Too Much
Set in Series 7 episode 18 during Freddie's speech.
Chapter 1:
As Michael stood, listening to Freddie's speech, too many familiarities came through to Michael's mind.
"...crash on the bypass...drunk driver hit him...coma...and he died."
No matter what Wayne Johnson had done, Michael wasn't sure whether disserved to die, but in Michael's core he knew the answer. Freddie's voice stuck in Michael's head.
"...19 years old...a whole life ahead of him, and then, nothing."
Emotions began to wash over Michael; guilt and fear. As Michael zoned out, his eyes began to unfocus and the voices echoed through his head. He couldn't make them out. As Freddie finished off his speech, and clapping sounded through the hall, Michael watched in horror as Phoenix stepped up to the microphone. He would tell, he would show, and that was the end of Michael's career, money and life as he knew it. Michael's pulse quickened and his strong heart began to beat hard against his chest, making the rhythm pound through his head. Michael slowly stepped up to the microphone, as his breathing became shallow. As he congratulated Freddie, he could feel his whole body shaking. As Phoenix turned around to sneer a smile at him, the pulse grew louder in his head, blocking out all sound except from Michael's breathing which had become louder as he gasped for air. All Michael could see was Phoenix and Wayne as one. Together, they both could bring Michael down like a gun shot. He could now see Wayne's threatening stare along with Phoenix, disgustedly shaking the memory stick that contained the video. The drums in Michael's head got louder till he could hardly hear himself think.
"Sorry... erm..." Michael muttered as he looked back to the audience he could not clearly see. He could no longer make out Sian's reassuring gaze as he could feel himself swaying from his height. He could hardly breaths or think now and his gasping breaths must have been audible as he saw Sian come up to take his place. As she started to speak, she looked over at Michael who was now visibly swaying. Michael was sure his could legs could only hold him up for a few seconds more. He fell but fortunately caught himself on the podium next to him, holding himself up. Sian was soon by his side, helping him back stage as he gasped for air. Sian sat him down, and still gasping deeply for air, he put his head against his hand. Sian looked at him in shock and concern.
"Michael what's wrong?" She asked him as she helped him to breath.
"Everything!"