Three Thousand Miles(135)

“Would you like to dance with me, while you wait for Adrian?” I don’t even have to think about it. I instantly grab Michaels hand and he leads me onto the dance floor. Michael pulls me close to him and he slides his hand onto my waist. I blush again at his touch but I manage to compose myself as I take his hand. With my other, I slide it onto his broad shoulder. He smiles at me and then we begin to move the music. I briefly close my eyes as I remember that I dreamt about a night exactly like this one.

“I love this song,” I whisper as I take in the words of Lady Antebellum- need you now.

“Me too,” Michael says as he grips me tighter. I look up at him and I love the way he makes me feel. His hands are strong and safe and I feel like I am different person when I am with him. I stare at him through my mask and I feel that something is bugging him. I gently rub his shoulder as I begin to pry.

“You look tense is everything okay?” Michael rolls his blue eyes and then he gently exhales.

“I have something that I need to say!” My heart sinks as I hear his words. I look at him again.

“What is wrong?” Michael shakes his head.

“Nothing is wrong, I just need to tell you something.” My throat dries as we continue to move with the music. Michael straightens his face and I wait for his revelation.

“Alanna you know how I feel about you, right?” Michael says in smooth voice. I do not reply with words I simple nod in agreement.

“Good I am glad that you understand, but that is what I have to talk to you about.”

“Okay, I am listening,” I say in quiet tone.

“From the very first moment that I saw you I have been addicted to your beauty. I love everything about you and in my eyes there will never be another girl quite like you.”

“Michael…” I say but he prevents me from speaking my mind as he gently pushes my lip with his finger.

“You need to let me finish,” he says firmly. I again nod to him and he continues.

“You mean the world to me Alanna and you will always have a special place in my heart. However, I know that you do not love me in same way as I do you. I know that you love Adrian and I can see that he makes you happy. My heart cannot stand another beating from my pain as I say these words. I feel that it is time for me to let you go. You have been through so much and I know that my feelings for you cause you heartache. Now is when I have to set you free. I have a chance for happiness with Emma and I am going to take a risk on her. I am sorry Alanna but I cannot do this anymore.” I gasp at his words and I cannot breathe. I do not want to hear these words and I cannot think of losing him. I gaze at him and I cannot hold back my protests.

“Michael you can’t break up with me,” I instantly feel stupid at my words. I am not with Michael therefore he cannot break up with me. Michael looks at me in amazement.

“Alanna that’s crazy,”

“I know it sounds crazy but that’s how I feel. I feel as if you are breaking up with me. I feel like your girlfriend and I feel that you are breaking my heart. I cannot lose you Michael. I care about you so much and I… need you. Please don’t leave me!” Michael smiles at me as he gently touches my cheek with his finger.

“Alanna you won’t lose me.” I shake my head violently at his words.

“No, you wouldn’t be saying this if you weren’t about to leave my life!” I snap. Michael clutches my face in both of his hands and I try to hold back my tears.

“Listen to me, you won’t lose me. I am just giving you the space that you need to be with the man that you love. You deserve happiness and as hard as it for me to say this, Adrian is the right bloke for you.” I close my eyes so that I don’t have to look into his eyes as he breaks my heart.

“Alanna open your eyes,” Michael says in smooth voice. I reluctantly open my eyes and I focus them on his.

“Michael I feel as if… I love you,” I choke out as Michael smirks at me.

“Alanna I know that you love me. However, the love you have is purely platonic; Adrian is your one true love. You need to be with him and please do not worry about me. Emma is a wonderful girl and I feel strongly for her. I will still be in your life Alanna; you cannot get rid of me that easily.” I gently laugh at his smug words and then I shift my hand onto his face. We are standing very close as we clasp each other’s faces in our hands. Michael’s sweet breath is tickling my forehead and our noses are lightly touching as he bends to me level. I hold him tightly and I almost want to kiss him. I have to hold back my urge as I reply to his words.

“Promise me that you will remain my friend!” Michael smiles at me.