Daniel didn't meet her eyes. He knew that if he did, he too would break down. "Michelle," he whispered again. "I-"
She didn't wait for him to finish. Grabbing his face and twisting it roughly until he was forced to look at her, she hissed, "Don't sweet Michelle me again, Mr.Jones! I want to know what the fucking hell is wrong with you and I want to know NOW!" Her steely cold eyes were fueled with fire. Just what was going through his mind anyway?
"I-I..." he stammered, then pulled away from her grip. "Michelle, you're hurting me!" He wanted to die right this very minute, this moment just seemed so surreal to him. Seeing his beloved Michelle looking so broken....I caused her pain. I don't deserve her.
"Daniel!!" she almost screamed with fury as he simply stared woodenly at her. "Did Darren get you in the head too?! Because you've bloody well changed since that incident with him....tell me, why have you been ignoring me? Why don't you talk to me anymore? God dammit, what's wrong with you?!"
What's wrong with you, what's wrong with you, what's wrong with you....over and over it played in his mind, like a cassette tape rewinding incessantly. His chaotic thoughts were all a blur, the confusion and anguish in his mind was almost too much to bear. Michy, Michy, my princess Michy....I love you....
Just then the door opened and Oliver appeared. He heard Michelle's last words and stopped in front of them, an awkward expression on his face.
"Oh! Um, so sorry, didn't know-um, well, I better be off now!" he spluttered as he turned away. Michelle shot him a dirty look, then as soon as the door closed shut behind him, she turned to the blond guitarist again.
"Answer me!" she demanded, tears springing to her eyes. "Daniel, for heaven's sake, speak, say something at least!" She was beginning to feel scared by his apparent lack of emotion. Or anything, for that matter. It didn't seem like he was feeling, at least.
But he was. Oh inside, he was sobbing helplessly, only he didn't want to show it. Understand I would rather die than to hurt you.... but he was already hurting her, it was slicing her heart in two. Memories flew into his mind of him and her together, all the good times they treasured, the love and passion they shared....do you really want to throw it all away? Do you? And for what? Yes, that was the main question. For what? Why did he feel different now?
****
1.27 a.m.
Daniel's eyes were wide open. The hospital around him was deathly silent. Not even the nurses working on night shifts made a single noise. Nothing stirred in the darkness. Everyone seemed to be sensibly fast asleep.
Except him. He couldn't sleep. He couldn't eat. Hell, he couldn't even think straight anymore. After what happened with Michelle yesterday.... he shut his eyes tight.
You love her. You love her and you're going to marry her. And that's that.
But why was it so hard to comprehend that notion anymore? Why did he feel so empty about it, why couldn't he feel the same as before?
Because of HIM, stupid. That's bloody why.
He sucked in his breath quickly. "Shut up," he whispered to no-one in particular. But the thought had seized him and it wasn't letting him go that easily. He opened his eyes wide again. No. I do not love him. I love her.
Turning over his on his side, he firmly shut his eyes again to drift off into a fitful, dreamless sleep.