The Appointment

Chapter Five

It was a scorching hot day in Sydney with the sun shining down on the roof of Ashton's car as he was made the official chauffeur of the day, driving Michael to his next therapy session. Michael still wasn't happy with the idea of the boys making him go even though he does kind of like it now but he doesn't want to fully admit to the boys that they were right from the beginning. However, he doesn't mind it at all now because of Abigail being a similar age to him; he can't help but feel more comfortable- it's more like talking to a friend. Michael feels as if she can relate to what he is going through so he doesn't feel judged at all.

Once the car pulled up outside of the building the two boys sat in the car for a minute. 'So Ash, I don't really mind what you go do now just as long as you are back here in about an hour's time. So I'll see you later, thanks for this' said Michael in an appreciative tone. He pulled his jacket on and some shades before climbing out of the car keeping his head down as he walked towards the building. Hearing rapid footsteps behind him, he turned around to find Ashton trailing him with a smile on his face. 'What? You didn't think I'd just wander around alone did you?' Ashton said in response to the confused look on Michael's face. 'I heard there is a coffee shop inside so I'm going to check it out'. 'Okay then, I'll meet you there when I'm done' said Michael as they walked through the tinted black sliding doors. Looking around, clearly impressed by the place, Ashton was pointing out the water feature and impressive plants making Michael laugh as he hadn't noticed how nice it actually was- today was really looking up.

Michael split from Ashton as he head towards the lift. The doors opened and he stepped inside pressing the number ten then settled himself in the corner of the lift. 'Wait! Hold the lift please' he heard a distinctly English accent call out. Reflexes springing him forwards, he stuck his hand out to hold the door just before it closed. As the doors began to open again, they revealed a girl with cascades of long purple and pink hair running towards him with a large pizza box in her hands. He couldn't help but think to himself 'she doesn't look like a delivery girl'. He waited until she had squeezed her way past him before he let go of the door letting them close. 'Thank you' she said slightly out of breath whilst checking if her pizza was okay. Shyly, she finally looked up pushing her hair out of her face behind her ear and she smiled at him. And in that moment, she realised who she was with.

'You're welcome' Michael smiled back before turning away to look at the doors. Michael noticed that the girl was heading up to the same level as he was as she awkwardly leaned across him to push the number 10. This whole time Tanya was trying to stop herself from fangirling because let's face it, she's in a room with Michael Clifford. She tried to look away from him scared that if she met his eye she wouldn't be able to contain herself, but unfortunately the lift was mirrored, given her no escape. They stood in silence until the lift came to a violent stop with a loud bang. 'What's happened?' she asked startled looking towards Michael for answers who was looking at the small screen just as confused as she was. A look of realisation came across Michael's face 'I think the lift has broken' she said moving forward to press the emergency button and call for help. 'I really hope someone picks up'.

. . .

Meanwhile, Abigail was in the staff room waiting for her next appointment to arrive, chatting with the buildings security guard, Bill. She took a sip of her coffee, listening to how Bill's family weekend was when she heard a muffled voice coming over Bill's radio. 'Hello? We're stuck..' at first Abi couldn't tell who it was then a wave of realisation came over her and the two looked at each other before Bill picked up his radio and asked who it was in the lift and if they were okay. 'It's Michael Clifford, I'm supposed to be here for an appointment but I got stuck in here with a girl I don't know, oh and a pizza'. Then a girls voice came through saying 'send help!' and Abigail's eyes widened as this was a voice she could easily recognise. She quickly grabbed Bill's radio 'Hey you two it's Abigail, I'll be there in a bit. What floor are you on?' Michael shouted back 5 so she and Bill swiftly made their way out of the staff room, finishing off their drinks as quickly as they could.