You Leave Me Breathless

[Trinity]

“Okay Trinity, you’re ready to go,” Doctor Hartfield beamed

“Fucking finally,” I groaned, swinging my legs out of the hospital bed

The doctor just chuckled, leaving me to pick up my stuff. It had been two days since I’d come into the hospital, and I was craving nicotine like crazy. That fact I can’t have any is driving me mad and I know it’s only going to make me a bigger bitch. I slipped my hospital gown off, grabbing a clean bra and pair of boy shorts from my clothes pile on the side. Just as I pulled them on, a series of knocks came at the door.

“Come in!” I called, picking up my t-shirt

Mikey opened the door, blushing as he walked into the room.

“Uh, wait out here guys,” he told someone

“Why?” Frank asked

“I’m in my underwear!” I shouted, pulling the t-shirt over my head

“She’s all yours,” Gerard laughed

Mikey blushed further and shut the door, watching me pull on my denim skirt in silence. I jumped into my black pumps and ran my fingers through my hair before turning to face Mikey.

“Hi,” I smiled

“Hi,” he laughed softly

After Mikey handed me a thick black cardigan, he pecked my lips in a kiss.

“Woah, if I’m not allowed nicotine, I’m gonna need more than a kiss,” I warned

“Everyone’s waiting outside,” Mikey pointed out

“They could all be in here and I wouldn’t give a shit, you know that,” I grumbled

Mikey chuckled and leant down, pressing my lips firmly to his. I clutched onto his t-shirt, pressing our lips harder together, before pulling away.

“That’s more like it,” I grinned

Mikey just stayed silent, passing me my cellphone. Why is he so quiet? Did I do something? I frowned at him as I walked past and out the room, my frown slipping to a wide smile at the sight of all my friends standing in the corridor, Peyton included. She ran forward and hugged me tightly, swaying slightly from side to side.

“If you ever come close to death like that again, I swear I’ll kill you myself,” she hissed in my ear

“Missed you too sis,” I laughed

Peyton stepped away from me, a bit teary eyed. I then was attacked in a huge group hug by Gerard, Lindsey, Lindsey’s friend Kitty (I met her yesterday, she’s really cool), Ray, Bob and Frank. Yes, I let Frank hug me. I must be in a good mood or something.

“Jeez you guys! I’m still alive!” I giggled when they pulled away

“Yeah but you nearly died,” Lindsey pointed out

“Bunch of saps,” I teased

“Yeah, well, we’re your bunch of saps,” Ray grinned

“Aww I feel loved, Torosaurus!” I fake-gushed, jumping up and ruffling Ray’s afro

“Katlin wanted to be here but she couldn’t get out of work,” Bob apologised

“Ditto with Christa,” Ray added

“Jamia too,” Frank said hesitantly

I raised an eyebrow at him but didn’t say anything. Jamia? Yeah, right.

“I haven’t had any decent food for the last two days...let’s go!” I said loudly

Everyone seemed to perk up, and soon enough we were heading out of the hospital. Mikey was holding my hand but he wasn’t speaking. What the fuck is his problem?

“What crawled up your ass and died?” I asked him sharply

“Nothing,” Mikey mumbled

I fake sneezed. Mikey looked at me strangely.

“I’m allergic to bullshit,” I said bluntly

Mikey didn’t offer any more words, only making me angrier.

“Peyton!” I barked

My sister swivelled on her heels from where she was talking to Bob and Ray, and raised an eyebrow. I simply beckoned her to me with the crook of my finger, and she bounced over.

“What’s his problem?” I asked bitterly, jerking my thumb up in Mikey’s direction

“I am here, you know,” Mikey said softly

“Yeah well you’re not fucking talking to me. Get it out of him, I’m going to jump on Ray,” I said angrily

Peyton looked up at Mikey with a frown, and I let go of his hand, running over in Ray’s direction. He shrieked as I jumped on his back, but grabbed onto my knees to hold me in place, starting to run. I couldn’t help but laugh as everyone else did, wrapping my arms round his neck securely. I really hope Mikey gets over whatever his problem is. I’m not in the right frame of mind to be treated like that for much longer.

*

[Peyton]

Mikey and I watched as Trinity ran past Gerard, Lindsey and Frank, and jumped on Ray’s back, making him shriek. I laughed softly as he started running, looking up at Mikey.

“You’re worried, aren’t you?” I mused

“What about?” Mikey grumbled

“About Trinity saying she loves you. You think she didn’t mean it, and you’re worried about confronting her because she might blow up in your face and mash your heart,” I shrugged

Mikey looked at me for a second, before sighing loudly.

“Yeah, you pretty much got it down to a tee. All you missed was the fear that she’ll break up with me out of being scared to show her feelings. I know my girlfriend, Pey, she hates displaying emotion. I know she’s changed so much since being with me, but she freaks out about it every now and again. This could make her flip out for real,” Mikey said sadly

“You need to talk to her, before she flips out from her own doing. Quitting smoking cold turkey is going to make her an explosive person, so I’d confront her before the cravings kick in truly,” I suggested

“Yeah, you’re probably right. I’m just scared. I told her I loved her when she was choking in my arms, and I don’t want her to crush that,” Mikey said softly

“Take a chance. I know Trinity puts up with your shyness and shit normally, but there are some times when you’ve got to grow a pair, Mikes. My sister is emotionally vulnerable, and you know it. Just take a chance. I know she loves you,” I murmured

Mikey chewed his bottom lip, before nodding. The two of us stayed silent for the rest of the walk to the cars. I really hope Trinity doesn’t crush Mikey. He’s too fragile and she’s too unstable. I just want her to be happy.

*

[Trinity]

After a huuuuuge lunch in a local diner, Mikey took me and Peyton home. Well, Frank was in the car too, so Mikey obviously wouldn’t be staying. The only thing is, when Peyton and I got out the car, Mikey got out too.

“Just need to talk to Trinity,” he mumbled to Frank

Frank frowned at the serious look on Mikey’s face, but nodded. Mikey slipped his hand into mine, making me jump slightly, but I didn’t say anything. Mikey pulled me to a stop as Peyton opened the door. Something’s going on, I can tell. Peyton made it obvious as she walked into the apartment without saying anything. So I dropped Mikey’s hand, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Alright, spill,” I said bluntly

Mikey looked down at the ground, shoving his hands in his pockets. Okay, he’s starting to piss me off now. I’ll give him five seconds to speak. 1...2...3...4...

“You told Peyton that you love me and I was in the room,” Mikey blurted

What? My heart seemed to skip a beat and my hand instantly flew to it.

“Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Mikey panicked

“I’m fine,” I winced, “what the fuck are you talking about?”

Mikey’s face seemed to crumple.

“I knew you wouldn’t remember,” Mikey whimpered

I didn’t know what to say. I can’t believe I’d said that. Did I really say I love Mikey? Do I?

“Mikey...I...”

“What do you feel for me, Trinity?” Mikey interrupted

“I really like you, Mikey, you know that...but I...” I trailed off, chewing my bottom lip

“You don’t love me?” Mikey sighed

“I don’t know,” I mumbled, not looking in his eyes

“I wish you did know, Trinity. Because I love you with all my heart, and I don’t know what I would’ve done if you’d died. I love you so fucking much, I really do. I just wish you felt the same,” Mikey said sadly

I stayed silent, processing his words. I mean, it was hard enough when Zack had told me he loved me when I was 18...but Mikey? Mikey, the shy, sweet gentleman who treats me like I am his world? What the fuck do I feel for him? I didn’t realise how long I’d been silent until Mikey dropped my hands and started walking back down the stairs.

“Mikey wait!” I called desperately

Mikey paused, waiting for a second or two before turning around. I winced at the defeated look on his face.

“Yeah?” he sighed

“Did I really say I love you?” I asked quietly

“Yeah, you did,” Mikey nodded

“I heard you too!” Peyton called from the apartment

“Fuck off!” I yelled

Mikey chuckled, shaking his head.

“If you can’t remember saying it, then don’t worry,” Mikey said weakly

He started walking down the stairs again. But something told me that if I didn’t stop him, he wouldn’t come back the same, if at all. And as much as I hate to admit it, I knew I wouldn’t be able to take that.

“Mikey wait!” I yelled

Again, Mikey paused, looking up at me.

“I-I...love y-you,” I stuttered

“You don’t have to say it if you don’t mean it,” Mikey shrugged

My jaw dropped slightly out of anger. Does he have any fucking clue how hard it was for me to say that?! Even if it was butchered!

“Are you fucking stupid?!” I shrieked

“No, but I don’t want you to feel like you have to say it just because I did,” Mikey sighed

“I’m not fucking saying it just because you did! I fucking love you!” I yelled

A small smile tugged at Mikey’s lips.

“Don’t say it if you don’t mean it,” Mikey warned

“I LOVE YOU!” I roared

Mikey grinned and ran up the stairs, crashing his lips down on mine as soon as he reached me. I heard Peyton and Frank cheering as I threw my arms round Mikey’s neck, Mikey spinning me around. As soon as he put me down, I broke the kiss and started punching him in the chest.

“Oww! What’s that for?” Mikey yelped, chuckling as he held my fists

“You didn’t fucking believe me! I don’t say things like that lightly, and you fucking know it!” I scowled

Mikey grinned and let my hands go. He cupped my face with his hands, pressing his lips softly against mine in a kiss that made my knees go weak and my head spin. I had to clutch onto his polo shirt to hold myself up, barely able to breathe from the warmth of the embrace. Mikey pulled away from my lips after a few seconds, resting his forehead against mine.

“I love you,” he whispered

I averted my eyes, blushing.

“I love you too,” I said shyly

Mikey’s grin widened and he pecked my lips in one final kiss before letting my face go.

“I’d better go. I’ll call you later though,” Mikey said sweetly

“Alright, see you,” I smiled

Mikey kissed me quickly once more, before jogging down the stairs back to his car. I hurriedly ran back into the apartment, into the arms of Peyton.

“Hey what’s wrong?” she frowned

I just started bawling into her shoulder. Silently she took me into the living room, sitting the both of us down on the sofa.

“Just let it out,” Peyton soothed, rubbing my back

This only made me cry harder.

*

[3 hours later]

I watched as Peyton paid the delivery boy, before taking the cartons of Chinese takeaway and shutting the front door. She walked back over to me, handing me two boxes, one full of crispy chilli beef and the other egg fried rice.

“So, do you want to tell me what your mini-meltdown was about?” Peyton asked softly, picking up some chopsticks

My fingers drifted to the necklace I wore. It was the blue sapphire one that Zack had given me. For some reason, it was giving me comfort right now.

“Do you think I made a mistake telling Mikey that I love him?” I asked quietly

“Do you?” Peyton countered

“I don’t know. Something felt right about it, but something...something felt like I was doing something wrong. I don’t know, I can’t explain it,” I grumbled

“Well if there was something that felt right, then stick by it. You’ve never felt anything close to what Mikey makes you feel, right?” Peyton said seriously

“Apart from Zack,” I pointed out, picking up some chopsticks

“Zack? Really?” Peyton asked, surprised

“I think...I think if Zack hadn’t lied to me and I’d stayed with him then...then I probably would’ve loved him. He’s the only other guy that has gained my trust,” I sighed, poking my beef with my chopsticks

“But you love Mikey now, right?” Peyton confirmed

“Yeah,” I nodded

“There’s no point in thinking about ‘what ifs’. Zack is in the past for a reason, you can’t dwell on him. Mikey is your present and quite likely your future. Focus on that,” Peyton said firmly

“I guess you’re right,” I mumbled

“I know I’m right. Has Mikey ever noticed that necklace?” Peyton asked, raising an eyebrow

“It’s just a necklace,” I frowned

“No, it’s not. It’s clear that that necklace was given to you by someone that loved you, and you cherish it. So Mikey hasn’t ever asked?” Peyton asked, raising an eyebrow

My fingers played with the blue and silver stones and I shook my head.

“No, he hasn’t,” I said quietly

“What are you going to say if he does ask?” Peyton asked curiously

I groaned, running my free hand through my long blonde hair.

“I’ll tell him it’s from an old boyfriend that I hold dear. I’m not going to feed him bullshit, he’s mature enough to handle it,” I shrugged

“If you’re sure,” Peyton smiled

“Oh I’m sure. How are you and Frank, by the way? I noticed you weren’t arguing today,” I said, changing the subject

Peyton chuckled, realising what I was doing.

“We’ve decided to put aside our anger around everyone. It wasn’t doing the group any good and it was affecting you and Mikey. We both realised that it wasn’t fair to you guys. We’re being mature about it,” Peyton explained

“But if he ditched Jamia...” Trinity prompted

“Then I’d be all over him faster than you can say ‘fuck me’,” Peyton said honestly

I laughed loudly, my head tipping back slightly. It didn’t take Peyton long to join me, our laughter echoing around the apartment. When we’d finished and composed ourselves, I lifted my bottle of beer from the table in front of me.

“To a new era of the Hayes Sisters,” I toasted

“I’ll drink to that,” Peyton smiled