Pictures of You [M. C.]

10

                 

(Song for this chapter: "TALK ME DOWN" by: Troye Sivan)

I sit on the couch in the living room with my knees pulled to my chest, a few tears sliding down my cheeks.  I am so emotionally and mentally drained.  Nothing feels real.  Everything that has happened in the last twelve hours feels like a dream.  A nightmare, actually.  If only it were.  I wish I could wake up and pretend that everything is okay and that Calum doesn't hate me.  Sadly, this is not the case.

            Luke was unable to come over since it's the middle of the day and he has to stay.  It has only been fifteen minutes since Calum screamed at me then walked out but it feels like it's been hours, maybe days.  He has been my only real friend since I was a child and now he's gone.  And it hurts. 

            The doorbell rings, bringing me back to reality.  I slowly slide off the couch and walk to the door.  I open it gradually, silently hoping it's Calum.  The person on the other side is a greater shock to me.  Michael stands with his hands on his knees, breathing hard. 

            "One second," he stutters, still out of breath.  I hold the door open wider, and wait for him to stand normal again.  "Okay, I'm good now," he says with a smile that almost instantly falls.  "Have you been crying?"  I shrug and step back as he walks in, shutting the door behind him.

            "Calum yelled at me then left," I explain quietly, going back to the couch.  Michael follows closely and sits next to me.  "Did you run the whole way here?" I ask changing the subject.

            "Well, yeah," he says with a shrug.

            "But why?"  He looks around for a moment before settling his gaze on me. 

            "You were upset and I was worried," he searches my face, for what, I have no idea. 

            "I'm really sorry about what I said this morning..." Michael cuts me off with a wave of his hand.

            "Stop apologizing.  I kind of deserved it," he scratches the back of his neck nervously.  "So where are you parents?"

            "My dad left Monday morning before I went to school and my mom had to go on a business trip and won't be home until sometime Monday." 

            "You're going to be alone all weekend?" Michael sounds shocked.  I nod.  "No," he says.  I look at him with a confused looked plastered to my face.  "I'm not letting you stay alone, not after today.  I'll run by my house, pack a bag, and stay with you.  It'll be like an extended sleep over!" he says excitedly.

            "You don't have to do that, I'll be fine," I say trying to hold back a smile at his enthusiasm.

            "I know, but I want to.  What do you say?  You up for it?" he holds his arms out, waiting for my answer.

            "Sure, why not?" I shrug.  Michael wraps his arms around me and pulls me close.

            "I'm going to make this the best weekend ever," he whispers into my hair.  He pulls back and gets off the couch.  "I'll be back in a little bit.  I'm going to run to my house and grab a few things."  He heads to the door and I run after him.

            "Wait!  Can I come with you?"  Michael smiles then holds his hand for me to take.  I shut the door behind us and we start down the sidewalk towards his house.

            The first few minutes are quiet, both of us enjoying the other's company.  With school still being in, we're the only ones out here.  I can't lie, I'm really happy Michael showed up and is staying with me.