Michael held the crisp papers tightly in his hands, Stephen had filed for divorce. The older man had never imagined his marriage was so terrible that his husband would choose to leave him.
The man chose to ring Stephen one last time, his last three calls sent directly to voicemail. After a fourth failed attempt he surrendered, but his desperation never hindered. He couldn't lose Stephen, he was Michael's entire world.
After Michael and Luke's relationship ended, Michael spent years focusing on his career. There were weeks where Michael would never answer his phone or leave his apartment, several skipped meals which resulted in the man clenching his stomach as he leant over the toilet.
Michael met Stephen after the publication of his third book, Michael attending a congratulatory dinner coordinated by his colleagues, and Stephen attending a bachelor party for a close friend from college. The two ran into each other in the restroom, both men intoxicated from a few glasses of wine and a handful shots. They found themselves crammed into a stall, Michael's large hands on Stephens waist as they pressed their lips together.
Months after their drunken escapade, the two met again, this time at a wedding of a coworker. Both men barely recognized each other, joking about the experience over a glass of champagne.
On their wedding day, Michael decided to take Stephen's last name, both men agreeing he would still go by Michael Clifford when he published a book.
The two were married for five years, they never had an easy relationship, Michael unintentionally hurting Stephen repeatedly. He was the best husband to Michael, holding him when he was upset, congratulating him when he sold a number of books, Michael just never reciprocated.
It was possible Michael wasn't supposed to be in a relationship. His sole purpose to living was writing, anything else was a distraction.
He slammed the paperwork back onto the surface of his desk, strolling over to his kitchen and pouring himself a glass of brandy. The glass was emptied in seconds, the liquid torching the man's insides.
He cursed himself for not having more control, he wished Stephen would talk to him, possibly fix their relationship. He avoided the possibility that Stephen truely wanted to leave him. They were in love, Michael was sure of it, yet the possibility their love was not enough terrified the man.
A few glasses later, Michael wobbled around his home, cursing as he attempted to stumble up the stairs. As he laid in bed, he found himself not thinking about his husband, but a blonde man he left eighteen years ago.
YOU ARE READING
EIGHTEEN (HIATUS)
ספרות חובבים"A child to some is a miracle, a child to others is a symbol of love and devotion. A child to Michael and Luke was an excuse to go their separate ways." 15 September 2018-HIATUS
