The Worst of Times

Chapter 18

Mike was really quiet on the way to his house. It was worrying me a little and I desperately wanted to ask him what happened in the house but when I opened my mouth, he told me not to speak. He didn't want me straining my voice. I had sighed silently but obeyed him.

We went to Mike's house, Sean not far behind. I knew the two weren't close but they seemed to be warming up to each other. We parked the car, Sean's motorcycle beside the car, and stepped out. Sean removed his helmet and went to give me a quick hug. Something seemed off about him. I wondered if he had any contact with John since we broke up the band. I let that slip my mind and we went inside. I forgot how warm and lovely Mike's home was as we were immediately met with his family.

"Chester! I'm so happy to see you again!" His mother hugged me tightly and I smiled kindly. As much as I loved Donna, I was happy I didn't have to say anything. I would've just made this awkward. "How have you been, honey?"

"Mom, he can't say anything. Remember?" Mike intervened and she nodded.

"Oh, yes. I'm sorry, Chester." She apologized and I just smiled and nodded a little. She looked to Sean. "Who's this?"

"This is Sean. He took care of Chester when we were broken up." Mike explained and Sean gave a polite hello but didn't add to it. She returned it and looked back to Mike.

"So you two are back together?" She asked, hope laced into her voice. Mike laughed but nodded.

"Yes, mom. Chaz and I are back together. But there's some stuff going on. You remember the whole Mark thing, right?"

"Of course, the whole thing was so awful."

"He got out of jail early and Samantha let him into the house. Chester's moving in with Sean into his apartment and taking online school for safety reasons and Officer DeLeo thinks it'd be a good idea for me to do the same. Is it alright with you?"

"Um... Moving out? You aren't even graduated yet..." She trailed off and thought about it. "I'll have to discuss it with your father. When do you need an answer?" 

"The sooner the better." He admitted and she nodded. 

"You can stay there until we've decided for sure. Would that be alright?" She asked and he smiled.

"Of course, thanks, mom." Mike said and he took my hand. We went into his room, Sean not far behind. "You guys can sit wherever."

"Thanks, Mike." Sean said and sat in his desk chair. Mike began packing a bag and I couldn't help but watch Sean. I just felt so comfortable and protected around him. He was too nice to me and protective. I felt in debt to him. 

I never felt this safe around Mike. I don't love Sean like I love Mike but I don't feel as safe around Mike as I do with Sean. Mike can get angry and overprotective but he never seems to be around when anything went down. Sean was always there to defend me against John and not long ago, he was protecting me from Mark. Mike gives and takes my love but he just hasn't protected me like Sean has. I don't find it strange though. Sean's my friend, I shouldn't feel the same way about him as I do to Mike. And Mike's my boyfriend, I should feel more than I do about him towards Sean. 

"You okay, Chazzy? You spaced out." Sean said and I nodded my head. 

"I...am...o...kay..." I confirmed and he stood up, coming to hug him. I appreciated the comfort but saw Mike's jealousy. I hoped he wouldn't get our friendship confused for something more. Sean was just my best friend, nothing more. "Can...I...get...some...air?"

"Sure, I'll come." Sean said, which was what I wanted. I'd talk to Mike about this later but I wanted to clear things up with Sean first. We went outside and stood by the car. "You look like you have something on your mind."

"I...do..."

"Spit it out," He chuckled and I gave him a soft smile.

"I...need...you...and...Mike...to..." I had to pause and take an even deeper breath. I was about to speak again, but he stopped me. He went into the car and grabbed my notebook and pen, handing it to me. I began writing.

'I need you and Mike to get along, I need both of you. He's jealous of you, I can see it. We need to talk to him and reassure him nothing is going on between us.' I handed him the paper and watched him read it. He began nodding.

"Of course, Ches. Anything for you. I hope he's not getting too jealous. I've noticed so I tried backing off a little but I just feel like protecting you too much."

"You...still...can..." I said and he laughed.

"I would even if you told me not to, Chaz. I love you, buddy."

"I...love...you...too."

"But love Mike more." He added with a chuckle and I nodded.

"I...do..."