And it was ridiculous that Paula had to hide so she didn’t have to face those who decided to ignore her wishes. How was that fair?
“Paula? You decent?”
“Just a second.”
Paula picked up the denim shirt, and only hesitated for a second before she put it on. It was still warm, and while it had never been worn, it still smelled like Michael. It felt like a comfort blanket, almost like Michael was holding her.
Stop it. You’re going to make things awkward if you keep thinking like this.
Easier said than done.
Picking up her backpack, Paula left her room. Michael was on the stairs, holding her laptop case. He was staring at something out of sight. Paula was about to ask him what he was doing when she heard a banging on the door. She froze. A moment later, she heard Marley shouting.
“Paula! Open the door! I know you’re in there!”
Oh, God. She was here. Paula’s heart started to race.
“Paula?”
Michael was coming up the stairs towards her. Paula tried not to panic.
“How did you know? I didn’t hear anything.”
“I heard a car pull up outside, and then I heard your name. I figured it was your friend.” Michael shook his head. “And I don’t think she’s alone.”
Shit. Paula had a feeling Tilly would be there as well. They would be preparing to gang up on her.
“What are we going to do?”
“We’re going to open that door and walk right out of here.”
“What?”
“Hiding away can only do so much. They are going to bully you into submission.” Michael’s eyes glinted. “That’s not going to happen. We’re going to leave the house, get into my car, and leave. You are not going to look at them, or say anything.”
“But…”
“Just leave it to me. Get in my car and don’t engage with them. Think you can do that?”
Paula didn’t know. She just wanted to get away with minimal fuss. She contemplated saying she didn’t want to go anywhere, but Marley wouldn’t be going anywhere. Even if she left, she would come back. Paula didn’t want to be a prisoner in her own house. Plus, the neighbours would hear everything, and Paula didn’t think she could look them in the eye after this.
“Okay.” She squared her shoulders. “Let’s go. I want to get the fuck out of here.”
Michael’s expression softened slightly. Then he moved up the steps until he was eye-level with her. He was so close Paula forgot how to breathe for a moment. What was he doing?
She started when Michael leaned in and kissed her head, his lips brushing against her temple. Paula was so stunned she couldn’t move. She almost closed her eyes at the touch of his mouth on her skin. She had wanted him to touch her like this for a long time. This had to be a dream.
Then she heard Marley shouting her name, and more banging on the door. No, this was real, and she had an angry bride on the doorstep.
“For fuck’s sake, Paula, stop ignoring me! We were doing something for you, and you had to behave like a child. Get out here! We need to talk about how you’re going to make this right.”
Michael drew back, his eyes piercing as he looked at her.
“Just stay close,” he said softly. “I’ll deal with them. Okay?”
Paula nodded.
“Okay. I just wish they would leave me alone.”