The Truth About Forever

Chapter Nine

I sat there, dumbfounded, as Michael's hollow words echoed in my mind.

What should I say?

What was there to say? 

I've managed to learn about two deaths that occurred throughout Michael's life, and both of which were of his loved ones. How did he act as though nothing so devastating has ever happened in his life? How did he manage to act happy? And why the hell was I acting like my life has just ended just because I had a minor embarrassment? 

"I'm so sorry, Michael."

Michael bursts out laughing, "Sorry?"

Although I knew he wasn't exactly ask me a question, I decided to answer it. "I'm sorry about Leo, I had no idea, I wouldn't have asked something so insensitive."

"Sorry, huh?" he twirls around his milkshake with his straw, eyes filled with no emotion, "Isn't it funny how humans keep apologising for things when they're much too late?"

I knew that sentence wasn't really directed at me, but I couldn't help but feel even worse.

"I shouldn't have asked," I say as I nervously tap on the table. How did our roles manage to reverse? He brought me here to make me feel better, and now I was the one doing the apologising? I sure mess things up. "I always act like I know everything about you, when in reality, I know nothing." 

"It's not like it's that big of a deal, it's just the truth," Michael shrugs casually. I look at him. He doesn't show any obvious signs of pain, either he isn't hurt or affected by his friend's death, or he's just really good at hiding his emotions. Not a hint of sadness was hidden in his eyes either.

At that moment, Michael's aunt comes out of the kitchen and heads our direction, wry smile planted on her face. I could tell she was trying to keep that smile for Michael's sake. You could easily tell how much she loved him — probably as much as she would love a real son.

"The usual strawberry milkshake with a dash of cinnamon," she says, as she places the two glasses on the table gently. "Here you go."

"Thank you auntie," Michael replies. His tone has gone softer once again. He had spoken to me softly too, but towards this woman... Leo's mom, it was different. It was completely different. The sudden change in attitude was back.

Listening and seeing Michael this way made my heart soften, as I looked up at him again. He was still very handsome, sure. Of course his psychical appearance wouldn't have changed, but he was different. So, so different. The usual hint of cockiness has disappeared, and the more you paid attention, the more you would notice.

As I studied him, confusion swept over me. I had only met this boy for a few days and I had seen sides of him that I never thought I would've seen, heard things about him that I never could imagine.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Michael asks me.

"What is?"

He rolls his eyes mockingly as he points at my milkshake. "What else could I be talking about?"

"Oh," I say. "Yep. It's really good."

"It's a family recipe, you wouldn't be able to find anything that tastes this amazing anywhere else, so you better think of a damn good way to thank me in the future," he says.

Ah, the cockiness is now back.

"Yeah, yeah," it was my turn to roll my eyes, although I couldn't help but smile. "Really though, Michael. Thank you."

"Don't sweat it," he smirks. "Just glad to see that my lovely girlfriend's feeling better."

Oh god, I almost forgot about the whole deal between my parents. "Do you really not mind this whole fake dating thing? I mean, I am dating your best friend."