Nightingale (Michael Clifford AU)

Chapter 5: I'm Not Okay. (I Promise)

Chapter 5

I held my popcorn bowl firmly between my hands, plopping down the couch lazily as I took a handful, shoving it inside my mouth. I turned on the TV with my free hand, crossing my legs and looking intently at the screen, which had The Transformers on.

Mum and Jake left for grocery shopping, and I decided to be my party animal self, and watch a couple of movies while they’re gone.

Halfway through the movie, I heard violent knocking on the door. I groaned, turning off the television and getting up, placing the empty popcorn bowl on the coffee table. The knocks got even more violent. “Mom! I’m coming!” I yelled, walking over to the door and yanking it open, “Why-“ I said, but stopped halfway through my sentence.

Michael was standing on the door, his chest rising and falling heavily. He brushed passed me and came inside. “Psht, why don’t you come in?” I said, smiling sarcastically and closing the door behind me.

He sat down where I was seated, “Very funny.” Michael retorted, obviously not in the mood.

I cringed slightly. “Geez, why so moody?” I asked, sitting across him and tilting my head slightly.

He had his fingers curled into fists, his breaths steadying slightly as he placed his elbows on his knees, resting his head on his clenched hands.

I’ve never seen him so angry before.

I haven’t even seen him since his gig at the café, which was like almost a week ago. He kept texting me though, but less than before. And that almost got me worried, that maybe he realized how I’m not so pleasant to be friends with.

“It’s nothing.” He said after a while, resting his hands back down on the couch, looking at me.

I lifted my eyebrow. “It’s clearly not nothing Michael.” I said, “What happened?” I asked, looking back at him.

“You know what; I don’t want to talk about it.” He said, and considering I had a blank expression on, he sighed. “The reason I came here is because I have nowhere to go to. And I don’t feel like going out with the boys and venting.” He sort of explained.

“And by the boys you mean-“He cut me off again. “Ashton, Calum and Luke.” He said in monotony.

“Ah, I see.” I said, nodding slightly.

“You know, I just hate my parents, a lot.” He said angrily. “They don’t treat me like I’m their fucking kid. They’re not even real parents, they hate me.” He said between gritted teeth.

I guess we’re talking about it then, I almost said, but decided against it. I don’t guess it’s not a good idea to be sassy at the moment.

“Michael.” I said solemnly. “Don’t say that, of course they love you. Maybe they're just-“ He cut me off for the third time again, which is getting pretty annoying.

“No they don’t.” He said, a little calmer now. “And I shouldn’t care anyways. I’m eighteen, I don’t need them.”

I pressed my lips together, nodding silently. “Uh, yes, that’s right.” I said, clasping my hands together. If I disagreed with him he’d probably chop me in half.

His expression softened, smiling a little.

“So did you like storm out of the house or something?” I asked, and he nodded.

“Yeah, I did.” He chuckled bitterly. “And if they think I’m coming back, that’s where they’re wrong.” He added. “I’m going to move in with Luke in his apartment.”