Terrible Things • Michael Clifford [ short story ] » Completed «

06

6th of October, 2030
Michael

It's been 11 years since Harley died and it just didn't feel right. I missed her. I needed her back. I miss having her in my arms.

I glanced out at the crowd, sighing quietly. We had a reunion concert. We're all here. The other wives find it sad that she's not here tonight. Hell, so do the boys.

Ashton claims it's like loosing a sister.

Glancing back I saw my son laughing with Calum. At least he's happy. I was... But not fully.

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Up on stage, we had just finished up Rejects. The last song. Well for the band. I watched as my son came out, Ashton and a random security guard bringing out a grand piano. It was time.

Stepping up to the mic, I looked around at all the adults that where the teenagers screaming at us and crying. Now they're adults with kids.

Just like us.

"Um.. Hi. As you all should know, about 11 years ago, my wife died. It was a heartbreaking time. So I decided to do a thing with my son. We've decided to do the song, Terrible Things. My son will be on piano... The band joining in later... Please stay silent for this... It means a lot to me."

I turned, nodding at Camedyn, who started playing. And I began singing.

By the time I was your age, I'd give anything
To fall in love truly, was all I could think
That's when I met your mother, the girl of my dreams
The most beautiful woman, that I'd ever seen

She said, "Boy can I tell you a wonderful thing?
I can't help but notice, you're staring at me.
I know I shouldn't say this, but I really believe,
I can tell by your eyes that you're in love with me."

That is basically what happened. It's funny actually. This song is basically about our lives together.

Now, son, I'm only telling you this
Because life can do terrible things.

Now, most of the time we'd have too much to drink
And we'd laugh at the stars and we'd share everything
Too young to notice, and too dumb to care
Love was a story that couldn't compare.

I said, "Girl, can I tell you a wonderful thing?
I made you a present with paper and string.
Open with care now, I'm asking you, please.
You know that I love you, will you marry me?"

Sure we didn't drink all the time, but we would defiantly share everything while laying on the hood of the car, stargazing.

Now, son, I'm only telling you this
Because life can do terrible things
You'll learn, one day, I'll hope and I'll pray,
That God shows you differently.

I swear to god if Cam goes through this in hi life I'll kill something. It's fûcking horrible.

She said, "Boy can I tell you a terrible thing?
It seems that I'm sick and I've only got weeks.
Please, don't be sad now, I really believe,
You were the greatest thing that ever happened to me."

Slow, so slow I fell to the ground on my knees.

So don't fall in love, there's just too much to lose
If you're given the choice, then I beg you to choose
To walk away, walk away, don't let her get you.
I can't bear to see the same happen to you.

Now, son, I'm only telling you this
Because life can do terrible things.

We finished up the song, I had silent tears running down my cheeks as I put my guitar down. I turned to thank the band and went to say goodbye, but Ashton's voice cut me off.

"Uh Michael- we have something to show you...."

I turned back around, a picture of Harley and I on the big screen. I but my lip as Ashton stood up, making his way to me.

"Mate. I'm sorry we never showed you sooner... But we wanted to wait for the right time... And since you sung Terrible Things, we figured it's time to show you.... Play it!"

•• maybe listen to the song while reading this part, or the whole chapter. It's up to you. Oh and sad part below... Heh ••

On que, a video of Harley began playing. She was sitting on out bed, looking extremely. But I couldn't let smile while seeing her face, my smile widening as she began speaking. God I missed that voice.

"Okay so um.... Only Mike knows but I'm dying. And while filming this, I know I could die anyday now, so I won't have enough time to say goodbyes personally.... So here they are...."

"Mum, Dad... You guys are fūcking awesome. You raised me in a perfect way. You're both so damn amazing and I promise I'll remember all the roasts and beach cricket games. Dad, thanks for being my hero... And the highest place in the world as a kid.... On your shoulders that is. Mum, thanks for looking after me all the time. It means a lot."
"To the rest of my family. I love ya all. All the inside jokes and get together barbecues, or beach getaways. I'll miss you all loads. But I'll be waiting with my brother, grandma, and Uncle Jay for ya'll."
"Friends. There is so many of you. I love you all alright? You all mean a lot to me, and always will. You all made my life so much fun with all those parties and stupid shit we did in school. Yeah, that means a lot. God I'm gonna miss you guys... But I'll see you all someday, and we can all party up here. You we're all like the family I chose. And I'm pretty sure I chose wisely."
"Camedyn, my beautiful baby boy. Mummy loves you okay? I'll be watching over you mister. Sadly, I'm leaving so soon. You're only 2, but I'm making a specific request to have this shown when you're old enough to understand everything. I know you'll grow up like your father. Stupid, reckless, 'punk rock'. You'll be his lil mini-me with dyed hair and eyebrow piercings. Not that I care. I fûcking love that man with all my heart. And i know for a fact he'll look after you well."
"Michael... Oh god Michael I'm so fūcking sorry baby... But there's part of the story you don't know. I told them to quit my medication. I know you didn't even know until the other day, but I just couldn't bring myself to tell you until I was close to leaving. Mikey, I love you so so so soo much, and I'm so so sooo sorry. You are so perfect hun, don't spend the rest of your life grieving. Move on okay? For me? Give that son of yours a mother. But promise me you won't forget me. I know you probably won't, but if you do I won't hesitate to haunt the shit out of you. I know your fears Clifford." She smiled sadly, giggling quietly. "Honestly, I actually feel honoured to be part of the Clifford family. You're all so damn sweet and welcoming. I'm happy I went up to you on your 16th. Michael. You mean so much to me and I'm so damn sorry... I love you baby, forever and always."

"Bye guys... Love you all." She ended the video by blowing a kiss, and a small wave.

After a black screen showed with 'R.I.P Harley Marie Clifford. 1994-2019. We miss you x
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
'I love you Michael Gordon Clifford... I'm so sorry,"

Meanwhile we were all crying. Cam had found his way to me, sobbing into my side whole the rest of us group hugged and cried.

"I want my mummy...." I looked down at my son, kissing his head lightly. "I want her too Cam... We all want her."

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After the crowd left, I stood up, Harley's word echoing through my head.

I looked up at the sky, smiling softly. "I love you too hunny bear. Forever and always. I vow to never forget you. All fun times, all the sad times. I'll remember it all. Promise.... And I'm not moving on. I'll just wait until I see you again."