Lots of Love, Mike x, chapter 33
Billie was having a smoke in the garden when Stella joined him. It was later that morning, Ana had just got up and was taking a shower, Adi was again talking to her mother on the phone and Mike had gone out to get some provisions.
"Hi," said Stella joining him.
"Hey little mom-to-be," said Billie. Stella noticed that he called her this at every opportunity.
"About earlier," she said standing next to him and watching him inhale his cigarette.
"What about earlier?" said Billie. "Yeah, I did see you and Mike kissing and if it's any consolation I'm glad, I've told Mike loads of times that he and you should be together. I know Ana is a lovely kind girl but there's something not quite right there, something missing. I think Mike and you would..."
"I don't think Mike wants me like that though," said Stella. "Otherwise...well otherwise wouldn't we be together by now?" She looked questioningly at Billie.
"May be, but what was he playing at kissing you in the kitchen when Ana was upstairs?" said Billie. "This needs to be sorted out, I think its been hanging in the air for years now Stella. Please get it sorted while you're here. Anyway, I think Tre has the hots for you too," he said exhaling smoke but wafting it away from her direction.
"I've hardly spoken to Tre since I got here," said Stella.
"I think he's avoiding you," said Billie.
"Why?" said Stella. She kind of thought he was.
"Because I don't think he likes being in the same room with you and Mike. I'm sure of it," said Billie. "He's a good guy, he likes women but I think he sees you as kind of special. When you were here before did you...did you and Tre sort of get it together a little?" he asked.
She didn't mind him asking, she loved talking to Billie he was very open and easy to talk to.
"Yeah we did," said Stella. "Tre actually said that he loved me and...wanted me to stay back then. I think I hurt him a little and I'm ashamed of myself for leading him on and letting him think that we could have something. All I think of is Mike in that way," she said.
"As I said," said Billie stubbing out his cigarette into an ashtray. "It needs sorting," he looked over at her then came and put his arm around here and kissed her cheek ever so gently then rubbed her stomach slightly. They walked into the house together.
***
"Sooo," said Michelle. "Have you and Mike got things sorted?"
"It's difficult Michelle," said Stella. "Ana is so lovely and kind and well..."
"Well what?" said Michelle.
"She's made me so welcome here and her and Mike are so good together I don't think it's going to happen although we did share a kiss."
"What's he doing kissing you and being with Ana?" said Michelle.
"I don't know," said Stella looking down.
"Things can't be right with him and Ana," said Michelle.
"Yeah but you know what they're like together, you've seen them, they're a great couple," she said.
"I've seen the way he looks at you too though," said Michelle.
"I've noticed it," said Stella.
"So...what are you going to do about it?" said Michelle.
"Nothing. Ana and Mike are together and there's nothing I can do about it," she said.
***
Everyone had gone to bed and Mike and Michelle were watching a late movie. Michelle was jet lagged so couldn't sleep and Mike had lots going on in his mind and couldn't sleep either.
As the credits rolled up Michelle decided that now was the opportunity to broach Mike.
"Mike?" she said.
"Hhmmmm," said Mike, yawning.
"How do you feel about Stella?" Michelle asked.
"I like Stella," said Mike immediately,
"Only like?" said Michelle.
"Look Michelle," said Mike, "what's all this about?"
"It's about Stella and how you feel about her. I've seen the way you look at each other, what's going on?"
"We kissed and I like Stella a lot," said Mike.
"And that's it?" said Michelle.
"Yeah," he responded.
"I'm confused here," said Michelle.
"Why's that?" said Mike.
"Because why kiss Stella when you've got the lovely Ana upstairs?"
Mike looked ashamed. "I don't know. It just happened. Look Stella and me...we go back a long way, there's always been something between us but...I have Ana and Stella is having a baby and..."
"If she wasn't have a baby...another man's baby, do you think you and her..."
"Yeah I think I would try and be with Stella but I can't bring myself to be with her and someone else's child," said Mike sadly.
"I'm sorry for you," said Michelle. She was so disappointed in Mike for saying that. He obviously liked Stella but was making do with Ana.
***
"Hey it's Michelle isn't it?" said a voice next to her.
Michelle was walking around the bay and stopped for a second to look out at the boats. Stella didn't want to come out as she was tired and the others were busy.
Michelle turned round and came face to face with Tre.
"Oh Hi Tre, yes I'm Stella's friend Michelle, we met at the pub that night" she said. "How are you? Had any guys up against the wall lately?" she laughed.
Tre laughed too. "Just a couple of dozen," he said. "How is she?" said Tre.
"Stella?" said Michelle but kind of knowing who he meant.
"Yeah," said Tre looking out towards the sea.
"She's doing well, her bump is growing and she's enjoying herself here but she's disappointed not to have seen more of you though Tre," said Michelle.
"I know...it's difficult, I find it hard being around her and Mike, I see the way she looks at him and...well, you know."
"Oh Tre I don't think things are going to be going anywhere with Stella and Mike. I spoke to him last night about it and...he's happy with Ana. He also said he couldn't be with Stella and another guy's baby."
"He's a dick," said Tre turning to Michelle.
"Sorry?" said Michelle.
"If I were him and someone like Stella loved me then I would want to be with her no matter what. You know Michelle if I had the chance I would be with Stella and bring her little baby up like it was my own."
Michelle was shocked by this guy's confession. He was only young and it was so obvious that he was in love with Stella.
"You still love her don't you?" she said to him. He has such lovely eyes she thought. Why can't Stella see what this guy has to offer?
"She told you, she told you what I said to her?" said Tre.
"Yes she did," said Michelle.
"It's still true and I love the bones of her Michelle, I love the bones of her and can't face seeing her as it hurts too much," he said sadly.
"She's wondering why you've not been around," said Michelle.
"I know. I should see her. When does she go back?" said Tre.
"In another month," said Michelle.
"So...how long until her baby?" he said.
"About 3 months," Michelle responded.
"Is she well?" Tre sighed and once again looked out towards the sea.
"Tre?" asked Michelle looking at him.
"Mmmm," he said still not looking.
"Go and see her." She simply said.
"I think I will and Michelle?" he turned
"Yeah," said Michelle.
"Please don't tell her about this conversation. I told her I love her before so she knows; let's just leave it at that shall we?"
"Of course," said Michelle.
Michelle watched him walk away, head bowed down and his hands in the pockets of his long shorts. He looked like such a rebel with his bleached hair and his swagger but she knew deep down that he was the kindest, gentlest guy she'd ever met and she silently wished him all the happiness in the world.
Two weeks later...
"There was a guy at the mall and he knew who I was," said Mike.
"What guy?" said Billie.
"Just a regular guy. He said he knew my name and that he wanted my autograph. He said he's seen us play loads of times and he has our records. He says he's a fan," said Mike excitedly.
"Cool," said Billie. "You know the other day I thought I saw people looking at me as though they knew me, may be the know our stuff," he said.
"Probably," said Mike. "Anyway the boat trip is on for tomorrow. I know Michelle wanted to do it before she left. Shall we surprise her?"
***
"You guys are amazing," said Michelle. "What a lovely going away gift, a boat trip around the bay," she said looking at the ticket Mike and Billie had given her.
"Yeah and we get drinks and food on the boat too, we'll be out for about 5 hours," said Billie.
"Thank you so much," said Michelle, "it's so kind of you all."
"I don't think I can go," said Stella looking up from reading a magazine.
"Oh Stella, why not?" said Michelle coming over to sit next to her friend.
"Why do you think?" laughed Stella pointing down to her bump. "I don't want to risk it out on a boat getting bumped about."
Michelle laughed too. "I suppose not. What will you do?" she said.
"I'll be fine here on my own," she said. "You guys go and have a wonderful time."
Later...
Adi came into the room. She had taken a phone call out in the hallway.
"That was Tre," she said. "He can't go on the boat trip tomorrow either."
"Why not?" Said everyone at once.
"Because he gets seasick," said Adi.
Billie and Mike started laughing.
"Hey that's cruel to laugh," said Ana.
"No that's not funny at all," said Adi looking at Billie and frowning.
"What a shame, I enjoy Tre's company," said Michelle.
"Poor Tre," said Stella.
Then Billie and Mike did an impression of throwing up then burst out laughing again.
The next day...
Stella was lying with her feet up flicking through a magazine when the knock on the door came. The others had only been gone ten minutes. Perhaps it was one of them come back she thought, perhaps they'd forgotten something.
She opened the door and came face to face with Tre.
"Hey gorgeous," he said entering the hallway.
"See...I told you...you eat too much chocolate and this is what happens," he said pointing at her bump.
Stella laughed. "Hey I hear you're not very good on boats."
"No. I hate the goddam things. I always get sick and there is no way that I'm getting sick in front of Billie and Mike," he said settling down on the sofa. "Anyway I heard that you couldn't make it either and thought that may be you could do with the company."
"I love your company," she simply said. "Can I get you a drink Tre?" she asked him.
"Hey you sit down, I'll get us a drink," said Tre wandering off to the kitchen. Stella did as she was told and sat back down onto the sofa.
"Oh and I've brought us some stuff for lunch. Do you like pasta?" Tre shouted through from the kitchen.
"I love pasta," said Stella.
"Good," came Tre coming out of the kitchen carrying two glasses of orange.
"And what about little tiger in there," he said nodding towards her belly. "Do you think he'd like pasta?"
"He'd better," said Stella. "He's eaten enough of it already."
***
"Tre this is gorgeous," said Stella one hour later sitting at the kitchen table tucking into a huge plate of pasta with tomato sauce poured over it, all home made by Tre.
"I didn't know you could cook," she said, "though the girls did mention that you're not bad in the kitchen."
"Actually I'm not bad in the bedroom either," said Tre suddenly. Stella blushed. Tre cleared his throat and stood up to clear the plates.
"Hey no, you let me wash those dishes up," said Stella, "it's the least I could do." But as soon as she stood up she quickly sat down again and clutched her stomach.
"What's wrong Stella?" said Tre. "You OK?" he said looking concerned. Stella's face had gone pale.
"I had a pain, but it's gone now," said Stella, the colour coming back to her cheeks.
"Go and sit down," said Tre. "I'll clear up quickly and get you some water. Go and rest," he ordered.
"Yes sir," said Stella getting up from the table.
She went and sat down and within minutes Tre was bringing her some water and he sat down next to her. As he did so, another pain caught hold of her.
"Oh Tre. That pain hurt. I'm scared," she said looking into his eyes. He looked concerned too.
"I think we should get you to the hospital, I'm not taking any risks here," said Tre, "come on," he indicated to Stella.
"No...really Tre, it's probably nothing," she said.
He held his hand out to her. "I don't care if it's nothing," he said. "I'm still taking you to get checked out."
Stella just took Tre's hand and she let him take her in his little car to the hospital.
***
"Your baby will be born sometime today," said the nurse in charge.
Stella sucked her breath in. "But he can't be, he's not due for another 10 weeks," she said.
"Its OK dear," said the nurse. "We'll keep a good eye on him and we have all the equipment here for him for when he comes out."
"Oh my god," said Stella, this she wasn't expecting. Another pain caught her unawares and she got upset.
"Have you got anyone to be with you?" said the nurse.
"No. Not really, just Tre."
"Who?" the nurse asked, frowning.
"Tre. He's the friend that brought me in," she said.
"Shall I get him for you?" said the nurse.
Stella hesitated then quietly said. "OK."
Tre came into the room a few minutes later.
"The nurse said you wanted me," said Tre.
"Yeah...Tre...would you..."
"...stay with you?" finished Tre
"Yeah," said Stella looking up at him then he came and sat down on the bed alongside her.
"Of course. I'm here for the duration and I can't wait to meet your little tiger," said Tre reaching out and putting a hand on Stella's bump.
"Hi," said Stella joining him.
"Hey little mom-to-be," said Billie. Stella noticed that he called her this at every opportunity.
"About earlier," she said standing next to him and watching him inhale his cigarette.
"What about earlier?" said Billie. "Yeah, I did see you and Mike kissing and if it's any consolation I'm glad, I've told Mike loads of times that he and you should be together. I know Ana is a lovely kind girl but there's something not quite right there, something missing. I think Mike and you would..."
"I don't think Mike wants me like that though," said Stella. "Otherwise...well otherwise wouldn't we be together by now?" She looked questioningly at Billie.
"May be, but what was he playing at kissing you in the kitchen when Ana was upstairs?" said Billie. "This needs to be sorted out, I think its been hanging in the air for years now Stella. Please get it sorted while you're here. Anyway, I think Tre has the hots for you too," he said exhaling smoke but wafting it away from her direction.
"I've hardly spoken to Tre since I got here," said Stella.
"I think he's avoiding you," said Billie.
"Why?" said Stella. She kind of thought he was.
"Because I don't think he likes being in the same room with you and Mike. I'm sure of it," said Billie. "He's a good guy, he likes women but I think he sees you as kind of special. When you were here before did you...did you and Tre sort of get it together a little?" he asked.
She didn't mind him asking, she loved talking to Billie he was very open and easy to talk to.
"Yeah we did," said Stella. "Tre actually said that he loved me and...wanted me to stay back then. I think I hurt him a little and I'm ashamed of myself for leading him on and letting him think that we could have something. All I think of is Mike in that way," she said.
"As I said," said Billie stubbing out his cigarette into an ashtray. "It needs sorting," he looked over at her then came and put his arm around here and kissed her cheek ever so gently then rubbed her stomach slightly. They walked into the house together.
***
"Sooo," said Michelle. "Have you and Mike got things sorted?"
"It's difficult Michelle," said Stella. "Ana is so lovely and kind and well..."
"Well what?" said Michelle.
"She's made me so welcome here and her and Mike are so good together I don't think it's going to happen although we did share a kiss."
"What's he doing kissing you and being with Ana?" said Michelle.
"I don't know," said Stella looking down.
"Things can't be right with him and Ana," said Michelle.
"Yeah but you know what they're like together, you've seen them, they're a great couple," she said.
"I've seen the way he looks at you too though," said Michelle.
"I've noticed it," said Stella.
"So...what are you going to do about it?" said Michelle.
"Nothing. Ana and Mike are together and there's nothing I can do about it," she said.
***
Everyone had gone to bed and Mike and Michelle were watching a late movie. Michelle was jet lagged so couldn't sleep and Mike had lots going on in his mind and couldn't sleep either.
As the credits rolled up Michelle decided that now was the opportunity to broach Mike.
"Mike?" she said.
"Hhmmmm," said Mike, yawning.
"How do you feel about Stella?" Michelle asked.
"I like Stella," said Mike immediately,
"Only like?" said Michelle.
"Look Michelle," said Mike, "what's all this about?"
"It's about Stella and how you feel about her. I've seen the way you look at each other, what's going on?"
"We kissed and I like Stella a lot," said Mike.
"And that's it?" said Michelle.
"Yeah," he responded.
"I'm confused here," said Michelle.
"Why's that?" said Mike.
"Because why kiss Stella when you've got the lovely Ana upstairs?"
Mike looked ashamed. "I don't know. It just happened. Look Stella and me...we go back a long way, there's always been something between us but...I have Ana and Stella is having a baby and..."
"If she wasn't have a baby...another man's baby, do you think you and her..."
"Yeah I think I would try and be with Stella but I can't bring myself to be with her and someone else's child," said Mike sadly.
"I'm sorry for you," said Michelle. She was so disappointed in Mike for saying that. He obviously liked Stella but was making do with Ana.
***
"Hey it's Michelle isn't it?" said a voice next to her.
Michelle was walking around the bay and stopped for a second to look out at the boats. Stella didn't want to come out as she was tired and the others were busy.
Michelle turned round and came face to face with Tre.
"Oh Hi Tre, yes I'm Stella's friend Michelle, we met at the pub that night" she said. "How are you? Had any guys up against the wall lately?" she laughed.
Tre laughed too. "Just a couple of dozen," he said. "How is she?" said Tre.
"Stella?" said Michelle but kind of knowing who he meant.
"Yeah," said Tre looking out towards the sea.
"She's doing well, her bump is growing and she's enjoying herself here but she's disappointed not to have seen more of you though Tre," said Michelle.
"I know...it's difficult, I find it hard being around her and Mike, I see the way she looks at him and...well, you know."
"Oh Tre I don't think things are going to be going anywhere with Stella and Mike. I spoke to him last night about it and...he's happy with Ana. He also said he couldn't be with Stella and another guy's baby."
"He's a dick," said Tre turning to Michelle.
"Sorry?" said Michelle.
"If I were him and someone like Stella loved me then I would want to be with her no matter what. You know Michelle if I had the chance I would be with Stella and bring her little baby up like it was my own."
Michelle was shocked by this guy's confession. He was only young and it was so obvious that he was in love with Stella.
"You still love her don't you?" she said to him. He has such lovely eyes she thought. Why can't Stella see what this guy has to offer?
"She told you, she told you what I said to her?" said Tre.
"Yes she did," said Michelle.
"It's still true and I love the bones of her Michelle, I love the bones of her and can't face seeing her as it hurts too much," he said sadly.
"She's wondering why you've not been around," said Michelle.
"I know. I should see her. When does she go back?" said Tre.
"In another month," said Michelle.
"So...how long until her baby?" he said.
"About 3 months," Michelle responded.
"Is she well?" Tre sighed and once again looked out towards the sea.
"Tre?" asked Michelle looking at him.
"Mmmm," he said still not looking.
"Go and see her." She simply said.
"I think I will and Michelle?" he turned
"Yeah," said Michelle.
"Please don't tell her about this conversation. I told her I love her before so she knows; let's just leave it at that shall we?"
"Of course," said Michelle.
Michelle watched him walk away, head bowed down and his hands in the pockets of his long shorts. He looked like such a rebel with his bleached hair and his swagger but she knew deep down that he was the kindest, gentlest guy she'd ever met and she silently wished him all the happiness in the world.
Two weeks later...
"There was a guy at the mall and he knew who I was," said Mike.
"What guy?" said Billie.
"Just a regular guy. He said he knew my name and that he wanted my autograph. He said he's seen us play loads of times and he has our records. He says he's a fan," said Mike excitedly.
"Cool," said Billie. "You know the other day I thought I saw people looking at me as though they knew me, may be the know our stuff," he said.
"Probably," said Mike. "Anyway the boat trip is on for tomorrow. I know Michelle wanted to do it before she left. Shall we surprise her?"
***
"You guys are amazing," said Michelle. "What a lovely going away gift, a boat trip around the bay," she said looking at the ticket Mike and Billie had given her.
"Yeah and we get drinks and food on the boat too, we'll be out for about 5 hours," said Billie.
"Thank you so much," said Michelle, "it's so kind of you all."
"I don't think I can go," said Stella looking up from reading a magazine.
"Oh Stella, why not?" said Michelle coming over to sit next to her friend.
"Why do you think?" laughed Stella pointing down to her bump. "I don't want to risk it out on a boat getting bumped about."
Michelle laughed too. "I suppose not. What will you do?" she said.
"I'll be fine here on my own," she said. "You guys go and have a wonderful time."
Later...
Adi came into the room. She had taken a phone call out in the hallway.
"That was Tre," she said. "He can't go on the boat trip tomorrow either."
"Why not?" Said everyone at once.
"Because he gets seasick," said Adi.
Billie and Mike started laughing.
"Hey that's cruel to laugh," said Ana.
"No that's not funny at all," said Adi looking at Billie and frowning.
"What a shame, I enjoy Tre's company," said Michelle.
"Poor Tre," said Stella.
Then Billie and Mike did an impression of throwing up then burst out laughing again.
The next day...
Stella was lying with her feet up flicking through a magazine when the knock on the door came. The others had only been gone ten minutes. Perhaps it was one of them come back she thought, perhaps they'd forgotten something.
She opened the door and came face to face with Tre.
"Hey gorgeous," he said entering the hallway.
"See...I told you...you eat too much chocolate and this is what happens," he said pointing at her bump.
Stella laughed. "Hey I hear you're not very good on boats."
"No. I hate the goddam things. I always get sick and there is no way that I'm getting sick in front of Billie and Mike," he said settling down on the sofa. "Anyway I heard that you couldn't make it either and thought that may be you could do with the company."
"I love your company," she simply said. "Can I get you a drink Tre?" she asked him.
"Hey you sit down, I'll get us a drink," said Tre wandering off to the kitchen. Stella did as she was told and sat back down onto the sofa.
"Oh and I've brought us some stuff for lunch. Do you like pasta?" Tre shouted through from the kitchen.
"I love pasta," said Stella.
"Good," came Tre coming out of the kitchen carrying two glasses of orange.
"And what about little tiger in there," he said nodding towards her belly. "Do you think he'd like pasta?"
"He'd better," said Stella. "He's eaten enough of it already."
***
"Tre this is gorgeous," said Stella one hour later sitting at the kitchen table tucking into a huge plate of pasta with tomato sauce poured over it, all home made by Tre.
"I didn't know you could cook," she said, "though the girls did mention that you're not bad in the kitchen."
"Actually I'm not bad in the bedroom either," said Tre suddenly. Stella blushed. Tre cleared his throat and stood up to clear the plates.
"Hey no, you let me wash those dishes up," said Stella, "it's the least I could do." But as soon as she stood up she quickly sat down again and clutched her stomach.
"What's wrong Stella?" said Tre. "You OK?" he said looking concerned. Stella's face had gone pale.
"I had a pain, but it's gone now," said Stella, the colour coming back to her cheeks.
"Go and sit down," said Tre. "I'll clear up quickly and get you some water. Go and rest," he ordered.
"Yes sir," said Stella getting up from the table.
She went and sat down and within minutes Tre was bringing her some water and he sat down next to her. As he did so, another pain caught hold of her.
"Oh Tre. That pain hurt. I'm scared," she said looking into his eyes. He looked concerned too.
"I think we should get you to the hospital, I'm not taking any risks here," said Tre, "come on," he indicated to Stella.
"No...really Tre, it's probably nothing," she said.
He held his hand out to her. "I don't care if it's nothing," he said. "I'm still taking you to get checked out."
Stella just took Tre's hand and she let him take her in his little car to the hospital.
***
"Your baby will be born sometime today," said the nurse in charge.
Stella sucked her breath in. "But he can't be, he's not due for another 10 weeks," she said.
"Its OK dear," said the nurse. "We'll keep a good eye on him and we have all the equipment here for him for when he comes out."
"Oh my god," said Stella, this she wasn't expecting. Another pain caught her unawares and she got upset.
"Have you got anyone to be with you?" said the nurse.
"No. Not really, just Tre."
"Who?" the nurse asked, frowning.
"Tre. He's the friend that brought me in," she said.
"Shall I get him for you?" said the nurse.
Stella hesitated then quietly said. "OK."
Tre came into the room a few minutes later.
"The nurse said you wanted me," said Tre.
"Yeah...Tre...would you..."
"...stay with you?" finished Tre
"Yeah," said Stella looking up at him then he came and sat down on the bed alongside her.
"Of course. I'm here for the duration and I can't wait to meet your little tiger," said Tre reaching out and putting a hand on Stella's bump.
