Whisper Three Words

I Love You Mike

Michael's POV

It was 2am and I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my bedside table, the bottle of blue pills staring back at me. I reached for it, but my eyes diverted to the photo of my wife and kids next to it. They looked so proud of me, so happy that they were apart of my life. How did I allow myself to fall this far down, so far that my wife left me to deal with this myself. I couldn't help but sob silently, ashamed of myself.

Then it hits my mind, I can take the whole bottle and this could all go away. I shake my head, "my kids.." I mumble. I let out a frustrated groan and began pacing the room, tossing the bottle away. I grab my phone to dial the only person I'd think that'd still be awake that I know I can talk to other than Rayne.

"Hello?" The voice answers gruffly.

"Bill, it's Michael.. did I wake you?" I ask.

"No, you know I'm always awake. That's why I always covered the night shift for you... everything alright?" He says.

"No.. I'm really struggling..." I explain, telling Bill everything that's been happening with me since he left.

"Ok, listen to me. You know how much you mean to your family. You went through rehab once.. you can do it again Mike. Don't let this get the best of you."

I sigh, staring at the trash can where my pills sat. "Bill.. I want to stop.. but it's killing me to only see my kids once a week. Rayne will barely speak to me. The stress is making this harder."

I talked to Bill for about 3 hours, simply crying and pushing myself further and further away from the pill bottle that sat in my bathroom trashcan. With absolutely no sleep, I took a shower and got dressed, prepared for another day in the studio. I covered my dark, tired eyes with shades and hopped in the truck quietly, while Leroy shoved my bag in the trunk. I was due to go to New York in a few hours to continue recording. Even after my two week break, I still wasn't ready.

I was so desperate for Rayne to call me I even started carrying my cell phone. My daughter called me more than Rayne did, I didn't mind, I just really want to hear Rayne's voice.

"You get any rest last night, Boss?" Leroy asked, his eyes peeking in the rear view.

I sigh, "no. None..", I looked down at my vibrating phone to Rayne's name lit up on the front screen.

"Hello?" I answer.

"Hi daddy!" Camille replies. "Mikey and I miss you!"

I smile, "I miss you guys more, How are you two?"

"We're ok. How are you?"

"Better, now that you've called." I hesitate for a while before asking. "How's your mom?"

"Hang on, I'll let you talk to her.." Camille says, and before I could object the phone was passed to Rayne.

"Hello?"

"Uh.. Camille thought I wanted to talk to you, I only asked how you were.." I chuckle awkwardly.

"Oh, I'm fine. How are you doing?" She asks quietly.. at least she still cares enough to ask.

"I'm getting better.. two weeks clean.. "