Michael's Story

Chapter 38

Being closed off for most of his life starved Michael of real intimacy. He lay in bed, sinking deeper into his longing to reconnect with the only woman he'd ever made love to. Prioritizing alone time increased his yearning for hope of a serious relationship with Junie.

Michael's over-inflated ego and inability to balance romance and power aided his loneliness. However, accountability had to be welcomed if Michael wanted to move forward, with or without Junie. Turning inwardly, Michael consciously took the time to own up to his mistakes and bad decisions.

Reflection on Michael's love life was done seldom. Before he'd fallen in love, Michael kept elusive in romance. He'd have the most grandiose response if his character had been questioned. Back then, before Junie had rejected him, Michael would've defended his choices, The same way he did with Junie initially.

Facing himself without bias was tough for Michael. In Michael's mind, the vulnerability could be compared to being nude in public. He would've never exposed himself in that manner. Having pride in himself was vital to his character. Michael had to be his own biggest fan.

Stripping away his pride stood the reality of it all; Michael was still flawed. Dancing around the issue would benefit nothing. Defending his character was useless. And, his pride was worth nothing if it was at the expense of true love.

Stewing in his sorrows wouldn't help him win Junie back. So instead, Michael had a proposal to pitch to Junie. After carefully reviewing his proposal, Michael was set on a new mission.

Though, if Junie were to deny him after this, Michael would leave her alone for good. There was no doubt in his mind that if Junie wasn't for him, then no woman would be. A final attempt at redemption was better than not knowing if he was worthy of Junie's love.

*****

Every set of eyes that crossed Michael clung to him. They'd never seen him walking amongst these halls before. Most people only knew his name, and very few could describe him. But, seeing Michael emerge from the car, everyone knew it belonged to King Pin. Now, the people of Southlawn could put a face to the name.

Michael did this for Junie to prove she was worth it. Rejection and acceptance were equal, but Michael couldn't say which he deserved. The fate of their relationship was in Junie's lap. But, at least Michael could live with the fact that he'd done all he could for love.

A neighbor passing by with bags of groceries hooked to her fingers stared at Michael in awe. Like he'd done every other person that ogled him, Michael looked on as if he didn't see her. Without turning around, the lingering feeling that he was being watched hung over him.

Meeting the door, Michael perked up his chest. Raising his hand, ready to knock, he halted before his hand hit the door. Shooting through his mind was the thought that his confidence would be mistaken for arrogance. He had to try a different approach.

Relaxing his shoulders, Michael redirected his energy. This wasn't about coming off as confident; rather about being open. Ego wouldn't dictate this conversation.

Michael knocked firmly on the door when he was ready and less worried about being confident. Unnerved wasn't a word Michael had ever used to describe himself. But, at this moment, he was just that.

An older woman favoring Junie appeared on the opposite end of the door. But, again, curiosity had her visually invested in Michael. And then she gradually opened the door wider.

"Can I help you?" She asked.

Everything Michael planned to say was scattered in his brain. That confidence he had to toss out just a few moments ago — he needed it. Rebounding from his awkward start, Michael put on his best face.