When they arrived at Marcie's dorm room, she looked around uneasily. "I'm gonna go take a shower."
Michael smiled. "Mind if I join you?" He asked with a gleam in his eye. He'd meant it as a joke, but seeing Marcie smile warmed his heart.
He was sitting on the bed waiting for her when she emerged from the shower, wearing a light blue bathrobe. He held out his arms and she melted against them, snuggling against his chest. He could hear her sobbing as he held her close, rocking her back and forth.
She pulled away, and wiped the tears from her face.
"Michael, I'll understand if you want to leave."
His smile disappeared and he touched her face. "Marcie, no. Why would you say that?"
She began to sob again. "T-those awful things I said to you on the radio. You must hate me. I know I hurt you so badly."
"Oh baby..." Michael said, his heart aching. "No, I could never hate you in a million years."
"But what about..."
"Haver made you do that, right?" Michael asked.
Marcie nodded, barely able to speak.
Michael smiled. "Sweetie, it's okay. I know you didn't mean it."
"I-I didn't mean any of it, really. I-I'm so sorry." Marcie said, kissing him tenderly
"I'm the one who's sorry. It's my fault." Michael said.
"No... Michael."
"If I hadn't been so stupid... You were trying to call me, and I never showed up and then I didn't even bother to check my voice mail. Oh God, if Haver had... I don't think I could go on living without you."
"Michael..." Marcie said, kissing him.
Suddenly, Michael remembered something. "Honey, I need to go out for a little while." He said as he picked up his cell phone.
Marcie began to panic. "Michael don't-."
"It's okay." Michael said, kissing her. "I won't leave you alone."
He walked into the hallway, holding the cell phone. Marcie looked at him curiously, wondering what he was doing. When he came back in, he sat the phone on her dresser and took her in his arms.
Ten minutes later there was a knock on her door. Marcie looked up, startled.
"I'll get that." Michael said, smiling.
"Hey Sis."
Marcie gasped, smiling at the sight of her brother. He ran over to her and hugged her tightly.
"I'll be right back." Michael said, kissing Marcie on the head. He left the room, closing the door behind him.
Ron guided Marcie over to the bed. "I can't believe that maniac terrorized you twice."
Ron's words made Marcie fear the worst. "What if he tries to come back again?"
"That's not gonna happen." Ron said, stroking her hair.
"You don't know that, Ron, I mean what if-."
"Haver's dead." Ron said.
Marcie was shocked. "What?"
"John and Michael saved your life. Haver was going to blow the whole school to bits." Ron said.
"I-I could have died." Marcie said, shuddering at the thought.
"But you didn't." Ron said. "And I'll be forever grateful to John and Michael."
Ron smiled when Michael opened the door, holding the bouquet of roses. He laid the flowers down on the chair and glanced at the bed. Marcie was sleeping soundly, snuggled against the pillows.
"She's so beautiful." Michael said to Ron.
"Yeah." Ron said, kissing Marcie's cheek. "She sure is."
"Thanks, Ron." Michael said, extending his hand. Ron smiled and hugged Michael instead.
"Thank you for saving my sister's life... twice." Ron said.
Michael smiled. "I'd do it a million times if I had to." Michael said.
Ron left the room, closing the door behind him.
Michael smiled, watching Marcie sleep. He took off his shoes and walked over to the bed. Marcie lay on her side and he climbed into bed with her. Trying not to disturb her, he put his arms around her and held her gently. He could hear her sigh as she snuggled into his arms. He kissed her softly on the cheek before they drifted off to sleep.