Claire Bear (M.A.D)

Chapter Twenty Two

I awoke in Michael's arms, warm and safe, pressed against his chest as he slept. His breath tickled my neck and the beat of his heart was rhythmic against mine as his chest rose and fell.

I wriggled closer into him and breathed his smell. 

On doing so, I spotted the bedside clock over his shoulder. 11:32am. We should get up.

I turned my face towards Michael's from my position against his chest and kissed his lips. He stirred and kissed back, mumbling. 

"Now that's the way to wake a guy up." His morning voice croaked and his lips curled into a smile as we lay, our lips so close we were practically breathing into each other's mouths. We stayed there for a moment before I remembered I was waking Michael up because we needed to be at the studio in a couple hours for tour rehearsals.

"I hate to break it to you, but we can't lay here all day." Michael pouted.

"Why not?"

"Studio."

"Shit."

"Yeah..."

We got up and got went to find some breakfast. Pop Tarts; Michael's favourite.

George, Ben and Dan were just about to leave as we walked sat on the sofa with our breakfast.

"Where you going?" I asked as I sat cross-legged, my plate on my lap, turning to face them as they put on their coats.

"I've gotta go to the supermarket; you guys eat like you've never seen food before in your lives!" George answered.

"Me and Dan are off to the park to record some new covers and promo videos before studio." Ben informed me as he zipped up his jacket.

"Right. Okay then. Have fun!" 

"Yeah, we'll see you at the studio later yeah?"

"Yup."

"Later."

"I'll be back with food in a bit."

So Michael and I had the place to ourselves for a little while.

Or not....

"Hey, I've got to get dressed."

"Why? Where are you off to sweetie?"

"Oh, I've just got to pick some stuff up and I need some new guitar picks."

"I could come w-"

"No!...No, it's okay. You stay here." He kissed me before leaving to get dressed.

Guess it was just me then....

That was okay, I could read some more of my book. Maybe I'd finally get to finish The Book Thief.....

Michael left with a few kisses and an "I love you" so I had the place to myself.

I went back to bed and read in the soft light of London Winter midday for about ten minutes before.....

"What's that smell?" 

I put the book down and walked out of the bedroom.

It was coming from the kitchen.

I walked in catiously, looking around for the source.

Someone left the hob on. Strange.

I turned it off.

It sparked a little.

Then I noticed.

A tiny flame.

It crept silently, swiftly and beautifully up the tea towel and caught the kitchen roll.

I was paralyzed with fear.

"Come on brain! Think! Put it out! Get yourself out of there! Move!" 

But I stood.

I watched the flames of oranges and reds and yellows dance along. 

I started to feel light-headed and suddenly I was hitting the floor.

I must have passed out for a few moments because I opened my eyes and I was laying on the floor, the room was filled with smoke and there was a pretty but fierce orange light everywhere.

By the time I was able to do anything it was mostly too late.

I screamed.

"MICHAEL! MICHAEL!" I began to sob.

"Please." 

I wanted him to rescue me. My angel. My hero. But he couldn't. And I knew it was hopeless. And I knew it was just my time to go. But I wasn't ready. I felt the flames burn my skin with such intesnity it was unbearable. 

"Michael." 

My voice was barely a whisper as smoke filled my lungs. I heard sirens but it was too late. 

"Michael I love you." I sobbed as I fel myself fading and falling asleep.

Yes. Sleep. 

Falling asleep to a burning sensation all over my body and the air in my lungs running out.

And the flames. They danced so magnificently.

The pain began to ease as I felt myself awakening.

But not in the way one usually awakens.

"Why?" I asked Death as I floated above the shell of my body. "I wasn't ready."

"Sometimes it is not my choice." He said, guiding my soul away from the burning. "Sometimes things happen. Mistakes are made. Everything will come to balance in the end."