Wittshome Ranch

Chapter 13

Michael's POV

That night, after an insanely awkward 'family' dinner Ashton forced me to go to, everyone's in bed. And Jake actually went home, something I've never seen him do. And Angela went out to her office in the barn, but I heard her come back in. Now, it's like midnight and I'm still awake. I can't stop thinking. Honestly, I'm scared of this place. I'm scared of the things I'll have to confront here. I sigh and get up. I pull on a shirt, and a jacket and go outside to take a walk. It's so dark outside. It never gets this dark back home. The stars here are just amazing. I've never seen anything like this. It's like we're just so insignificant. We're just as small of dots as those stars, and most of us aren't as amazing as them. It's so hard being apart of this band. I love the boys and I love our music, but constantly being in the public eye and having everyone giving their opinions. Most of them being more then a little rude. And hurtful. I mean, pretty much the only reason I'm here is because of the things my 'fans' have said to me. And the things my mum has said... And the things my-

"'Cause I'm really not fine at all." My thoughts are interrupted by a soft voice ringing from the barn. Singing one of our songs, might I add. It's Angela. I quietly walk over to the barn and listen to her. She's playing a guitar and singing one of our songs. She's actually really good. I walk in the barn to talk to her, but I can't find her. It takes me a minute to realize there's a loft and she's up there. I slowly and quietly make my way up the stairs as she finishes the song.

"Wow. That was really good." I say, clapping. She jumps and looks up at me from her spot on the ground.

"Michael!? What are you doing out here?! You're suppose to be in bed!" She yells, not really angry, but more nervous. I smile.

"Couldn't sleep, and I heard you singing. You're really good, you know?" I say sitting next to her. She blushes and looks down. She doesn't answer me, just looks down. Maybe this girl isn't so confident.

"You know, Angela, you are good. Plus, I like that song." I say and smirk while I nudge her with my elbow. She finally meets my eye and smiles. "How long have you been playing?" I ask while she's still looking at me.

"Since I was nine. My ma' started teaching me before she...." She suddenly stops mid sentence, and looks down again. I nod, not pushing her.

"That's cool. You're good. So, uh, whatcha doing out here so late?" She laughs.

"I could ask you the same question." I nod and laugh. This is the first time I've actually felt alright around Angela. Maybe she isn't so horrible. Ashton seemed to enjoy his time with her this afternoon. Suddenly she doesn't seem so simple. Like maybe she's been through more stuff then I know.

"Whatcha thinkin'?" She asks randomly as she plays on the guitar. I look at her. What does that even mean?

"Nothing." I answer shortly. She looks at me, and gives me a sad, yet genuinely caring look.

"You know, Michael. I'm not the bad guy here. I care about you. And I want you to know that. This place, it's safe. Nothing is going to hurt or judge you here. I won't let it. I want to help." I just look at her. I want to believe her, but the conversation I over heard. And suddenly I'm angry. How dare she say that to me after she told him that?! She's such a two faced fake! She's just like every other shrink I've seen. I can't help myself, I role my eyes at her.

"Really sweetheart? How much of an idiot do you think I am?!" I start, standing up. "I heard you, ok?! I heard you talking to Jake about how much you hated the fact I was here, and how I interrupted your perfect life! I don't even want to be here!! I don't even need to be here!!!! So, if you think I'm gonna sit here and believe your crap about caring about me, then you must take me as a total fool!" I spit as I turn around to leave.

"Michael wait! You weren't supposed to hear that. I was stressed out about a lot of things. I'm working through things here and I was mad my dad didn't include me in this decision. I was just venting. I don't hate that you're here. I really like you guys." She says, standing too. I look her in the eyes and see the panic in them.

"Tell it to someone who cares."

*****

A/N well that was almost a sweet moment? But alas his temper got the best of him. What do you guys think happened in Angela's past that made her the way she is? Also what guesses do you guys have about Mickey's past? Comment what ya'll think!!!