Masquerade (Michael Clifford)

Chapter 5

"I can't believe I just did that." I said still in shock that I snuck out.

"Get used to it." he said, eyes never leaving the road.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he just chuckled at me. Well then.

"What's your favorite ATL song?" he asked me.

"Probably, Therapy or The Irony of Choking On A Lifesaver. What about you?"

"Stella, A Love Like War, or Jasey Rae."

"Or Remembering Sunday." we said at the same time. We looked at each other, eyes wide open smiles on our faces.

"Favorite member?" I asked him.

"Jack. Definitely Jack." he replied, reading a text message he just received.

"Really? I'm more a Rian fan. But Alex is just, ugh."

"Don't get all girly here Scarlett Evans."

"Sorry." the truck was silent after that. He kept texting on his phone and that made me nervous because I've seen those commercials about the texting and driving and I do not want to end up like that.

"Can you keep your eyes on the road please? You're making me nervous."

"Oh, do you you want me stare at the road for 20 minute? Or, I can just stare at you and not look at the road at all." he said staring at me. This made me even more nervous.

"Michael! Keep your eyes on the road! You're going to crash!" I yelled at him.

"Relax Scarlett Evans. We're going to be fine. We won't crash. And don't call me that." he said looking back at the road.

"What, your name?" I was a bit confused.

"No, Michael. "

"That's your name, what else am I supposed to call you?" Still very confused.

"I know that. I meant don't just call me Michael. It doesn't sound right when you say it." oh.

"Oh. I'm sorry Michael Clifford. I'll be sure to not call you just Michael." I said with a smile. He looked at me and chuckled. Silence filled the truck again. He still hasn't stopped texting on his phone, I just chose to ignore it. I put my head against the window and thought about how pissed Collin would be if he found out that I was with Michael. And that I lied to him. This wasn't like me. I should be in my room reading a book with a cup of coffee in hand. Not sneaking out with a boy to go to a concert.

"Ariana can't come." Michael said, finally putting his phone in his pocket.

"Oh, why not?" I was a little disappointed. I really wanted her to be here. I think it'd be awkward with just Michael and I but maybe I can ignore him and enjoy the concert.

"She has something else to do so it'll just be me and you going. "

"Ok, fine with me." his phone rang but he just let it ring. Eventually it stopped.

"So I guess we're just going straight to the venue then?" he nodded his head.

"We'll be there in about 30, 40 minutes." he said, cursing under his breathe as someone cut in front of him.

▪▪▪

   43 minutes later, we stood outside of the venue along with many other people. I was so excited my hands were shaking.

"You okay?" Michael asked me, probably noticing my shaking hands.

"Yeah, just really, really excited." he grabbed my hands and held them in his.