Dark Paradise (A Michael Clifford fanfiction)

Chapter 5

To be honest, I feel really bad about hitting Alex. I know he didn't mean any harm but I just can't help it. He seems like a huge douche to me, but still. I can't risk it. I still have nightmares about it. I look over at Luke on the front porch. He's so pissed at Alex he's been yelling at him ever since we got home.

"What's his problem?" Lilly asked as she looked out the window.

"Oh, umm... something happened at the mall. He's just on the phone with Alex." I explained.

"Eww. I really hate him. He hits on every girl. I was even stupid enough to even go out with him." She laughed and shook her head. "Bad idea."

" Why did something happen?" I stood up and walked towards her into the kitchen. Her voice sounded like it was nothing but what she was describing didn't sound like something small.

"No. He's just way to into himself. Our whole date was Alex, Alex, Alex. How great is my this? How great is my that? Then to top off our 'perfect date' he tried to shove his tongue down my throat and feel me up. I did what any girl would do and knee'd him in the balls." She laughed and shook her head again. This time I laughed too. I found it hilarious how similar our reactions were.

"Wow. You are a lot tougher than I remember." She chuckled lightly and put up her hands like a boxer. I laughed and pretended to swing at her. "Does Luke know that happened with Alex though?"

"No. I don't like to see him angry. He would flip if he knew that. I didn't want to ruin his friendship." I don't know what to say so I just nod understandingly. My mom walks in and smiles at us.

"Hey guys! Sorry I was in my room all day. I have a lot of work to do on my computer. I haven't even done half of it, but I really need a break." Of course she has work. When doesn't she have work. I mean, I understand she has to support me and her on her own, but today is the last day I can see her in like, three months. I just nod. I tried to force a smile but I just can't. I always act like I could care less but really I just need her sometimes and she doesn't even notice. Can she not see the hurt in my eyes right now? Does she not notice that I'm wearing the same expression as I did when I was 14 and came home crying ever day because my life was total shit? She gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"I'll come say goodnight tonight, okay?" I nod and smile the best I can. It's fake, but it's not like she would notice anyways.

"Lilly, I'm going to take a shower. Can you tell Luke when he comes in? She nods and smiles at me.

" yeah of course." I give her an appreciative smile and head upstairs to the bathroom.

My shower was not fun. I had all of my shower stuff in a caddy but it still wasn't the same. I couldn't work the temperature knobs because there was two knobs and and my house there's just one. you just turn it and the farther you go the hotter it gets. It's perfect but now I had to take a freezing shower because I couldn't work the damn thing. I brush out my hair in the mirror and put on a little make up to conceal the dark bags underneath my eyes. I do my dark, usual eye makeup and change into black jeggings and a black v-neck t-shirt. I didn't bring many shoes, so since I'm not leaving I just put on socks. I french braid my hair to get it out of my face. I look presentable assuming that just an hour ago I was crying like a child. When I walk downstairs I find Luke sitting on the couch. He looks pissed.

"Are you okay?" I ask as I sit down next to him.

He nods. "Yes, I'm just peachy. I fucking hate Alex. He kept rambling about how it wasn't his fault and he regrets nothing he did and he's not sorry. Of course it wouldn't be though because nothings ever his fault." Luke rants.

"Luke it's fine. Don't let me interrupt your friendship. I'm really sorry this happened." I explain.

"No Violet don't apologize. He's not my friend. He never was." What does that even mean? He's not his friend and never was?

"Luke, what do you mean?" I ask as politely as possible.

"It means he's a douche to me and he always will be." Just as he finished there was a knock on the door. I look out the window to see the boy... I mean Michael standing at the door. He looks so nice with his white t-shirt on and black, tight skinny jeans. Luke got up to open the door. I just stayed on the couch. Michael walks in and smiles at me immediately.

"Violet." He says politely. We both smile at each other.

"Hi Michael." I say still smiling at him. Michael just looks down still smiling though. He looks like he feels really awkward.

"Mikey, you were so right about Alex. He's a total douche. You called it man." Luke says to Michael. He immediately frowns.

"What did he do?" Michael seems concerned. I nod over at Luke to tell him it's okay to tell him. I don't know why, but I almost trust Michael. Almost. I don't trust anyone completely except Alice and Brooklyn. Not my mom, not Lilly, not Luke, not Liz or Andrew, only Alice and Brookie. I have other friends, but I don't trust them as much.

"He put his filthy hands on Violet." Michael's face dropped.

"Are you okay? What did you do?" He sounds... Concerned?

"She slapped him. Really hard too." Michael's smile came back.

"Good."