Cliché to Original

Chapter 21

Michael's POV

"Michael."

My attention went from Rae to Ashton. "Yeah?"

"I think it might be a good idea to not stare at her," he laughed.

"I can't help it. All I can think about is how much I miss her."

"Then do something about it! Have you even tried to talk to her since a month ago?"

"Of course I've tried! It's just gone back to the way things were; her not answering me whenever I call or text her."

"What happened between the two of you?" Calum asked.

"I don't know... I thought we were getting somewhere, and then she completely backtracked. She has a boyfriend, so I might as well get over her."

"Rae doesn't have a boyfriend," Luke said, confused.

"She told me she did," I said, equally confused.

"Well she might've had a boyfriend then, but she doesn't anymore."

"What happened?"

"She said that they were better friends, but I think it's because she still has feelings for you."

I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face, and I turned to look at her again. She was laughing, and as she walked out of the kitchen she immediately stopped. She sat down next to me, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled that she was wearing the Green Day shirt I gave her. And she looked insanely cute in it with her leggings, and her hair up in a ponytail.

"I hate your girlfriend," she told Luke.

"So does everyone else, what's new?"

"I liked it better when you were dating Jen."

Luke blushed and I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

"It's too bad we didn't work out then.."

Rae rolled her eyes. "You still like her, if you didn't you wouldn't have blushed when I brought her up. Why are you with Ashley anyway?"

"Abbey," he corrected.

"Don't care."

I covered my mouth with my hand so Luke wouldn't see how funny I thought this was.

"I know you still like Jen, and that we're jealous of Louis. And I also remember the look on your face when I told you they broke up. I don't think I've ever seen you more excited."

"Luke, could you come help me with something?" Jen asked.

"Yeah, of course!"

Rae giggled, and fuck if that isn't the most adorable sound ever. Luke just glared at her and went to go help Jen with whatever she needed. She could probably ask Luke for help to rob a bank and he'd do it. I watched him walk with her down the hallway before turning to look at Rae, who was already looking at me. She blushed and turned away.

"I thought you had a boyfriend?"

She blushed even more and shook her head. "I broke up with him when I went back to LA."

"Was there a specific reason?"

"Michael..." she sighed.

"Rachel.." I mimicked.

She laughed and laid her legs across my lap. "Why are you trying so hard?"

My heart started beating faster as I considered telling her how I feel. "I just think that... There's no one else I would rather be with, Rachel."