Stationed! (A Michael Clifford fanfic)

Chapter Thirteen

'I'm just out here if you need me' Bella whispered in Michaels ear, before kissing him on the cheek. They were stood outside a room in a hospital about 30 minutes from where Michael's mum lived. This was the moment, the moment everyone had been dreading. Either Michael was going to find out his dad had been killed or find out he was still missing. His mum had told Michael to go ahead of her, she was a wreck, she couldn't face what was going on. Mind you Michael wasn't much better. He took a deep breath before looking to the medical assistant who opened the door for him. He was gone for about 10 minutes before he came back looking pale, more so then he usually did. Michael said nothing he just looked at Bella and kept walking. Bella followed him out to his mum. 'What Michael?' she asked looking at his blank facial expression. He turned his back to us and was silent. When he turned back round he had tears in his eyes. 'Michael was it him or not?' Karen cried. Michael shook his head as relieved tears fell down his face. Karen grabbed Michael, pulled him into a hug and they just held each other for a few minutes. Bella stepped back to give them a little space. 'Where are you going, Bella?' Karen asked. 'I thought i'd give you two a moment its kind of a family situation and I don't want to intrude' Bella tried to explain without also bursting into tears. 'Nonsence, you are practically part of this family now, come here' Karen said, summoning Bella over and pulling her into the hug. At this point the tears had flowed over Bellas eyelids and were rolling down her face. This time Karen stepped back and let Bella and Michael have a moment.

'I don't know how to thank you, for everything you have done.' Michael sniffed, kissing Bella. 'What are you talking about? I haven't done anything.' Bella looked up confused. 'You've put up with me being a grumpy shit, and stood by me through all of this. Your support has meant everything and I don't know what i'd do without you Arabella. I love you so much' He explained. 'I love you too Mikey' she sniffed. They pulled away and started to walk back to the car. They decided to grab something to eat before going back to the house, so they stopped at a small cafe. Bella's phone started ringing 'I should probably answer it, he deserves some sort of explanation.' Michael nodded in agreement. 'Hi Cal, listen i'm really sorry I haven't spoken to you, it's just been a little crazy. What? What you're outside Karen's house now? All three of you?' Bella looked at Michael confused. 'Tell him to come here, I think I have some explaining to do. It's about time they found out the truth, it's the least the deserve.' Michael whispers to Bella. Bella told them where they were and within 10 minutes they had arrived. All three of them hugged Bella and Michael and then Karen.

'Guys, please tell us what is going on. We are really worried about you.' Luke said practically begging. 'Be honest with me Bella I won't be angry.... Are you pregnant?' Calum asked sheepishly. 'No Calum, she's not. Listen i'm going to tell you what has been going on. All i'm gonna ask is for you to be patient and listen because its gonna be hard.' Michael explained, looking at the three guys sat in front of him. 'Take your time Mike, we are listening.' Ashton said reassuringly. Michael spent the next hour explaining to them all about his dad and what was going on. They all sat there listening to every word coming from Michael's lips. By the time Michael had finished everyone had taken it in turns to cry, and we all huddled into an awkward group hug. 'I'm sorry Michael, we had no idea.' Luke said apologetically. 'Luke I didn't want anybody to know, I was in denial myself. It all just got too much and that is why Bella knows. I honestly do not have a clue what i'd have done if she wasn't around.' Michael explained. A tear fell from Bellas eye.

'Come on guys, its getting late I think it's time we went home. You boys can stay with us tonight.' Karen said to Luke, Calum and Ashton. A chorus of thank yous echoed around the now emptying cafe. They left the cafe and jumped into there cars. They pulled up outside the house and noticed the lights were on. 'That's weird we didn't leave the lights on it was light when we left.' Michael said looking worried. 'Come on guys, girls you stay in the car.' Luke warned. The four boys walked quietly to the door, it was unlocked so they silent walked in. They made the decision to split up, so Michael and Calum headed upstairs and Ashton and Luke took the downstairs. Calum reached the top of the stairs and reached the first room, which was Michaels room. He slowly opened the door, and they jumped in trying to take whatever or whoever they might find by surprise. The room was empty, everything was in order it looked like nothing had been touched. Before leaving the room satisfied, Calum grabbed one of Michael's many guitars he had lying around. 'What are you doing? Now is not the time for a jamming session.' Michael exclaimed in a whisper. 'I'm taking it for protection you idiot.' Calum retorted. 'Oh....not that one then please it one of my favourites' Michael pleaded. He walked to the back of his room and opened his cupboard. He pulled out a slightly dusty acoustic guitar and handed it to Calum. 'Thanks, hopefully we won't need to use it' Calum said. Suddenly Calum and Michael heard Luke yelling upstairs, 'Michael! You might wanna come and see this'.