Only Child - m.c & l.h

4. Disappointment

28th July 2013

"She's what?" Michael asked,

"She's threatening to tell you that I like you," I answered quietly. I was starting to feel shy and awkward because I couldn't read his facial expression. He looked away from my eye contact and coughed,

"Let's go," Michael said putting his hand out for me to take it,

"Where are we going?"

"To talk to Luke and Nicole," He said, I sighed and took it. Michael dragged me over to Georgia and everyone,

"Sit with Georgia I'll be right back," He instructed. I nodded and sat down next to Georgia,

"Are you okay?" She asked,

"No,"

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing big," I told her. I watched as Michael, Luke and Nicole walked away from the rest of the group to talk.

"I'm going home, I'll see you later. Maybe, I don't know," I said standing up and wiping my shorts,

"I'll come out with you I'm meeting Shannon and Megan at the end of the park," Georgia said standing up, she gave Ashton a quick peck on the lips before we started walking away from Calum and Ashton. Georgia was texting Shannon and Megan so I had time to think, which was the worst thing I could do. Michael didn't say anything about the fact that I like him, that's half good and half bad. Good because he didn't say anything bad but bad because I have no idea how or what he's feeling.

"Tell me what's wrong Lauren," Georgia said locking her iPhone and putting it in her pocket,

"Nicole's cheating on Luke,"

"We all know that,"

"What? Why didn't you tell him?!"

"We did! He didn't believe us," She said,

"Michael has photographic proof,"

"Really?! How?"

"I took them," I said,

"Smart. As soon as Nicole's gone the better,"

"She threatened me. She said that if I told Luke she'd tell Michael that I like him so instead of Nicole telling him I told him instead but he didn't say anything. He just dismissed it." I explained,

"You like Michael?"

"I don't know I think so, I mean I haven't really thought about him in that way for a long time but now that I think about it I think I still do which is ridiculous because Michael is Michael and I'm, well, me,"

"What do you mean?"

"I've barely spoke to anyone in 7 years and after he died I shut Michael out completely,"

"He never stopped talking or caring about you, you know,"

"I don't think he'll want to be around me anymore. I don't blame him,"

"Just you wait he'll be round sooner than you think ," Georgia said. Two girls ran over to us and pulled Georgia into a hug.

"Shannon, Megan this is Lauren," Georgia said,

"I know you! Your mum works with my mum! I saw you at their boring work party 3 weeks ago," Shannon said,

"Yeah I saw you there too,"

"Are you going?" Megan asked,

"Me? Yeah I've got to get home,"

"Aw! Well we'll probably see each other soon," Shannon said,

"I hope so," I smiled. I said goodbye to them all and left the park starting the long trek home. I had driven to the park with Michael so it had only took 10 minutes but now I was walking, the long way, it would take me at least half an hour to get home. It didn't help that it was getting dark as well but I had my phone and my headphones, or so I thought. Michael has my phone because he's showing Luke the proof that Nicole is actually cheating on him. I wrapped Michael's plaid shirt around me tighter and walked at a fast pace. I forgot that in order for me to get home I would have to pass the cemetery. I lingered by the gate for a split second before moving along. It was far too late to be going to a cemetery, I heard that weirdos actually hang around there.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" My mum shouted when I walked in the house,

"Out with Michael,"

"Michael? As in next door Michael?" She asked,

"Yes Michael Clifford,"

"Are you lying to me? Have you really been by the grave all day? Lauren you need to stop doing that,"

"No I was out with Michael," I said,

"Are you two becoming friends again?"

"I don't know,"

"Do you want to be friends again?"

"Its better than being alone," I said, she smiled briefly before coughing and nodding her head,

"I'm going to bed, I have an early morning, I love you,"

"I love you too,"

"Your dad has already left for his business trip, he'll be back in 3 weeks," She informed me,

"Okay,"

"And I go away with the Clifford's at the end of this month," She said,

"Michael told me,"

"A lot can happen in 3 weeks," She said,

"I know."

And she was right.