Chapter 8

Sully was left behind. He just stood there, frozen and couldn't believe this was happening.

He had just found his soul mate and now she was telling him they couldn't be together. Why was this happening? All because of Abigail! Sully was getting angry at her. He wanted to go to her and set her straight.

While walking away his cell phone rang with a text message. It was Daniel. "Tomorrow you're coming with us, pick you up at 9."

Sully still had anger in him and called his friend back. "I can't Daniel, have to fix something. And you know I don't like clubs."

"Come one Sully, this time everyone is going, even that workaholic, Abby's roommate, is coming along."

Sully was confused, "You mean Michaela?" He had to have a confirmation. "You know her?" Daniel asked.

"Met her a few times at the center", Sully lied. "I'll come along Daniel, see you tomorrow." In his head he was making plans already. He had to convince Michaela and Abigail that there was only one girl in his life.

Rebecca picked up her sister at the center. "I thought you were riding with Sully today?"

"Something came up," Michaela answered curtly, not wanting to talk about it.

"You two spend allot of time together, don't you?" Rebecca inquired.

"Not anymore," Michaela mumbled.

"Sorry?" Rebecca hadn't heard clearly.

Michaela rephrased her answer, "Not that much, he works at the center, too. He wants to invent machines to help people with their disabilities or make their daily life a bit easier."

"He's a good boy, hard worker," Rebecca said. "Maybe you can invite him over for tea on Sunday, the boys would like that too. Sully took them a few times to a baseball game. He's good with kids." Rebecca stated.

Michaela would have loved to know more about him, anytime, but not now, not after what happened today. She had to get him out of her mind and this wasn't helping at all. "Do you mind if we talk about something else?"

Rebecca had noticed that Michaela was more silent then usual. But she didn't want to push her into talking so she dropped the subject.

"Any plans this weekend? Maybe we can have a girl's day like we used to have?" Rebecca wanted to lighten the mood a bit.

Michaela smiled, thinking back of the evenings they spent giggling, watching romantic movies, doing each others nails and hair. "I would love that but the girls want me to go to some club with them. They practically forced me," she rolled her eyes.

"Isn't that a good sign?" Rebecca asked. "They want you to join because they like you."

"I guess Michaela sighed. "I don't even know what to wear to such a club."

Rebecca patted her leg, "We'll find something, don't worry."

Saturday evening was there quicker than Michaela had hoped. All day she wanted to pick up the phone and cancel. She wasn't in the mood to party, not after yesterday. And then there was the wardrobe thing; she was getting frustrated. She picked up the phone and called Dorothy to ask if jeans and a top would do. Dorothy immediately told Michaela not to move, she would come to her rescue.

A few minutes later the girls sat in Michaela's room. "You've never been to a club?" Dorothy asked.

Michaela shook her head, "No, it's not really my kind of thing."

"I'm sure you will like it. Do you like to dance?" Dorothy enquired.

"I did ballet since I was four. My carrier choice was either doctor or ballerina. I used to have my ballerina clothes in a doctors bag. That way I could combine the two." Michaela blushed.

"I doubt dancing on your toes will be appropriate," Dorothy laughed.

Both fell into a laughing spell and didn't hear the knock on the door. It opened and Rebecca looked into the room, "May I interrupt?"

"Of course; come in," Michaela was still giggling.

"There is someone here for you," Rebecca stepped aside and Myra walked forward.

"Hello," Myra said.

Michaela was shocked and didn't know how to act.

"Good you're here! Myra is great with the make-up. That's why I asked her to come," Dorothy said excited.

Michaela couldn't say anything. Myra knew why she was acting like this and walked towards her. Michaela didn't dare to look at her. "It's ok Mike, don't worry."

"It's not Myra, I…" Michaela wanted to explain herself.

"I haven't said anything to Abby. I think it's great you two are a couple," Myra continued.

Dorothy had no idea what they were talking about. "I should have told someone about it." Michaela shook her head with tears in her eyes. She added, "I never meant to hurt anyone. I feel terrible."

"Can anyone please fill me in?" Dorothy was lost.

"Please let me explain, this way you both know what happened." Michaela started with how she had met Sully, but didn't know it was him. She explained to them she had never felt anything like this before.

Her friends could see it in her eyes and hear it in the way she talked about Sully. Michaela was in love. The kind of love that only happens once in your life.

"But it's over, we broke up yesterday. I don't want to hurt people, Abigail is my friend. What's more important than friendship?" Michaela looked sad.

Myra and Dorothy were quiet for a few minutes. Then Dorothy got up from her chair and walked over to Michaela. She gave her a hug, "Abigail can call herself lucky to have a friend like you!"

A tear rolled down Michaela's cheek.

"Hey, you can't choose the one you fall in love with, it just happens", Myra interrupted. "When I saw you two that afternoon it was like watching a fire burn. You two are made for each other."

"Why does it have to be so complicated? Why do people have to choose between love and friendship?" Michaela sighed.

Dorothy still had her arm around Michaela's shoulder and comforted her, "We'll talk to Abigail soon and get this all sorted out. Don't worry about her or Sully tonight. We're going to have some fun tonight. Let's get you ready."

Michaela still felt the hurt in her heart but didn't let it show. The girls were so nice trying to cheer her up. Myra was chatting away about their evening to come while making curls in Michaela's hair. Dorothy laid some clothes on the bed and made some combinations. She held up a black skirt and a purple top without sleeves and a high neck.

Michaela was amazed, "Is that a skirt?"

"I guess that's a 'no'," Myra chuckled while pinning up the sides of Michaela's hair.

Dorothy held up another black skirt which was a bit longer. "So this will be your skirt then."

Michaela still thought it was too short but the girls convinced her although Michaela insisted on wearing black panties. There were two more options for the tops. One black with glitters and a green strapless-top.

"Try the green one," Dorothy advised.

Michaela went to the bathroom and put on her outfit. As she came out she immediately began, "Sorry girls, this isn't me," and wanted to walk back to change again.

Dorothy stopped her and dragged her in front of the mirror. She grabbed a black bolero. "Here try this, it will cover a bit. Not that you need to cover up anything with that body! You look gorgeous!"

"I don't know," Michaela hesitated.

That moment Rebecca came in, "Wow, you girls look stunning! Michaela, that outfit suits you. And the curls! They are great; you should do that more often."

"Are you sure?" Michaela was pulling at the top again.

"Of course! You girls will turn a lot of boys' heads tonight. Oh, I almost forgot, your friend, Grace, is here to pick you up," Rebecca continued. "And if you need a ride home, just call. It doesn't matter what time it is."

"Thanks," Michaela kissed her sister's cheek and followed Myra and Dorothy downstairs, heading towards an evening she wouldn't forget.

The club was crowded and Dorothy held Michaela's hand so she wouldn't get behind.

After pushing their way trough the crowd they saw some familiar faces. Michaela only recognized Abigail who was dancing with a boy that Michaela didn't know. When Abby spotted them, she came towards them while still dancing and jumping.

She threw her arms around Myra's neck. "You won't believe who's here!" Abigail was excited.

Myra looked around but didn't see anyone special.

Dorothy, Grace and Michaela walked to Robert E. who was now accompanied by the boy who had been dancing with Abigail. Grace introduced him. "Daniel - Michaela, Michaela – Daniel."

"Nice to meet you," Michaela shook his hand.

Daniel couldn't speak. This was Abby's roommate! He thought she looked different. He was mesmerized by her. Michaela drew back her hand and didn't notice Daniel was still watching her. She was looking around the club. It was huge, three stories, a podium in the middle and at least ten bars.

"Great, isn't it?" Grace spoke.

Michaela was amazed and still didn't notice Daniel staring at her, but it didn't go by unnoticed to Abigail. She was smiling. Nudging Myra she said, "See, I told you they would be a perfect match."

"I doubt that," Myra said quietly.

Robert E. came back with drinks. Myra saw Sully walking behind him. "So, that was the one Abby was talking about," she thought.

She noticed how Sully's eyes were drawn to Michaela. But before their eyes met Michaela was dragged to the dance floor by Abigail. Daniel followed them, still amazed by this new girl in the group.

Although Michaela didn't want to dance right away she was having a good time. Abigail was singing along with the song and was making turns. Daniel stood behind Michaela, and when she turned around he took her hand and wanted to hold her by the waist.

Sully was watching this scene in front of him and saw the look in Daniel's eyes. He knew that look. Sully could feel the anger rising inside of him but had to control himself and clenched his jaw.

"She looks great, doesn't she?" Dorothy said.

Sully was still focused on what was going on at the dance floor and only nodded.

"How come you are here, Sully?" Dorothy questioned.

Sully didn't answer. He saw Michaela stepping away from Daniel; she didn't accept his advances. His heart became a bit lighter.

"Sorry, what did you say?" Sully said absentmindedly.

"Oh nothing," Dorothy got her answer just by looking at him.

The music became a bit faster and Daniel suggested they would get a drink. Abigail was still dancing and pointed to them that they should go without her. In no time she had two boys dancing around her. She loved the attention.

When Michaela and Daniel walked toward their friends he wanted to hold her hand, but she never took it. There was only one boy who was allowed to do that, Sully. She had been thinking of him all day. What would he be doing right now? When they arrived at the table she was frozen at the spot. There he was standing right in front of her, looking at her with a shine in his eyes.

"What are you doing here?" She was astonished. He looked even more handsome than she remembered. He wore a blue shirt which made his eyes stand out even more.

Before Sully could answer her question, Daniel was at her side again with some water. She took the drink and looked away from Sully.

When Michaela wanted to talk to Sully, she saw Abigail pulling on his arm, "Dance with me, Sully," Abby was begging.

"Abby, you know I can't dance that well," Sully pulled back his arm. "Maybe later," Abigail had hope.

"We'll join you," Daniel proposed.

But Michaela didn't want to leave Sully. "I'll sit this one out" she said. While the others walked towards the dance floor, Sully closed the distance to Michaela.

"Hey," he said close to her ear.

Michaela looked in his eyes and didn't know what to do. She was happy he was here. She'd longed to speak to him all day, but not in front of all the others, especially Abigail. She looked around whether someone noticed them. Yet all their friends were either having a conversation or dancing. When Sully wanted to touch her she stopped him. "We can't; not here." "But Michaela, we have to talk about this."

"We will Sully, just not now." Michaela wanted nothing more than to go with him and talk things trough.

"I can't stand not being around you, even if it's only for one day," Sully wanted to let her know he wasn't giving up on her.

"Please Sully."

Sully didn't want to push more; he knew she wanted it, too. "Take your time Michaela, I'll be here."

With that he left her alone and walked towards Robert E. Both, Michaela and Sully hadn't noticed Hank was observing them. He saw there was more going on than everyone thought.

Dorothy also saw Sully leaving and joined Michaela. "Are you having a good time?" She didn't wait for an answer. "I'm surprised to see Sully here; he's usually not the one for parties." Dorothy pointed out.

"Neither am I," Michaela said.

"Then it must be fate," Dorothy smiled.

Michaela blushed. "Do you think so?"

"I know so, the way he looks at you, never seen anyone with more love in his eyes. And you are as bad as he is." Dorothy winked.

"It could never work," Michaela looked over to Abby.

"Does she look like she wouldn't get over you and Sully?" Dorothy questioned. They both watched her dancing and having fun with the guys around her. "They are just friends, and she knows it. Sully doesn't want more than friendship. She tried before but he'd made it perfectly clear that he doesn't want a relationship with her."

Michaela hadn't known all this. She felt stupid because she had ended things with Sully before they talked about it.

"Abigail knew that sooner or later a girl would come who would turn Sully's world upside down. It's just a coincidence that you two are roommates," Dorothy added.

"Aren't you gonna introduce me to your friend?" they were suddenly interrupted.

Dorothy rolled her eyes. "Michaela, this is Hank. He and Jake," she pointed towards another boy, "are in business school. They want to start a hotel together."

"Interesting," Michaela said, but her mind was still with Sully. She had to find him.

"Not just a hotel. We want a casino, too," Hank bragged. "And for a pretty thing like you we always have a job", he winked.

"No, thank you. I'll stick with my plan," Michaela answered.

"The offer stands," Hank was still trying to get her attention.

Sully was watching from a distance again; he couldn't keep his eyes off of Michaela. She looked amazing tonight. And he loved how she first brushed off Daniel and now Hank. He was grinning inwardly. When he saw her looking around like she was searching for something he took a step forward. Their eyes met and she smiled. It was him she was looking for.

The night went by quickly, and Michaela and Sully had a great time. Even Sully danced. How could he resist Michaela's pleading eyes? The songs were getting softer; the majority of the crowd was going home. Abigail was dancing with Daniel again. Sully stood behind Michaela when the perfect song came on. At first he didn't want to surprise her by turning her around and dance with her. But he just couldn't let this opportunity go by. The song was slowly progressing. He took her by the waist and made her turn so she could see his eyes.

It was as if this song was made for them.

I could hold you for a million years, to make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet, but I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

She stepped closer to him and put her arms around his neck.

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue I'd go crawling down the avenue No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do to make you feel my love

Dorothy and Grace watched what happened. They saw that these two belonged together.

The storms are raging on the rolling sea and on the highway of regret
Though winds of change are throwing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet

The couple was wrapped up in its own world.

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love

The song came slowly to an end. Michaela and Sully parted but he kept holding her hand. Everyone was ready to go home. Abigail still had her arms around Daniel and hadn't noticed the interacting between her roommate and her friend.

"Come on, let's go," Robert E. gathered everyone together. The whole bunch was walking towards the exit. They were discussing who would bring whom home. Sully and Michaela were walking in the back.

"It doesn't seem to bother Abby that much that I was dancing with you," Michaela noticed.

"I doubt she saw it, otherwise she wouldn't be that calm. Trust me," Sully said.

"We still have to talk to her about us," Michaela sighed.

"So there is still an us?" Sully smiled.

"I was such a fool, Sully. It's clear to me now. I can't choose between you two."

"Would you go with me? I want to show you something," Sully asked.

"I really should go home."

"Please?" He looked her deep in the eyes. How could she say no to this? She nodded yes.

"Hey lovebirds, do ya need a ride?"

Lovebirds? Abigail turned around to see who Hank was addressing. It wasn't possible, Michaela and Sully!! Abby needed to steady herself. "No you are wrong!!! Mike would have told me. She and Sully! No way!!" she shouted.