Musically Problematic

Chapter 36: Jet Black Heart

I then go into the lounge to wait for Mike to arrive.

Sophie's POV:

I see a car pull up outside when glance out the window. I get up and straighten out my outfit and fix my hair. Once I'm ready the door bell rings. I walk over the door, trying not to seem to eager to go out with him. I open the door to see Michael; dark coloured band Tee, black skinny jeans and messy brown hair.

"Hey Mike, not too fancy am I? Should I get changed?"

"No, you're fine how you are. Let's go."

I hug Mikey tight, but feel someone else grip my hand from behind. I feel a tug on my hand and I let go of Mike, taking a step back. Anthony pulls me close and hugs me, kissing me as he pulls away.

"See you later...hopefully not."

"What? Anthony...you don't want to see me again?"

"That wasn't for you, babe. You're staying here with me, it's him that we won't be seeing again."

Anthony went to slam the door but Mike stuck his foot between it so it couldn't close. I wrapped my arms around Mike.

"Anthony...I'm sorry. But I promised this one night to Michael. I can't break my promise, I will come back to you at the end of the night. Trust me..."

"I do trust you babe, he's the one I don't trust."

I push Mike backwards, out of the door way so we can go.

"Never mind him, Mike. Everything will be ok."

"Are you sure? I don't trust him, promise me he has never touched you."

"He's obviously touched me Michael, we are dating...living together. He loves me, Mike."

"Tell me now, before I get my hopes up. Is there any chance that you will stay with me or even see me again after tonight? If you say no, then I'll let you out of your promise and you can go back to him."

By this stage tears are running down Mike's cheeks, he's trying to be strong but it's too painful. Just looking at how sad he is breaks my heart.

"I'll make this easier for you. If you want to give me a chance get in my car, but if you won't then just go back inside."

I look at Mike one last time before heading back towards the house. I grip the door handle and Mike goes back to his car. Once he gets in I see his head fall to the steering wheel. I can't look away, it's at this moment I realise something. I go inside.

"Anthony...I...I have to tell you something. I didn't believe a word you said about Lora...or whatever her name was being your cousin. I know you're cheating on me with her. I do love you but there's someone sitting outside crying that I still love more. Basically what I'm trying to say is...I'm breaking up with you."

"You can't be telling the truth...you don't actually believe I'd cheat on you?"

"I do...I'll pick up my stuff tomorrow. I have somewhere else I need to be right now."

I go back outside and see that Mike is still here so I jog down to his car, and get into the passenger seat. He doesn't look at me, his eyes are closed and his head is resting on the steering wheel still. I press a soft kiss to his cheek.

"Michael...I'm sorry about everything that happened. I know you probably don't feel like it now, but I want to go on that date now. I choose you, Michael."

He starts shaking and sobbing again.

"Don't just pity me. Go be with your boyfriend. You love each other, I want you to be happy."

His voice is shaky and quiet. It's so heart breaking. I kiss his cheek softly again.

"I broke up with Anthony, I'm moving out tomorrow...if you'll lend me your car. And maybe let me stay with you until I can find somewhere more stable and permanent..."

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying. I think I love you, Michael."

"I love you, I've told you that. But I don't just want to be a rebound or just have you through sympathy. I want you to actually want me."

"Ok, you're right. I'm not ready to jump straight into a relationship with you. I just need to get away from Anthony."

"Why? What did he do? Did he hurt you? I swear if he hurt you..."

"I have it under control, promise you won't do anything stupid."

"Not stupid...but he'll get what he deserves."

"Michael, can we go somewhere. Somewhere that isn't out the front of my house. I'll drive if I have to."

I see the door open and Michael drives down the street quickly for me.

***

I'm sitting on the floor in the granny flat outside his parents house. This is where he stays when he's in Australia. It was a long drive here and I fell asleep, but I think we both needed that time.

"I know you dressed up for something better than this, I'm sorry."

"Hey, this is fine Mike. I'm just happy to be out of town. Can you give me a lift back into Sydney to get my car and stuff in the morning?"

"Sure, where are you gonna stay after that?"

"I don't know yet. Can I use your computer to find somewhere?"

"Sure. You're welcome to stay here for a bit but it's not really big."

"Thanks, Mike, but I need my own place."

"I know."

I search for apartments in Sydney that are available. A comfortable silence falls over the room, until Michael starts playing some unfamiliar tunes on his old acoustic guitar. I remember when we used to play this guitar in his teenage bedroom.

"What are you playing?"

"Just trying to find a new tune for the song I wrote. It's called Jet Black Heart."

"Can you sing it to me?"

"It's a secret, I don't have a tune yet anyways."

He goes back to playing his guitar while I search the Internet. I love how comfortable this feels, just being here with him. I feel myself drifting off to sleep, so I turn off his computer and place it on his bedside table before quietly making my way over to his couch.

"You're my guest. Take the bed, you have a big day tomorrow."

"Mike, I don't feel comfortable sleeping in your bed. I'd rather sleep on the couch. Plus I was hoping you'd drive me into Sydney so I can get my car."

"Fine. Whatever makes you happy."

He goes into his parents house to get me a blanket but I get tired and doze off before he gets back.