Stay Together For The Kids - Michael Clifford Fanfiction

Luke.

I wake the next morning feeling more refreshed. I was optimistic that Michael had at least agreed to get help. But a nagging worry in the back of my mind caused me to question whether he would actually turn up or not.

Mum is at work today, so Ruby and I have the day to ourselves. I was making Ruby lunch when there is a knock on the door.

Hesitant this time to open it, especially with Ruby here, I check through the curtains to see who it is. Who I see leaves me very surprised.

"Luke!" I grin, as I open the front door.

He greets me with a big hug, towering over me.

"It's been too long." He says. He looks like he really means it.

Ruby's ears prick up as she hears Luke's voice fill the living room.

"Uke!" She calls out, waddling over to Luke and throwing her arms around his legs.

She still hasn't mastered the letter L yet. She only knows a handful of words anyway. But 'Uke' was one of her firsts. I'll never admit it to anyone, but Luke was by far her favourite uncle. He was also her god father.

"Hello, little one." He laughs, picking her up.

We walk over to the couch and sit down, Ruby sitting on Luke's lap.

Luke cuddles Ruby tight, and Ruby responds with a sloppy kiss on his cheek.

Luke just giggles at her, and starts playing with her feet.

"So how did you know we were here?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Michael told me what happened." Luke says coyly.

"Did he also tell you to come check up on me?"

Luke shakes his head.

"I had to check that my favourite god daughter was ok." He says, bouncing Ruby on his lap.

Ruby squeals and giggles, trying to wriggle out of Luke's grasp.

I watch them, knowing that Luke would of been a great father. Sophie and Luke had been trying for a baby for years. That hadn't succeeded.

"Plus," Luke continued, "I had to check up on you."

I smiled gratefully.

"I'm getting there."

"Physically too?"

I must of looked as taken aback by his question as I felt.

"I just mean, I know Michael hasn't been himself lately. I wouldn't want him to do anything he regrets."

I think about the bruise that had sprung up on my arm, and try to act surprised.

"What do you mean, not himself?" I frown.

Luke looks away from me.

"The day of Ruby's birthday, one of the stage managers gave Michael something."

"Like what?" I ask, my eyes narrowing.

"Speed, I think."

I sit in stunned silence. Michael had told me he had done cocaine once, but he would never do it again.

" I could be wrong, you know I've never really known much about drugs."

I don't say anything, just watch Ruby rest contently in Luke's arms. Her first birthday, he had taken drugs. On his own daughters birthday. I feel sick.

"Do you know if he's taken it again?"

Luke shakes his head.

"That was the last time I spoke to him. You know how distant he's gotten over the past few years. I don't think he's ever really forgiven us." Luke trails off, looking much older then the 24 year old he is.