Between The Books-Michael Clifford

Forty Four

Star's POV

"Jax...Star's ok. She just hasn't eaten anything today." Laney laughs. "You know, empty stomach and Loopy, not the best mix!" She looks back at me, raising her eyebrows in a panic.

"It's ok, Laney. I feel better now. I guess I just needed to throw up. Maybe see if Michael, or someone wants to get food?" I say, faking a drunk and hungry, smile.

We walk out of the bathroom. I can see Michael and Marcus at the end of the hall talking. Michael's looking down the hall at us.

"Yeah, um...I could eat!" Laney says, smiling. "Hungry Jax?"

"Sure, here's some money if you guys wanna order something." Jax says.

We start walking back towards the living room. Jax takes my hand in his as we walk back out where everyone...is staring at us.

"She's good! Just didn't eat today." Laney says. "So who's hungry? I'm taking your truck, Baby." She says to Marcus. "Wanna come with me to pick up some food, Mikey?"

"There's Fruit Loops over here girl! Go good with the Loopy!" Synna says, laughing.

"Sure, let me grab a shirt." Michael says, disappearing past us down the hall.

"Mikey? I'll go with you, Baby." Marcus says, looking at Laney.

"Aw, don't be jealous, Marcus. You know you're my guy. Poor Mikey's got no one tonight, he can help me out. You get back to kickin' Scutter's ass!" She says grinning at Scutter.

"No chance, Lane." Scutter says.

She runs upstairs. No doubt to find the rest of her own clothes.

"Star, what was it you said you needed to tell me?" Jax says.

I pull him into the kitchen. "I'm sorry Jax...I told everyone about your mom. I know I probably should've checked with you first, but...they all were asking where you were last night. They knew you never showed up. Are you mad?"

"Oh. No, it's ok. I probably should've said something. You coming on Wednesday, right?"

"Yeah, of course. Everyone wants to be there. I can tell them not to...if it makes you uncomfortable." I say.

"No, it's fine. It's at 3:00. Star, I'm gonna go. I know I said I wanted to hang out with you guys, but...honestly I'm not really into it. Tell them I'll see them Wednesday. You ok here tonight? You gonna stay since Laney's here?"

"Yeah. I'll be ok. You sure you wanna go?" I ask, walking over to the couch. He grabs his jacket and puts it on.

"You leaving already, Jax?" Scutter says.

"Sorry, man. Not feeling' it tonight. Thanks for coming on Wednesday." Jax say.

"Course. You want me to get Toby to give you a ride? He's the least drunk. Course he might be doin' Becca right now!" He says, laughing.

"Nah, I'll just have Laney and Mike drop me off."

Marcus shoots, knocking two balls in.
"Jax, really sorry about your mom. We'll br there on Wednesday. You need anything, you just call and you're welcome here anytime, man." He says.

"Thanks, Marcus. See you guys." Jax gives a wave to Synna and Scutter.

Michael comes walking out in a tshirt, holding his jacket.

"Hey, Mike, can I get a ride with you guys?" Jax says.

"Sure, man." Michael looks at me and smiles. "Bring you back some food soon. Take it easy ok?" He's trying to be casual, but I can hear the concern in his voice.

I nod, giving him a smile.

"Ok, ready, Mikey! Come on!" Laney says, running back downstairs.

"We're giving Jax a ride." Michael says, walking past me. So close I can smell him.

Goosebumps.

"Let Mikey drive, Laney!" Marcus yells as they walk outside.

"I love you, Baby." Jax says, pulling me in and hugging me.

"I love you too, Jax." I say. He continues to hold me. I decide to ignore the screaming voice inside of me telling me to let Jax go. He's hurting and he needs me. I hold on and give him that.

I should've told him. Now I'm straight up lying to him. Cheating on him...and lying. Exactly what I said I'd never do.

You'll tell him. Just not now, not when he's grieving from his mom's death. Right NOW, he needs everyone to be there for him. He doesn't have anyone else. Laney and I, and his friends. That's what's important.

There's plenty of time to destroy what's left of his world after the funeral.

He let's go and walks out the front door, closing it behind him.

I walk over to the kitchen and pour a shot of Loopy, quickly sucking it back, then pour some Fruit Loops in a bowl. Have to eat something!

"It's ok, Star. You did the right thing. I see that now. Wait a few days. Wait until he gets back on his feet. He looks like shit." Scutter says.

"They were really close...his mom and him. He doesn't have anyone else. Laney and I, that's it." I say, sliding onto a stool.

"Well, girl, he's got us!" Synna says, coming over next to me. "You better lay off the Loopy. Here, drink some water and wait for Mikey to bring you something to eat...some REAL food." She says, eyeing my cereal, and opening the fridge to get water.

She leans in so no one else can hear. "You getting sick, that was because he was touching you? Had his hand on your ass? I knew it. When you fall for someone else, just the thought of the guy you used to be with, touching you...makes you wanna puke. Don't worry, only ones that noticed was me and Laney."

"I hate this Synna. I REALLY fucked everything up. Michael and I...we honestly were gonna wait until I told Jax. Tonight though, oh my gosh, with you and Scutter! SO BEAUTIFUL! I'm SO happy for you guys." I say, smiling. "Seeing you all in love and happy, it just...I think it just made us realize what we want. We went into his room....and he kissed me. We just couldn't stop."

I put my face in my hands. I can't even talk about him without acting like I'm in middle school again. So many feelings, it's overwhelming!

"Star, RELAX, girl! Thanks, by the way. I had NO idea he was gonna ask me! I love him so much. You and Mikey, though...don't feel bad. I think you guys have fallin' hard for each other, and that's ok! There's no goin' back now." She says, taking a drink of my water.

"There's not, Synna. What I feel for Michael...I've never felt before with anyone. Is that crazy? We've only known each other a few weeks!" I say, taking the water from her.

"Star, the heart wants what the heart wants, but you're not alone, Baby. That boy wants you JUST as bad." She says, grinning.

I smile. I know he does.

(Hi friends! Thank you for reading! Hope you like the book. Please comment, ask questions, talk to me! I'll answer everyone back. Have a great weekend!! Love you all xx)