Chapter 10

After a long phone call with Hayley, Rachel started to put her plans in motion. Now that she finally found out the truth about why Michael had been distant, hell he practically disappeared off the face of this planet. Rachel felt relief knowing that he was doing well, but hurting at the fact that he is watching his mum deteriorate before his eyes. Yes his sisters are there trying to support him but he keeps pushing them away. So Rachel cleared her schedule indefinitelyso she could be by Michael's side.

Hayley and Shelley kept the information between themselves. Hayley had advised Rachel that once she knew her flight details to pass them on to her either via text or email and she will make sure that she meets her at the airport.

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Two days later Rachel landed in Glasgow International Airport. Her flight was the first plane to land that morning and Rachel seriously couldn't wait to get off the plane and wrap Michael in her arms.

Once Rachel had cleared passport control she scanned the small crowd that was waiting at the arrival lounge. She instantly recognised Hayley and could tell Shelley was also next to her as they were quite alike. Hayley approaced Rachel and gave her a hug and then Shelley followed. Both instantly thanked Rachel for coming and Rachel explained if she had known sooner, she would have been here earlier.

Once settled in the car Rachel asked after Michael. Hayley explained that Michael hadn't long got home as he done the night shift with their mum. They were going to travel to their mums first and introduce Rachel so they could give their brother a rest.

Rachel was nervous to meet Carol. Okay, so she shouldn't have been nervous as she meets new people everyday, but this lady is special, after all it's Michael's mum. Rachel's face became sympathetic when she seen Carol lying in bed. Hayley gently woke her mum up and Carol sat up, smiled and beckoned Rachel over to the chair next to her.

Carol and Rachel spoke for hours. Rachel allowing Carol time to talk as she became tired easily. Just before Rachel was ready to leave Carol took Rachel by the hand and asked her to promise her one thing. 'What do you want me to promise Carol?' 'Look after my boy please? He puts on this big front and buries his emotions. I am aware he is hurting and how much he is going to hurt after I go. But I know in my heart that he absolutely adores you by the way he has spoke about you, I just wish I would be around to see how you two work out.' 'Well Carol, I will make this promise to you. As long as Michael will have me, I would love to look after him forever.' Carol smiled and closed her eyes to rest.

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The car journey to Michael's took twenty minutes to get there. The girls spoke about light hearted topics until they arrived. Shelley went to Michael's apartment security door and typed in the security code. She then took out a set of keys and let them in to Michael's apartment. Hayley called out and Michael grunted back 'What?' 'We need you in the living room, and please be reasonably decent!' 'Ugh ok!' Rachel couldn't help but let out a small giggle at his responses.

'Right what could be so important you drag me out of bed so soon?' Michael said as he walked in to the living room and then just stared. Was he seeing this right? 'Rachel?' 'Yeah babe it's really me.' Michael looked bewildered bless him. He couldn't understand why Rachel was here. Shelley and Hayley slipped out of the apartment after quick goodbyes before their brother could even open his mouth. Feeling very pleased with themselves, the girls headed back to Carols.

He just kept staring at her. Rachel, his Rachel was here. He sat down next to her and she turned to face him. 'I know everything babe, I have even spent time with Carol this morning, she is a lovely lady.' She watched as Michael's eyes started to fill up and she placed her hands on to his face and looked in to his eyes. 'You are not alone any more babe, I will be here for as long as it takes.' For the first time since he found out his mum had cancer, Michael broke. The tears flowed down his cheeks and Rachel wiped some away before he collapsed in to his arms and sobbed.

Once Michael composed himself he looked at Rachel with his puffy red eyes and stood up. 'Come and lie down with me babe, you look shattered and we could just cuddle up and sleep for a bit.' Rachel smiled, took his hand and they went to the bedroom and fell asleep cuddled up to each other.

It was nearly six o'clock in the evening when Rachel began to stir out of her sleep. Like so many times before, she automatically reached out to feel if Michael was there. He was. Lying on his back sound asleep. She smiled to herself and placed her head on his chest listening to his heart beat. She then felt his arm slide down hers and bring her in for a deeper cuddle. As she looked up to him, Michael came out of his sleep state and looked down at her and smiled. 'You are really here aren't you? This isn't some dream that feels real and I am going to be left disappointed when I really wake up?' Rachel let out a small giggle and replied 'I am here babe and I won't leave your side unless you want me to.' Michael kissed the top of her head and held her close.

Rachel then laughed. 'Please tell me that was your stomach that just rumbled against my ear and nothing else,' Michael had to chuckle back and slightly blushed, 'Yeah it was my stomach, I think we should get up, freshen up and head out for something to eat. Apparently the girls have got the shifts covered at mums. Nurse Jen is there just now.' Rachel then leaned up and kissed Michael gently on the lips, 'Ok babe, lets go grab some food.'

Michael had to warn Rachel to dress warmly. Scotland is a cold place in Autumn and even the slightest bit of cold wind can catch your breath. Rachel thought he was joking until she stepped outside and shot him a look. Michael chuckled and wrapped her in to his body until they reached the car. This also confused Rachel as everything was backwards to what it was like back home.

Michael had booked a table at the local chinese that he loves. They arrived at Nam's and the staff were friendly and looked after them well. Whilst waiting on their main course Rachel looked at Michael who quickly raised his eyebrows basically saying what? 'Why do your sisters call you Finn?' Rachel asked. Michael squished up his face and soon explained. 'My full name is Michael Finnegan Hudson, we all had nicknames when we were younger. I hated Mike or Mikey, so they used my middle name and called me Finn. Obviously you know I call them Hales or Shels, but to them and my family, I am simply Finn.' Rachel then asked him another question 'So why Michael back home in the states?' 'It was thought by some that Finn didn't sound to rock and roll, so Michael gets used more than my nickname, which is perfectly fine for me. So when I rock out, I'm Michael, when I am home and being normal if you like, I'm Finn.' Before Rachel could even ask her next question, he offered another explanation. 'You've only really known me, until now that is, as Michael. It is difficult to explain and I don't mind you calling me Michael, but in my heart, I do prefer Finn.'

Rachel smiled. 'So out in the limelight as such we are Michael and Rachel, but at home...we are Finchel!' Finn laughed. 'A nickame already, love it.'

Next chapter: Carol encourages her family and Rachel to go and have some fun and not to continuously watch over her