Fill My Empty Spaces

Part 5 - Different Routes

Michael looked troubled when Gaga appeared inside the living room and saw him stand by the panoramic windows facing the back yard. He had his phone in his hand and was weighing it like he didn't know what to do with it. It was noon, and she had been preparing for her trip to NYC for days but Michael never got used to seeing her show up in full stage make up around the house when she tried out looks with Sarah, Freddie and her stylists.

"What's the matter?" she asked. She was wearing a white, silky robe and her face was beaming – in full make up and hair pulled up into a nice bun on the back of her head. Her lips were pouty and nearly burgundy red and he had to take her in for a few seconds before he opened his mouth. She was strikingly beautiful.

"My nan... she's, umm... not feeling well again," he said and rubbed his nose using two fingers.

Gaga walked up to him and put her arms around him from behind. "Baby," she said.

"I don't know what to do," he said and sensed a splitting headache approaching.

"Go see her," she whispered. "You can join me later in NYC, if you want to." Her voice was soft and understanding.

He felt her warm breath against his back through his shirt and turned around to face her. Their lips met and she was so soft and gentle. Her hand stroke his cheek. "I know you worry," she said. "It's OK." Her lips were wet and she tasted of something sweet. She parted her lips and he felt something come alive downstairs. He moved a hand inside the opening of her robe and stroke her waist and felt the peachy hairs against his fingertips.

...

Michael was putting plates back in the cupboards after their late lunch and had been arguing with himself back and forth all day. "So people will blame me for leaving my pregnant girlfriend alone. How does that sound to you? Terrific." He tossed one of the plates on the marble counter and it made the most alarming sound that would wake up the dead.

"Oh, please. Mickey." Gaga sat by the coffee table with her back turned, but when he kept ranting she turned around and looked at his dejected face. "No one knows!" she said and emphasized 'knows'.

He let the air out of his lungs, slowly, and put his hands on the counter. His head looked like it weighed a ton between his shoulders.

"Go. Go see her! Come to NYC when or if you want to. My family will be there."

Michael frowned.

"Sorry. The rest of my family."

He could hear that she was starting to get annoyed and he was pushing it. She slapped the MacBook shut and walked out of the spacious kitchen, which confirmed his thoughts on that.

...

Family is family, Gaga had persuaded Michael and kissed his ear and cheek and eventually on the lips. He was going to see his family while she went to NYC to sing with Tony. It was no use to follow her there now and then go back in case something worsened. If he was in NYC it would be a longer distance to travel if something happened. He huffed loudly, and felt like he deserted her.

"Say hi from me," Gaga said.

"They moved her to the hospital so I don't even know if I'll be able to see her."

She gave him a sad look, but smiled briefly. "She'll be OK. She's tough." She paused, knowing her words didn't get through at this point. "See you soon, babe. I love you." Her voice was sweet and cute as she caressed his arm.

It had taken several minutes to get her Frenchie Koji to accept that she was leaving and now Michael was standing there like the next sad one. He watched her step into the SUV, holding her dress up and he caught a glimpse of her tanned leg. She blew a kiss and put her sunglasses on – inside a car with tinted windows. Michael couldn't help but smile.

"Bye, gorgeous. I love you so, so much."

\o/