts wonder as to what just happened. He cried. He actually cried. What the hell was up with that?

He got out and dried his hair. Staring at himself in the mirror, he noticed that he had a dead look in his eyes. Like there was something missing, the colour that had once been a bright and full of life seemed to have faded.

He frowned. Something isn't right. He had a strange feeling in his stomach. pushing these thoughts out of his head, he got dressed and exited his room and into the lounge where Isabel was sitting, waiting.

"Right. Let's go."

She nodded and got up, waiting for him to lead the way. Grabbing his car keys, he walked out into the chill afternoon. "Christ it's cold."

Once in the car, his hands tightly gripped the steering wheel.

"Michael?"

He hated himself. He hated what he had done to Gracie. He hated being a dick to his friends. He hated leaving Daniel. He hated the father that he was. He wasn't even a father, he was a pathetic excuse for one.

"Michael!"

"Huh? What?" He started, suddenly being brought back to reality. He looked at his hands, his knuckles had turned white.

"Are you okay?" Isabel asked with a worried expression on her face.

"Uh.. yeah." He said, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine."

He took a deep breath, "So. Where are we going?"

Isabel paused as she stared at him.

"We're going to your mothers. Daniel needs you."