Chapter 8 :

BROOKS POV

So today Michael was taking me out on a 'date'. I hate to admit it but I'm really really really excited about this date maybe because I can actually spend some time with him for once without something hectic happening. I decided to text him and tell him that I would meet him at his place since I didn't want my mum to interrogate him for an hour, I also didn't want anyone to see us that would be social suicide for me.

My outfit consisted of a navy blue dress that had small white poka-dots printed all over it. I had some white high platform sandals on. My hair was curled and left down , I didn't really put much make up on as it was quite hot out again today but enough to fix myself up a little. Chase told me to tone my outfit choices down and not look like a fresh clean barbie doll. It was strange him giving me advice and more importantly me taking his advice, but he does know Michael so I guess he's helping me. I picked up my bag and Michael's leather jacket deciding to give it back to him today since I've probably kept it a little too long.

''Mum i'm going now.'' I called out gathering up my phone and purse

''Where are you off too again?'' she asked folding her arms looking up and down at my outfit

''Out with Ava.'' I lied, something I haven't done much within my relationship with my mother but it was beginning to become easier to do.

''Doing what exactly?''

''Um shopping and having some lunch.''

''Okay! Don't be out to late'' she smiled and went back into her office , I let out a deep breath and went to pull the front door open before being interrupted by my brothers voice.

''Hey I'll give you a ride.'' Chase said grabbing his keys and walking out of the door. I followed him out and got inside the passenger seat and did my seat belt.

''I like the new you.'' he chuckled

''What?''

''You're not so much a bitch to me anymore''

''You're still a dork.''

''I know.'' he grinned and I laughed along as he began screaming the lyrics to some cheesy white girl song that came on the radio.

*****

I waved to Chase and looked up at the familiar white house. I haven't been here since that day Michael beat up Ryan, I took a deep breath and walked up towards the house I noticed a silver BMW parked on the driveway which made me feel uneasy because there was a 50% chance Michaels mum was home. I raised my hand to the white door and knocked gently on it twice. As there was a glass window in the door I watched as a middle aged women with blonde hair walk up to the door and open it, she smiled sweetly and I gave her a smile back.

''Hello may I help you?'' she asked

''Is Michael here?'' I asked slightly digging my nails into the palm of my right fisted hand, something I did when I got nervous.

''One second.'' she closed the door slightly and turned around yelling up the stairs. She shortly returned and opened the door wide again smiling.

''Are you Brooke?'' she asked to which I nodded and she smiled brighter gesturing me to come inside.

''Well come in! Michael is just getting ready.'' I nodded and entered the house. 

''You have a beautiful home Mrs Clifford.'' I said trying to make harmless conversation with his mother who stood in front of me.

''Aw thank you so much. Call me Karen.'' she insisted - for a split second I remembered Michael telling me she was newly divorced to his dad... shit was I suppose to call her by her maiden name? I don't even know it.

''Do you want anything to drink?'' she asked snapping me out of my thoughts, I opened my mouth to decline the offer but it seems someone else decided to speak for me.

''No we're leaving now.'' a deep voice said. I looked up at Michael, his hair messy like always he was wearing his signature black skinny jeans , black converse and this time instead of a black top he wore a white one. I smiled at him and handed him his leather jacket , he smirked at me and put it on.

''Lets go.'' Michael mumbled taking my hand in his , lacing our fingers together and pulling me a little.

''Lovely meeting you Brooke.'' Karen called faintly as I was whisked away from the home.

''You too Mrs Clifford.'' I squeaked.

 Michael shut the door and pulled me down the driveway towards his black range rover. I pulled my arm from his grip and let out a puff of air.

''Michael that was rude.'' I scolded.

''So , its my mum not yours.''

''It was still rude Michael.''

''Did you want to be answering 20 questions.''

''Well no but.''

''Exactly.'' he muttered and unlocked the car opening my door then walking around to his side and sliding into the drivers seat. I got inside the vehicle and closed the door , doing up my seat belt and letting out a sigh.

''Can we not fight tonight? Please.'' I said just above a whisper, Michael let out a heavy sigh as well and looked over to me. He carefully raised his large hand and caressed my cheek, his touch was soft but his hands were rough against my skin.

''No fighting. I promise.'' he spoke softly. I smiled a little and felt more relaxed, Michaels hands made their way back to the wheel as we pulled onto the road.

''You look really beautiful.'' he whispered.

'I meant you look Hot... really hot.'' he smirked, I groaned and hit his arm.

''I like the other one better.''

''Mhm.'' he spoke

''You don't look to bad yourself Clifford.'' I said and now it was his turn to laugh.

******

We somehow ended up at the beach after our cliche first date dinner that ended with a embarrassed looking waiter. After Michael had humiliated him by tripping him over just because he winked at me when I arrived at the restaurant; Michael swears it was an accident but i'm not so convinced.

''What are we doing here?'' I asked

''I like the beach.'' he smiled

''Me too.'' Michael took my hands in his. I slipped off my shoes and held them in my other hand leaning my head on Michaels shoulder. It was quite cold and I think Michael noticed as goosebumps raised on my skin throughout the evening he slipped off his jacket and hung it around my shoulders.

''Thanks.''

''You always steal my jacket.'' he pouted

''You always give it to me.'' I reminded him and cheekily poked my tongue out at him

''Yeah. Well maybe I just like seeing you in my clothes'' he winked

''- maybe i like being in them.'' I winked back causing us both to laugh.

After walking for a bit we stopped and sat down on the sand looking out at the beautiful ocean and up at the stars.

''Can I ask you a question?'' I asked Michael nodded.

''Do you think I act different at school to what I act like with you?''

''Yeah. You seem more normal around me... You seem like you.''

''Oh.''

''Why?''

''Its just Chase says I've changed and I guess I haven't noticed it.'' Michael just nodded and looked back up at the sky.

''I think you act different around me too..'' I cooed in his ear, Michael turned his head back to me and raised his eyebrows

''How?''

''You act like this bad punk around school but around me you're a sensitive little rich boy'' I giggled and Michael laughed as well. 

A real laugh , a deep husky one , something I love most about him. I leaned my head back on Michaels shoulder and he rested his arm around me pulling me closer into his chest. I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the waves and the sound of Michaels heart.

''Look what we have here.'' a voice announced followed by a group of laughter. My eyes opened up as Michael's body moved away from mine and stood up. I stood up as well and my eyes widened at the group of jocks from school,Ryan of course in the front laughing.

''Little miss perfect and tattoo boy.'' Ryan laughed

''Shut the fuck up. Leave.'' Michael said towering over Ryan just a little.

''Or what? You're going to beat me up again. Think again Michael, you have one last chance on this team anything you do to me will get you kicked off.'

''It will be worth it.'' Michael mumbled

''Fuck off will you Ryan.'' I shouted my new found confidence slightly surprising me.

''Ooh tattoo boy having an effect on Miss perfect. Never knew you had the mouth to say that to me sweetheart.''

''Do not call me that.'' I spat. Ryan smirked and took a step closer to me caressing my face , earning a strong shove from Michael and a punch to the nose.

''Keep it coming tattoo boy, show me what you got.'' he laughed , Michael's fist came in contact with Ryan's left eye.

''Michael stop he's doing this on purpose.'' I screamed lunging forward to stop him but two guys held me back.

''MICHAEL!!!'' I screamed. This was Ryan's plan all along, he was going to get Michael kicked off the team and then tell everyone about me and him.

- Michael's P.O.V -

The night was going perfect and it wasn't even over yet. Me and Brooke sat cuddled up on the beach , looking at the sea and the sky. No other girls I've been with would want to do something like this. This was so relaxing and we sat in a comfortable silence occasionally speaking about different things. Of course all of it had to be ruined by one idiot Ryan. I saw him and his mates walking down the beach and before I could make any move to get me and Brooke out of here it was too late he already had spotted us and anger flared through his eyes.

We argued for a bit and he I can't believe he had the nerve to actually touch Brookes face. Before I knew it my anger was washed over me and a fist came in contact with Ryan's left eye.

''Michael stop he's doing this on purpose.'' Brooke pleaded.

I knew she was right she always is. He was doing this to get me kicked off the team but I didn't care he touched her on purpose to make me angry but I hate him so much I want him gone. I jumped on top of him and threw punches at his jaw nobody tried to stop me his little friends all just watching in awe. I could hear Brooke screaming my name but I just ignored it.

I felt a grip on my elbow and I elbowed whoever it was earning a squeal and a thud behind me. I stopped what I was doing to look at the person I had just thrown back and my eyes widened and my mouth flew open. Brooke.

I ran over to her her back on the ground. luckily the sand helped her fall but it wasn't the point. She sat up a little and stared at me shocked, I opened my mouth to say something but nothing left. I looked back around to see Ryan and his group jogging down the beach away from the scene.

''I..''she whispered.

''I'm sorry.'' I muttered dissapointed in myself... how could I have done something so stupid? I grabbed her hand helping her up, she stepped back from me still speechless. Nothing I could say could help this situation so I did the one thing I know RUN. 

- Brooke's P.O.V -

I finally managed to get out of the two bulky guys grip and I ran forward towards Michael. I grabbed his elbow trying my hardest to pull him off, he shook his arm away from me causing myself to fall back on the ground. I fell onto my back and quickly sat back up to find Michael looking over at me and rushing to my side. He opened his mouth to say something but closed it again, I was kinda in shock from everything that had been happening , Ryan and his group of wannabes started running away from the scene.

''I...''

''I'm sorry.'' he muttered and got up running down the opposite end of the beach towards the pier.

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A/N

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