Charlie P.O.V

In the morning Micael is driving me to the airport. My bag was in the backseat of his truck, along with my crutches. I had everything I needed for this trip; passport, clothes that would be comfortable in the heat, sunscreen. Everything was ready to go.

The ride to the airport is quiet. Michael doesn't say much, but I can see it in his eyes. He doesn't want me to go. I smile slightly and hold his hand as he drives. He looks over at me and smiles for a brief moment.

"It's just for a week, right?" he asks.

"Yeah, it's all gonna work out," I reassure him.

Michael nods and and pulls into the airport parking lot. I climb out of the truck and grab my crutches. I had just one duffel bag, no checked luggage.

"Do you want me to walk you in?" he asks, grabbing my bag.

"You can't go to the gate without a ticket," I remind him. "I'll be fine. You should get home and try to clear things up with your dad."

He lets out a deep sigh and hugs me close. I embrace him like it was the last time we would see each other, though it wasn't. I refused to let that happen.

"I love you," he mumbles, kissing the top of my head.

"I love you too."

I look up at him and cup his face gently. His gorgeous eyes that made me melt were bloodshot, showing how exhausted he truly was. This was taking a massive toll on him. I kiss him gently, locking our lips together in a soft embrace for a few moments.

"Everything is gonna be okay. The full moon will pass, I'll come back, and we can be together. . ."

Two of those things were certain, but whether or not Michael and I could actually be together even after the full moon wasn't guaranteed. I didn't exactly know how everything worked with his pack, nor was I supposed to. Hopefully he could convince the others that I wouldn't be an issue.

Michael sighs and hugs me tight. I close my eyes for a moment and just exist in his arms; in our small bubble. We stay like this for a few minutes before he looks down at me.

"You have a flight to catch," he says.

I nod and kiss him one last time. He smiles and ruffles my hair.

"I'll be back before you know it," I assure him.

He chuckles softly and nods his head. Michael had no idea how soon he'd be seeing me again.

Just as I'm turning to walk away, he grabs my wrist and spins me, kissing me again. I smile and laugh softly.

"Don't worry," I shake my head gently. "I'll text you once I'm there."

"I'll call you when I'm done sorting everything out with my dad, I promise."

I sigh softly and hold his hand for a moment. I couldn't keep making excuses. After another moment, I told Michael goodbye. I walk into the airport and wait around for him to leave. Michael had no idea I didn't actually have a flight to catch. I told him a white lie, because I couldn't let him stay here and get himself killed.

I stay at the airport for the duration of my flight time, which was about nine hours. I bought a book at a kiosk to pass the time. Once the alarm on my phone goes off, I order myself an Uber. I carry my bag out to the parking lot and wait for the driver.

Once the driver pulls up, I confirm that it was him, a man named Chris. I get in the car and set my bag next to me. I give him directions back to my house. I didn't like taking taxis or even an Uber, but I couldn't walk all the way home.

It takes about an hour to get back home. Michael's truck wasn't in my driveway, which was good. I give the driver a tip in cash and get out of his car with my bag. I shuffle inside and lock the door. A deep sigh escapes my lips.

I text him that I landed safely and was at the hotel with my parents. That was a lie, of course, but he needed it; the lie that I was safe.

Michael, 6:47 P.M.
That's great, babe. Don't get sunburned, alright?

If I was in Barbados I would've been three hours ahead of Michael. The time difference would've made me even more tired than I already was.

Me, 6:50 P.M.
Trust me, I won't be getting sunburned.

I sprawl out on the couch with my phone and sigh. I left my bag by the front door. Michael didn't take long with his responses.

Michael, 6:51 P.M.
That's good. I finished talking with my dad. Are you too tired to call? I know it was a long flight...

Me, 6:52 P.M.
No, we can call.

After another minute or so, Michael is calling. I put him on speaker phone and lay my phone on my chest.

"How did it go?" I ask softly.

"Well, my dad is pissed, that's for sure." He sighs. "At me and James both."

"I'm sorry." I sigh and close my eyes. "But he's probably more upset with James, right?"

Michael is quiet on the other end of the call for a few minutes.

"He's angry at both of us. . ." is all he says.

"But James attacked me. I wouldn't have figured out what you were if he didn't," I remind him.

"My father is stubborn and doesn't like to listen when he's mad. Look, I'll stop rambling. Please, enjoy your trip and stay safe."

I bite the inside of my cheek. Michael was always telling me goodbye like it was the last time and that's why I didn't trust leaving him.

"I'll see you soon. I promise," I murmur. "I love you."

"I love you too, Charlie," he says softly before hanging up.

I'm breaking Michael's trust, but it's for his own good. I can't let him get himself hurt for me.