This is our Story || 5SOS AU

17. Open

Chapter 17: OPEN

# MERCEDES #

I went to the bistro. I didn't want to be around the house, since I know a lot are still disappointed in me since: 1. I burned down the attic, 2. I caused the house detention, 3. I caused the house extended community service.

I handed the lady behind the counter the payment for my tea and sandwich then I sat on the table nearest to the corner. People were laughing and whispering as I passed by. I sighed, of course they would.

Everyone's probably heard of me setting the attic on fire already. I'm an easy target, so of course they have something to say. Besides, word spreads really fast. There are a lot of gossip machines here. Their mouths are wide open with news.

"Is this seat taken?" Someone asked and I looked up. "No," I shook my head and smiled at Curtis. "Feel free to join me." He smiled and sat across, setting his food on the table.

"I heard," Curtis gave me a sympathetic smile. "Of course you did," I muttered. He shrugged.

"I mean," I continued with a sigh. "It's so obvious. Who wouldn't ignore gossip about the freak that set an attic on fire? People laugh at it."

"I actually thought it was cool," Curtis said. I raised an eyebrow. "How did you set the attic on fire anyway?" He asked and I sighed.

"We were building the rocket for that damn Science contest," I explained. "Then I guess I overdid the engine mount and that caused an explosion. We tried to fan the fire, but it got way to huge."

Curtis nodded without a word. "You think I'm a freak now," I pointed out. "It's okay, everyone does." Except Michael, my subconsciousness said. Wait, what?

I looked at Curtis in surprise as he shook his head. "You'll never be a freak, Mercedes," he said. "I actually think you're smart and beautiful." I blushed at Curtis' words.

I mean, come on! Curtis is really cute. I'm surprised that I never noticed him before. Considering we have 2 class together, I should make an effort to get to know him. He's cool.

I was about to thank Curtis when I heard someone clear their throat. Curtis and I turned to see Michael.

"Hey," I greeted. "Hey," Curtis said. "Michael, right?" Michael nodded.

Curtis turned to me. "I should get going," Curtis stood up. "I have lacrosse practice, and coach says I need to step up my game."

"Later," he told me and Michael as he left the bistro. Michael took his seat. "Where were you?" He asked. I shook my head. "I just needed to be out the house," I answered. He nodded in understanding.

"So," he started. "Was that the guy from the supply store last night?" I nodded. "Curtis," I told him. "Were you guys on a date or something?" He asked. I shook my head.

"Michael," I sighed. "I just met the guy yesterday, cut him some slack." Michael huffed. "Are you okay?" He asked. "Of course," I affirmed. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"That look on your face," Michael pointed out. "You try to act like it doesn't bother you, but your eyes tell another story." I sighed. Dammit, Michael.

"I'm a freak," I told him. "People already know about the fire thing. Now, I'm gonna be a subject of laughter."

"I'm not letting that happen," he blurted out which made me look at him. "Huh?" I raised an eyebrow. "I'm not going to let anybody hurt you," he explained. "If they do make fun of you, I'll kick their ass."

I sighed and shook my head. "Michael," I said. "That's too much. You don't have to protect me. I can protect myself." He shook his head. "The more protection, the better," he smirked.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked. "Michael, I forgive you. You owe me nothing. We're okay now." He smiled slightly.

"I want to be your friend, Mercedes," he said. "And I have so much more to prove, trust me. Please, Mercedes. I know it seems weird but please just let me be this way."

I looked at Michael, and saw sincerity. Kiss the damn idiot, my subconsciousness said. What! I shook it off and looked at Michael. He's been doing too much for me, and now he wants to be my friend.

"Aren't we friends already?" I smirked and a smile broke on to his face. "Thank you," he said. He reached out for my hand and held it.

I shivered, in a good way, at his touch. I gave his hand a squeeze and he started playing with my fingers. So this is what it's like to be friends with Michael Clifford? No hostility.

"So," he broke the awkward silence. "Let's get to know each other, friend." He winked and I giggled. "You talk," I said. "I'll respond and answer."

"Where are you from?" He asked. "Detroit, Michigan," I answered. "You?" Michael laughed. "Sydney, Australia," he answered. "What's your favourite color?"

"I like black and white," I answered. "What is your favourite food?" We spent the whole time talking.

I saw a whole side of Michael, that I never knew existed. I actually like him, when he's not the douche bag he was a year ago or the moment we met. This Michael is different.

The questions went on and went, and for the first time in a long time, I'm laughing so hard. I like this and I love the way I feel when I'm with him.

"So," Michael said. "Tell me about your parents. I told you about mine." It felt like a knife stabbed me. My foster parents or biological, which should I tell him about.

I may be adopted and proud, but that doesn't mean I screamed it to the world. Heck, only Frankie knows I'm adopted.

"My parents," I stammered. "Are both professors from the University of Michigan. Yeah." That was all that came out from me.

"Who do you look like?" Michael asked. "Um," I looked down. "They're my foster parents actually. My biological parents died, serving the South Korean army."

Michael frowned. "I'm sorry," he said. I shook my head. "It's alright," I smiled slightly. "It was a really long time ago. I don't even remember that much." Michael kissed the back of my hand.

"Do you want to talk about this?" Michael asked. I shook my head. The memory of my biological parents were vague, yet painful. "Then we shouldn't," he continued. "Let's talk about something else.."

Michael spent the next few minutes talking about random topics. I smiled, the old topic soon forgotten. I kept listening to him and responded when I should.

The more Michael talked, the more I realized that I enjoy his company. This is something I'd never expect.

"Hey," he said. "Guess what?" That was random. I raised an eyebrow. "What?" I asked. "I'm dying my hair, he said.

"No more blue hair?" I laughed. "What colour now?" Michael shrugged. "Black and white," he smiled. "My favourite colours," I muttered.

"Exactly," he beamed. "I'm going to dye it in time for the Social." I nodded. "I look forward to seeing it," I laughed.

Michael and I talked till we ran out of questions and topics. It was nearing dinner. Wow, time flies when you have fun.

"We should go," he said. I sighed and got up. "I'm scared," I told him. "What if they're still mad at me?"

"Like I said, Mercedes," he said. "I'll protect you." I smiled and he smiled back. "Thank you, Michael," I said.

"No," he shook his head. "I think you should start calling me Mikey now." I nodded. "Mikey," I repeated.

Michael, I mean, Mikey me out of the bistro and to the houses. Whatever happened with him today, I feel so happy. I feel so free and it's really nice to open up to someone. Oh, thank God for Michael Clifford.

// Hey guuuyys! I'm sorry I just updated now, and it's been weeks. Well, I already warned people that I'll be tight on schedule since I'm moving for college. Anyway, more updates to come soon (After I finish settling down in my dorm.).

And in this chapter, OH MY THE MIKECEDES FEELS. EHLAVEYOU ALL <3