Let's Forget Everything (Michael Clifford)

Chapter 23

"I hope this cold doesn't last long, there's so much I want to do with her before the summer ends." I sighed, looking up from my fingers and to the side of Michael's face.

"Yeah." It looked like it took all of his energy to push that one word out of his mouth.

We were driving back from seeing his grandma and she has had a bad cold for the past couple days. All the medication she's taking has weakened her immune system and in turn, has weakened Michael's spirit.

We were quiet the rest of the drive to my house. My hand on his thigh, looking out the window to see nothing but the dark night sky.

The silence was comfortable, but my heart went out to him. I knew how badly he was hurting after seeing her look so weak and sad. We only visited with her for a little while before having to  leave because she needed to rest.

"You know it's my birthday soon," I said playfully, trying to lighten the dreary mood that had filled the small space in the car. My birthday was coming up but not for a couple more days.

"Yeah I know." A small smile played on his lips as I rubbed my hand on his thigh.

He quickly looked down at my hand traveling up his leg before putting his gaze back to the road.

He looked surprised and that made me smirk. He made me feel so confident, I liked knowing that I had an effect on him.

I continued teasing him before his eyes shifted to mine, they looked dark and full of desire.

"I suggest you quit torturing me, I'm scared you might make me swerve off the road." His comment made me blush as I laughed, putting my hand back in my lap.

He looked at me admiringly, "How long will it take before you stop taking my breath away Jessie?"

"Hopefully never."

He smiled a wide smile before pulling into my driveway.

"Here I have something for you," Michael said softly. We were still sitting in his car.

"You do?" I asked shyly. My heart started beating irregularly fast.

He nodded, showing off a shy smile. I don't see him shy very often, but when I do it makes my heart speed up every time.

"It's an early birthday present."

He unbuckled and leaned behind him, going through his backpack in the backseat. After a few seconds, he pulled out Daniel, his stuffed lion.

Without a word, he placed Daniel in my lap. I saw a blush creep onto his cheeks, knowing that he must feel vulnerable.

"You're giving me Daniel?" I asked softly, not understanding why. I know he's had Daniel since he was a kid. I couldn't understand why he would want to give it to me.

"You said you had bad dreams," he said slowly, "I always used to have bad dreams as a kid, but when I held Daniel they stopped." He looked embarrassed, like he was waiting for me to crack a joke.

I kept quiet, in awe of what was happening. Not only have I never seen Michael like this, I just couldn't believe what he was giving me.

"I want you to hold him at night, so he can protect you when I'm not there," he said even softer, as he began to nervously play with his bracelets.

"Michael...." I started. I thought I might start crying, this is the sweetest thing I have ever heard.

"I know it's dumb, but I just thought you would like it," Michael said quickly, trying to act casual.