Stay Together For The Kids - Michael Clifford Fanfiction

Leaving.

I lock Ruby's room as I enter it. If Michael came in, I don't know if he would be able to control his rage. Not even in front of his daughter.

I stay in Ruby's room, silently planning the next 24 hours in my mind.

I had heard Michael slam the door to our bedroom about an hour ago. I didn't know whether to pray that he was asleep.

I had packed Ruby's bag quickly, not worrying about my own clothes. I only wanted to take the bare minimum. I knew I could pick up things on the way.

I stop as I hear a creak. I don't dare to breathe. I unlock the door slowly, and peer around the corner.

I sigh in relief as I see our house maid, April, walking the down the corridor in her dressing gown.

April jumps as she realises I'm watching her.

"Mrs Clifford," she says, clutching at her heart in fright.

She leans on the railing to regain focus from the scare.

"I'm really sorry, I was just worried it was Michael." I say.

April just nods. She had become someone I came too when Michael started heavily drinking. She had being through it all with me.

"I know it's late, but do you think you could do me a favour?"

"Check if Michael's asleep?" She asks, knowingly.

I nod.

"Not right now. Just let me write a note. Then make sure he doesn't leave his room until I text you."

I didn't like giving orders to April, since I saw her more as a friend, but I need her to do this for me.

She nods, and waits as I enter Ruby's room again. I look around the room for a pen and paper. I managed to find a half empty pen and some colouring paper. My goodbye would be on our own daughter's sketch book. It was almost as if she was saying goodbye too.

I didn't want that, I want Michael to be a father. But I know he needs help first.

I write along the page messily. I thought I would cry through all of this, but I keep level headed.

I needed to stay strong, for her.