The Unexpected

15 || The Neglected

ignore the fact that Skye is brunette in the pic okay

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Neglect.

It can be many things.

To fail to care for properly.

To not pay proper attention to.

To fail to do something.

Michael Clifford is the king of neglect.

Maybe I'm old fashioned for thinking the guy should make the first move. Maybe I'm a boob because I refuse to make a move even when I know he has feelings for me. But, maybe, I'm not. Maybe there's a chance Michael is in love with me, but doesn't want me. It's possible. Some people's brains do work that way. Maybe his is one of those dysfunctional brains.

My thinking all of this is the effect of a phone call I received from an attractive brunette boy who wants to take me out on a date. "A proper one" is what he said. Jack does not neglect the relationships he wants, that's for sure.

I asked Charlie what she thought, and she told me I'd be crazy if I turned down a guy like Jack. And I would be. That's why I need one other person's input.

"Skye," he greets me with a smile. Michael opens the door more so I can come into his apartment. I'm nervous. He can tell.

"Everything alright? You want food or water or something? You want a nap?" His concern is adorable, and I regret coming here instantly. But I have to do this; it's time.

"I'm great," I say as I force a feigned smile. "I have a question for you, actually."

Now it's Michael's turn to look nervous, and he does. He looks around the room uncomfortably as he leads me into the living room. We take a seat on the soft leather couch, and I look him in the eyes.

"So...a question."

"Yeah... I wanted your opinion on something." And I tell him all about Jack. Every detail and secret thought I've had about him. Our almost date at the museum and our phone calls. The only part I leave out is my real plan.

I want Michael to stop me from going on this date. I want him to finally say something. I'm starting to give up on him, and I absolutely hate giving up.

"You should go. He sounds like a cool dude," is the response I'm given. With a fucking smile on his face.

"Thanks," is all I manage to say as I leave his apartment instantly. It takes everything in me not to cry, and everything in me isn't nearly strong enough to stop the surge of tears that comes streaming out of my eyes. Something in me just broke, but I'm going to fake a smile and tomorrow night, I'm going on a date.

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"Wow," he says in awe. I can't help but blush as Jack looks me up and down, and not in a degrading way.

"A little underdressed, I see." Observing a shirtless boy standing in his doorway.

"Oh shit, sorry." Jack says as he rushes inside, leaving his door open for me to come in. A few minutes later, he walks into the main room wearing a suit. "You ready?"

We walk down to the parking garage in Jack's apartment building and get into his car. After closing my door, he gets into the driver's seat and pulls out.

"So...where are we going?" I ask, looking at his profile which is perfect, by the way.

"I was thinking it'd be a surprise," he smirks, glancing at me for a second. He presses the power button on the stereo, and a John Mayer CD starts to play. This boy has just earned himself some major bonus points.

"Pain throws your heart to the ground, love turns the whole thing around, no it won't all go the way it should," the boy next to me sings under his breath.

I close my eyes and take in this moment. The car rides smoothly as one of the most attractive guys I have ever met drives in the seat next to me, and is taking me on a surprise date. This is almost too perfect. Life has been going too well recently, and I'm just waiting for it to turn to shit.

"Hey, Sleeping Beauty, we're here," Jack laughs softly.

I look around, and we're at the base of a tall building that I'm guessing is the Shangri-La Hotel. At least, that's what the giant letters at its top say.

"The Shangri-La?" I ask, looping my arm around his waiting one.

"Yeah, I found this cool restaurant here, and I've been dying to find a girl that I really want to take here." He makes this statement so sheepishly, and I'm dying. He's so cute. This is so cute. Oh my god.

We walk into the lobby and I'm speechless. We're standing in a five-star hotel. Someone has deemed me worthy of an expensive dinner at a five star hotel.

He better not think he's getting lucky in this five star hotel on the first date.

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We've been sitting at our table for thirty minutes now, finishing our appetizers and waiting for our main course. The room is filled with important looking people, yet we seem to have one of the best tables in the room. We have the prettiest view of the harbor, with the opera house stunning and shining.

"Okay Miss USA, tell me about yourself. I know some things, but not a lot. Tell me more."

"Hmm," I start as I try to think of something interesting. "I don't know if there is anything to tell. I'm a pretty simple person.

"I don't believe you."

"Excuse me?"

"I don't believe you. There's more to you than a pretty face and a raspy voice and an incredible body. I want to know what it is." His response stuns me, and it takes me a minute to reply.

"Well, my voice isn't raspy from smoking. I'm just special I guess." That earns a chuckle from him.

"I like giraffes. They're probably my favorite animal. I like the color black, don't ask me why, because I don't actually know why. I play guitar and I try to sing, but fail at both. I-"

"You'll have to play for me sometime."

"Alright," I giggle. "Um, I'm a middle child, so I'm regularly forgotten. I don't know what I want to do with my life, honestly. School seems logical, but what exactly would I study? I love rainy days and naps and reading. I've only ever had one boyfriend, and it was brief. Music is everything to me. Listening, playing, singing. It brings me a lot of joy.

I was raised Christian, still am. I spend time with God every morning, reading my bible. I don't like asparagus, but I love brussel sprouts. I hate most sports, but lacrosse and football, the American one, are the only two I am devoted to. Half Baked is my favorite ice cream. And I can't think of much else."

"Well, it's a start."

We spend an hour or two just talking; enjoying each other's company. Jack continues to be more charming each time I see him, and tonight he's outdone himself. As the night goes on, I'm glad that I decided to come.

Michael wanted me to go out with Jack, so here I am.

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A/N

Woo frick ya 3 updates in 24 hours and I'm working on another which has a special twist!!!

Any guesses?

So Skye is a little flip flop, sorry about it :// lol but she's literally so indecisive.

Sooo random song on the sidebar thingy but you should give it a listen.

Xx. Ash