See disclaimers in part 1
Double Date Part 4
"Max!" Maria quickly grabbed the other edge of the comforter and covered her lower body. "Max what the hell are you doing in my room?"
"What am I doing? I came to make sure you were all right since I got home late. The question is what the hell is Michael doing in your bed?! Get out of here Michael now!"
"Would you at least turn around while I put my clothes on Max?" Michael asked.
"How dare you take advantage of my sister!" Max started to run toward Michael with his fist ready to pounce.
"Stop it Max!" Maria shouted.
Michael closed his eyes ready for Max's fist to make contact with his face but the punch never came. "What happened Michael?" Max asked after seeing his bruises.
"Look Max why don't you leave us alone for a few minutes and let us get dressed? We'll come out and talk to you in a minute."
"Fine. But no more touching my sister or else I'll hit you myself regardless of your physical state."
"Max drop the big brother act and wait for us in the kitchen," Maria said.
Max finally left Michael and Maria alone. "I'm sorry about Max. He had no right."
"I'm sorry I got you into this mess."
"I can take care of Max it's you I'm worried about. My friend Alex's dad is a lawyer. I think you should see him about what to do. You can't go back to your father. I won't let you. I care about you too much to let him ever hurt you again," Maria said kissing Michael.
"Your bother warned me not to touch you."
"It's not your fault I can't keep my hands off of you. We better get dressed before Max comes back in here. Wait you can't wear your old clothes they are stained in blood. I'll have to get something of Max's for you."
"Don't go to any trouble."
"As much as I'd like to see you walk around here naked Michael I don't think my brother would approve."
Maria dressed quickly and got Michael a pair of jeans and a shirt from Max's closet. She handed Michael the clothes and she went to grab her brush off her dresser. She turned around when she heard a moan.
"Are you alright Michael?"
"I'm still really sore."
"Do you need help?"
"No I'll manage."
"Michael there's nothing wrong with asking for help."
"Alright then do you think you could maybe help me?"
"It would be my pleasure."
Maria went over to Michael and gently helped ease the shirt over Michael's arms and then she helped him with his pants since he had trouble bending over.
"Are you ready to go talk to Max before he comes in here and kills you?" Maria asked Michael.
"Sure."
Michael and Maria walked into the kitchen. Max was sitting at the table eating cereal.
"Look Max it really isn't any of your business what happened last night but Michael got into a bit of trouble and he needed a place to sleep. Nothing happened."
"That's not what it looked like Maria. And Michael if you're in some sort of trouble how could you get Maria involved? What if whoever did this to you comes after Maria. Did you ever think of that? Or were you just too concerned with getting into my sister's pants?"
"Max stop it."
"Maria, leave me and Michael alone we need to have a little chat."
"No Max. You're not going to bully him."
"It's alright Maria. I can take care of myself." Maria reluctantly left Michael and Max alone after giving Michael a quick hug and her brother a dirty look.
"Sit down Michael," Max said as they both sat down at the kitchen table. "You might think I'm being too over protective Michael but since dad left it's up to me to be in charge around here. I don't want Maria to get hurt. I know you know about Rath and I don't want her to make the same mistakes with you. I wanted to thank you for what you did for her that night at the club when I wasn't there for her. That doesn't mean I ever want to see you and my sister together in bed ever again. Michael whatever kind of trouble you're in don't bring it here. Can you promise me Maria won't get hurt?"
"Maria won't get hurt. I guess you deserve to know the truth. It was my father who did this to me and he doesn't know anything about Maria. I would never let Maria get hurt because of me."
"That's good to know. I'm sorry about your father. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. I won't tell mom about this but if I find you in Maria's bed again I will."
"Fine."
Max and Michael finished their discussion and Michael went to find Maria.
"He didn't bully you did he?"
"No he just made me promise no to hurt you."
"Look it's Alex's dads day off and we should really go see him today. The earlier we do the sooner we can get you away from your dad.
Michael and Maria drove to Alex's house and had a talk with his father, Charles. His dad drew up papers to have Michael emancipated so he could live on his own. Charles made it clear Michael would have to agree to attend High School on a regular basis as well as continue working to help support himself.
It was Saturday night and Maria and Michael were scheduled to work at the Crashdown. They drove to work separately because Michael had a meeting with the judge. Maria had been working for a few minutes when Jeff Parker walked through the back doors he was talking to Liz. "I gave him a change Liz and he blew it! He's a screw-up!"
"Please dad, don't fire Michael."
"He was working here on a trial basis. He's late and I'm not going to put up with it. Michael needs to grow up and learn some responsibility."
Maria heard the whole argument and was enraged. She strolled over to Mr. Parker to give him a piece of her mind.
"For your information the reason Michael's late is because he is seeing a judge. I'm sure he just got held up."
Jeff looked over at Maria who had interrupted his conversation with Liz. "What kind of trouble did Michael get himself into now?"
"Michael is not a screw-up he is seeing a judge because he got hurt last night and it's because of you!"
"Look it's not my fault Michael got himself beat up by some punks. He probably got what he deserved."
"How dare you. I can't believe you lived with Michael for all that time and you know nothing about him! You don't understand how wonderful he is! Michael did not get beat up by a bunch of punks. He got beat up by his father! The man you sent him to live with almost killed him. I'm not going to listen to you bad mouth Michael when he almost died because of you!" Maria screamed through her tears.
"That's enough Maria," Maria turned around to see Michael had walked up behind her.
"Michael," Maria said stepping aside.
"I know I was late but it won't happen again," Michael said to Jeff.
"Michael your hurt," Liz said starting to hug him.
"So it's true what Maria said, your father did this to you?" Mr. Parker asked.
"Maria shouldn't have told you about that but yeah he did. I just came from a judge and I'm going to live on my own."
"Michael I'm really sorry your father did that to you. I didn't know he was abusive."
"Yeah well I kinda didn't want anyone to know."
"Do you have a place to stay Michael?" Liz asked.
"Not yet. I need to find someplace soon."
"Michael you can stay at our guest room until you find a place to live. Why don't you take the rest of the day off since you're not really up to working?"
"I can't afford it."
"I'll consider it a day off with pay. You've earned it. I have to admit you've been a really good worker."
"It would give me a chance to start looking for a place." Michael turned to leave when Maria ran after him.
"Michael wait."
"What is it? I really need to go."
"Michael are you upset with me?"
"I just don't want you going around telling everyone about my father. Look I really appreciate all you've done for me but you should just let me handle things from now on. I'm going to be busy with work and school so I really don't have time to do much else. I'm on my own."
"Michael."
"I need to leave. Bye Maria."
***
"So have you talked to Michael recently?" Liz asked. Liz and Alex were all gathered at Maria's locker during school.
"No he's avoiding me again. Every time I try and talk to him he says he's busy and has to go."
"He's not living at our house anymore. He found an apartment on First Ave," Liz informed her.
"Maybe I'll drop by his place."
"Maybe you should just let him go Maria."
"I can't do that Alex."
***
Michael continued being a stonewall and avoiding Maria the rest of the week. It was Friday night and Michael was sitting in front of his TV watching a hockey game when he heard a knock at the door. He stood up to answer the door.
"Maria I'm busy."
"It looks like your just watching a hockey game," Maria said pushing herself into his apartment.
"Maria it's not a good time."
"It's never a good time Michael. Just give me three minutes and if you want me to leave I will."
"Come on in." Michael reluctantly led Maria into his apartment.
"So this is where you live?"
"Yeah it's a dump but it's home."
"It has potential."
"No it doesn't. You have two minutes left Maria."
"Can you at least turn the TV off?"
"There's an important game on."
"Michael if your just gonna be an ass I'll leave."
Michael used the remote to turn the TV off. "Go ahead and talk."
"I know you're mad at me because I told Jeff about your father but he was going to see the bruises anyway. What were you planning on doing? Lying to him."
"It's worked before."
"Michael it wasn't your fault what happened and you have nothing to be ashamed of. No one going to pity you."
"Liz told me what her dad said about me and that you were sticking up for me. Well I don't need you to fight my battles. I can take care of myself. I have since I was a child."
"Well you didn't do a good job talking care of yourself that night you came to my room."
"I was alive wasn't I? It was a mistake to come."
"You can be mad at me all you want to Michael but I'm not sorry for what I said to Jeff. He had no right to say those things about you. He was just being so mean and I couldn't let him think those things about you Michael. I wanted him to see you like I do. I wanted him to see how wonderful you are even if you hate me for it. I just wanted to help. I want to be with you Michael but you keep pushing me away and it hurts."
Michael pulled himself closer to Maria on the couch and put his arm around her. "You're right I have been pushing you away. It's just I've been on my own for so long I don't want to depend on anyone."
"Michael I won't leave. I'm here for as long as you want." Michael held Maria closer. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to find somebody who cared about him and wanted him. Maria closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. After a while she finally opened her eyes and looked around the apartment.
"This place isn't a dump. It just needs a little cleaning. Do you have any cleaning supplies?"
"You've got to be kidding."
Maria got up out of Michael arms and walked toward the door. "Maria where are you going?" Michael asked upset to have Maria out of his arms.
"I'll be back in an hour. I'm going to the store and I'll be back to fix this place up."
"Maria you don't have to."
"I know but I like doing things for you."
***
Maria arrived back at the apartment two hours later. "Sorry it took longer than I expected. Can you help me unload the stuff out of my car?"
Michael carried in the items for her. He couldn't believe all the cleaning supplies she bought. Among the items were also curtains, bed sheets, shower curtains, washcloths and rubber gloves. Maria spent the rest of the day cleaning Michael's apartment while Michael watched TV. An irritated Maria walked over to Michael. "Could you at least help me hang the curtains?"
"Well if it's the least I can do." Maria swatted him on the arm.
"Ouch, I thought you liked doing things for me."
"I do, but I'm tired and disgusted. I've never seen so much dirt in my life."
Michael helped Maria hang the curtains. "Don't you think these curtains are a little to girly?" Michael asked.
"Did you pay for these curtains?"
"No."
"Then stop complaining Michael."
After Maria was finished she looked at her work and then collapsed on the sofa. "My back's killing me." Michael sat down on the sofa removing her feet off the sofa.
"Thanks. You know for cleaning this place up."
"Maybe you didn't hear me Michael. My back's killing me!"
"Yeah I heard you."
"Michael do I have to spell it out for you?"
"What?"
"I want a backrub," Maria whined.
"Oh you do huh? Well take off your shirt and I'll see what I can do," Michael smirked.
Michael was hit in the head by a pillow that Maria threw. "What?! I was kidding."
"Well if you don't want me to take my shirt off I won't," Maria smirked.
Michael eyes lit up as Maria started to remove her shirt unfortunately for him she had a tank top underneath. "Tease," Michael grinned at her. He almost stopped breathing when she removed the tank top. Maria was wearing a sheer black bra. After giving him an eyeful she got down on the floor and lay on her stomach.
"I'm ready for my back rub." Michael just continued staring at her. "What are you waiting for?" Maria asked after lying there for a few minutes. "Do you want me to put my shirt back on?"
"God no."
"Okay then get over here."
Michael sat down next to Maria and looked at her. She looked exhausted but beautiful. "Is it hot in here or is it just me?"
"Well if you're so hot why don't you remove your shirt?" Maria winked.
After taking his shirt off Michael started to rub her back.
"Ouch.
"Sorry was it too hard?
"Yeah. Rub a little softer."
"I've never down this before. Is that better?" Michael asked rubbing softly. Maria's eyes flew open as she felt her bra being unfastened.
"And what do you think you're doing Michael?"
"It makes it easier to rub your back."
Maria just laughed and closed her eyes again. Michael continued rubbing Maria's back for a long time. His heart started beating faster when he heard Maria moaning.
"Maria you better stop that or I won't be able to control myself."
"Who said I wanted you to control yourself?" Maria refastened her bra before sitting up next to Michael. They began kissing passionately. Michael groaned when Maria removed her tongue from his mouth.
"Oh my god Michael I've got to get home! My mom will kill me if I'm late for dinner. She just got back in town from a convention and I promised we'd go out. I've got to go." Maria quickly pulled her shirt back on. She gave Michael a quick kiss and ran out the door. Michael decided there was only one thing to do. He had to take a very long cold shower.
(A few days later)
Max heard a knock on the door and went to answer it. He was shocked to see Michael. "Maria's not here."
"I know actually I wondered if I could talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure. Mom's out shopping so we can talk in the family room. Do you want something to drink?" Max asked pointing to his soda.
"No thanks."
Max led Michael and they both sat down. Michael started to talk.
"I don't know how to ask you this but Liz never stops talking about how great you are and everything. Anyway I was just wondering if you could tell me how to be more romantic."
"What?" Max asked spitting out the coke he had been sipping.
"It's just Maria's been so great you know doing stuff for me and I know she wishes I was more romantic like you but I don't know how to be. So could you like give me pointers?"
"What exactly do you want to know?"
"You know I don't have much money since I started living on my own and everything but I wanted to take her someplace special and give her a proper date."
"You could give her a small gift when you pick her up. I usually give Liz flowers but you could pick her flowers that would still be romantic. And it's important that you open doors for her and help her sit down. Do you know how to dance?"
"No."
"Well you should learn because Maria loves to dance. You could probably take her to The Old Mill. It's not to fancy and they have a dance floor." Max stood up and went to turn the radio on.
"What are you doing?" Michael asked.
"I was going to teach you to dance."
"No offence Max but I don't think so."
"Look do you want to learn or not? I'm doing this for Maria."
Michael stood up and walked toward Max. "For a slow dance put one arm around Maria's waist and the other on her shoulder."
"Max there's no way I'm doing this."
"Come on Michael." Max said pulling him to stand next to him. "Just start stepping like this. I'll lead first."
"What is going on here?!" Amy yelled upon seeing Michael and Max dancing. Michael quickly flew away from Max.
"Gotta go," Michael said running out of the house as fast as he could.
***
"What time's Michael picking you up tonight?" Liz asked. Maria, Alex, and Liz where all in Maria's bedroom helping her get ready.
"In 20 minutes so I have to hurry. Liz I can't get my hair to look right!"
"What does it matter Maria it's going to get messed up anyway when he drives you on his motorcycle?" Alex asked.
"Actually he borrowed dad's car tonight since it's a special evening. I think dad feels guilty about sending Michael to live with Hank," Liz explained.
"Does this dress look alright on me?"
"Uh Maria don't you think it's a little revealing?" Alex asked looking at her black gown that was cut extremely low.
"Are you saying Michael won't like it?"
"Maria he'll love it but are you sure you want to be showing that much stuff?"
"They're called breasts Alex," Maria laughed.
Liz continued to help Maria fix her hair while Maria applied her makeup. Fifteen minutes later Amy knocked on the door to say Michael had arrived.
"Oh my god do I look alright? My hairs a mess my make-up looks awful maybe I should cancel."
"Why don't you sniff some of your cedar oil and calm down? You look beautiful. Michael will be in heaven when he sees you," Alex said.
"Thanks Alex." Maria slipped a shawl over her shoulders so her mom wouldn't see how low the dress dipped in the front. She finally calmed down and walked to the front room to see Michael standing there in a dress shirt and pants. Maria thought he looked hot.
"These are for you," Michael said handing Maria a handful of flowers.
"They're beautiful Michael thank you."
"It's not much I had to pick them myself. Are you ready to go?" Michael asked.
"Yes." Michael then put his arm around Maria and led her to the car. He opened the door for her just like Max had told him. When Maria and Michael got into the car Maria removed her shawl giving Michael his first real glimpse of her dress.
"Wow."
"Thanks Michael." The rest of the car ride was pretty quite. Both of them were nervous. They finally arrived at the restaurant and were seated. The waitress took both of their orders.
"You're so quiet tonight Maria."
"I nervous. I don't know why. It's just something new. It's the first time we've actually gone out without Max and Liz."
"Do you wish they were here?"
"No I like it better it just being us," Maria assured him.
After dinner Michael turned to Maria. "May I have this dance Maria?"
"I thought you didn't dance."
"I'm making an exception for tonight."
Michael led Maria to the dance floor and put his arm around her and his hand on her shoulder like Max had showed him. Maria could tell he was tense.
"Just relax Michael." Maria pulled him closer to her.
"Much better," Michael smiled.
"Thank you Michael it's been a perfect evening," Maria said snuggling up to Michael.
"You look really beautiful. And not just tonight."
"Thank you." Maria responded to the complement by giving him a quick kiss. He then proceed to pull her in for a much deeper kiss.
They were too busy making out on the dance floor to notice the two girls that had walked up behind them. The blonde cleared her voice breaking the couple apart.
"The music stopped playing. Hello Michael," the blonde said batting her eyelashes.
"Hey," Michael responded looking up to see Tess and his ex-girlfriend Isabel.
TBC...
Double Date Part 4
"Max!" Maria quickly grabbed the other edge of the comforter and covered her lower body. "Max what the hell are you doing in my room?"
"What am I doing? I came to make sure you were all right since I got home late. The question is what the hell is Michael doing in your bed?! Get out of here Michael now!"
"Would you at least turn around while I put my clothes on Max?" Michael asked.
"How dare you take advantage of my sister!" Max started to run toward Michael with his fist ready to pounce.
"Stop it Max!" Maria shouted.
Michael closed his eyes ready for Max's fist to make contact with his face but the punch never came. "What happened Michael?" Max asked after seeing his bruises.
"Look Max why don't you leave us alone for a few minutes and let us get dressed? We'll come out and talk to you in a minute."
"Fine. But no more touching my sister or else I'll hit you myself regardless of your physical state."
"Max drop the big brother act and wait for us in the kitchen," Maria said.
Max finally left Michael and Maria alone. "I'm sorry about Max. He had no right."
"I'm sorry I got you into this mess."
"I can take care of Max it's you I'm worried about. My friend Alex's dad is a lawyer. I think you should see him about what to do. You can't go back to your father. I won't let you. I care about you too much to let him ever hurt you again," Maria said kissing Michael.
"Your bother warned me not to touch you."
"It's not your fault I can't keep my hands off of you. We better get dressed before Max comes back in here. Wait you can't wear your old clothes they are stained in blood. I'll have to get something of Max's for you."
"Don't go to any trouble."
"As much as I'd like to see you walk around here naked Michael I don't think my brother would approve."
Maria dressed quickly and got Michael a pair of jeans and a shirt from Max's closet. She handed Michael the clothes and she went to grab her brush off her dresser. She turned around when she heard a moan.
"Are you alright Michael?"
"I'm still really sore."
"Do you need help?"
"No I'll manage."
"Michael there's nothing wrong with asking for help."
"Alright then do you think you could maybe help me?"
"It would be my pleasure."
Maria went over to Michael and gently helped ease the shirt over Michael's arms and then she helped him with his pants since he had trouble bending over.
"Are you ready to go talk to Max before he comes in here and kills you?" Maria asked Michael.
"Sure."
Michael and Maria walked into the kitchen. Max was sitting at the table eating cereal.
"Look Max it really isn't any of your business what happened last night but Michael got into a bit of trouble and he needed a place to sleep. Nothing happened."
"That's not what it looked like Maria. And Michael if you're in some sort of trouble how could you get Maria involved? What if whoever did this to you comes after Maria. Did you ever think of that? Or were you just too concerned with getting into my sister's pants?"
"Max stop it."
"Maria, leave me and Michael alone we need to have a little chat."
"No Max. You're not going to bully him."
"It's alright Maria. I can take care of myself." Maria reluctantly left Michael and Max alone after giving Michael a quick hug and her brother a dirty look.
"Sit down Michael," Max said as they both sat down at the kitchen table. "You might think I'm being too over protective Michael but since dad left it's up to me to be in charge around here. I don't want Maria to get hurt. I know you know about Rath and I don't want her to make the same mistakes with you. I wanted to thank you for what you did for her that night at the club when I wasn't there for her. That doesn't mean I ever want to see you and my sister together in bed ever again. Michael whatever kind of trouble you're in don't bring it here. Can you promise me Maria won't get hurt?"
"Maria won't get hurt. I guess you deserve to know the truth. It was my father who did this to me and he doesn't know anything about Maria. I would never let Maria get hurt because of me."
"That's good to know. I'm sorry about your father. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. I won't tell mom about this but if I find you in Maria's bed again I will."
"Fine."
Max and Michael finished their discussion and Michael went to find Maria.
"He didn't bully you did he?"
"No he just made me promise no to hurt you."
"Look it's Alex's dads day off and we should really go see him today. The earlier we do the sooner we can get you away from your dad.
Michael and Maria drove to Alex's house and had a talk with his father, Charles. His dad drew up papers to have Michael emancipated so he could live on his own. Charles made it clear Michael would have to agree to attend High School on a regular basis as well as continue working to help support himself.
It was Saturday night and Maria and Michael were scheduled to work at the Crashdown. They drove to work separately because Michael had a meeting with the judge. Maria had been working for a few minutes when Jeff Parker walked through the back doors he was talking to Liz. "I gave him a change Liz and he blew it! He's a screw-up!"
"Please dad, don't fire Michael."
"He was working here on a trial basis. He's late and I'm not going to put up with it. Michael needs to grow up and learn some responsibility."
Maria heard the whole argument and was enraged. She strolled over to Mr. Parker to give him a piece of her mind.
"For your information the reason Michael's late is because he is seeing a judge. I'm sure he just got held up."
Jeff looked over at Maria who had interrupted his conversation with Liz. "What kind of trouble did Michael get himself into now?"
"Michael is not a screw-up he is seeing a judge because he got hurt last night and it's because of you!"
"Look it's not my fault Michael got himself beat up by some punks. He probably got what he deserved."
"How dare you. I can't believe you lived with Michael for all that time and you know nothing about him! You don't understand how wonderful he is! Michael did not get beat up by a bunch of punks. He got beat up by his father! The man you sent him to live with almost killed him. I'm not going to listen to you bad mouth Michael when he almost died because of you!" Maria screamed through her tears.
"That's enough Maria," Maria turned around to see Michael had walked up behind her.
"Michael," Maria said stepping aside.
"I know I was late but it won't happen again," Michael said to Jeff.
"Michael your hurt," Liz said starting to hug him.
"So it's true what Maria said, your father did this to you?" Mr. Parker asked.
"Maria shouldn't have told you about that but yeah he did. I just came from a judge and I'm going to live on my own."
"Michael I'm really sorry your father did that to you. I didn't know he was abusive."
"Yeah well I kinda didn't want anyone to know."
"Do you have a place to stay Michael?" Liz asked.
"Not yet. I need to find someplace soon."
"Michael you can stay at our guest room until you find a place to live. Why don't you take the rest of the day off since you're not really up to working?"
"I can't afford it."
"I'll consider it a day off with pay. You've earned it. I have to admit you've been a really good worker."
"It would give me a chance to start looking for a place." Michael turned to leave when Maria ran after him.
"Michael wait."
"What is it? I really need to go."
"Michael are you upset with me?"
"I just don't want you going around telling everyone about my father. Look I really appreciate all you've done for me but you should just let me handle things from now on. I'm going to be busy with work and school so I really don't have time to do much else. I'm on my own."
"Michael."
"I need to leave. Bye Maria."
***
"So have you talked to Michael recently?" Liz asked. Liz and Alex were all gathered at Maria's locker during school.
"No he's avoiding me again. Every time I try and talk to him he says he's busy and has to go."
"He's not living at our house anymore. He found an apartment on First Ave," Liz informed her.
"Maybe I'll drop by his place."
"Maybe you should just let him go Maria."
"I can't do that Alex."
***
Michael continued being a stonewall and avoiding Maria the rest of the week. It was Friday night and Michael was sitting in front of his TV watching a hockey game when he heard a knock at the door. He stood up to answer the door.
"Maria I'm busy."
"It looks like your just watching a hockey game," Maria said pushing herself into his apartment.
"Maria it's not a good time."
"It's never a good time Michael. Just give me three minutes and if you want me to leave I will."
"Come on in." Michael reluctantly led Maria into his apartment.
"So this is where you live?"
"Yeah it's a dump but it's home."
"It has potential."
"No it doesn't. You have two minutes left Maria."
"Can you at least turn the TV off?"
"There's an important game on."
"Michael if your just gonna be an ass I'll leave."
Michael used the remote to turn the TV off. "Go ahead and talk."
"I know you're mad at me because I told Jeff about your father but he was going to see the bruises anyway. What were you planning on doing? Lying to him."
"It's worked before."
"Michael it wasn't your fault what happened and you have nothing to be ashamed of. No one going to pity you."
"Liz told me what her dad said about me and that you were sticking up for me. Well I don't need you to fight my battles. I can take care of myself. I have since I was a child."
"Well you didn't do a good job talking care of yourself that night you came to my room."
"I was alive wasn't I? It was a mistake to come."
"You can be mad at me all you want to Michael but I'm not sorry for what I said to Jeff. He had no right to say those things about you. He was just being so mean and I couldn't let him think those things about you Michael. I wanted him to see you like I do. I wanted him to see how wonderful you are even if you hate me for it. I just wanted to help. I want to be with you Michael but you keep pushing me away and it hurts."
Michael pulled himself closer to Maria on the couch and put his arm around her. "You're right I have been pushing you away. It's just I've been on my own for so long I don't want to depend on anyone."
"Michael I won't leave. I'm here for as long as you want." Michael held Maria closer. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to find somebody who cared about him and wanted him. Maria closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. After a while she finally opened her eyes and looked around the apartment.
"This place isn't a dump. It just needs a little cleaning. Do you have any cleaning supplies?"
"You've got to be kidding."
Maria got up out of Michael arms and walked toward the door. "Maria where are you going?" Michael asked upset to have Maria out of his arms.
"I'll be back in an hour. I'm going to the store and I'll be back to fix this place up."
"Maria you don't have to."
"I know but I like doing things for you."
***
Maria arrived back at the apartment two hours later. "Sorry it took longer than I expected. Can you help me unload the stuff out of my car?"
Michael carried in the items for her. He couldn't believe all the cleaning supplies she bought. Among the items were also curtains, bed sheets, shower curtains, washcloths and rubber gloves. Maria spent the rest of the day cleaning Michael's apartment while Michael watched TV. An irritated Maria walked over to Michael. "Could you at least help me hang the curtains?"
"Well if it's the least I can do." Maria swatted him on the arm.
"Ouch, I thought you liked doing things for me."
"I do, but I'm tired and disgusted. I've never seen so much dirt in my life."
Michael helped Maria hang the curtains. "Don't you think these curtains are a little to girly?" Michael asked.
"Did you pay for these curtains?"
"No."
"Then stop complaining Michael."
After Maria was finished she looked at her work and then collapsed on the sofa. "My back's killing me." Michael sat down on the sofa removing her feet off the sofa.
"Thanks. You know for cleaning this place up."
"Maybe you didn't hear me Michael. My back's killing me!"
"Yeah I heard you."
"Michael do I have to spell it out for you?"
"What?"
"I want a backrub," Maria whined.
"Oh you do huh? Well take off your shirt and I'll see what I can do," Michael smirked.
Michael was hit in the head by a pillow that Maria threw. "What?! I was kidding."
"Well if you don't want me to take my shirt off I won't," Maria smirked.
Michael eyes lit up as Maria started to remove her shirt unfortunately for him she had a tank top underneath. "Tease," Michael grinned at her. He almost stopped breathing when she removed the tank top. Maria was wearing a sheer black bra. After giving him an eyeful she got down on the floor and lay on her stomach.
"I'm ready for my back rub." Michael just continued staring at her. "What are you waiting for?" Maria asked after lying there for a few minutes. "Do you want me to put my shirt back on?"
"God no."
"Okay then get over here."
Michael sat down next to Maria and looked at her. She looked exhausted but beautiful. "Is it hot in here or is it just me?"
"Well if you're so hot why don't you remove your shirt?" Maria winked.
After taking his shirt off Michael started to rub her back.
"Ouch.
"Sorry was it too hard?
"Yeah. Rub a little softer."
"I've never down this before. Is that better?" Michael asked rubbing softly. Maria's eyes flew open as she felt her bra being unfastened.
"And what do you think you're doing Michael?"
"It makes it easier to rub your back."
Maria just laughed and closed her eyes again. Michael continued rubbing Maria's back for a long time. His heart started beating faster when he heard Maria moaning.
"Maria you better stop that or I won't be able to control myself."
"Who said I wanted you to control yourself?" Maria refastened her bra before sitting up next to Michael. They began kissing passionately. Michael groaned when Maria removed her tongue from his mouth.
"Oh my god Michael I've got to get home! My mom will kill me if I'm late for dinner. She just got back in town from a convention and I promised we'd go out. I've got to go." Maria quickly pulled her shirt back on. She gave Michael a quick kiss and ran out the door. Michael decided there was only one thing to do. He had to take a very long cold shower.
(A few days later)
Max heard a knock on the door and went to answer it. He was shocked to see Michael. "Maria's not here."
"I know actually I wondered if I could talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure. Mom's out shopping so we can talk in the family room. Do you want something to drink?" Max asked pointing to his soda.
"No thanks."
Max led Michael and they both sat down. Michael started to talk.
"I don't know how to ask you this but Liz never stops talking about how great you are and everything. Anyway I was just wondering if you could tell me how to be more romantic."
"What?" Max asked spitting out the coke he had been sipping.
"It's just Maria's been so great you know doing stuff for me and I know she wishes I was more romantic like you but I don't know how to be. So could you like give me pointers?"
"What exactly do you want to know?"
"You know I don't have much money since I started living on my own and everything but I wanted to take her someplace special and give her a proper date."
"You could give her a small gift when you pick her up. I usually give Liz flowers but you could pick her flowers that would still be romantic. And it's important that you open doors for her and help her sit down. Do you know how to dance?"
"No."
"Well you should learn because Maria loves to dance. You could probably take her to The Old Mill. It's not to fancy and they have a dance floor." Max stood up and went to turn the radio on.
"What are you doing?" Michael asked.
"I was going to teach you to dance."
"No offence Max but I don't think so."
"Look do you want to learn or not? I'm doing this for Maria."
Michael stood up and walked toward Max. "For a slow dance put one arm around Maria's waist and the other on her shoulder."
"Max there's no way I'm doing this."
"Come on Michael." Max said pulling him to stand next to him. "Just start stepping like this. I'll lead first."
"What is going on here?!" Amy yelled upon seeing Michael and Max dancing. Michael quickly flew away from Max.
"Gotta go," Michael said running out of the house as fast as he could.
***
"What time's Michael picking you up tonight?" Liz asked. Maria, Alex, and Liz where all in Maria's bedroom helping her get ready.
"In 20 minutes so I have to hurry. Liz I can't get my hair to look right!"
"What does it matter Maria it's going to get messed up anyway when he drives you on his motorcycle?" Alex asked.
"Actually he borrowed dad's car tonight since it's a special evening. I think dad feels guilty about sending Michael to live with Hank," Liz explained.
"Does this dress look alright on me?"
"Uh Maria don't you think it's a little revealing?" Alex asked looking at her black gown that was cut extremely low.
"Are you saying Michael won't like it?"
"Maria he'll love it but are you sure you want to be showing that much stuff?"
"They're called breasts Alex," Maria laughed.
Liz continued to help Maria fix her hair while Maria applied her makeup. Fifteen minutes later Amy knocked on the door to say Michael had arrived.
"Oh my god do I look alright? My hairs a mess my make-up looks awful maybe I should cancel."
"Why don't you sniff some of your cedar oil and calm down? You look beautiful. Michael will be in heaven when he sees you," Alex said.
"Thanks Alex." Maria slipped a shawl over her shoulders so her mom wouldn't see how low the dress dipped in the front. She finally calmed down and walked to the front room to see Michael standing there in a dress shirt and pants. Maria thought he looked hot.
"These are for you," Michael said handing Maria a handful of flowers.
"They're beautiful Michael thank you."
"It's not much I had to pick them myself. Are you ready to go?" Michael asked.
"Yes." Michael then put his arm around Maria and led her to the car. He opened the door for her just like Max had told him. When Maria and Michael got into the car Maria removed her shawl giving Michael his first real glimpse of her dress.
"Wow."
"Thanks Michael." The rest of the car ride was pretty quite. Both of them were nervous. They finally arrived at the restaurant and were seated. The waitress took both of their orders.
"You're so quiet tonight Maria."
"I nervous. I don't know why. It's just something new. It's the first time we've actually gone out without Max and Liz."
"Do you wish they were here?"
"No I like it better it just being us," Maria assured him.
After dinner Michael turned to Maria. "May I have this dance Maria?"
"I thought you didn't dance."
"I'm making an exception for tonight."
Michael led Maria to the dance floor and put his arm around her and his hand on her shoulder like Max had showed him. Maria could tell he was tense.
"Just relax Michael." Maria pulled him closer to her.
"Much better," Michael smiled.
"Thank you Michael it's been a perfect evening," Maria said snuggling up to Michael.
"You look really beautiful. And not just tonight."
"Thank you." Maria responded to the complement by giving him a quick kiss. He then proceed to pull her in for a much deeper kiss.
They were too busy making out on the dance floor to notice the two girls that had walked up behind them. The blonde cleared her voice breaking the couple apart.
"The music stopped playing. Hello Michael," the blonde said batting her eyelashes.
"Hey," Michael responded looking up to see Tess and his ex-girlfriend Isabel.
TBC...