Between The Books-Michael Clifford

Thirty Six

We got up at 10:00 am and true to his word, Toby had omelets made for everyone. He was weirdly unphased by drinking last night, unless he didn't drink that much. I on the other hand, felt like shit. I only ate half of mine. Actually the thought of eating made me feel like I was going to puke, but Toby insisted, promising the omelet would make me feel better. At the time I had my doubt's, but I do feel a lot better now. He said I'd be thanking him later, and I absolutely will.

Michael and I hung out for a little bit talking to Becca and Toby. Nobody else was up. Toby said Synna and Scutter got in a fight last night, after they got back here, over some guy she was talking to at the bar. He's someone she knows from a class, they're friends. Scutter doesn't like him. Apparently the guy was seriously coming on to her, and Synna wasn't really discouraging it. Course, Toby said this is how he saw it, but Becca said Synna told the guy she was with Scutter, but the guy was drunk and just overly affectionate with her, Synna, and Laney. I don't know when all this was happening because I do not remember this AT ALL!

It's now almost noon as Michael pulls up in front of Mack Hall. He shuts his Jeep off and turns to look at me.

"So. I hope your day goes ok, Star. I know you have to be worried about dealing with Jax. I'm sorry I put you in this position, but I'm also not sorry. I realize that I could've walked away. I knew you were with Jax. I didn't have to make my feelings for you known." He says, taking my hand in his.

"Michael...I'm not sorry. I'll get through it. Here's something you should know. Jax....he has a temper. He's not like Nate, he won't come after me, but...when he finds out it's you, he might come after you. I'm sorry."

"Nah, I'm not worried about that. He's a guy, in love with you. I can relate. I'd have a hard time walking away from you without putting up a fight too. He and I will work it out, whatever comes." He leans in, putting his hand behind my head and kissing me on my forehead, slowly letting me go.

The chemistry between us is unbelievable. I never had this with Jax...not with anyone. I look at him as I open my door. "Wish me luck." I say, smiling.

"Hope you know, I'll be thinking about you...about us. See you in a while."

"Bye."

I shut the door and walk into my building hearing him drive away. I've never been this happy before. Even knowing what I still have to get through before Michael and I can really be together, I'm still the happiest I've ever been.

I walk upstairs and down the hall, amazingly the hall is completely clear of anyone. Well, Saturday mornings people are still crashed from partying Friday night, so I guess that's not so surprising. I open our door and walk inside. I drop my bag and lay down on my bed. I still have a few hours before I have to be to work. I'm still in Michael's clothes.

Best night ever.

I lay here on my bed, smiling at the ceiling. I pull my phone out of my bag and text him.

*hey, miss u already*

I can't believe by tonight Michael and I will be together. Nothing standing in our way, no guilt, no confusion. Just together. Fuck! Just thinking about being in his arms, not having to hold back...I can feel my pulse quicken. Feeling him kiss me, his hands on me, his eyes staring into mine.

Yes please.

You sound like an idiot.

I hear my phone's text notification sound, bubbles popping. I look at it and see it's from Michael.

*I just left u*

*omg, sooo long ago!*

Guys just don't understand girls.

*I miss u too lol*

*i'm still wearing your clothes"

I wish I didn't have to change for work. Knowing I'm in his clothes makes me feel closer to him.

The door opens and in walk Marcus and Laney.

"Hey guys. What you doing today? I figured you'd probably just be over at their house all day, Laney." I say.

My phone pops.

*keep them. I like knowing you're wearing something I've worn*

I smile.

"Yeah, that's the plan. Just grabbing some clothes, then Marcus is taking me to lunch." Laney says.

"You talked to Jax yet, Star?" Marcus asks, laying back on Laney's bed.

"No, I still haven't seen him. I was just getting ready to call him. I'm totally dreading this, Marcus."

"Gotta do it, Baby. Michael's worth it. Trust me, he's a good guy." Marcus says, smiling.

I'm totally staring. I could look at that smile all day. Not because I'm hot for Marcus, just because it really is an AMAZING smile.

"That's funny, Marcus. He says the exact same thing about you!" I say laughing.

"Aw, you boys are sooo CUTE!" Laney says, smiling. She opens her closet and throws her bag of dirty clothes into her hamper. "Wow, we might need to go to the laundry mat today, Marcus."

"Nah, just bring your stuff to my place, you can do your laundry there."

The door opens again. This time...it's Jax. He walks in, shutting the door behind him.

"Shit! Jax where have you been?! We've been worried about you." That's not a lie. I still care about him, and last night's blow off was not like him.

"Oh...sorry, Baby. Hey Marcus, Laney." He nods at them.

"Hey, man. You ok?" Marcus says, sitting up.

Something's not right with Jax. He's acting weird. Are those the same clothes he was wearing last night?

"So what happened? Was it Nate? Did he tell you he about got his ass kicked?" Laney says, walking over and hugging him.

"Um...no. I haven't seen Nate, and I don't really think I'm ok." Jax says, still holding onto Laney. Like, CLINGING to her. Laney and Jax are close so it's not weird for them to be touchy feely with each other, but this...

"My mom died last night." Jax says.

Oh Jesus.