Dr Loomis had just reached the door to the room he was staying in, when something caused him to turn back. Michael had stopped just outside Danielle's door, his eyes fixed on something. As the doctor looked at him, he saw it. Slowly but surely, anger was beginning to build in Michael's eyes once more.
"Hey Michael," Dr Loomis touched his patient's shoulder. "What is it?"
Silently, Michael held up his phone, and Dr Loomis saw the text message on the screen.
I love you, Michael. Don't ever, ever forget that.
Clearly, it was a text Colin had sent Michael just before the attack. Dr Loomis didn't know why this caused Michael such anger, but it was clear it had. Michael turned back towards the stairs.
"Michael, please," Dr Loomis murmured. "Come on man, you're doing so well, this family need you, Danielle needs you! You can tell me what has happened, should you wish too."
Michael didn't respond, walking slowly and calmly down the staircase, once more in absolutely no hurry, as if to stalk his pray. Dr Loomis hurried after him, knowing he had to act. But before he could do anything else, a door opened, and Tim Jennings walked out, approached Michael and pulled him into a fierce hug.
"Come on man," Tim murmured. "Come on Michael, please! I know, Colin told me what happened. I'm guessing he went out to talk to you, and you… Said things you wish you hadn't. Listen, he'll be fine, he'll be home very soon, Dave told me a few minutes ago it might even be later this afternoon if he continues his recovery as he currently is. He's doing very well, the doctors said. Please man, this isn't worth it! We love you, Michael Myers, we need you, Michael Myers! Please man!"
It was as if Tim hadn't spoken, because Michael now pulled out Jodie Craig's lethal flick knife. While not as big as the ones Myers preferred to use, Dr Loomis only had to see it once to know it could kill just as efficiently. His blood ran cold. Should he wake Oliver? They hadn't bought chains with them of course, convinced Michael didn't need them. Was that about to prove a very possibly fatal mistake?
That was when another door opened, and Jodie Craig ran down the stairs towards them. Without hesitation, she grabbed Michael's arm, just as he donned his mask. Together, Tim and Jodie tried to wrestle the knife from Michael's hand, which immediately told Dr Loomis they were either very strong, or Michael had realised what he was doing just in time.
"I don't… think so, Michael Myers…" Jodie panted, struggling with the masked killer. "After what… You just said to me in there? No, I… I won't… Let you do this! Danielle… Needs you, Michael Myers! Mrs. Myers… Needs you! We all fucking need you!"
With a simple move of his arm as if swatting a fly, Michael knocked Tim backwards, and he would've hit the floor if Dr Loomis hadn't grabbed him just in time. Undeterred, Tim resumed helping Jodie to wrestle the knife from Michael, but it was clear Michael's rage was now past the point of no return, and he was once again deadly, masked and dangerous. That was when the most unlikely person appeared, Nigel.
"No way Michael," Nigel said, running forward, as Jodie and Tim continued to try and get the knife from the masked killer. "Hell fucking no! Come on man, you've come too far for this! We're your family, we love you! With all his strength, Nigel smashed his arm into Michael's knife hand, and amazingly, the killer dropped the knife.
"KNIFE, GRAB IT!" Jodie shouted, but Tim already had.
Michael's eyes were now on Nigel, blank, cold with anger. If Dr Loomis had believed Nigel had disarmed him because Jodie, Tim and Nigel were getting through to him, he'd just been proved horrifically wrong. "Nigel!" He shouted. "WATCH OUT!"
Oliver ran down the stairs at that moment, followed by Joanne, who immediately drew her gun. "No," Nigel said, his voice unbelievably calm, considering what was happening. "Leave this to me, I've got this!"
"Are you fucking…" Jodie gaped at him, as Michael stepped calmly towards Nigel.
"Yes," Nigel insisted. "Please! Michael and I… We… We've talked before. Please, let me deal with this! Joanne, stay, but please, lower your gun, even if only slightly. I've got this! I'm telling you!"
"YOU PUT A FUCKING FINGER WRONG, HE'LL KILL YOU, Nigel!" Tim yelled. "ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE?"
"Please," Nigel manning pleaded, as Michael now grabbed his collar, pulling him violently against him, before one hand closed around Nigel's throat, but didn't squeeze.
"Get back," Nigel pleaded again. "Please! I've got this!"
"We're not moving," Jodie said very softly now. "No way in hell! Should one of us… you know, wake Danielle?"
"Not yet," Nigel said, as Michael continued to hold him by the throat, but he could still breathe. For now, at least. "Step back, please, I'm begging you. You don't, that might very well get me killed. I'm serious, move back just a little!"
Very, very slowly, Dr Loomis, Oliver, Tim and Jodie did so but stayed close enough to help if they had to. Joanne, however, didn't move an inch, her gun trained on the masked killer's chest, her hand perfectly steady.
"Wo Michael," Nigel murmured, looking the killer straight in the eyes through the holes in his mask. "Hey man, it's me, Nigel. The man you as good as said had a heart of gold. You know what? You're fast starting to have the same, Michael Myers. But if you kill me tonight, think of what you'll lose. Your freedom, your marriage, possibly even your life. Come on Michael, I love you, this is not worth it! Talk to me Michael, tell me what's happened?"
He saw the phone clenched in Michael's hand then, and glanced down at the screen, just as Dr Loomis had done. There, was what was clearly Colin's final text, just before he was stabbed, trying to comfort Michael. Nigel knew what had happened between Michael and Danielle, plus the fact Colin had gone out for a walk to call him. Had Michael rejected Colin's comfort, said harsh words even, and now Michael was deeply, deeply regretting it?
"Hey," Nigel murmured again, Michael's hand still on his throat. Only one though, Nigel did notice. "Hey, Michael. Man, it's ok, it's ok. Colin means that, he'll always mean that. He's not going to die, Michael, he's not. I promise! If he does, then come after me! But I'm telling you, he won't! That's how sure I am! Certain, even! Come on man, let me go and we'll have a hot coffee together. Come on Michael, this isn't a real desire to kill me, this is pain, pure and simple. An emotion you've never felt before meeting Danielle and then our family, so you don't know how to deal with it. Remember when Danielle was attacked? You got through it then; you can do so now. Look around you, Michael Myers! I love you; Tim loves you; Jodie loves you! Joanne, Dr Loomis and Oliver care deeply for you! They made that all too clear at your wedding! I know you're hurting; I know you're angry, Jesus Michael so are we! Believe me, I have never understood your desire to kill as much as I do right now and in the last few days! Like I said to you and Danielle, "If it was me, they'd be dead on the fucking concrete!" I get it, oh Michael I do, but we're all in as much pain as you are, and we're not reacting with violence. Let us help you my dear friend, please! That's all we want to do!"
"You told me I wasn't a killer just minutes ago," Jodie murmured, stepping forward and touching Michael's shoulder. Dr Loomis felt a rush of respect and affection for Nigel Manning, Tim Jennings and Jodie Craig at that moment. Looking at Joanne and Oliver, he saw the exact same thing in their eyes. Joanne looked close to tears.
"My dear friend?" Nigel continued, his voice nothing but loving and gentle. Jodie was crying too now. "My dear, dear friend, listen to me. I love you, Michael Myers. It was not I who attacked Colin; you know that. Are you angry at me because I disarmed you? I took away your knife, thus your weapon of revenge. Is that why you have now decided I should suffer the consequences of that move? You can't kill someone for loving you, Michael Myers. That's all it was. Think my man, think! If you did this, you'd lose Danielle, your freedom, probably your life."
Dr Loomis, Joanne and Oliver all drew in a breath as did Tim, when Jodie stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Michael's still, tense form. She was all too aware he could grab her throat with his free hand, but as of then, he didn't. She held him tighter, as Nigel continued speaking softly to Michael, whose hand was still around his throat.
"No one needs to know about this my friend, no one. I will not tell Danielle, Dave, Emma, Charlotte or Colin. This can and will stay between those of us in this house, if you let me live. No one will know anything even happened. I at least, promise you this." Joanne, Dr Loomis, Jodie, Oliver and Tim all nodded. "See?" Nigel murmured. "Come on my dear, dear friend, this isn't worth it! I love you, I'm here for you. Michael, oh Michael I know you're angry, so are we! But this is not the way to deal with it. That said, I'd rather you killed me than went out to kill those guys! They're not worth your time, Michael."
Jodie hugged Michael as tightly as she could, receiving no response of any kind, but nor did he move to hurt her either. "Please Michael," Jodie begged him. "I love you too, you just comforted me, told me I am not a killer, you just said you probably could not kill them on Danielle's pleading, killing Nigel would be so, so much worse! Danielle would leave you in a second! I'm telling you Michael, we love you! Please! I… I should not have said what I did about competition, that… That was wrong."
The others all gasped, and Jodie blushed a little. "I was angry," she muttered. "Michael had taken my knife from me and… fuck! I wanted revenge as badly as he did. You comforted and stopped me Michael," Jodie turned back to the killer. "Now, it's my turn to do likewise for you! I love you Michael Myers, as I just told you!"
At this point, Dr Loomis', Oliver's, Joanne's and Tim's mouths dropped open, because Jodie Craig leant forward and kissed Michael's masked cheek. Once, twice.
"Come on sweetheart," Jodie murmured. "Come on, please! Danielle loves you; I love you, everyone who lives in this house loves you! As does Alan Goodwin, Joanne Turner, Rick Evans, Jack Grant and Adam Hughes. Judge Leason has a huge amount of respect for you! Don't put him in an impossible and terrible position by causing him to have to sentence you to death because Nigel is dead! Come on Michael, please!"
Michael made his move then, shoving Jodie backwards as hard as he could. She flew across the room under his superior strength, and Tim just managed to stop her hitting the wall. Dr Loomis looked at Oliver, in building panic. They'd trusted Michael, completely, was he about to let them down in the worst possible way? Joanne raised her gun again, and this time, no one asked her to lower it.
"Let him go Michael," she warned very quietly. "Let him go, or I will… I will have to shoot! Please, like Jodie just said, I love you, don't put me in this position! Please Michael! What about when you comforted Laurie Strode? Huh? The one you really did want to kill! You didn't touch her, did you? Targeting Nigel would be a very, very bad idea! Like he himself said, you'd lose Danielle, your freedom and very probably, your life! Think man, think!"
"Didn't do much in 1978 to shoot him," Dr Loomis muttered, and Tim smiled shakily.
That was when both of Michael's hands closed around Nigel's neck, but he was still able to breathe. The killer then began dragging Nigel into the kitchen. Dr Loomis gaped at Oliver, clearly desperate for what to do.
Jodie cried even harder, when Nigel didn't even tried to resist, still trying to comfort his would-be killer. "Nigel!" She sobbed. "No, please!"
"SOMEONE PHONE THE HOSPITAL!" Tim shouted suddenly. " IF… IF Colin CAN TALK, MAYBE HE CAN CALM Michael! HE'S THE ONE Michael FEELS GUILTY OVER, IF HE HEARS Colin IS DOING… OK, IT MIGHT WORK!"
"Great fucking idea!" Jodie grabbed her phone, dialling Dave immediately.
"Dave, please," Jodie begged when he answered. "Please, Dad!" She'd never, ever called him that before, and Dave Avery started crying again. "I… I'm sorry to have to do this, but something has… Has really angered Michael, he… He's got Nigel by the throat!" Dave gasped in horror. "Colin sent Michael a text trying to comfort him, just before he was stabbed. I think Michael's taken this very, very badly. We think he said things to Colin he now regrets and is now worried he'll never get the chance to apologise! He's reacting the only way he knows how! He's just dragged Nigel into the kitchen by the throat! He hasn't cut off his breathing though! I don't think he really, really will, but we… Of course, don't want to take any chances. We're not going to tell Danielle, if she came down to this now, she'd… possibly leave Michael, and we don't want that to happen. If he lets Nigel go unharmed, we've already promised him we won't tell her what happened, and we mean it! Please Dad, can Colin talk right now?"
Joanne did start crying at this point, because while still being held by the throat by Michael Myers, Nigel had put the kettle on and was pouring a coffee, holding it up towards the killer. Michael's hands did not move from his throat, but Nigel persisted.
"He could scold him with that easily," Oliver breathed. "Stupid move!"
"He won't," Tim breathed. "I'm telling you, he won't. Admit me to Smith's Grove if I'm wrong, that's how sure I am!"
"He…" Dave swallowed audibly. "He's asleep, but not under sedative. How the fuck do I explain this to the doctors? "Oh, my son-in-law desperately needs to hear his brother's voice, or he'll kill our friend?" That'd go well!" Dr Loomis, Oliver and Joanne laughed, but with no humour.
"Tell him I do," Jodie sobbed. "Please, Dad!"
There was a brief silence, then their hearts leapt, as Colin came on the line, his voice very sleepy. Jodie just hoped he was awake enough to twig what was happening.
"Colin, babes, how are you?" She sobbed, hardly able to speak. This was not how she'd imagined talking to him in the slightest!
"Hey babes," Colin said softly. "I'm tired and my neck hurts like shit! Good to hear your voice, I love you, I love you all! I'll be home as soon as I can!"
Looking up, Jodie saw Joanne was in tears now, along with Dr Loomis, even Oliver. Keeping her voice as calm as she could, she spoke. "We're so glad to hear that, darling! But if… If you can, we need… Need your help!"
"What's wrong?" Colin asked, his voice still sleepy, but Jodie felt a rush of relief. He was awake enough after his anaesthetic to understand something was wrong.
"You sent a text to Michael, telling him you love him and to never, ever forget that didn't you? Just before…"
"Yes, I did. Why?"
"He's just seen it now, and… He's… reacted very badly! I think he deeply regrets whatever it was he said to you, and he's reacting the only way he knows how to his pain. He… He has Nigel by the throat, Colin."
"Fuck, holy shit," Colin breathed, and she heard the rustle of covers, as if he'd just started in shock. "I know, I know. Hey, lie still darling, we only need your voice. Michael, only needs your voice."
"Got it," Colin murmured, and Jodie Craig felt a rush of love for Colin Avery so strong, she started crying again. She was never, ever letting this man go, for as long as she lived.
Her hands shaking, she carried her phone into the kitchen, where Michael held Nigel against the counter by the throat, but still hadn't cut off his breathing.
"See?" Jodie breathed to the others. "Why isn't Nigel dead already? I'm telling you; Michael won't really do this!" At least, she hoped to fuck not!
Reaching out, she handed the phone to Nigel, before stepping out again.
"Nigel?" Colin's voice said immediately. "Are you…"
"Colin, I'm good," Nigel promised. "Michael has not cut my breathing off." Yet, he didn't add. "Please, speak to Michael. We don't know what happened between you, but it's you he needs right now, your voice, your love."
"Hey Michael, what's going on man? I'm here, it's me, Colin. I'm going to be ok; I'll be home later today if nothing happens in the meantime, Dr Merrick said. Listen man, I meant every word I said to you earlier, we love you! I love you, Michael Myers! I'm not walking away from you now. You… You came down to Haddonfield… After?" Colin's voice cracked. "Oh, Michael, my brother, I can't tell you how much that means to me, but I'll be ok, I promise. Danielle needs you man, hurting Nigel won't achieve anything, except you losing Danielle, your freedom and even your life! Hey Michael, I'm here for you man, we all are! Nigel loves you; I love you! You're my brother, Michael Myers, I don't abandon my brother!"
Everyone gasped, as one of Michael's hands left Nigel's throat, as he violently grabbed the phone from Nigel's hand.
"You and Colin might just have calmed him Tim," Joanne breathed. "Fucking amazing and quick thinking!"
"I'm with Jodie," Tim murmured. "Michael would not kill Nigel; of this I am certain."
"Yo Michael," Colin said softly, his voice still groggy with anaesthetic drugs. "Yo, bro!"
"Did you video call?" Dr Loomis asked. Jodie nodded.
"That explains why Michael has just grabbed the phone," Oliver said. "Jesus! Well fucking Done Jennings!"
"Hey, my brother, I'm ok. Doing good, I love you, bro! I don't remember a word you said to me, it's all good, I forgave you almost immediately. Stubborn, aren't you Myers? But please don't hurt my grandfather, I love him too! Also, do you really want to lose Danielle? Hey man, I said I'd always be here for you, I meant it. When I'm home and a little more… awake, we'll talk all damn night if you want! We'll have coffee, watch some shit on TV, I don't care what we do brother, but I'll spend time with you, I promise! I'd never, ever walk away from you, Michael! Not now, not after everything you have done for us! Never! But please, release Nigel? Come on man, you wouldn't really hurt him, and we all know that! Yes, including Dr Loomis, Oliver and Joanne. Dad told me they're here with you.
Everyone watched with held breath, as finally, Michael texted Colin from Jodie's phone, his hand still around Nigel's throat.
Show me.
"Show you… what?" Colin asked, still groggy and confused.
"Your neck wound," Nigel said softly.
"Oh, um, I'm on an IV, I'm not sure… give me a second. Dad?" They heard him call softly. "Can you put the camera on my neck, please?"
"Did Danielle take sleeping pills or something?" Tim asked Jodie. "How in God's name did she not hear any of this?"
"She… she did," Jodie nodded, blinking back tears again. "She… She's really struggling still with what she said to Michael and is really worried about Colin."
"Fuck!" Tim exhaled. "Poor, poor thing. I'm going to go up and see if she's ok."
"Thanks Tim," Jodie and Joanne said together.
"Hey Michael," Nigel murmured, as they waited for Colin to be able to do as Michael requested. "Remember when you said to me it's like a black fog? All consuming and all you feel is a lust for blood. I get that, given what those motherfuckers have done, now both to Danielle and Colin, but I didn't do it my dear friend, it wasn't me. I was also knocked unconscious, remember? So, was Joanne. She didn't do it either! If you're feeling that black fog, please, please listen to, look at me! It's me, Nigel, I love you, Michael Myers!"
A few seconds later, they saw Colin's neck, heavily covered in bandages. Nigel had to struggle not to gasp in horror. "There you go, see?" Colin said. "All fine." He sounded as though he was struggling to stay awake, and Nigel's heart broke for him all over again. This wasn't fair on him, when he desperately needed to sleep and recover. He wanted to dislike and blame Michael for this, but he couldn't.
"All good," Colin murmured, his eyes closing. "I'm good, M…" He started softly snoring.
Nigel did start to cry then, without shame or restraint. His heart was breaking. That was when it happened. None of them were sure if it was Nigel's tears or Colin's voice and loving words, but Michael released Nigel's throat. Nigel slumped back against the counter, sobbing uncontrollably. Jodie ran forward and pulled him close, tightly. When Nigel stumbled back, he almost spilt the hot coffee he was still holding, would have, if Michael Myers hadn't taken it just in time, setting it on the counter. Nigel fell to his knees, his tears falling fast. Adrenaline, fear he could not hide. He could very easily have died, whatever anyone, including him, might have said.
Michael stepped away, out into the back yard, as Nigel tried to regain his composure. Clearly sensing they still needed Colin there even though he was now asleep, Dave hadn't taken the phone from his son's hand. His soft snoring was all they could hear.
Nigel looked out then, and the sight he saw broke his heart all over again. Oliver, Dr Loomis, and Joanne all let tears go, and he didn't blame them.
Michael Myers was on his knees on the cold concrete, tears falling silently and without restraint down his face, his mask lying discarded on the ground. Nigel and Jodie ran out, Nigel dropping down beside Michael.
"Hey man, hey," Nigel soothed, pulling Michael close tightly. "Hey, hey, it's ok. NO harm done, right? Well fucking done Michael, you controlled it, you stopped yourself! Again, great job, Michael Myers!"
Michael's breath came in quick, harsh gasps, the sound of a broken heart. "Hey shh," Nigel soothed him. "Shh man, we're here, I'm here, I love you, we love you, Michael Myers!"
"Right," Jodie and Tim said together. Joanne too was full-on crying now, as Dr Loomis pulled her into a hug with Oliver.
"What the holy fuck was that?" Joanne sobbed. "Jesus!"
When Nigel tried to help Michael to his feet, the killer resisted, unable to meet the older man's eyes. Only when Nigel pulled him close, did he realise. Michael Myers was shaking.
"Man, my dear, dear friend," he soothed. "I'm here, I love you too, it's all good, I'm absolutely, completely fine. Look! Look at me. Not even a bruise, mark! Nothing! Come on Michael Myers, look at me, that's it." While he was talking, Nigel stroked the killer's back. "Great job Michael," he murmured again, hugging Michael fiercely. Jodie and Joanne could not stop crying.
Tim reappeared a few seconds later and acted immediately. Picking up the coffee, he headed outside, pushing it into Michael's free hand. Michael's hand shook so violently, the drink threatened to spill. "Hey, steady," Nigel held his arm, as Tim made another for him.
"I'll put some whisky in it," Tim said to Nigel. The other man smiled; unaware Tim was not joking.
"Should we… Tell Danielle at least something has happened?" Jodie asked hesitantly, her voice shaking with tears.
"No!" Nigel said adamantly. "I promised, I'm damn well keeping it! Michael would have no reason to trust me if I broke it."
"That's a good point," Oliver admitted.
Nigel looked at Oliver, his request clear in his face. Oliver hesitated, then nodded slowly. Dr Loomis too had misgivings, but Nigel Manning was nothing if not determined, he'd worked that much out during their brief meetings.
"Come on, my dear friend," Nigel murmured, standing now, and pulling Michael to his feet. This time, the killer did not resist. "That's it, come on man. Without a word, Tim grabbed Michael's mask, handing it to Dr Loomis.
"There's a tiny café just across the road from here," Nigel said. "I'll take you for a coffee and some food, it's open twenty-four hours. Come on, my man." He pushed a pack of tissues into the killer's hand, but Michael still did not respond, lost in his grief, regret and pain.
"Hey," Nigel said, taking one and gently wiping Michael's face himself. The man who just years ago, would have killed him with no grief, regret or pain whatsoever. This irony didn't escape Nigel. "Catch your breath my friend, just breathe, come on."
"Fucking ironic," Jodie said, smiling shakily. "Someone telling Michael Myers to breathe, when all he wanted once was to stop their breathing." Oliver, Dr Loomis and Joanne nodded.
Jodie Craig didn't expect what happened then. Michael reached out and grabbed her hand, his ice cold.
"Yo, Michael," Jodie said, repeating the words she'd said to him when they'd first met. "I'm here for you."
Stepping forward, she pulled him into a hug, softly soothing him with Nigel, then kissing his cheek again. When she tried to release him, Michael clung to both her and Nigel, refusing to let go.
"Alright my man," Nigel said softly. "We're both with you. Come on."
"Holy, fucking, shit," Tim slumped against the wall, automatically reaching out towards Dr Loomis. The Psychiatrist stepped forward immediately, grabbing the younger man's hand. "Jesus H Christ! What the fuck just… Happened?"
"Hey, it's alright," Dr Loomis murmured. "You did great there Tim, you all did."
"Absolutely," Oliver said, stepping forward to grasp Tim's other hand.
"Did… Did we just watch a horror movie?" Tim's voice shook. "I'm almost expecting one of you to turn the TV off and say, "Well, that was scary!"
Oliver and Dr Loomis chuckled. "I know," Oliver soothed. "But in most horror movies I've seen, the slasher kills his victims, doesn't break down when he realises who his victim is about to be."
Now, Tim laughed a little. "That's true."
…
"Right here Michael," Nigel murmured. Michael hadn't released Jodie's hand, clinging to it as if it was his lifeline just then, his other Nigel's arm. They guided the still deathly pale Michael into the café, and Jodie reflected he was almost as pale as his infamous mask was.
"Take a seat," Nigel said. "I'll get us some coffee and something to eat right now."
Jodie sat beside Michael, who still hadn't released her hand. "Yo," she breathed. "It's alright, it's alright, we're here. We love you, Michael. Yo, Michael." Finally, Jodie Craig was certain Michael's lips twitched ever so slightly.
"See?" Jodie said, squeezing his hand, before taking both of his in hers, trying to warm them. "You're not a killer either anymore, Mr. Myers! Well fucking done! Hey, I know pain, all too well, know what it's like to want revenge so badly it hurts, knowing what it's like to not know how to react when the world goes to fucking shit! Believe me, I know!"
Without a word, Nigel returned, passing them both their favourite hot drinks, along with hot toasted sandwiches. Jodie smiled at him, but her attention remained fixed on Michael.
"My parents went to prison when I was just 5. They were never exactly parents; I was neglected from birth. My mom was an addict, my dad… well, guess. Anyway, I ended up in foster care from the fucking word go! I hardly ever had friends, I deliberately pushed people away! I didn't want to know, I didn't care! It was the same when I started school, until… Until I met your wife. Something about her vulnerability, it… It got to me; in a way I could not explain. Maybe because I felt as vulnerable as she actually was? Either way, I watched her get bullied by those fuckers for months, not daring to approach, terrified she'd reject me, like everyone else in my life had! But when they… Did what they did, I couldn't stand by and watch anymore, just like you couldn't, Michael. So, I approached, and you know what? Danielle Myers didn't reject me, she loved me! She saw through my own mask; she saw the real me! Now? She's seen the real you, Michael Myers! I see the real you, I saw through that rubber mask you wear! Even when you were wearing it just now, I saw through it! You would not have hurt Nigel, not really, not, "If push came to shove." Right, Michael Myers? I knew he was safe; I just knew it."
"So did I," Nigel said softly, tears in his eyes. "Well fucking said, Jodie!"
"The Avery's adore me," Jodie said, her voice shaking. "I have no idea why, but they do! You know something Michael Myers? They adore you too! It's clear you adore every single one of us, it's fucking mutual, Myers! Don't you ever forget that! So, you and Colin exchanged words you regret. Hey, you're human after all, Myers! People argue every day my dear friend but tell me something. How is, was, it your fault Colin was attacked? He wasn't attacked because he and Michael Myers exchanged words, was he? No! He was attacked because some cruel, motherfucking bastard named Edward Dawson, wanted him to be! It had nothing to do with you, I understand your regret though when you saw that message, I do! Believe me, I do! Fuck knows I've had enough of that myself!"
All through Jodie's story, Michael hadn't released her hands, and now he squeezed them in his, tightly. Jodie leant forward and kissed his cheek yet again. "Yo, Michael," she murmured, and she and Nigel were certain Michael's breath hitched with emotion. Jodie released his hands, and Michael let her go. Standing, she hugged him tightly, then headed to a table nearby, as Nigel turned to Michael, who could hardly look at him.
"Hey dear friend," Nigel murmured. "It's alright." His hands shaking so badly he almost dropped it; Michael drew his notepad and pen but could hardly write.
"Man, stop. It's ok, you don't need to write anything, honestly. It was regret, grief, pain you didn't know how to show, that's all. I, too, didn't believe you'd really hurt me."
You liar!
"No, Michael, no. I am telling the complete truth. We've been through too much for that. Yes, I was scared when you had me by the throat, no lie, but I knew you couldn't really do it."
Then why the fear? Don't lie, Nigel!
"Hey, wouldn't you be scared if someone had you by the throat, regardless of the fact you knew their intentions were not to really kill you? Nigel touched Michael's arm, which was still shaking. "Mind, of course you wouldn't, you're Michael Myers!"
I will, can't, ever forgive myself for this. I am tempted to leave your family; I can't let that happen again.
"Oh, and Danielle would just love that!" Nigel said sternly, now grabbing Michael's arm. "Yeah, whatever Myers! Don't you dare even think about it! I know for a fact Dave, Colin, Jodie, Danielle and the others would have serious words to say to you if they heard that! Don't ever, ever say that to me again, or I swear to God, I'll tell them, and you won't hear the end of it! No, I won't tell them what happened between us, I promised, but I will tell them you want to leave because you are upset, watch what happens then, Myers! The Avery's are sure as shit not a family you want to try and leave once, they love you! As Colin said once, "This house has love as its middle name!" Good luck trying, Myers!"
Why are you being so damn kind to me? I… I could have killed you!
"Nah," Nigel smiled at Michael. "You weren't going to kill me, not really. I knew that, so did you. I am fine, no harm done. I will tell Dr Loomis and Oliver as much. This doesn't need to go any further, it's over, let's move on, what do you say?"
Nigel's heart cracked, when he saw further tears running silently down the now unmasked face of Michael Myers. "Oh man," he stood, pulling the other man into his arms. "It really is ok, I totally, totally understand. I wanted to kill those motherfuckers too, so, so bad! Everyone argues my dear friend, everyone! Colin adores you; we all do. As he said, he'll hopefully be home this very day, and you'll have some quality time together. We can distract Danielle; don't you worry about that. Hell, we probably won't even need to. She knows nothing of this, she took sleeping pills and is out cold, No!" Nigel added, raising his voice. "Don't you dare! Don't you dare apologise for that! It's because of her worry about Colin, that's all!"
Now I damn well know you are lying to me! She still can't let go of what she said to me, can she? That, I also regret. Stop lying to me, Nigel! I mean it!
"Or what, Michael? You're not going to hurt me; we both know that. Ok, yes, she is still somewhat upset, but it's the same thing, Michael. Everyone argues, everyone. Do you have any idea how many times Sophie and I did? And she was the love of my life! It's normal man, perfectly, perfectly normal. Danielle is only asleep; you can talk it through in the morning. It's part of life, my dear man. That's all."
…
I need to leave, Dr Loomis. I cannot risk that happening again.
"Oh, and tell me, Michael, what would Danielle say? Nigel has forgiven you, Jodie and Tim likewise. They are the only ones who know, apart from Colin and Dave, who also have. Yes ok, you made a… Mistake, but this is the love of a family, Michael. What you need to do, is accept it, enjoy it, just as you give it back to them. Oliver and I trusted you, you… Could have broken it all too easily, and, while it's clear we still need to try and work with you on your anger, you have come so far, we don't even recognise you anymore! Are you seriously trying to tell me you're now going to walk away from your family who love you? Why would you do something so stupid? All that will do, is make your pain worse! Of course it will take a while for you to get over, but leaving won't help you. Danielle isn't going to even know, unless you, yourself, choose to tell her. They promised, and you know what? They mean it!"
How do I face her now? I know for a fact she is still worried and upset about what she said to me.
"Does she have need to be?"
No! I damn well told her that!
"So, what? Are you angry with her too because she can't let it go?"
I don't know, damn it Dr Loomis! I don't know! I told her it's ok, why does she not trust me? Her husband?
"Hey, remember Adam," Dr Loomis said quietly. "Give her a chance, Michael. She does trust you, loves you, would die for you, but that kind of thing does not disappear quickly, just as your need to kill does not. It's the same thing in that regard."
Michael sighed, and Dr Loomis could see his patient was trying to hold back further tears. Michael Myers had never, ever cried in front of him. Unable to stop himself, Dr Loomis drew Michael into a hug too now. "Hey, come on," he soothed. "You're not the man I once knew, the one I said was pure evil with nothing left, the one I wanted to keep locked up for the rest of his life! That's not you, Michael. You have a wife, family and friends who love you now, who would've even imagined that a few years ago, huh?" Dr Loomis only then realised he was stroking Michael's back, but didn't stop.
What do I do now?
"What do you mean?" Dr Loomis murmured. "Tonight? Or in general?"
I…
Michael slammed his hand on Dave's office desk.
I don't know, alright? I don't know! I… I can't look Nigel in the eyes, I don't think I'll be able to for a very, very long time! I feel so… I don't even know what!
"Yes, you do," Dr Loomis soothed his patient. Yet another thing he never thought he'd do years previously. "Hurt, sad, self hatred, all of which are completely normal, Michael. How do you think Danielle feels every time she calls you Sir? Every time she asks your permission for something. It's the same thing. She hates herself for it but cannot help it. You are in the same position now, Michael. I am going to echo Dave. "You would never have done that previously, great job Michael Myers!" It's true here, now. You would've killed Nigel, not caring who he was. You would not be married, or desperate to here from Colin's own mouth that he's ok. Danielle has found your heart, Michael, now let them all in! You're in agony just at the thought you could've even considered killing Nigel, what does that tell you? You couldn't leave them now, and you know it. I am so, so proud of you Michael Myers, on this, you need to trust me. So, so proud."
I took a huge step backwards tonight, even I know that.
"That's as maybe, but no harm has come from it, so you can move forward. Your potential victim has forgiven you, Danielle doesn't need to know, they aren't going to tell her, nor are we, so no harm done all over, right? Let Nigel comfort you, let him forgive you, that will be good for you."
Damn shrink.
Now, Dr Loomis laughed. "I know, but you know I'm right, don't you? I can see it in your face."
Sure, you can.
"Oh, I can," Dr Loomis never thought he'd be lightly teasing Michael Myers years ago either! "You underestimate me, Michael Myers! I can see it in your eyes alright."
Whatever.
Dr Loomis smiled at him, still hugging him close. "Are you somewhat ok now?"
I… I don't know.
"That's fair. Completely fair. Hold on." Dr Loomis opened the door and spoke softly, and a second later, Nigel entered.
Dam you, Dr Loomis!
Now, the doctor laughed out loud, before leaving the room.
"Hey," Nigel said, sitting beside Michael. "What can I do for you, my dear friend? Do you want a coffee?"
Nigel, please, I…
"Shh, shh," Nigel soothed him. "Do you want a coffee, my dear friend?"
Damn you, Nigel! I could've killed you, and you're offering me a damn coffee?
"That's it," Nigel nodded. "That is exactly what I am doing. So?"
Michael took a breath, and Nigel waited patiently. Michael stood then, approached the other man, and now it was his turn to pull Nigel Manning into a tight hug. Nigel hugged him back just as tightly, smiling at his friend.
I… I don't deserve this, Nigel! Dr Loomis gave me some crap about how I should, "Let you forgive and comfort me, as it would be good for me!" That's…
"Talks sense, that man," Nigel nodded. "That's exactly what I'm going to do, if you'll let me."
You're not serious?
"Hey, what do you expect me to do? Grab a knife and kill you? Strangle you to death?"
I'd deserve it.
"Sorry, like I also said to you once, "Then it's lucky for you I don't do violence." Remember? That is not going to happen. I don't fancy facing the rath of Danielle Myers thank you very much!"
Finally, Nigel was certain Michael's lips twitched in a small smile. "Yay, that's more like it!" He hugged Michael tightly again.
I… damn you! I love you, Nigel Manning!
Now, Nigel blinked back tears, hugging Michael fiercely. "I love you too, Michael Myers," his voice shook. "I love you so, so much, my dear, dear man. Don't you ever, ever forget that, got it?"
Very slowly, Michael nodded to him. "That's my man!" Nigel hugged him again. "So, you still haven't answered my question, Michael. Will you do so now, please?" Michael looked blankly at him, and Nigel grasped his hand. "Would you like a coffee?"
…
Nigel smiled, as Michael finally climbed the stairs, Nigel right behind him, as his room was next door to Danielle's and Michael's. Quietly, Michael opened the door and slipped through, Nigel just seeing him look at his still sleeping wife before the door clicked softly closed.
"Poor man," Nigel said quietly to Jodie, who'd just joined him. "You'd think I'd be angry, but all I feel is sympathy."
"That's why we love you Nigel," Jodie hugged him, hard. "Michael could've killed you, whatever we might have said or thought, and you comforted him!"
"I love him," Nigel said quietly. "I meant that."
"Did you?" Jodie whispered. "Really think Michael might kill you?"
Nigel sighed. "I really don't think so," he said after a moment. "I didn't however believe he might not choke me at the very least unconscious."
Jodie nodded. "That was my fear too."
"That said, he never once cut my breathing off, which even further enforces my belief and conviction he wouldn't have done so, not really. Can't say it wasn't fucking terrifying though!"
"Oh, hell yes I'm sure it was!" Jodie kissed his cheek now. Nigel smiled at her, kissing hers in return. "I think I'd have been shitting myself, Nige!"
Nigel chuckled. "I won't say I wasn't unnerved, but my focus was on comforting my friend, that's all. I knew he was upset, angry and in pain, that's what I concentrated on."
"That's why we all fucking love you!" Jodie hugged him again, kissing his cheek twice. "Because you don't think of yourself, you think of others! You say Danielle should stop being so, "Selfless and kind," maybe you should take a leaf out of her book, manning! That day with the sledgehammer, Dawson, you could've been very badly hurt! Michael could've hurt you tonight, you focused on Danielle, then Michael! What does that say about you?"
"Thank you, sweetheart." Nigel took Jodie's hand, leading her down a floor to her room. "Now, get some sleep, really, this time."
Jodie smiled faintly. "I think I might manage it this time too, damn that was…"
"I know," Nigel soothed her, waiting until she was lying in bed. Jodie trusted Nigel Manning with her life.
"Terrifying," Jodie finished.
"But you played your part too, don't you forget that. You comforted Michael just as much as I did, and it could just as easily have been you. He knocked you halfway across the damn room!"
"Yeah," Jodie nodded. "That was scary, I won't lie. That scared even me! I'm not going to tell Michael that though, he'll be heartbroken. You're proof of that!"
Nigel sighed sadly. "It will take him time to get over this, but I will do everything in my power for him, I won't let him suffer from this, he didn't hurt me, or mean it, he deserves my forgiveness."
"You're a damn good man grandad," Jodie said sleepily, and Nigel smiled at her. "Good night, I love you."
"I love you too Jodie," Nigel kissed her cheek this time. "Good night, sweetheart."
…
It wasn't until he was alone in his own room, Nigel finally took a second to think about everything that had just happened. What he'd said to them all was true; he didn't truly believe Michael could or would have hurt him. That wasn't to say it hadn't been terrifying. Nigel had been afraid, but he wasn't sure of what. That too, was true. But that cold, blank fury in the eyes of Michael Myers, must have been what Laurie Strode had seen that Halloween night in 1978, the abyss, that was an accurate description. Yet, Danielle, her family, Laurie Strode and even him, had now not only survived the abyss, but found the way to bring Michael Myers out of that abyss, back into the light, showed him the meaning of a true, loving family. He didn't know what had happened to Michael from his parents after he'd killed Judith, but he was sure they'd disowned him.
Nigel sighed, he had to admit he could understand why, but at the same time… Then, he reminded himself that no longer mattered, Michael was in their family now, and for as long as he, Nigel Manning was alive, he would ensure Michael Myers knew that, in every way he could.