Damn, You're Cute (Michael Clifford)

Chapter 38

I took my place at the dinner table next to Michael. My parents sat down as well and began placing food on their plates.

"Would you like to lead us in prayer, Michael?" my mother asked sweetly once we all had our food. I looked to him, sorry that they put him on the spot. I never told Michael that my parents were religious even though I'm not. I've kept that bit to myself, knowing I'd disappoint my parents if they found out.

Michael struggled to form words as he panicked. After a moment he kindly explained, "Erm, I'm not very religious..."

My dad grunted in disapproval.

"Oh don't worry, dear." My mother said, folding her hands together. She looked visually apologetic for asking him.

"I'm sorry, I just wouldn't know where to start," Michael bowed his head in embarrassment so I brushed his leg with mine.

My father took over, saying a short prayer before we all dug in, eating my mother's amazing cooking. Our forks scraped our plates being the only noise.

"So tell me, Michael. How's school?" my mom smiled, setting down her fork to listen. He set his down too, moving his finger up and down his cold glass of water to capture the condensation. After swallowing his food, he spoke.

"My grades obviously aren't very good because Leah is tutoring me," he scoffed but quickly realized that he was talking to my parents and not his friends. He cleared his throat. "I mean, it's okay, just classes are tough."

"You're lucky you have Leah to help then," my dad said before sipping his water.

"Yes, very." he agreed and nervously gulped down half his cup of water. I stifled my laughter by shoving food in my mouth.

"Parents always have pride over children with good grades. Hopefully Leah can help your parents get that pride in you." my dad said and my jaw dropped, making me lose all amusement. My mother seemed in shock as well but before we could say anything Michael nodded stiffly, giving my dad a chance to keep talking.

"Now, what made you think to dye your hair such bright colors?" my dad said bitterly. My dad is never this rude. In fact he's always been happy and light so I didn't understand why Michael was rubbing him the wrong way.

"Um, I don't know." Michael scratched the back of his neck. "I guess I wanted to be different?"

"Well if that's what you were going for, you've certainly achieved it," he remarked and my fork clattered against my plate when it fell from my hand. All eyes landed on me so I flattened out the napkin on my lap before clearing my throat.

"So, Leah, how was your day?" my father continued to talk like nothing was wrong.

"It was fine. Kind of boring, I guess." I shrugged, shoveling vegetables in my mouth. "How about you, mom?"

"Oh, same old same old," she said after a sip of water.

"I've heard you like photography," Michael cut in, and I was proud of him for showing interest. He was truly trying to impress and it made my heart flutter.

"I do," my mom beamed. "Did Leah tell you this?"

"Yes, I'd love to know more about your job. How is it going with the whole moving to a different country thing?" he asked and my mom's smile faltered.

"It's difficult," she frowned. "But hopefully we can make it work!"

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," he sent me a secret look by widening his eyes and grimacing when he realized he probably said something wrong. I laughed quietly, hiding it with my hand.