My Favorites Songs And Pictures

chapter 5

When I woke the next morning I realised there was something pressed against my back. There was a cold breeze coming from the open window, which was made worse by the fact I was lying on top of the duvet. It was at that point that whatever was pressed against my back moved causing me to jump.

I looked around to see Michael with his face squished against the wall, fast asleep. I tried not to laugh but he looked so uncomfortable. We must have fallen asleep while watching films.

I'd never shared a bed with a boy before. Unless you counted Alfie, and I didn't. I knew nothing had happened, but it was still awkward for me. Michael probably wouldn't think anything of it, but the idea of sharing a bed with Michael was so foreign. Aside from the fact I had no feelings for him, he hated me.

I considered waking him up to thank him for letting me stay here, but then I'd remembered what had happened when I used to wake Alfie up and decided it was best just to let him sleep and thank him later.

I gathered my stuff, careful not to make a noise and padded out of the room, gently pulling the door shut behind me.I was halfway down the stairs when a voice called my name. "Annabell?" I turned around just in time to come face to face with Mrs Clifford.

"Hello." I smiled, relieved it wasn't Michael.

"What are you doing dear?" She smiled, meeting me on the stairs, ushering me down.

"I just thought it was best if I went home. I don't want to intrude any more." I sighed. I was thankful that they had let me stay here, but it felt rude to stay any longer. I was sure it was an imposition on them and I know Michael wouldn't want me here much longer if at all.

"Don't be so silly! We love having you here. I haven't heard Michael laugh that much in so long. You really bring out the best in him." She smiled, eying me coyly.

I blushed, dropping my gaze to the floor. "I'm not sure Michael really likes having me here. Thank you for your hospitality though! I should probably try and make things up with my mum though, and the kids are going to need help getting ready for school."

She nodded in understanding, "Well, our doors are always open to you. Even if Michael is a grouchy bum. You're always welcome."

I continued to thank her again before leaving. I was going to make it back just in time to help get the kids ready for school.

I knew my mum was still going to be in a mood. She'd be hungover, if she was even awake at all, and my step dad was going to be at work already. We rarely saw him. I think it had to do with the fact he hated my mother more than Alfie or Lizzy did. He didn't want to be around her. He could see she was still in love with my dad and I think that hurt him.

"Where were you last night?" Noah asked as I walked in the room.

"I stayed at a friends." I mumbled.

"But Welly called to ask where you were and she didn't know and you don't have any other friends." I groaned and ignored him.

"Just get dressed please, I have to take you to school." I didn't stick around to listen to him complain. Lula was still in bed and it appeared Izzy hadn't come home last night either. I finally managed to drag Lula out of bed without waking mum up and within half an hour we were ready to go.

I was glad that mum had still been asleep when I got home. I couldn't face the argument before school. I dropped the kids off and promised that either me or Lizzy would be here to pick them up after school.

Noah was at the age now where all he wanted to do was walk himself home, but it was too far for him to walk alone and one of us still had to pick Lula up anyway.