All the color drained from Michael's face as the phone clattered onto the carpet. His eyes were void of all emotion, save for confusion, which was evident in his empty gaze. He could barely register the moment, he was in total and utter shock.
Kneeling down he took hold of the phone once more. "No, you can't be…"
"It's possible, and I think you know it." Lisa replied, voice empty and to the point.
"But you said–"
"Fuck what I said, Mike. There's a 50 percent chance."
Sarah knelt beside him and set a hand on his shoulder, which he slowly brushed away. A look of hurt crossed her features, and she backed away. "Michael?" she whispered softly.
"I don't ever wanna hear from you again, do you understand?" Michael hissed through clenched teeth.
"Oh, yeah? And what if this baby is yours?" Lisa questioned.
"I'll go for sole rights," Michael shot back. "Now if you would please get out of my life, I'd appreciate it."
"This conversation isn't over, Mike–"
His eyes narrowed, "As far as you're concerned it is!"
Slamming the phone down Michael let out a frustrated cry, laying his head into trembling hands. After weeks of no contact, this bullshit decides to crop up. Life truly has a sense of humor, and it's beginning to get old and fast
"Michael?" Sarah whispered, as she sat spme feet away from him.
His heart sank into the depths of his soul, seeing Sarah and the look of concern in her eyes broke him apart at the seams. He felt immensely guilty, immense regret for a number of things.
He walked away, leaning against the window with a pained sigh, unable to meet Sarah's gaze. "I can't talk about it right now."
"But–"
"Please, Sarah," Michael bit back a wave of tears, turning away.
She swallowed hard and sat down on the bed, eyes cast down to the floor. Although she didn't show it, deep inside she was breaking apart, worried for whatever may be running through Michael's mind. It was unusual seeing him in such a state,especially after such happy and intimate days together.
Michael began dressing for the day, a simple pair of slacks and a button up shirt. Combing his curls back with his fingers, he quickly wrapped them into a loose ponytail. The look on his face was that of sadness, worry– and regret. The pain was clearly visible in his now misty chocolate brown orbs.
"I need to collect my thoughts, I'm sorry, babe."
And with that, Michael quietly exited the bedroom, leaving Sarah in the uncomfortable silence.
She lowered her gaze, silent tears pricking the corners of her eyes. Was it something she said? Thoughts began running rampant through the back of her mind, going in multiple directions. Her worry for Michael was nearly consuming her soul, yet she respected his boundaries with utmost respect.
Michael on the other hand was already headed in the direction of the giving tree, breaking into a full run. He was in such a state of anger that tears were blurring his vision. Soft sobs wracked his body, nearly causing him to collapse.
Upon reaching the tree, he immediately climbed high into the awaiting branches, their soothing embrace welcoming him fully. The sobs were more open now, as he drew his knees up against his chest.
The guilt of leaving Sarah behind hurt like hell, it truly did. But he couldn't risk the possibilities of telling her about what happened in the recent past. It was something that scared the living hell out of him.
He had always wanted and dreamt of having children. But only with the right woman, at the right time. Lisa wasn't the right choice, and they both knew it to be true. Perhaps it was ultimately for the better.
But now–
Michael was on the fence. How could he possibly welcome a child, although he wants one, with the circumstances would prove things to be difficult in the long run.
Burying deep into his knees, he sighed and closed his eyes. Thoughts reeling with despair and fear, he couldn't erase the fact of the moment. He may very well be a father soon.
May as well step up just in case. But he had no idea how to approach Sarah about it. He didn't wanna lose her due to a secret. That was the last thing he could ever want. Michael swallowed back the cries of bitter sadness, gazing up into the brilliant orange, red and gold leaves, taking note of how they are steadily falling as winter approaches in the coming weeks.
"God, what am I supposed to do?" Michael prayed out loud. "I can't lose Sarah, she would be devastated about this."
Laying back upon the branches, another aob wracks Michael's body, shoulders trembling against the fear, the anger, and ultimately the regret.
He honestly felt this is one of the worst moments he's ever gotten into. And quite possibly a situation he could not escape from.
The breeze shifts the leaves around him, sending a faint chill straight to his bones. Michael shivered and pulled his blazer tightly around his shoulders. Tears slowly drying upon his cheeks, lips trembling against the pain.
"Sarah," Michael sighed. "God, please forgive me. I just can't tell you. Not yet."
Resting upon his knees once more, Michael glanced at the beauty of his beloved sanctuary. It would be much more complete with a family to call his own. But not a broken family, a family decided by unfortunate circumstances. He sighed and allowed a final sob to pass.
Michael's legs dangle over the side of the branch, eyes sweeping across the silent landscape. It was almost unnerving to behold. The usual playful laughter and music far from his mind, tucked deeply within his heart.
Deciding to remain within the embrace of the tree, Michael turned his gaze up to the overcast skies, watching the gray clouds begin to roll in. The wind picked up briefly, yet it didn't faze him at all. Already numb from shock, he remained still, save for his legs dangling back and forth.
The future was now uncertain, clouded with mystery. Uncertain of losing a love of only he has dreamt of for a lifetime. Would it ultimately come down to something like this?
Never in his wildest dreams did Michael ever think of such possibilities. No one would in all honesty.
Touching the chain resting upon his collarbone, Michaeldrew in a shaky breath, knowing Sarah must be worried he decided to jump down and begin making his way back to the main house. The walk was long and far too quiet, but after a time he made it back.
Light footfalls echo through the main hall, the door clicking behind him quietly. The air was heavy with doubt as he made his way to the main foyer. Sitting upon the couch he sighed, head leaned against the back as defeat washed over him.
Michael covered his eyes, remaining quiet and still. His mind was running a million miles a minute, on a runaway train to a place with no name.
"What the hell am I supposed to do?" He whispered.
YOU ARE READING
Love Me Like You Do
Fanfiction"Michael," she gasped against his lips as they crashed into hers. His hands pinned her against the wall, as the dominant side of him began to take over. A raging wildfire coursed through his veins, a roaring storm of passion. He just had to have her...
