Simple Text Message// Michael Clifford [Slow Updates]

23

What the hell is going on? "Why is my face on the TV?" I ask the guys. "Who is the mystery girl that's touring with the Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer? According to their fans, they've seen her and Michael Clifford walking around LA and they were enjoying each other's companies. Are those two just friends or is there something more going on?" The man on TV says. "Are you okay?" Calum asks. I storm off and when outside, paparazzi see me. But they can't reach me, because the bodyguard push them away. "Give her some distance." Steve, the bodyguard says.

The paparazzi walk away. "Thanks, Steve." I say, I haven't talked to him a lot, but he is a great guy. "I know they can be tough, but you just have to ignore them, Ms. Dawson." He says and I chuckle how formal he is with me. "It's Ray." I inform him. "If I were you, Ray." He says and I smile. "You should always stay with one of the guys and don't be alone." He says and I sigh. "The guys knew already the paparazzi are after me, didn't they?" I ask him. "Yes. They didn't want to tell you. They care a lot about you, especially Michael." He says. I know they do, but they don't have to hide things.

•••

We're back at the hotel for a little bit. I'm not mad at the guys, but I am giving them the silent treatment. "Please Ray, talk to me." Michael says. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I'm worried about you." He says. "Please Ray." He says as he sits in front of me on the bed. "Don't be like that Ray." He says. "You know that you mean a lot to me." He says. I know he means it and he never wanted me to find out, but he knew I would find out eventually.

"You could have told me." I say. "I know and I'm sorry I didn't. If I could go back in time, I would and I would tell you." He says. "So? Are we good?" He asks and I chuckle. I push him and he falls on his back. I start laughing cause I never thought I was capable of.

He starts laughing with me. "Don't keep anything from me again." I say and he nods. "But you're keeping something from me. So I would like you to tell me what's wrong." He says and my smile fades away. "It's just really difficult to talk about." I say. "I know it won't be easy, but I care about you." He says. "I know you do." I say. "Why won't you tell me then?" He asks, I sigh and look away.

He puts his hand beneath my chin and moves my head around so I'm looking straight at him. "I'm scared." I say. "You don't have to be." He says. "What are you scared of?" He asks. "That you'll think I'm weird." I mumble. "Ray, I won't." He says and I take a deep breath.

"I'm not ready yet." I say. "Do you trust me?" He asks. "Yeah of course." I say confused. "Then tell me what's wrong. I won't tell the guys." He says. "Do you promise me?" I ask and he nods. "I promise." He says.

I take a deep breath and tell him what the psychiatrist told me. After I'm done, Michael doesn't say anything. I was right. He thinks I'm weird. He suddenly pulls me into his arms. "I'll do anything to help you." He says and out of nowhere I start crying. "Don't cry, please." He says. "I appreciate everything you do for me." I say. He doesn't say anything back and we stay like that for a while.

•••

They gave me three options. One of them was that I could stay at the hotel, so I don't have to deal with possible fans and paparazzi. But I don't want to, cause I love hearing them play. The other options were that I could go with them so I can watch their show backstage or with the fans. Eventually, I chose backstage because there was a possibility fans would see me.

But first they have a private sound check and I can be there. "What song do you want us to do?" Luke asks. Why let me choose? There are so many songs I love. "Uhm... I like to hear 'Airplanes'." I say. I love the song. "Airplanes it is." Michael says and smiles at me.

•••

They have already started the show and I missed the beginning. I can't help I had to go to the restroom. I stand close to the stage so I can see them play, but far enough so the fans won't see me. As they play the next song, I can't help but notice Michael glancing at me for a second.

I see him run from one side to another, ending at my side. It's a whole different experience than it was the first time I saw their show. This is so much better. It looks like my life is finally together and that thanks to Michael.

What did you think of this chapter? Michael finally knows what's going on with Ray. Will she be fine though?

11th Of July 2017