The Appointment

Chapter One

(Michael's POV)

My ears were completely ringing; the atmosphere tonight was amazing I guess everyone was buzzing seeing as it was the last show of the tour. We had just finished the encores and I raced off stage as quickly as possible, I ended up running into about 5 speakers and people looked pretty pissed given that I may or may not have broken a mic stand. I was pretty sweaty by this point and didn't think that would be a good look for when I see my girl after all this time being apart. I literally had 5 minutes before I had to be at the car to go see her so I threw on the first shirt I saw (I'm pretty sure it's Calum's but whatever) and attempted to sort my hair. Realising I had about 2 minutes before the crowds would make it impossible to get anywhere, I practically flew down the stairs and crashed out of the backdoor, into the car in record timing.

Finally I am going to see Vanessa again after months of waiting. Yes, we have been skyping and FaceTiming each other but it isn't the same as being able to hold her in my arms. Since the tour started all I've been doing is counting down the days to today as much as I've loved being on tour and seeing all the fans there has just been one girl I've wanted to see. Being away from her; missing her has felt like I left part of me behind. She is going to be so surprised when she sees me, she literally has no idea I'm coming. Not gonna lie, it hurt when she said she wouldn't make it to the concert and she would see me a couple of days after the tour finished, but I can't wait that long.

After daydreaming out the window for about 10 minutes I began to recognise where we were. The car had just made a left turn into Vanessa's street but as we pulled up I noticed a car I hadn't seen before. Perhaps she has a new car now? She's always telling me how much she hated the little beat up one she has. Ignoring the car (even though it's nice I only had one thing on my mind, my surprise mission) I thanked the driver and told him he wouldn't need to wait because I doubt I'd be going home, then I made my way up the path towards the front door. I was about to knock on the door but then I thought to myself that wouldn't be as much of a surprise so I took the key from under the mat where her mom usually left the spare. Stealth mode activated, I quietly unlocked the door before making my way inside all ninja style. Strangely, I could hear noises from upstairs so I closed the door softly behind me before creeping upstairs. The noises got louder as I got closer to her room. I lingered for a second all of a sudden not feeling as excited as I was 10 minutes ago. Finally I brought myself to push open her door and I froze at the sight in front of me. I guess I was too quiet as they didn't even notice me, they just carried on.

"V?" I choked out causing them to stop (thankfully). Oh my God. Why is this happening me? So much for my surprise, she's the one that's caught me off guard. Feeling my heart shattering into a million pieces she turned to face me and guilt took over her face. It felt as if I had been standing there for an eternity, my feet felt glued to the floor and our eyes were just shifting to one another hoping someone would break this awkward silence.

"Michael I can explain" she said suddenly climbing off the guy and picking up a t-shirt from off the floor which I'm guessing was his and throwing it on.

"How could you?" I asked as I started to back out of the room. Why does this always happen to me? "Michael, please let me explain" she said moving towards me. "What's to explain? And who the fuck are you? I said furiously pointing at this random guy "You know what, it doesn't even matter."

"Mich-"she started. "Save it Vanessa. What happened to our forever and always? The guys were right about you, you really are a bitch!" I said cutting her off before turning and storming down stairs. Honestly, right now I regret letting the driver leave. Guess it's a lonely cab ride home for me.

One Month Later

I think I've watched Gladiator about 20 times just in this last month, come to think of it I don't even think I've really left the man cave other than attempting to write some songs with the boys but I just haven't felt motivated. I haven't completely shut myself off though, I mean I've left the window open so technically I'm sorta outside. It actually looks like a really hot day but I'm good in here, by myself waiting for my actual true love to come. The pizza I ordered. My legs are starting to forget how to function so I thought its best to go wait for the delivery guy at the front door; I could really use the exercise. Groggily, I got up of the couch and rubbed my eyes while yawning even though it's about 2pm. As soon as I opened the door I nearly walked straight into the boys and almost instantly I could tell that this was going to be some sort of intervention.

"Michael, I think we need to talk" Calum said cautiously as he and the others walked in the room and he turned off the TV. During this time I realised I was walking backwards so before I knew it I had fell down so I was sitting on my pouffe thing and the boys were sat facing me on my couch. Realising that this conversation was probably about to get deep pretty quickly and that I probably wasn't gonna get my pizza any time soon. I decided to hear them out.

Sigh "Talk about what?" I asked as I watched them stare at me unsure of how to answer. They were nervous, I could tell as they were twiddling their thumbs and fidgeting uncomfortably. And my first thought was that they had eaten my pizza. Finally Ashton decided to break the silence by bringing up something I had clearly been avoiding. "The boys and I have noticed that ever since what happened with Van-"

"Please don't say her name" I said cutting Ashton off. He gave me a sympathetic smile. That's all I ever seem to get now, sympathy. I don't want their sympathy and I don't need it, they don't get that I'm fine.

Not backing down Ashton started speaking again "Look, ever since she did what she did, you haven't been the same. Seriously, the fans are even starting to notice now that you aren't your usual, happy self anymore." Ashton paused looking towards the others (probably hoping they'd jump in) and they nodded for him to continue. I suppose they know that he is trying to get to some kind of point. He sighed quietly before continuing, I assume because he sees the fed up look on my face. "The boys and I have booked you an appointment with a counsellor. She's kind of new and her name's Abigail I think. Apparently she's really good with things like this Michael. She could really help you."

"What if I don't want to go? Then what will you do? Really, I appreciate your concern but I don't need this." I didn't expect this, counselling? That was there big plan to fix things. Why would I need a counsellor when I could just talk to them, or do they not want to go there?

Luke cut off my train of thought "Michael if you don't go we are going to lock the door of the man cave and you aren't getting the key back until you go" Luke said sounding frustrated. Then I noticed a mischievous smirk grow on his face and he jumped off the couch straight at me and I could tell he was going for the key. Unfortunately for me, he was too quick and despite the struggle and Ashton trying to break it up, I looked at Luke and noticed the key in his hand. He seemed pretty proud of himself too which is irritating as hell, but then Calum piped up and said "you know what no, this isn't how we are doing this. Michael, you're going and that's that!"

Surprised by Calum's outburst we all sat back down and I decided to think about what they had said. Why are they doing this to me? I don't need help from a counsellor, I'm perfectly fine. I mean sure, I haven't been joking around as much and I admit I have locked myself away but what do they expect? Besides, everyone changes. Then again though, I don't want them to take my man cave. This is my place to be alone and forget everything she did. I sighed as I ran my hand through my black hair before looking up at the three sat in front of me.

"Okay, when is the appointment?"