An Old Friend: Version B Part 9

The door slowly opened until it revealed Michael, standing motionless in the doorway.  Lisa's heart felt wrenched when she saw how pathetic he looked.  His costume from the film was soaked and muddy, his hair was still quite wet and hanging in his eyes, and the look on his face was unbearable.  He finally entered the room and walked slowly toward her.

She was at a loss for words.  "Michael....I don't know where to begin," she started. 

He looked at her but said nothing.  He looked so sad it was heart-breaking.  He put his key down on the end table and then headed toward the bathroom. 

After a few seconds she heard the shower running.  She put her head down and began to cry again.  She thought he now hated her, as if there was nothing she could say or do to make him feel better.

After a few minutes, the sound of running water stopped and was replaced by the sound of the hairdryer.  Finally, Michael emerged from the bathroom, all cleaned-up and groomed and in his PJs.  He walked over to her and she still had her head down.  Once she looked up he saw that she was crying.  The somber look on his face turned to one of pity, and he sat down next to her on the bed.  They looked at each other for a few fleeting seconds before embracing tightly.

"Oh Michael," she sobbed. "I am so, so sorry for what happened.  It's all my fault. I could have run away from Eric if I had the chance. I could have-"

"Shh, shh it's okay, Lisa," Michael softly reassured her, patting down her hair. "It's not your fault at all.  I know that this was all Eric's doing."

She stopped sobbing and looked at him.  "R-really?" her voice trembled.

"Believe me," he smiled. "I've known Eric for more than 7 years now, and that's just what he is, a ladies man.  Always has been, always will be....actually it's quite sad," he said with a straight face.

She stopped and started giggling when she saw a huge grin form on his face. "Isn't it?  I mean, on his 80th birthday we may find him in a pub trying to pick up all varieties of young girls," he giggled. 

She actually started to laugh, and he laughed along with her. "Ah, I suppose it's nothing to joke about," he said as he started to calm down.

"I guess not," she giggled, "and Eric is a lovely man, but....I have to admit something to you right now Michael."

He looked at her seriously.  "What?" he asked, softly.

"I didn't quite know when to say this because I wasn't sure it felt right, but now I think it's all right to mention," she said, feeling a bit awkward.

"Well, please don't hold back," he smiled. "The way you're talking it makes me think that it's something wonderful."

"It is," she said as she looked into his eyes. "Michael....my heart belongs to you."

He held her hand and began to caress it.  "My dear, I was hoping you'd tell me so," he replied, warmly. "As I feel the same way about you."

They looked into each other's eyes and kissed.

Michael reached over and turned off the light.