Fix You

XXIV.

Alex's POV

My week has sucked since I decided to miss an exam. I feel like my whole life is off track now. Sometimes I wish I didn't stress myself over nothing. It really is just a test. I'm so good for getting so worked up over the dumbest things. It just always feels like when one thing goes wrong, everything else falls apart with it. I seriously just need to calm down.

My brain has been so off track since the morning I woke up in Michael's arms and decided to miss class. Convincing Luke that I was too tired to go was easy but if it were Michael, he'd see right through me. I stop by the boys' house on my way home from class to pick up one of my books that I left there.

"Oh hey Alex, what's up?" Luke asks placing his bowl of cereal on the coffee table. I'm panting from speed walking and I need to hurry to find my book so I can go home and do homework. I rummage through the living room and Ash chimes in. "What are you looking for, you mad woman!?" His sarcastic remark makes me laugh for the first time today. "My literature book. I have to write an essay tonight and I think I left it here." Ashton helps me look around since he can clearly see I'm stressing. We go into Michael and Cal's room to find both boys laying in Michael's bed cuddling one another. "Alex, what are you doing here?" Calum asks standing up to hug me. Michael is being too quiet so I lay down by him and take Calum's spot. "I forgot my literature book the other night so I came by to grab it." I reply and Michael starts playing with my ponytail. He must be able to see that I'm stressed. "Is everything okay?" He asks with a bit of a lisp. I sit up, looking closer at his mouth. "What is that in your mouth?" He starts laughing. "A piercing." He answers trying to sound cocky. Holy fucking shit. "Michael,  you didn't!" He sticks out his tongue and I get closer to him on the bed admiring the piercing. Ashton comes into the room handing me my book and I thank him. I focus back on Michael. "Why didn't you tell me about this? I thought we agreed no more hiding stuff." I'm such a fucking hypocrite. I just made him feel bad for keeping the smallest thing from me when I have all these secrets. I try not to tremble on the thought.  Calum gives me a cheeky smile and interrupts. "He's been wanting it for ages so I convinced him to just get it. What's wrong? You don't like it, Alex?" I really hope I'm not blushing right now. Of course I like it. But I'm not admitting that to him. "I just think he's crazy. It looks so painful." I add laying between Michael's legs. "Says the one with nipple piercings." Michael teases and I can't help but laugh. "What the fuck ever. I'm leaving. I have homework." I get up from the bed and Michael stands up to hug me. "Text me when you're done. I'll come over or something." He adds and I nod. I head out to my car and sit back in the seat for a second. My whole body feels hot and I really just wish I could shut my brain off for five minutes.

Michael's POV

I feel ridiculous having a swollen tongue but it felt good to get a new piercing. Calum was so persistent about me getting it so I just had to. Alex looked physically exhausted showing up her looking for her book. I wish she could've stayed and hung out but she said she had homework. I hate how much she stresses herself out, especially when it comes to school. I hope we hang out after so I can relieve some of her stress. Not in the way I'd like to though.

Me and the boys are headed to meet up with Calum's sister, Mali, at a nearby Starbucks. I hate being dragged into these coffee dates the boys have because I never order anything. I've known Calum and his family forever so meeting up with Mali is like being reunited with the sister I never had. Calum's relationship with Mali always makes me wish I had a sibling. But luckily, Ash, Cal, and Luke have become like my three brothers so I have no complaints. "How's your music been?" I ask Mali, as she sips her caramel mocha latte. She's stunning, kinda like Calum with long hair and boobs. "Really good, mate. Thanks." She smiles at me and Calum brings up Alex. "Have you guys seen Alex since you've been home?" She asks with a sweet smile. "Yeah, pretty much everyday. She's really stressed out from school and stuff but its always good hanging with her." I tell her and she looks to her phone. "Yeah, I haven't seen Alex much since her whole accident. But I've heard she's getting better."

My heart stops.

"Accident? . . . What are you talking about?" I ask, moving around uncomfortably in my seat. "Wait. . . She didn't tell you?" Mali's facial expression completely changes and there is a large pain in my chest. I feel like I'm going to throw up. "No, Mali. Can you please tell me what you mean by accident?" She seems completely shocked and I have no idea what to think. "Mate, I'm sorry. I really shouldn't have said anything. . ." She stutters and I feel like panicking. "Can you please just tell what the hell happened? I'm begging you, please!" I'm trying so hard not to lose my temper in the middle of this Starbucks but my heart is literally falling out of my chest. "I'm so sorry, Mikey. You should really hear it from her." Calum tries to calm me down but I excuse myself from the table, before I lose it.

Was Alex hurt? What kind of accident was she in? Why is this the first I've heard of this? How come she didn't tell me anything? I'm starting to get the feeling that everyone around here knew about this, except me.