Intertwined

Sweethearts and Self-Defence

She looked down at her long time friend. Her oldest friend. Her only friend really and sighed. He slept and the medication, while making him tired and unwell seemed to be working. Well, slowing things down the Dr said.

When he woke up she made up her mind that they needed to talk. She didn't want to hide anymore. She didn't want to keep moving from country to country, running from a lie or from death. Whatever was coming for them she wanted to face it. She also wanted to try one last time and see them. See what their lives had become. She hoped they had survived their father with the goodness and love she desperately tried to instil in them before she was made to leave.

She also hoped that maybe, the thought of seeing his daughter again might help Michael's health and give him the peace they both desperately craved.

He began to stir and Lily looked at him as he opened his eyes. 'Well hello sleeping beauty,' she teased.
'At least my hair is looking amazing,' and Michael gave a pained laugh as he reached up and rubbed his bald head. Lily kissed his head and then helped him sit up.
'Time for your tablets now my darling,' Lily adjusted Michael's pillow.
'Thank you sweetheart.' Michael loves his Lily. She was his best friend. She kept him positive on his darkest days. But he knew the conversation that was coming. He knew this time Lily was right.

It was time to stop running. Hopefully he would get to see his Amelia again, but he also hoped that she would know the truth. The truth about who he really was, why he left and stayed away. Why he had to. Why it broke his heart every day.

'Ok my Lily, let's lay it all out. How are we doing this sweetheart?'

***

Girls Aloud had been fabulous. It had been so much fun hanging out with Bells and reliving our teenage years. Bells felt her little girl bouncing around to the music as well and I loved being able to experience that with her. It had been a long road to have their miracle baby and I was elated and excited for her as well as fiercely protective. Bella told me I fussed too much as I held her hand when we walked up the stairs to our seats and made sure she had water, snacks and told her not stand for too long.
'For crying out loud Charlotte Whittaker I'm going to slap you in a minute. You're worse than my Dad!' she gave me a black-eyed stare to match her curly black hair and I knew to back off.
'Ok I'm sorry. I just love you so much and this little girly here,' I pointed to her belly.
Bella rolled her eyes. 'Well, she must love you because she is kicking up a storm right now,' Bella put my hand on her belly so I could feel the kicks.

It was such a special night. As Niko drove, I was able to give Bella her mum and bub basket Mia and I had made up that day.
'Well, this just perfect timing then and proves why Niko and I want you and Mia to be bubba's God parents,' I squealed and started to cry.
'Oh. Oh Bella.' I sobbed and hugged my childhood best friend.
'And I already asked Mia while you were grabbing the basket.' Niko advised from the front.
'Aww she told me she had an eyelash in her eye when I kissed her bye.' I couldn't wait to give her a hug when I got home. 'I'm so sorry we have been absent friends lately.' I apologised. The last few months I had hardly had a chance to catch up with Bells.
'We understand,' Nico said warmly.
'Well, I'm still a little bit sad that you didn't come to me when you were having a hard time after you and Dan separated. Not because I needed to know, but because I want you to know I'm always here for you and I wish you had known that.' she held my hand and smiled at me.
'I know. I'm sorry. I just didn't want you to stress out when you were starting your next IVF round and then bubba stuck and I just wanted you to be happy,' she let me ramble then giggled.
'You're such a goose Char,' she shook her head at me, 'I could be on my deathbed, and I would want you to tell me what was going on, good, bad and in between. So, promise me that you will never again hide your pain, fears or your joy from me. I love you. You're like my sister,' and she hugged me tight.
'Thank you. I promise,' I wiped a few tears away, 'I love you too'.