Chapter 4

Abigail had already left for the weekend. It was better this way, otherwise she would have seen the smile on Michaela's face. This smile looked like it was stuck there and would never come off. Michaela couldn't help it or even explain why she couldn't stop smiling since she had left the park. She dismissed the feeling though by telling herself she was happy that it was almost weekend. While taking off her coat, she was looking for her cell phone. Walking towards the table she dialed her sisters number. "Hello, it's me. Could you pick me up a bit later tomorrow? I have to go to a job interview. It's near the campus."

She heard nothing at first. "Rebecca?"

"Sorry Mike, Eric was asking me something. What time is your interview?" "Don't know yet. I will know tonight or tomorrow morning."

Rebecca replied hastily, "That's ok Hun, just call me in time and I'll pick you up… Eric, I told you I'll be right with you! … Sorry but I have to go, there are some boys who want my attention. Sleep well and I see you tomorrow. Bye!"

Michaela smiled again. It seemed like everything was working out nicely. She had a great roommate, met some nice friends, had her sister close and hopefully tomorrow she would have a job.

And there was something else that grabbed her mind's attention again. Byron. Thinking of his blue eyes, the long hair and his smile made her stomach feel things it never felt before.
Gathering her clothes and books for studying, she was checking her cell phone a few times. What was she doing? "I begin to look like Abigail," she sighed, rolling her eyes.
He'd said he would let her know what time they would meet. Oh well, she thought to her herself. If he wouldn't call, she'd go alone. She was determined to get this job.

Finishing up she got ready to take a shower. In the shower she noticed that her knee was turning blue but her ankle was feeling much better. She made a mental note to put some ointment on her knee later.
Walking around in her pajamas to make herself a cup of tea she watched the clock. It was just the right time for her favorite show: Gilmore Girls.
During the commercial break, she noticed that her cell phone was flickering. "Oh no, maybe he called while I was in the shower," she feared. Quickly opening her phone she saw one message by an unknown number. Opening the text she smiled, reading, "How's your knee? Is 1:30 alright?"

He hadn't forgotten her; her heart made a tiny jump. It was almost 10.00 now. Was it too late to call? No, she had to confirm their meeting. She should send a text to him as well, this way it wouldn't be too disturbing if he was asleep. "Knee is blue :(… 1.30 is fine. Where will we meet? Greetings."

Greetings… should she sent greetings? Eventually she deleted the word, without greetings it was fine. "Sent," she sighed.

Not expecting to get a reply tonight, she jumped at the beeping sound. "Good, let's meet at the place where we first met, sleep well!"

While reading, Michaela's cheeks became red. Angry with herself, she wondered why she was blushing; after all, he's just a boy. Should she send something back? No, it was okay this way she decided and returned to watching Gilmore Girls.

Sully was a bit early but didn't mind. Here was his favorite place at campus. Sitting cross-legged on the trunk he closed his eyes. His thoughts wandered to the same thing that had been haunting him since yesterday. It happened on this same spot. "Michaela", he silently moved his lips. What a beautiful name. It fitted her perfectly. The way she smiled, those mismatched eyes, the long brown hair. He could picture her in front of him.

Looking up to the sun, he opened his eyes. He saw someone walking towards him. Because of the sunlight still stinging his eyes, he could only see the silhouette for a moment. He blinked and saw it was her. She was even more beautiful than his mind had remembered. He had never felt like this before, why was this girl so different from all the others? Luckily he had some time to get to know her better.
While waving to him, she was worrying why he was watching her that closely. Was the outfit she'd picked out wrong? This morning she had been debating with herself about what to wear. She wanted to leave a good impression at the center. Maybe subconsciously, also a bit for Byron.

"Hello, have you been waiting long? I am not late, am I?", she asked nervously, checking her watch.

"No you aren't, lets go." He got up and stood beside her.
During the walk Michaela found out he wasn't that much of a talker. She was the one with all the questions and learned that he also went to the Colorado Springs college. He lived with his brother and mother. His brother worked at the center and his mom was a nurse at the hospital.

The walk was just a short one to get to know more about each other. Sully wished he would have more time. A few things he did find out; she was from Boston and was determined to become a doctor like her father.
When they almost left the park, Michaela saw a beautiful tree lane. On both sides were meadows filled with animals, cherry and apple trees. Michaela was fascinated with what she saw. It was so peaceful. At the end of the lane she saw a beautiful building with a big white porch, stairs in the middle which let to an oak-wooden double door. On the left there was a swing, at the right a bench. The windows were small and had green shutters on each side. The top level had three chapel roofs and a chimney. The house was surrounded with colorful flowers. You could see that the people who lived here took real good care of it.

"Is that the center?" she asked.

Sully looked at her and saw the shine in her eyes. "Yep, it is".

Michaela just stood there taking it all in. She'd never seen something like this.

"Come on, you can see it better when you are closer," he laughed.

"It's beautiful."

Sully was already walking a bit ahead when she noticed he held out his hand to her. Hesitating she took it, and they walked like this until they reached the house.
When they were almost there, a dog came running toward them. Sully let go of her hand and crouched down, "Hey boy, did ya miss me?"

But the dog didn't pay much attention to him and walked towards Michaela. "And who are you?" she wondered, looking down at the animal.

"This is Wolf," Sully explained.

"The name suits you, you look like one," she scratched the dog behind the ears.

"It's a Malamute," Sully explained.

Wolf seemed to like her.
Michaela was about to climb up the stairs but she was held back. This little touch made her tingle. Why was she reacting this way?

"We'll go around the back," Sully said.

Wolf led the way and they followed.
The garden was as beautiful as the building. A big walkway surrounded the house where people in wheelchairs and with crutches could go around easily. There where paths that led to different sides. The house sat on an extra large lot; she couldn't see how far it stretched. It amazed her. Yes, she'd lived in a big house in Boston but this, this was marvelous.

Sully opened the back door and held it open for her. She walked in first and felt a hand on her back. It didn't feel uncomfortable. Usually she didn't like it when people came too close. The door was already closed behind them but she could still feel the warmth. Sully didn't know why he was still lingering with his hand. But it felt right.
A man in a wheelchair approached them. He had short, dark hair and blue eyes which reminded Michaela of someone. "Who did you bring, little brother?"

Sully rolled his eyes. "Michaela, may I introduce, my brother Alex."

"Nice to meet you."

They shook hands. "Whom do I have to talk to?" Michaela asked. "I want to volunteer."

"You found the right man." Alex smiled.

She looked at Sully who only nodded. "I'll get us something to drink."

"It was Michaela, right?" Sully's brother made sure.

"Yes; but if you want you can call me Mike."

"Ok Mike, how can I help you?"

She explained that she loved to do volunteer work and to learn a lot. The talk went smoothly and she felt at ease. It didn't take long before they settled when she would start.

After she saw the rest of the center and completed the tour, Michaela remembered that she had to call Rebecca. "Oh dear, I forgot," she exclaimed.

"What's wrong?" Alex asked.

"I had to call my sister; she would pick me up."

"Where must you go?"

"Hudson Street."

"Don't worry, Sully can give you a lift. We live in the area."

Sully? Did he say Sully? Michaela's mind was silently making overtime.

"Hey Sully, can you come here for a moment? Can you drop Mike off at her sister's?"

There, it wasn't a mistake; she'd heard correctly. Her face became pale. "Michaela, are you alright?" Alex was concerned.

"I'm fine, I just need some fresh air."

Sully wanted to help her stand so he could help her go outside.

"I said I am fine," she snapped and ran towards the door. How could she feel like this, why was he so nice to her? How could she think there was something between them? He had a girlfriend, her roommate!

Michaela couldn't breathe. Sully ran after her and saw her holding on to the porch banister, breathing heavily.

"Slow down, try to take slow breaths."

She felt his hand on her shoulder. Why did it still feel so good? She couldn't do this and wanted to walk away again.

"Go, sit down. I'll get you some water."

Her breathing became more regular. "No I'm fine. I just want to call my sister."

He touched her shoulder. "I can take you; it's no problem."

"No, my sister doesn't mind. I have to get my things at the dorm. Goodbye."

She couldn't be around him any longer.