Loving the Man

Chapter 10: Summertime Sadness

Michael's POV

I awoke from a beautiful dream -- one that I wish I could stay in forever. Personally, I wish that I could've just stayed asleep in my dream and never leave it. 

It was my wedding with Amanda. Her gorgeous dress and pretty smile. I remember how delighted she was when she was walked down the isle. 

All of that washed away when I woke up. And now I was back in this shit hole of a life. 

My head rolled to the side and I noticed Danielle passed out in a chair in front of the mirror. I remembered the fight we had yesterday and the pain she saw me go through. 

Maybe I overreacted... a lot... but she overreacted too. She could've left me be. I was fine by myself and I didn't need her nagging at me. She knew exactly why I am like this.

It was definitely morning outside as a sun ray hit me in the eye. 

"Son of a bitch." I hissed, covering my eyes. My eyes were light sensitive. The commotion must of woken up Danielle.

"Michael?"

"Shit." I said under my breath, silently cursing for waking her up. I felt her blue eyes glare at me as I tried to go back to sleep but she rolled her eyes and got up from the chair.

"Leave me alone." I grumbled, sinking lower into the bed. The pain was rising again in my heart. From all the fighting Amanda and I had, I really did love her. I miss her -- a lot.

"Michael, come on. I'm not here to fight again." Danielle sat down on the side of the bed, where Amanda usually slept.

"Don't sit there." I growled, giving her the death stare. She stood up and walked over to my side, where she took a spot right next to my feet.

"Michael." She looked me right into my eyes with those beautiful blue--- woah woah. My wife just died! What am I thinking?

Trying to hide my embarrassment, I pulled the blankets up over my head. "Go away."

Danielle reached up and pulled the blanket away from my face with her soft hands. "Tell me your feelings."

"Are you crazy?"

"I might be. But you need to get it off your chest. So tell me what you are thinking." I looked into her eyes. Maybe she really did want to help...

"Well... I miss Amanda... a lot. I mean, we had our fights but... I really loved her. I still do love her." I admitted, looking at her. Her glowing eyes seemed to dim a little. "I'm really upset with myself for my performance yesterday and... I'm sorry."

"You were being a real ass. You insulted me." 

"Look, I wasn't myself last night. Something came over me, like I wasn't there. Maybe it was shock, I don't know!" I got all worked up but then calmed myself and rolled over in my soft bed. "I'm... just tired."

"Michael, I care about you. A lot. I feel the pain in your eyes, it's pretty strong. I have a suggestion. Why don't we go do something that will get your mind off things?" Is she crazy?!

I kept staring into her blue eyes, which seemed so eager and caring... 

"Fine." I sighed, closing my eyes to cut our connection. 

"Where would you like to go?"

"I don't care. The beach." I mumbled, rubbing my eyes with my hand.

"Get ready."

"Just a few more minutes?" 

"No, come on." She gestured me to stand up and I grumbled in protest. But she pulled the blanket off me, which got me pissed.