Always - Sequel to Stay Together For The Kids

Calum.

"I'm worried about you." Calum says quietly into my shoulder.

"You shouldn't." I say, pulling away from his arms. "You should be worried about Michael. He's out there, and alive, and no ones doing anything."

I realise how insane I sound. But I'm frustrated that no ones taking me seriously. I'm silently hoping Calum at least will.

However, his face has turned into a frown. "You just said that you knew it was a hallucination?"

"I lied so people didn't think I was crazy." I shrug.

Calum's eyes widen and he is actually looking at me like I'm insane. "Lil, are you listening to yourself right now?" He says quickly.

"Fine. Don't believe me." I scowl, turning away from him.

"It's not a question of belief." He splutters.

"I know what I saw, Calum." I say, quietly.

Calum is looking at me, astounded. He doesn't seem like he has anything to say, and he definitely doesn't seem like he will believe me anytime soon.

"I'm going to bed." I say, giving up, and walking past Calum.

I wrench open the door of my room, holding my breath. Please still be here.

But when I open it, he is gone. I actually feel disappointed.

"You're hoping you will see him again, aren't you?"

I jump as I hear Calum's voice behind me.

I spin, facing him in the narrow hall. "Wouldn't you do anything to see him again?" I say, narrowing my eyes.

Calum considers my words, before choosing his next words carefully. "I think ghosts should stay in the after life."

"He wasn't a ghost, Calum." I say, as if it's obvious.

"What was he?" Calum asks.

I look back over to the bed, where I had seen him. "Alive." I sigh.

"Lily. You saw the body." He says quietly. I can hear the hurt in his voice. I know this is hurting him. I wish he could of seen what I saw.

"It wasn't him!" I snap.

"You confirmed it." He sounds exasperated.

"I must of been confused." I shake my head.

"Lil, I wish more then anyone that I could see Michael again. That I could hear his voice or see his grin." I look over to Calum and see the tears in his eyes, his whole body shaking. My stubbornness has left, and I want to reach out and help. He shrugs me off. "But we both have to face the reality. He's gone. And even though we want to believe that he's not, we need to."

Calum looks over to the bed too, staring at it fixedly. I see it in his eyes that he wants to believe me. He wants Michael to be here. But he can't believe me. Because if it wasn't true, if he lost Michael a second time... It would kill him.

I wrap my arms around Calum, and he puts his head into my shoulder, one hand on my back.

"I just want him to be here." I say quietly.

"I know." Calum says, squeezing his eyes shut. "I know."

I can see the tears running down his face, and I feel the wave of guilt. "I'm sorry." I say, actually meaning it this time. "It was probably just wishful thinking."

"Don't say sorry." Calum says, wiping his eyes and looking away from me. "I don't blame you. If it hadn't been you it probably would of been me."

I nod. "You really miss him don't you?" I ask softly.

Calum nods. "Yeah." He whispers. "A lot more then I thought I would."

I frown, wishing I could figure out a way to help him right now.

"Stay with me tonight." I say suddenly.

Calum looks to me, surprised. "You mean, in the same bed?" He asks.

"We've slept in the same bed before, Cal." I say.

"I know. I just thought you would of wanted your space." He says.

"I think we just both need each other." I say, quietly. It's truthful.

Calum agrees, a small grateful smile on his blotchy face.

I walk into the room, to the bed I had sworn Michael had been earlier, and lie down. Calum follows, and I feel his arm tuck around my body lightly. His hand rests on mine, and I curl my fingers so we are holding hands.

"Goodnight, Lil." I hear Calum whisper.

"Goodnight, Cal." I whisper back.

And even though it should of been Michael on that bed with me, I feel better. I'm not alone.

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You guys are literally the sweetest people on the planet. All your comments and votes are so cute and would make me cry if I wasn't wearing a fresh face of makeup. (I DO NOT have the patience or skill to redo winged eyeliner.)

I'm so glad you guys like the story, thank you for your votes, comments and most importantly, your time. I love you all ❤️