Response || Malum || (Sequel to Reaction)

1

Michael's POV

Time is always moving. Never standing still, never contemplating cutting us some slack. Time is relentless. Forever fading away just out of reach until it ultimately runs out. Then what? Time between two points is all we are waiting for but when its gone, its gone. No matter how slow or how fast its ticking away, it waits for no one.

I hate funerals almost as much as I hate weddings but here I am in front of my mirror, checking my appearance for the last time before we go. I take in a deep breath, dusting of the front of my suit one last time. Next is my hair, unruly and fading, as always. Its a little longer now but more of a natural color than its ever been. It won't last though. I already have the red hair dye just waiting for after this damn funeral. One more time I straighten out my tie, the black silk feeling soft but empty under my fingertips. I fucking hate funerals.

I believe they take up too much space in our programmed emotional hard drives. The crying, the anger, the guilt... Its all just too much and I wish I could avoid this one altogether. I'm sure my emotions aren't the typical ones but in all honesty, I don't know what on Earth to feel. Maybe choosing not to feel anything is what is best at the moment. Another nervous hand through my hair but I heard the door open behind me and when I turned around my eyes met Luke's. I half assed smiled at him and his eyes darted around the room nervously to look at all my boxes that are starting to fill up. Packing is a work in progress but its going as smoothly as expected.

"You're uh, all packed up yeah?" His voice was nervous and I let out a tired sigh. Sleep has been difficult the past six months.

"Uh, not quite but its getting there slowly." I nodded, scratching the back of my neck. Luke chewed on his lip as his eyes moved around the room, obviously not knowing what to say. He was dressed in a suit of his own and his hair was fixed in its usual way.

"Rose and your mum are waiting in the living room, are you ready?" He asked and I nodded.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I shrugged and we walked out of my room and down the hallway to meet up with the two women. My mum looked like hell, not that I'd ever say that to her, but I guess its to be expected. Rose was the first to approach me, wrapping her small arms around my larger body. I loved her comfort but I guess I didn't really need it right now.

"Are you ready to go?" I asked looking over to my mum who was trying really hard not to start crying again.

I guess losing a husband would be hard. Losing anyone you love is hard but I can't imagine what my mother is feeling right now. Even if my dad was a horrible person at times, she still loved him.

"We can all take my car." Luke offered and I nodded, ushering everyone out of my apartment. Each of us helped the ladies into the back seat as Luke and I took the front seats.

Things were uncomfortably silent as Luke drove us on to the cemetery. An odd nervous feeling was stirring in my stomach as we grew closer and closer. The radio was off and there was still no conversation going on between any of us. I really had no idea what to say. My dad and I never reconciled our differences before he passed and I'm sure he still hates me, even in his grave. It wasn't an expected thing, my dad dying, and some days I wish we would've settled things. You just never know if the last time you talk to someone is going to be the last time. My thoughts made me check my phone but like usual, there was nothing.

"You still haven't heard from him?" Luke's voice startled me and when I looked over, he was staring at me.

"Nope." I shook my head, shoving my phone back into my pocket. I stared back out the window as we past the yogurt shop Calum and I went to a million times. Memories of us are every where I go and its getting so fucking hard to live in this town without him.