Light

Punishment

Halfway to Michael's house. Michael doesn't drive fast. Driving slowly, wishing to take more time in his driving than reaching to his father's house. Liam looks at him. It's obvious Michael isn't feeling like himself. The feeling of seeing his father after setting up a party last night behind his back is enough to bother him throughout the drive.

"Michael... try not to think about it too much." He doesn't look back at his friend. His eyes are mostly focused on the road.

"How can I not think about it. Man I shouldn't have done that party in the first place." Liam gives him a playful laugh, his way in doing everything he can to cheer him up.

"Liam stop!"

"What" he asks.

"Whatever you're trying to do isn't helping."

"I know. But still, that party you had last night. It was your first party right?" He asks. Michael hesitates. Unsure about answering it. His friend playfully teases him. Exclaiming 'Michael's first party' out loud in his ear. "Yes it was my first party but can we not think about it! Please!" Seeing how distressed Michael really is, stops himself. There's no point.

The drive continues. Almost to the house. Just by six minutes. Liam looks around the whole care. Seeing what they can do for a minute. His eyes moving around the interior of the whole care before his focus turns to the car's radio. He presses onto it.

There are still some radio channels that still continue playing music for everyone's entertainment. Some of the surviving ones; Cap Pop, Heart and BBC America Radio. But their favourite radio channel is mostly Heart. They play the best songs on the channel. Usually their favourites.

The next song coming out, coming from their favourite band; Rudamental. Playing Counting Stars. The song would begin slowly. Liam looks at around the whole interior area, including Michael. The singer, singing the lyrics, Liam sings them back. Singing the same words coming out from the band. Michael looks at his friend for a bit. Wondering what he's doing.

The quiet tone from the singer lasting for a few seconds before the song gets louder. Liam plays along with it, imagining there are drums in front of him as he bangs onto nothing. Michael, wishing to remain focused on the road, turns his attention to Liam. Now more curious and wondering why he's doing that.

Liam would sing the lyrics. More louder. Looking at Michael.

"Join me bro." Michael looks at him again.

"What?"

"Join me in our favourite track." Michael turns his attention back into the road. "I don't think so." Liam laughs.

"Oh come on. You know you can't resist it." Before returning to his tune. Singing the lyrics louder and louder.

The song, becoming irresistible, he finally lets go, singing at the top of his voice and joining along with Liam as they continue to drive towards the house.

So much fun and engaging between the two. Just when the song's about to reach to its close, they arrive to Michael's house. The fun and adrenaline, disappears quickly as they approach the gate. The gate opens right in front of them with Norman waiting at the front door of the house.

Seeing him gives chills to his body. Norman doesn't seem happy to see Michael. Showing disappointment over what he has just done last night, having seen the video.

Feeling more nervous getting himself inside the house. Liam feels the same way too, not wishing to witness the whole meeting between the father and son.

They come out of the car. Michael first. Liam waits in the car, but inside of him, wants to rush towards him, act like his own bodyguard, better than how Norman protects him.