Savannah // Michael Clifford

0.8 - Tough Times

Savannah

When I landed and first saw Mason, my heart broke. His face was red and his eyes just produced more tears from their puffy state, at the sight of me. I dropped the bag that was placed on my shoulder and sprinted to him. His arms wrapped around me as he buried his face into the crook of my neck.

Having him so close made me realize how much I had missed him. He shuddered, choking back another wave of sobs.

"It's okay baby, we'll get through this." I whispered hoarsely to him.

We stayed in that embrace for a few minutes, not caring that there were people around us or if they might be staring. Thankfully, I was not being followed by cameras so this moment was ours. All too soon our moment had to end as we had to leave.

The drive to his house was long and very silent. I had taken the liberty to drive home as Mason wasn't up to driving back, nor would I let him with what had just happened.

Since they were in the middle of setting up for the next show, I had to do that one before rushing to leave once it was over. I was able to leave until tomorrow night. It was a close call but I was definitely staying for the service tomorrow then straight after the funeral I had to leave.

I felt bad that I'd have to leave sooner than I wanted, but I wasn't allowed anymore time off; Breanna had tried everything to get me more time but it wasn't possible. So I would make do with the time that I had and try to be there for my boyfriend and his family as much as I can.

When we got to Mason's parent's house, his younger sister greeted us as we walked through the door.

 "Hello, Savannah." She wrapped me in a hug, which I gladly returned; squeezing her tightly.

"Hey, Jamie." I said softly. I wasn't used to people around me mourning over death. My parents didn't show any when my grandparents died and I wasn't close with them since I never had spent any time around them when they were living.

"I'll lead you up to Mason's old room." She said, trying to grab my bad from me. Mason stopped her, grabbing the bag instead. "I'll show her up, Jamie. You go take a break."

I laced my fingers with his and trailed behind him as we walked into the living room and up the stairs and into a room at the end of the hall. As soon as the door was shut, Mason pulled me into him, wrapping his arms around me again.

"Can you lay with me for a little bit?" I nodded my head, giving him a quick yes, because after everything that's happened, I couldn't just tell him no.

"Do you have to help your dad or siblings any today?" I asked as he nuzzled his face into my neck. Felling him shake his head, he sighed.

"No, Annie is helping dad at the funeral home." He said so softly that I almost didn't hear him.

Annie was the oldest out of them all being twenty seven; Jamie is the youngest at seventeen and Mason at the middle being twenty two. For the rest of the evening Mason and I laid on his bed. He fell asleep sometime as I was rubbing his back and singing softly to him. I was still on west coast time so I was not tired.

I smiled softly at Mason before detaching myself from him and heading downstairs. Jamie sat at the table, scrolling through her phone as she drank from a coffee mug. I got myself a glass of water before taking a seat at the table with her.

"Where's Mason?" She asked, looking up from her phone and noticing it was only me. "He's asleep. He looked like he needed it." I muttered, rubbing my forehead, feeling the dull ache of a headache coming on

Jamie set her phone down, giving me her attention. "He's been the one to keep everyone okay. He helped dad in the beginning and I'm so glad that we have him. It's been really hard for Annie and I." She admitted. I grabbed her hand, giving it a light squeeze.

"If you ever need to talk or just let everything out, you can always call me, okay? It doesn't matter if it's really late at night. I'm here for you, Jamie." I told her. She smiled at me softly, nodding her head.

The night eased on with small talk and at midnight Jamie said goodnight and went to bed. Shortly after she went to bed, I made my way to Mason's room. I changed into some comfy clothes before slipping into the space beside my boyfriend.

It was long before I was able to sleep, but it wasn't a peaceful sleep. When I awoke the next morning, I know I had bags under my eyes and I really hated the jetlag feeling. I pushed forward though, heading downstairs and having breakfast before getting in the shower and getting ready for the day ahead.

Everyone was down in moods but I couldn't really blame any of them. They were putting a loved one in the ground. How could anyone have any different emotion than sad during this time.

Mason had already left by the time I had finished getting ready. I had on a black dress with a pair of wedges. My hair was braided to this side and my make-up was to the barest of minimums. 

"Savannah, are you okay with riding with me?" Jamie asked, slipping through the door and sitting on the bed. I smiled slightly at her.

"That's fine. Are you leaving now?" I asked, grabbing my perfume from my bag and spritzing a little bit by my neck. I knew that there would be other people there and sometimes people go overboard with smells.

She nodded, shyly. "Yeah, I just didn't want to rush you."

The viewing service and the funeral were both beautiful. It was family and close friends only, making it small and intimate. Mason's father spoke of his wife, mostly of the time before they were married. I smiled sadly as he finished his memories, choking on the sobs as they were finally coming out. Annie and Mason spoke briefly but Jamie didn't think she could speak without crying so she didn't go up. The pastor ended the service and led us to our cars to proceed to the cemetery that was on the outskirts of town.

The plane ride back to California wasn't as bad as I originally planned on it being. I had felt bad about leaving so quick but I really had to go back. The hours seemingly passed by with much less appeal than I wanted, but by the time I had made it to the arena where the concert was finishing up, I was mentally and physically exhausted.

I already set my bag in my bunk and changed into some clothes that were loose before I went in search of Breanna. It wasn't hard to find her; she stood beside the stage as Five Seconds of Summer were finishing up the concert. I snuck up behind her, wrapping my arms around her.

She jumped, turning fast and letting out a small squeal. When she realized it was me she throws herself at me and hugged me tight.

"Welcome back, Savannah!" I just smiled and hugged her back. Truth be told, I was so happy to be back. 

Sorry that it might feel rushed or something.. I just didn't want to dwell on his mother. (Sorry that sounds insensitive but I don't mean to be because it's not a big part of the story and I just needed a filler chapter.) But I just want to get the story rolling because it's not going to be a long one like my other ones (or at least I'm trying not to make it be.)

Anyway, I see people reading but I'd really love some feedback as to what you all are liking and if you want me to add something to this or not.

-Stay Beautiful

Courtney

*Hahahaha, not a long book, girl you thought. Edited on 7/8/21*