Love and Hate

He Can't Leave Now

Michael's POV:
Katherine: BREAKFAST! Come on you lazy heads, up up UP!
My brothers all groaned and forced themselves out of bed. They walked out of our room and when I followed behind them out the door, I was yanked aside. Joseph was holding my collar and had a vexed look on his face, about ready to throw me through a window at any moment. I was terrified.
Joseph: There's no WAY you're not gonna get it boy! Do you hear me?!
I said nothing. Joseph gave me a quick smack to the face then released me, kicking my behind to push me into the kitchen.
After we ate we did a quick morning rehearsal before Joseph went to work, and mom sent us all to our rooms to get ready and start packing for the tour. I only have two days until I leave! I don't want to leave though... I packed quickly and when I finished I ran out the door.
Jackie: What's his rush?
Tito: *shrugs*
I got my jacket and ran outside. I looked across the street to see Scarlett happen to walk out the door right when I did. I waved to her so she'd notice me.
Michael: Scarlett!
Scarlett turned at the call of her name then smiled. I did the same and crossed the street. We ran to each other and embraced in a warm hug.
Scarlett: Come on! I got somethin' to show yah!
Scarlett took my hand and we ran down the street. I was confused as ever in where we were going, but I didn't question her. We trudged through some nearby woods behind the old jailhouse in Gary until we found a spot free from the trees. She took me to this old abandoned park! Everything was silver with some rust on the side, loss of color, looking dull and gray, and was completely empty. Scarlett ran over and sat down on a rickety old swing that squeaked a little when she swung. I lightly sat on the teeter totter in front of her and just rocked myself up and down gently. I observed my surroundings. The place was cool and all, but it made me a little sad...not having color and kids to play on it anymore. I looked up Scarlett who was swinging away on the swing set and I quickly made a promise.
Michael: When I grow up and get a lot of money, I'm buying a park! A great big one, a HUGE one in fact, and it'll be mine!
Scarlett laughed happily at the idea.
Scarlett: Sounds like fun! Invite me over when you get it and we can have a huge water ballon fight...
She winked and I smiled, continuing to bob up and down on the teeter totter. I watched Scarlett admiringly, she was swinging pretty high actually. I suddenly heard a crack from the chain. Scarlett screamed and flung off the swing, landing on her back.
Michael: SCARLETT!
I ran by her side to see if she was hurt at all, but she was enrolled with laughter. I was amazed on how she wasn't hurt whatsoever and how happy she seemed right then and there. Scarlett's laughter was contagious and she made me start giggle as well. I haven't felt this happy in ages.

Scarlett's POV:
Michael and I were both dying laughing under the, now-broken, swing set. When we both calmed down, I turned to Michael. He did the same and suddenly looked me deep in the eyes. My heart rate began to speed up a little and I bit my lip nervously, a bad habit of mine. I finally turned away and sat up. Michael helped me to my feet and I dusted myself off. I smiled and shrugged.
Scarlett: Well that was fun!
I laughed and swung my arm around him. We walked away from the old park and back down our street.
Scarlett: So, you're leaving Saturday?
Michael: Uh huh...
I made no attempt in eye contact and I swallowed rather hard. I tried to hold back forming tears in my eyes. I didn't want him to leave.
Scarlett: S-So you'll be home for another two days?
Michael: *sighs* Yeah...
I don't know what came over me just then, but I couldn't hold it in anymore. I shielded my face with my hands and burst out crying.
Scarlett: *sobbing* I DON'T WANT YOU TO GO!
I threw myself into Michael's arms and he instantly wrapped them around me. I heard him sniffle a couple of times, he was also crying. My shoulders were suddenly pushed back, forcing me to face Michael even though I didn't want him to see me this vulnerable. He gripped my shoulders tightly, both of us having equal amounts of teardrops absolutely cascading down our cheeks to show.
Michael: S-Scarlett listen to me! Listen to me right now! I-I'm gonna write you every day! A-And I'm gonna send you pictures and-and-!
Scarlett: I can't do it, I just can't do it...you're the only thing in this freaking town who's helped me cope with the absolute CRAP going on at home...
Michael: M-Me too.
Michael hugged me again until I could barely breathe, both of us completely bawling in each other's arms.
Scarlett: *crying* Yo-You're the only friend I've ever had Michael! I don't want you to leave now! Not like this!
Michael: I-I don't want to either! I want to stay here with you!
Scarlett: I'll write you everyday too, and I'll send you pictures of my sisters and me, and-!
I couldn't say anything anymore, my voice was officially lost for words and I buried my face into Michael's shoulder. He stroked my hair and I probably stained the shoulder of his shirt. I pulled myself away and vigorously wiped my cheeks that were totally soaked, trying to calm myself down. Scarlett: I can't think about this now, we still got two days right?
I attempted a laugh and Michael just stared at me and nodded.
Scarlett: Wh-What are you doing today?
Michael: Just rehearsal this evening, but nothing much until then.
Scarlett: Good! Lets go to the pool. It's at the hotel down town!
Michael: What?! Oh, I don't know Scarlett...
Scarlett: Please?! It'll be fun!
I waited for an answer impatiently as my lip trembled.
Michael: Well I-I guess I could, I mean-!
Scarlett: Oh, you're the BEST!
I gave him a squeeze and dragged him down the street, back to our houses to get our swim suits. I was so excited!