Damn, You're Cute (Michael Clifford)

Chapter 13

It was Monday. I was dreading this day and not for the obvious reasons. Not only was it the first day of the week, which means school work and boring teachers, but it was also the day I planned on confronting Michael, Calum, and Ashton. I knew I couldn't go the whole day without seeing them because we usually eat lunch together. Caroline warned me that I was being too dramatic about this whole thing, but I couldn't care less. I haven't talked to her since yesterday morning when she told me the story. I planned on apologizing later for freaking out on her, but I could only deal with so many people at a time.

My backpack bouncing between my shoulder blades, I walked through the school courtyard to find the bench I always spend my free time at. The same one where Michael and I had our friendly conversation, where he gained my friendship with him. I rolled my eyes at the thought, unable to pass time on my phone or by reading. I bounced my leg, waiting impatiently for the tall, purple, blue, and black haired boy to make an appearance. My stomach churned at the idea that he might not come today, that maybe he's sick. I didn't think I could wait any longer to ask him about the twisted and disappointing story from sophomore year.

As if God answered my prayers, four massively tall boys stood out from the crowd of students buzzing around campus. Michael's hair caught my eyes and Luke's ability to be a giraffe was what made me find them. I sprang up from the bench and stalked over to them.

"Michael fucking Clifford, you have some explaining to do," I hissed, trying to make myself look tough due to how much they towered over me. I was able to stop them in their tracks.

"Oh shit," I heard Michael mumble, his eyes wide. "What did I do?" he asked, his voice raising an octave. 

"Oh, I think you know exactly what you've done!" I raised my voice, and Michael glanced at the other guys. Ashton shrugged with a look of confusion on his soft facial features. 

"I don't understand-" Michael said, his eyes looking into mine with complete bewilderment.

"You don't understand? Oh, that's-" 

"Okay, we'll let you guys figure this out. We'll just be going-" Calum tried to escape from the uncomfortable situation with the other two but I grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and pulled him back.

"No, the three of you need to explain to me what exactly happened sophomore year," I snapped and Luke looked relieved to be able to leave. I gave him a small apologetic smile as he hurried off to his class. Once I turned back to Michael, his face was pale. (More pale than he was already.) Calum shuffled his feet awkwardly and Ashton clasped his hands behind his back.

"So that's what this is about," Michael muttered, running a hand through his already messy hair. I watched, mesmerized for a moment before realizing that we only have so long before class.

"See, when I met you guys I just thought that stupid people were holding grudges against three guys who were just popular. Like, they just wanted to be you, but now I understand that no one wants to be you," I poked Michael in the chest. "No one would ever want to be you after what you did."

"Leah, don't you think you're overreacting just a bit?" Calum spoke and I threw up my arms.

"Why does everyone keep saying that!?" I yelled, quickly lowering my voice when a student gave me an odd look.

"Listen, it's not as bad as you think," Michael began but I stopped him.

"No, I've heard the whole story." I told him, fixing my backpack as it began to slide down my shoulder. "I just don't understand how that could happen. You guys were so sweet, like, you made my first week great." I murmured. 

"We're still the same people," Ashton pointed out with an exasperated sigh.

"I know," I mumbled, my blood suddenly boiling when Michael talked.