It took a long time and it was a little awkward, but I managed to get ready. I changed my dressing and set about picking out some comfortable clothes. I texted Simon to ask how his mother was and he replied that she was well, thanking me again. He also asked if I wanted to see her tomorrow, which I agreed to.
I was already smitten by Simon’s family. They were all warm and welcoming and, despite what life had given them, carried a sense of happiness.
Once I was almost ready, I texted my uncle to see if he was up for a visit. He replied that he’d love a visit and was actually hoping to come and visit me later today anyway. I guess I beat him to it.
In the midst of gathering my things, my doorbell rang. I took a peak outside. Michael was standing there, helmet in tow.
With my heart thumping, I walked to the door. I didn’t know what to expect. I just needed to tell myself that whatever he gave me, I deserved it after yesterday.
Taking a deep breath, I swung the door open. He looked every bit the towering monster I remembered when I met him all those months ago. He stood tall and muscular, having an air of natural grace I didn’t think any human being could possess.
I breathed in the calm he naturally emitted every time he was around, and briefly closed my eyes. I needed that to face whatever he was going to hand out to me.
“Cassie,” he sighed. “Can I come in?”
Nodding, I pulled the door open to let him pass and followed him into the flat. I couldn’t quite read him at the moment. I didn’t know whether he was going to shout at me or hug me. I was hoping for the latter, but I didn’t think that was coming.
“Michael, I’m—”
Putting his hand up, he stopped me. “There’s no need to apologise, Cassie. I know what you did.” A smile curved up at the sides of his mouth, making me sigh in relief.
“You’re not angry with me?”
Coming closer, he reached out his hand to grab mine, motioning me to sit down. “How can I be angry with you? What you did yesterday was very selfless.”
I reared my head back in shock. “How can you say that, Michael? What I did was every bit selfish. I couldn’t seem to face you to tell you the truth, so I took the coward’s way out. I shoved Luana in front of you to escape the one burning question.” I hung my head in shame.
“Which I already knew the answer to.” Michael squeezed my hand. “Look, I understand why you did what you did. You tried telling me how you felt and, at the same time, made me see what was in front of me this whole time.”
Picking my head up, I met Michael’s sincere eyes. “Luana?”
Michael breathed out of his nose and smiled. “Luana.”
“I suppose you couldn’t resist the damsel in distress?” I teased. I spied his cheeky grin, which said it all.
“Does this mean…?” I felt uncomfortable asking. “Does this mean you two are…?” My god, this was difficult. It seemed like such a naughty word to me.
“Mated?” he asked, beating me to it.
I blew out a breath. “Yes, I suppose so. Are you two, like, an item now?”
“I need to be honest with you, Cassie. I would have stayed if you asked me to.” He paused for a moment, obviously finding it difficult to form the words. “But it would have been for the wrong reasons.”
I think if I would have heard this a couple of weeks back, it would have been painful for me. Now, though, it filled me with a new sense of hope for Michael. He had so much done to him, but still fought on for the good because he cared so much for this world and the people in it. Now I knew why Michael was chosen for me as my guardian. He was loyal, trustworthy, and cared about the people he loved. Apart from Stephen, I couldn’t have picked a better person. Michael would always hold a special place in my heart.
Grabbing his face, I pulled him to me for one last gentle kiss on the lips, just one friend saying goodbye to the other. I knew Michael was leaving and I’d never see him again.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” I finally managed.
The tears rolled down my cheeks and Michael, as always, was there wiping them away. “I’ll miss you, too.” As he cupped my face, I met his eyes. “Thank you,” he whispered.
Tugging him to me, I breathed in his wonderful scent for one last time. I savoured it like it was my last meal. Michael was leaving me, and it felt like I was losing my best friend.
“Do something for me, Cassie.”
I pulled away and looked at him. “Anything.”
“Be there for you for a change. I know you want to do good, but you have to look after yourself first. Only then can you get what your heart desires.”