Princess in Disguise [ Michael Clifford ]

Twenty Four

+ Ariella +

I haven't seen Michael as I was walking around after I took shower and changed into the dress that was provided by them. I found myself standing in front of a fountain, trying to stop myself from crying. Everything has been a huge mess lately. Everyone's mad at me because I was being a huge pain in the arse.

I heard footsteps, making me turn around. I saw Michael and he looks completely fine. I was about to talk to him when he turned to leave. I felt my heart being torn into pieces and it is my fault. I followed him, trying to make a simple conversation.

"Michael." I called him for the tenth time before he faced me.

"What?" He simply asked. His face looks so annoyed, like the face he made when I was trying to lecture for being such a jerk. Like the face he made when we first met. Like the way he looked at me when he told me that he doesn't want me near him. 

All of those memories feels like they happened yesterday and I completely forgot to thank him. Yes, we went through hell and so many obstacles and he stayed. He stayed when I almost forgot that someone's with me. And I forgot all of the things he did and sacrificed for me.

"I-I am sorry." I quietly said, as tears started to roll down my cheeks. He stood there and stared at me. As he stood there, I felt thankful for him.

"Me too." He said. I ran towards him and wrapped my arms around him. God, I miss how he smells. I felt I haven't done this for years. 

"I am really sorry, Michael. I won't be such a bitch anymore. Just please stay with me." I whispered through his chest. He stood there as he slowly wrapped his arms around me and he didn't said anything but I can hear him sobbing.

"Just please stay, Michael. I don't know what I should do without you, just please stay." I said again, making him hug me tighter. 

"I love you, Ariella. Forever and always." He said before pulling away and going somewhere. I didn't feel contented. I wanted more, I want him to promise he'll stay. That is all I want. 

I went into the meeting room and saw everyone there, even Michael. I took a sit and silently watch them make a plan to destroy Daniel. I feel completely useless. I was supposed to help them, not just to watch them bleed as I mend my own cuts. We are supposed to bleed and be mended together, we are a family.

I stood up then cleared my throat. I was standing through all the ideas, hatred, arguments, and noise. No one is really paying attention to me. I tried to catch their attention again but still, no one bothered to look at me.

"Excuse me!" I yelled, making the room fell silent. They were either looking at me with annoyance or waiting for me to leave so they can continue.

"First of all, I wanted to say that I am truly sorry. I know I have been such a huge burden and I was having my breakdown. I realized that you all did a huge sacrifice and hard work-" 

"So, what are you trying to say?" Michael interrupted my speech with an annoyed tone. Everyone looked at him as if he did something really offensive.

"I-I was trying to say that I am sorry and I wanted to help." I muttered loud enough for everyone to hear.

"We don't need your moment now, Ariella. Sooner or later, Daniel will find us and won't hesitate to kill us all. So please, If you wanted to help speak now." He exclaimed at me. I felt like I was getting smaller and useless the more he spoke.

"I was suggesting that we should go out somewhere Daniel could see us. He would expect that we are not ready, so he would attack us without making a plan. We would all be ready and he wouldn't know." I tried to speak confidently but I can see Michael is not impressed.

"Yeah. That would be a great plan but what should we do to get Daniel's attention without him realizing that we are ready?" Dad asked us.

"An event maybe?" Suggested Ashton.

"A marriage." Added Calum, making us turn our attention to him.

"Michael and Ariella would get married somewhere near Cheriwin. They wouldn't expect anything because they haven't found out that we are with the anti-terrorist group." Explained Calum. Everyone shockingly agreed with him. I could see pain or fear in their eyes, making me feel more scared.

"On Friday, we will do this plan. For now, let's get ready and prepare everything. Everyone must work to their limits. We're taking Cheriwin back." Announced Michael before they all left. I must prepare too, not only for the battle against the terrorists. But for things I might never expect to happen.