Author's Note: First I want to thank everyone who has read this story. I
had I great time writing it and I LOVE the feedback. I hope that you've
enjoyed reading it just as much. Thanks JonBgirlT.
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Maria arrived an hour before the party started to help with last minute decorating and to change into her costume. Liz noted her friend's stiffness and uncharacteristic silence but left Maria alone. Only when guest started to arrive did Maria seem to relax a little. Maria and Liz were dressed in the same costume; both wore long shimmering white dresses that were slightly sheer. The dresses where completely shredded, covering only what absolutely had to be covered. They wore specks of silver glitter on anyplace that was not covered with fabric, and wore seashells in their hair.
The Haunted Crashdown looked amazing. Mr. Parker had sprung for a strobe light, some black lights, and a fog machine. At the entrance the strobe light flashed casting strange shadows along the walls, which were covered in fake wooden planks and cobwebs. A black cloth divided the entrance from the rest of the room. At the sheet sat an inflatable alien with a patch over one eye and a bandana on its head. Behind the makeshift curtain was the party itself. This section was almost completely dark except for two overhead lights Mr. Parker insisted on keeping lit. He did not want any "inappropriate activities" going on. White streamers were spiraled across the ceiling. Reacting to the black light, they looked like ghost hovering above, and the fog helped with this illusion. There were plenty of people there from school and most of them were having a good time. The party was a hit and it was still relatively early.
Between dancing, and occasionally snacking, Maria and Liz busied themselves making sure that everything was going right.
"Maria, we're getting low on sodas," Liz yelled over the music. "Will you come with me to get some more?"
"Yeah, let's go, the masses must have Coke!"
As both girls headed towards the back Liz looked at her friend "Are you having a good time?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"When you first came in you had this look about you. You were putting something to some serious thought."
"Oh that, well it was really nothing. My mind kept wondering back to my mom."
"Maria," Liz said sympathetically.
"I'm really okay. I just wish that Michael would hurry up and get here." "You wish is my command."
Both girls turned around to see Michael, and Max standing in front of them. When the guys got the complete view of Maria and Liz's costumes their jaws dropped. Michael was the first one to speak.
"What the hell are you wearing?"
"What you don't like it?" pouted Maria looking at Liz who also put on her cutest pout.
"No, It's not that," Max said. "It's just-,"
"You're not wearing any clothes."
Liz spoke up. "The dress maker told us that only the wisest and bravest would be able to see our fine clothing." The girl laughed out loud because of the faces the guys made at this response.
"I thought this was a "scary" thing," Michael said.
"And those black t-shirts and jeans are real scare guys," Maria replied.
"What exactly are you guys suppose to be, because I don't see the connection between a haunted ship and those costumes." Max pointed out.
"Should we educate our boyfriends Maria?"
"I think we should Liz."
"We are the sirens of the sea who beckon men to their death with our songs and our beauty." They said in unison.
"Real cute. How long did it take to memorize that?" Michael asked sarcastically.
"Longer than you think." Liz replied with the same sarcasm.
Mr. Parker came into the back room
"Hey guys. Liz, Maria they're getting pretty thirsty out there. Could you bring the rest of the soda out?"
"Yeah Dad that's what we were doing but, those guys over there distracted us."
"Did they convince you to drop the "Siren" act?"
"Of course they didn't Mr. Parker. We're taking the act out on the rode."
Mr. Parker rolled his eyes, shook his head, smiled, and walked back out to chaperone the party.
Liz grab a crate of soda and began to carry it out, Max stopped her and carried the crate for her. Maria was just about to lifting her crate when Michael stopped her.
"Is it okay for you to be here?"
"I'm at work. I'm allowed to go to work."
"But you're not working."
"Yes I am. I'm about the take this soda out there, and I've been helping this thing run smoothly since it started."
"Okay Maria, as long as you know what you're doing."
Maria wrapped her arms around Michael's neck and looked up at him. "Thanks for worrying about me." She kissed him on his lips and in response he pulled her closer. Breaking the kiss Maria spoke.
"Okay Spaceboy pick up that case of soda for me, for I am a siren, you must do my bidding."
"Sirens never got their bidding done, they were too busy sinking ships by making them crash into rocks."
Maria looked mildly surprised
"What, I can read."
The party continued pretty much without a hitch. Michael kept close to Maria most of the time. Whenever another guy would give Maria the eye Michael would make it abundantly clear that she was with him.
"He's jealous. How cute." Maria thought to herself.
Maria was trying to build up the courage to ask Michael something. This kept her slightly distracted. Michael decided that he had waited long enough for her to tell him what was on her mind so he dived right in.
"What's up? You seemed to be having a good time, but it's obvious that something is on your mind. It's your mom, right?"
"Actually, for once, it's not."
A slow song came on and Maria grabbed Michael's hand
"Dance with me," Maria replied postponing answering his first question.
"You do understand that you'll be dancing with me at your own risk."
"Let me worry about that."
Michael and Maria moved into the crowed of already dancing couples and found a spot. Michael wrapped his arms around Maria's waist while she laced her fingers behind his neck. They swayed to the music for a minute before Maria decided to speak.
"Um Michael? I want to ask you something."
"Ask me what?" he inquired making eye contact with her.
"I want to explain something first. Things have been going really badly, you know that. I think that the only solution is some space, both of us need space."
Michael stopped moving and dropped his arms to his side.
"No, I did that backwards. Sorry I'm kind of nervous about what I'm going to say. I'm talking about us, my mom and me, not us, you and me."
Michael relaxed slightly and embraced Maria again.
"So you need space, away from your mom? That's what you're saying?"
"Exactly. What I was thinking is, um, maybe staying with you. Just temporarily of course, until things cool down." Maria waited for Michael's answer not knowing what to expect.
"You think things will cool down while you're living with me?"
"I don't know, probably not. I knew I was reaching, I shouldn't have asked you that."
"Maria, it's not that. I don't want you to regret this in the end. Your relationship with your mother is important to you. I don't want to be the thing that jeopardizes that."
"Mom was serious about me not seeing you." Maria looked down as she said this.
You are my first and last thought of the day
You are my heartbeat
Without you I can't breathe
I can't imagine me without you in my life
You are my one soul inspiration
Without you I'll just die
Michael again stopped dancing but this time he led Maria to the back of the Crashdown. After going through the door that separated the employees' only area they sat down.
"Michael, I don't want to be away from you. It hurts to even think about it. You are a part of what makes me, me. I can't let anyone take that away from me, not even my mother."
Michael gave Maria a knowing look. "I understand, but I know how much this thing with your mom has hurt you. I don't want to be responsible for causing you any more pain. By doing this you're choosing me over your mother, and I don't think that will help your relationship at all."
Maria's eyes started to water but she fought back the tears.
"I just want to be with you."
Michael came closer to Maria allowing their foreheads to touch.
"You are with me, all the time. I carry you everywhere I go."
Maria's lower lip trembled, and silent tears fell from her eyes. All of the sudden the door sung open. Amy smashed through the door with Liz trailing behind, her eyes apologizing to Maria. Maria immediately pulled away from Michael.
"What in the Hell do you think you're doing! How dare you lie to me! You will never step foot into this place again!" Before Maria could react Amy grabbed her arm and pulled her from her sitting position.
"We're leaving, right now!"
Michael stood up.
"Mrs. Deluca, this isn't Maria's fault. I asked her to come out tonight."
"I don't want to hear a word from you! If you ever come near my daughter again, I'll press charges! With your record I'm sure the authorities won't have any problem arresting you!"
"Mom, don't-,"
"Shut up Maria!"
Amy dragged Maria out the back door where the Jetta was parked in the alley with the lights still on.
"Get in the car! Now!"
Michael followed the pair outside noticing that Maria was intentionally avoiding looking in his directions.
"Maria," he yelled. "The answer is yes."
Maria raised her head to look at him; she gave a slight nod, and stepped into the car.
Amy's eyes flashed.
"What was that about?"
Maria just looked out the passenger side window, choosing not to answer the questions.
"Fine, we'll have even more to talk about when we get home!"
Michael watched as the two drove off. He decided that he should follow, no longer worrying about making things worse. From the look Maria had given him, he knew things could not get any worse.
*
The ride home for Maria was pure torture. Amy continued her yelling the entire way home and all Maria could do was listen and wait. She knew that as soon as she got home that was going to be it. She was going to tell her mom she was leaving. Her things were still at the Crashdown so all she would have to do was walk out, which Maria knew was more easily said than done. The Jetta pulled into the driveway and stopped. The driver's side door opened and slammed shut. Walking in front of the car Amy yanked Maria's door open.
"Get Out! In the house, now!"
Maria moved her arm so Amy could not grab it again. She stepped out of the car and followed her mother into the house. Amy pulled a chair out from under the kitchen table.
"Sit," she instructed Maria, and Maria did as she was told.
"This is the last time you'll ever disobey me! I have given you too many chances as it is! But what do you do with them! You throw them back in my face! Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Maria looked at her mother. She knew that this was her cue to say what she had been rehearsing in her head.
"Mom, I love you very much, and I don't want to do this with you anymore."
Amy, expecting Maria to say anything but what she had just said, was slightly confused.
"You won't have to, as long as you do what I ask of you."
"No. I won't be doing this with you anymore because I won't be here anymore."
"What are you talking about?"
"I asked you earlier today what the problem was with us. You never came up with an answer, but I came up with a solution. I'm going to live with Michael for a little while, that's what he said yes to at the Crashdown before we left."
Amy's eye grew wide with shock.
"Your pregnant aren't you? That would explain you erratic behavior, you let that boy get you pregnant!"
"No, it's not that."
"Then it's drugs?"
"Mom, just stop. I'm leaving, because of you." Maria said the last part quieter than anything else that she said. "I want to leave this situation before we both end up hating each other."
"No, Maria you're not leaving! I won't let you. This is your home."
"It hasn't felt like home in a long time; if home is where the heart is, my heart is with Michael. He's been my only home throughout this entire thing."
Amy realized that Maria was serious and the tone of her voice changed for demanding to pleading.
"You can't. You'll ruin your life. Michael is not the world."
"He's my world," Maria said quietly.
"I don't want you to throw your life away for him."
"I'm not going to ruin my life. The only thing that'll be different is where I sleep every night." Maria stood up still facing her mother. "I'm going now, but I'll be back in a couple of days so we can talk."
"It looks like you've made your choices, and I'm not part of them."
"That's not true-,"
Amy raised her hand to silence her daughter. "If you think you must leave, don't bother coming back."
At Amy's words Maria was shaken to the core.
"You don't mean that, you can't."
"I refuse to watch you destroy your life, but you insist on being with this boy. I can't be any part of that. It's not too late to change your mind, I love you too, but it's Michael or me."
*
Michael borrowed Max's car and was on his almost at Maria's house when he felt something very strange. He'd felt this way before, but only once, when he left Maria behind after saving Max from the White Room. It felt like his heart was breaking, but this time it was different, it wasn't his heart he realized. Gasping at his own realization he pushed harder on the pedal.
*
Maria stood looking at her mother for a long time without saying a word. Either way it went she was going to loose. Finally she did the only thing that made sense at the moment.
"Okay," she said looking at the ground.
"Okay? Good. I wish things could be different, but sometimes parents have to make those tough decisions for their children."
Looking back at her mother Maria spoke again.
"You'll know where to reach me if you change your mind. Bye, Mom." Maria turned on her heels and walked out the house. When she was out the door she started to run, but was stopped as abruptly as when she started. Michael was in front of her and was hold her. Maria's sobs muffled by his chest. Michael stoked her hair.
"Shh, it's going to be alright, maybe not now, but it will be." He began walking her to the car. When she was in the passenger seat Michael glanced at the door Maria left open. Amy was standing there just watching, with tears spilling down her cheeks.
"Take care of my baby," Amy whispered.
Michael nodded as if he had heard her, and got into the car. Glancing over he knew that Maria had not witnessed the exchange.
Maria looked up at the place that had been her home for all of her life, but Amy was no longer on the porch and the door was closed. She cried the whole way to Michael's apartment, and barely noticed when he helped out of the car. Once inside they passed the couch where a surprised Max watched the scene play out. He looked as though he was going to say something, but was silenced by a look from Michael. Once inside of his bedroom Michael helped undress Maria and slipped one of his t-shirts over her head. By this time Maria's sobs had subsided and she was taking in shaky breaths. They lied down together, and Maria held on to Michael as if to make sure he would not disappear.
"She told me not to come back."
"She was hurt, she didn't mean it."
"She wanted me to choose, and I did."
"Let's not talk about that now, you need to get some rest."
Maria turned over to face him.
"The whole time I was there I felt you. I don't know how I just did."
"I felt you too, that's why I knew I had to get to you. Now sleep we can talk in the morning."
Maria continued to look at Michael until her eyelids began to feel heavy. Sleep overtook her quickly, but she had one final thought before it came.
"Would I have done anything differently?" Snuggling closer to Michael she answered her own question.
"No. Some pain is worth my pride and joy."
And how can I tell you
How I love you so
Oh darling I just wanna tell you
That you're my pride and joy
*
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*
Maria arrived an hour before the party started to help with last minute decorating and to change into her costume. Liz noted her friend's stiffness and uncharacteristic silence but left Maria alone. Only when guest started to arrive did Maria seem to relax a little. Maria and Liz were dressed in the same costume; both wore long shimmering white dresses that were slightly sheer. The dresses where completely shredded, covering only what absolutely had to be covered. They wore specks of silver glitter on anyplace that was not covered with fabric, and wore seashells in their hair.
The Haunted Crashdown looked amazing. Mr. Parker had sprung for a strobe light, some black lights, and a fog machine. At the entrance the strobe light flashed casting strange shadows along the walls, which were covered in fake wooden planks and cobwebs. A black cloth divided the entrance from the rest of the room. At the sheet sat an inflatable alien with a patch over one eye and a bandana on its head. Behind the makeshift curtain was the party itself. This section was almost completely dark except for two overhead lights Mr. Parker insisted on keeping lit. He did not want any "inappropriate activities" going on. White streamers were spiraled across the ceiling. Reacting to the black light, they looked like ghost hovering above, and the fog helped with this illusion. There were plenty of people there from school and most of them were having a good time. The party was a hit and it was still relatively early.
Between dancing, and occasionally snacking, Maria and Liz busied themselves making sure that everything was going right.
"Maria, we're getting low on sodas," Liz yelled over the music. "Will you come with me to get some more?"
"Yeah, let's go, the masses must have Coke!"
As both girls headed towards the back Liz looked at her friend "Are you having a good time?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"When you first came in you had this look about you. You were putting something to some serious thought."
"Oh that, well it was really nothing. My mind kept wondering back to my mom."
"Maria," Liz said sympathetically.
"I'm really okay. I just wish that Michael would hurry up and get here." "You wish is my command."
Both girls turned around to see Michael, and Max standing in front of them. When the guys got the complete view of Maria and Liz's costumes their jaws dropped. Michael was the first one to speak.
"What the hell are you wearing?"
"What you don't like it?" pouted Maria looking at Liz who also put on her cutest pout.
"No, It's not that," Max said. "It's just-,"
"You're not wearing any clothes."
Liz spoke up. "The dress maker told us that only the wisest and bravest would be able to see our fine clothing." The girl laughed out loud because of the faces the guys made at this response.
"I thought this was a "scary" thing," Michael said.
"And those black t-shirts and jeans are real scare guys," Maria replied.
"What exactly are you guys suppose to be, because I don't see the connection between a haunted ship and those costumes." Max pointed out.
"Should we educate our boyfriends Maria?"
"I think we should Liz."
"We are the sirens of the sea who beckon men to their death with our songs and our beauty." They said in unison.
"Real cute. How long did it take to memorize that?" Michael asked sarcastically.
"Longer than you think." Liz replied with the same sarcasm.
Mr. Parker came into the back room
"Hey guys. Liz, Maria they're getting pretty thirsty out there. Could you bring the rest of the soda out?"
"Yeah Dad that's what we were doing but, those guys over there distracted us."
"Did they convince you to drop the "Siren" act?"
"Of course they didn't Mr. Parker. We're taking the act out on the rode."
Mr. Parker rolled his eyes, shook his head, smiled, and walked back out to chaperone the party.
Liz grab a crate of soda and began to carry it out, Max stopped her and carried the crate for her. Maria was just about to lifting her crate when Michael stopped her.
"Is it okay for you to be here?"
"I'm at work. I'm allowed to go to work."
"But you're not working."
"Yes I am. I'm about the take this soda out there, and I've been helping this thing run smoothly since it started."
"Okay Maria, as long as you know what you're doing."
Maria wrapped her arms around Michael's neck and looked up at him. "Thanks for worrying about me." She kissed him on his lips and in response he pulled her closer. Breaking the kiss Maria spoke.
"Okay Spaceboy pick up that case of soda for me, for I am a siren, you must do my bidding."
"Sirens never got their bidding done, they were too busy sinking ships by making them crash into rocks."
Maria looked mildly surprised
"What, I can read."
The party continued pretty much without a hitch. Michael kept close to Maria most of the time. Whenever another guy would give Maria the eye Michael would make it abundantly clear that she was with him.
"He's jealous. How cute." Maria thought to herself.
Maria was trying to build up the courage to ask Michael something. This kept her slightly distracted. Michael decided that he had waited long enough for her to tell him what was on her mind so he dived right in.
"What's up? You seemed to be having a good time, but it's obvious that something is on your mind. It's your mom, right?"
"Actually, for once, it's not."
A slow song came on and Maria grabbed Michael's hand
"Dance with me," Maria replied postponing answering his first question.
"You do understand that you'll be dancing with me at your own risk."
"Let me worry about that."
Michael and Maria moved into the crowed of already dancing couples and found a spot. Michael wrapped his arms around Maria's waist while she laced her fingers behind his neck. They swayed to the music for a minute before Maria decided to speak.
"Um Michael? I want to ask you something."
"Ask me what?" he inquired making eye contact with her.
"I want to explain something first. Things have been going really badly, you know that. I think that the only solution is some space, both of us need space."
Michael stopped moving and dropped his arms to his side.
"No, I did that backwards. Sorry I'm kind of nervous about what I'm going to say. I'm talking about us, my mom and me, not us, you and me."
Michael relaxed slightly and embraced Maria again.
"So you need space, away from your mom? That's what you're saying?"
"Exactly. What I was thinking is, um, maybe staying with you. Just temporarily of course, until things cool down." Maria waited for Michael's answer not knowing what to expect.
"You think things will cool down while you're living with me?"
"I don't know, probably not. I knew I was reaching, I shouldn't have asked you that."
"Maria, it's not that. I don't want you to regret this in the end. Your relationship with your mother is important to you. I don't want to be the thing that jeopardizes that."
"Mom was serious about me not seeing you." Maria looked down as she said this.
You are my first and last thought of the day
You are my heartbeat
Without you I can't breathe
I can't imagine me without you in my life
You are my one soul inspiration
Without you I'll just die
Michael again stopped dancing but this time he led Maria to the back of the Crashdown. After going through the door that separated the employees' only area they sat down.
"Michael, I don't want to be away from you. It hurts to even think about it. You are a part of what makes me, me. I can't let anyone take that away from me, not even my mother."
Michael gave Maria a knowing look. "I understand, but I know how much this thing with your mom has hurt you. I don't want to be responsible for causing you any more pain. By doing this you're choosing me over your mother, and I don't think that will help your relationship at all."
Maria's eyes started to water but she fought back the tears.
"I just want to be with you."
Michael came closer to Maria allowing their foreheads to touch.
"You are with me, all the time. I carry you everywhere I go."
Maria's lower lip trembled, and silent tears fell from her eyes. All of the sudden the door sung open. Amy smashed through the door with Liz trailing behind, her eyes apologizing to Maria. Maria immediately pulled away from Michael.
"What in the Hell do you think you're doing! How dare you lie to me! You will never step foot into this place again!" Before Maria could react Amy grabbed her arm and pulled her from her sitting position.
"We're leaving, right now!"
Michael stood up.
"Mrs. Deluca, this isn't Maria's fault. I asked her to come out tonight."
"I don't want to hear a word from you! If you ever come near my daughter again, I'll press charges! With your record I'm sure the authorities won't have any problem arresting you!"
"Mom, don't-,"
"Shut up Maria!"
Amy dragged Maria out the back door where the Jetta was parked in the alley with the lights still on.
"Get in the car! Now!"
Michael followed the pair outside noticing that Maria was intentionally avoiding looking in his directions.
"Maria," he yelled. "The answer is yes."
Maria raised her head to look at him; she gave a slight nod, and stepped into the car.
Amy's eyes flashed.
"What was that about?"
Maria just looked out the passenger side window, choosing not to answer the questions.
"Fine, we'll have even more to talk about when we get home!"
Michael watched as the two drove off. He decided that he should follow, no longer worrying about making things worse. From the look Maria had given him, he knew things could not get any worse.
*
The ride home for Maria was pure torture. Amy continued her yelling the entire way home and all Maria could do was listen and wait. She knew that as soon as she got home that was going to be it. She was going to tell her mom she was leaving. Her things were still at the Crashdown so all she would have to do was walk out, which Maria knew was more easily said than done. The Jetta pulled into the driveway and stopped. The driver's side door opened and slammed shut. Walking in front of the car Amy yanked Maria's door open.
"Get Out! In the house, now!"
Maria moved her arm so Amy could not grab it again. She stepped out of the car and followed her mother into the house. Amy pulled a chair out from under the kitchen table.
"Sit," she instructed Maria, and Maria did as she was told.
"This is the last time you'll ever disobey me! I have given you too many chances as it is! But what do you do with them! You throw them back in my face! Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Maria looked at her mother. She knew that this was her cue to say what she had been rehearsing in her head.
"Mom, I love you very much, and I don't want to do this with you anymore."
Amy, expecting Maria to say anything but what she had just said, was slightly confused.
"You won't have to, as long as you do what I ask of you."
"No. I won't be doing this with you anymore because I won't be here anymore."
"What are you talking about?"
"I asked you earlier today what the problem was with us. You never came up with an answer, but I came up with a solution. I'm going to live with Michael for a little while, that's what he said yes to at the Crashdown before we left."
Amy's eye grew wide with shock.
"Your pregnant aren't you? That would explain you erratic behavior, you let that boy get you pregnant!"
"No, it's not that."
"Then it's drugs?"
"Mom, just stop. I'm leaving, because of you." Maria said the last part quieter than anything else that she said. "I want to leave this situation before we both end up hating each other."
"No, Maria you're not leaving! I won't let you. This is your home."
"It hasn't felt like home in a long time; if home is where the heart is, my heart is with Michael. He's been my only home throughout this entire thing."
Amy realized that Maria was serious and the tone of her voice changed for demanding to pleading.
"You can't. You'll ruin your life. Michael is not the world."
"He's my world," Maria said quietly.
"I don't want you to throw your life away for him."
"I'm not going to ruin my life. The only thing that'll be different is where I sleep every night." Maria stood up still facing her mother. "I'm going now, but I'll be back in a couple of days so we can talk."
"It looks like you've made your choices, and I'm not part of them."
"That's not true-,"
Amy raised her hand to silence her daughter. "If you think you must leave, don't bother coming back."
At Amy's words Maria was shaken to the core.
"You don't mean that, you can't."
"I refuse to watch you destroy your life, but you insist on being with this boy. I can't be any part of that. It's not too late to change your mind, I love you too, but it's Michael or me."
*
Michael borrowed Max's car and was on his almost at Maria's house when he felt something very strange. He'd felt this way before, but only once, when he left Maria behind after saving Max from the White Room. It felt like his heart was breaking, but this time it was different, it wasn't his heart he realized. Gasping at his own realization he pushed harder on the pedal.
*
Maria stood looking at her mother for a long time without saying a word. Either way it went she was going to loose. Finally she did the only thing that made sense at the moment.
"Okay," she said looking at the ground.
"Okay? Good. I wish things could be different, but sometimes parents have to make those tough decisions for their children."
Looking back at her mother Maria spoke again.
"You'll know where to reach me if you change your mind. Bye, Mom." Maria turned on her heels and walked out the house. When she was out the door she started to run, but was stopped as abruptly as when she started. Michael was in front of her and was hold her. Maria's sobs muffled by his chest. Michael stoked her hair.
"Shh, it's going to be alright, maybe not now, but it will be." He began walking her to the car. When she was in the passenger seat Michael glanced at the door Maria left open. Amy was standing there just watching, with tears spilling down her cheeks.
"Take care of my baby," Amy whispered.
Michael nodded as if he had heard her, and got into the car. Glancing over he knew that Maria had not witnessed the exchange.
Maria looked up at the place that had been her home for all of her life, but Amy was no longer on the porch and the door was closed. She cried the whole way to Michael's apartment, and barely noticed when he helped out of the car. Once inside they passed the couch where a surprised Max watched the scene play out. He looked as though he was going to say something, but was silenced by a look from Michael. Once inside of his bedroom Michael helped undress Maria and slipped one of his t-shirts over her head. By this time Maria's sobs had subsided and she was taking in shaky breaths. They lied down together, and Maria held on to Michael as if to make sure he would not disappear.
"She told me not to come back."
"She was hurt, she didn't mean it."
"She wanted me to choose, and I did."
"Let's not talk about that now, you need to get some rest."
Maria turned over to face him.
"The whole time I was there I felt you. I don't know how I just did."
"I felt you too, that's why I knew I had to get to you. Now sleep we can talk in the morning."
Maria continued to look at Michael until her eyelids began to feel heavy. Sleep overtook her quickly, but she had one final thought before it came.
"Would I have done anything differently?" Snuggling closer to Michael she answered her own question.
"No. Some pain is worth my pride and joy."
And how can I tell you
How I love you so
Oh darling I just wanna tell you
That you're my pride and joy