The Unexpected

25 || The Hidden

Lunch has been pleasant, but I can't help but be constantly reminded of everything I had been thinking about. There's so many things I can't tell anyone, and I have so many decisions that I have to make on my own. One of my biggest fears is slowly bubbling up to the surface and I feel like it's going to explode and destroy everything. I can't let it get to that place, but I know that it's inevitable.

There's an expiration date on my happiness, and it's coming soon. I've tried to ignore this for so long, but instead of the problem going away, it grows more and more evident to me.

"What are you thinking about?" Michael asks, breaking my concentration.

"My parents," I say, which isn't a total lie. They helped me get to this conclusion much faster than I probably would have.

"Hey," he says as he reaches for my hands. "It'll all be fine. They'll come around. And as for that extra five hundred a month, the lads and I can help you out."

"Oh my gosh. Mikey, we have to go. Now," I shout.

I'm already halfway out the door when Michael catches up to me with a worried expression on his face. I grab his wrist and drag him in the direction of his car.

"My parents. We have to go to their hotel," I insist.

Michael rushes to his door and starts the car once he's seated. We drive into the city with purpose and arrive at the front entrance in no time. Without explanation, I run inside, leaving a confused boy in the driver's seat.

The blonde receptionist from this morning shouts a room number to me, clearly knowing that I was supposed to be coming. It's already 4:37pm according to my phone. I have time.

The elevator takes me up fifteen stories, and I rush to the room that I was told to go to the second the doors glide open. My heart is racing from adrenaline and my breathing is spastic. When I arrive at the right number, I take a minute to calm down.

It only takes my father several seconds to unlock the entrance to their extravagant room. I walk in, giving him an acknowledging nod of my head.  

"Skye!"

My mother rushes to me and I'm engulfed in an awkward hug. She releases me and studies my face. I'm confused and look at my dad for some sort of explanation. He offers me nothing but a shrug of his shoulders.

"I was so worried. You stormed off and I assumed you'd gone home but I had no way of knowing if you were okay or not. We need to talk," she says with a sense of urgency.

I follow her over to one of their couches and sit.

"Okay," I respond. "Talk."

I'm not sure what to expect, but she seems very uncomfortable and unsure of what to say. I know she has a reason for this. She wouldn't be in a panic for no reason.

"Well," she starts. "You can stay. And you can keep your friends. And we'll send more money each month. We want you to have your own place."

I'm speechless and once again look to my father who nods his head encouragingly at my mother who clearly has more to say.

"I'm sorry," my mom continues. "Your father and I spoke, and we realised that you seemed the happiest you have in years. We were too focused on what we wanted for you—"

My dad clears his throat, cutting her off.

"...what I wanted for you that I didn't bother to look at how happy these people make you. Now, I still have some rules and conditions, but I think they're much more agreeable.

"First, you will be getting more money each month, if and only if, you get your own apartment. No living with any boys either. Second, you need to keep in touch more and let us know what's going on with you. Third, we think it would be wise for you to look into colleges here. We assumed that you would be doing that anyways, but now you have our blessing. So, what do you say?"

I jump up to hug her and exclaim, "thank you!" Then, I rush over to my dad and hug him as well. A thought pops into my head and I tell that that I'll be right back.

Running once again, I hurry to get Michael and bring him back upstairs. The poor boy is flustered and still very confused. I try to explain everything to him, but I know that none of my sentences make sense right now.

Bursting through the door, I drag Michael inside. My parents look at us startled, and I glance over to the boy next to me who seems just as lost as they are.

Recovering from his state of confusion, He walks over to my dad.

"Hello Mr. Whitfield," he greets as he reaches for his hand. "I'm Michael, Skye's boyfriend. It's nice to actually meet you." He just said he was my boyfriend.

My dad, who's taken by surprise, shakes his hand and smiles at him.

"Nice to meet you, too, son."

My mother walks over to the two and turns to an ecstatic Michael. She sticks her hand out and introduces herself, receiving an equally excited introduction. I watch them interact with a big grin on my face. They like him. They're giving him a chance.

We all talk and hang out for an hour or so, my parents getting to know Michael. It's getting later, so Michael and I leave so my parents can get ready for their flight in the morning. I say goodbye to them and thank them once again for everything. Once their door shuts behind us, Michael turns to me with a smile still playing across his lips. He doesn't say a word, he just beams at me with pride.

"You said you were my boyfriend," I tease, poking his side.

He blushes then says, "well, if you want me to be, of course."

I don't give him an answer, but instead I give him a quick kiss on his lips. We walk out of the front entrance of the hotel, running into a few men with cameras. Like last time, they shout questions at Michael. Quickly, we get into the car that the valet had waiting for us, and head back to Michael's apartment.

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A/N

Short mini update because I didn't really want to cram more into this single chapter. I just liked this ending here.

Thank you to all of you who love and support this story you all mean the world to me and I appreciate your affection towards my little story.

No dedication or song since it's a little filler-ish update but I'll try to get a full update posted tomorrow maybe?

Lots of love,

Xx. Ash