Never Alone {Epilogue}
~~ Oh wow, i finally updated. It's been SUCH a long time. Okay, so here it is folks, the epilogue hopefully you've been waiting for. And omg i have to stop the sequels lmao..ENJOY!! :)~~
***********************EPILOGUE*****************************************
2 Years later
Daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy!
Mike looked around the kitchen and frowned as he turned on the stove slowly. He had heard Xanders tiny voice coming out of somewhere, but couldnt seem to see him anywhere. Could his voice have been coming from Lauras room? His room? He couldnt tell but it was definitely echoed and distant.
Daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy!
Mike frowned as he suddenly heard tiny footsteps against the hardwood becoming quicker and quicker. His little voice was nearing and his breath was becoming faster and heavy as he ran into the kitchen. Hmm, must have been in the laundry room.
Daddy! He screamed at the top of his lungs, causing Mike to flinch, then look down at the tiny toddler attempting to pull his shirt on.
Unfortunately it had become stuck around the top of his head and he couldnt pull it down. Daddy, help! he shouted with panic.
Mike couldnt help but chuckle at the sight of a small three year old boy attempting to pull on his fresh laundry. Alright, alright, calm down, I got it. He laughed and bent down in front of his son, stretching the neck of the shirt around his head, and then pulled it down, sticking his little arms through the arm holes.
Xander shook his head roughly, making his fluffy black hair stand up with static. Mike smiled as his son gave a deep frown and breathed out heavily with rosy cheeks of frustration. He still hadnt gotten the hang of dressing himself in the morning and that much was obvious.
Are you okay now? Mike asked and suppressed a laugh at the cute sight of a frustrated three year old.
Xander looked up at Mike through his dark lashes and shook his head slowly with a small pout upon his full lips. Awits okay Xander. I understandgetting dressed isnt exactly the easiest thing in the world, but dont worry, youll get it. He explained calmly.
The toddler frowned and lowered his head, obviously not believing what his father was telling him. Getting dressed was just too stressful for such a small body. What can I do to make it all better? Mike asked quietly with a sad voice.
Xander lowered his head into his fathers chest and wrapped his tiny arms around him, gripping his shirt tightly. Mike stroked his sons hair gently, feeling the down like softness and gave a small smile.
He picked him up gently in his arms and frowned a little as he saw Laura coming downstairs from Xanders room with her hair in a mess and obviously out of breath. She gave a deep glare and stared at her little brother while crossing her arms angrily.
That boy is a demon. She growled.
Mike stared at her in question while feeling Xanders head burying deeper into his neck. It was evident that he wasnt just upset about his clothing disaster.
Okay, what did you do to him? he demanded quietly.
I didnt do anything! He wouldnt keep still when I tried to help him with his shirt!
Well Laura, hes three years oldhes hyperactive, of course he wont be able to keep still. Mike explained in a low tone.
That little monster drove me nuts. I had to chase him around the room for twenty minutes and when I finally got his shirt on, he ripped it off and ran downstairs. She explained desperately with frustration.
Mike sighed heavily as Xander lifted his head a little and glanced at his older sister, then quickly buried his head back into Mikes neck. Laura, he probably wanted to wear something else. Why didnt you follow him? He nearly suffocated himself trying to get his shirt on.
Thats not my problem. She muttered angrily.
It is so your problem. Your mom went out this morning to deposit some checks so guess what? You are the one who is responsible for getting him dressed this morning.
What about you? She demanded in disbelief.
Mike rolled his eyes and growled under his breath. Its called making breakfast for everyone. Without me you wouldnt have anything to eat. Now I dont know what the hell you did to him, but now hes upset. He explained.
Laura sighed out heavily and lowered her eyes with guilt. Okay, maybe I was a little impatient with himmaybe I yelled a littleand sworeand threw another shirt at him-.
You did what? Mike demanded angrily in disbelief.
Laura stared at him silently for a few moments before finding a way to respond without getting herself into major trouble. I was impatient and acted before thinkingIm sorry. She muttered slowly.
Well dont apologize to me. Your brother is scared nowyou should be apologizing to him. He explained.
Laura sighed uneasily and turned to her little brother who glanced up briefly from Mikes neck to look at her, and then hid his face again. She rolled her eyes and frowned before answering. Xander. She called, using her softest voice.
He lifted his head slowly and stared at her through those deep brown eyes, so full of fear and guilt that he had gotten his sister angry. Im sorry I was angry with you. It wasnt your fault. She explained gently.
He stared at her silently as he tried to apologize without becoming even more frustrated.
Youre a good boyIm a bad girlIm sorry. She stated while trying to explain things that were more at his level of comprehension.
Me good boy? he asked quietly with innocence that only a small child could possess.
Laura nodded and gave a small smile. You are a good boya little irritating maybe-.
Laura. Mike warned quietly.
Fine
Laura bad girlBAD! Xander squealed with an evil grin and balled his hands into tight fists against Mikes shoulder.
She frowned and watched Mikes smile growing with each passing second. Yeah, you tell her Xander. Shes a bad girlshe should be punished. He explained with a fake frown.
What? Wait, no dad!
BAD, BAD! Xander giggled loudly and smacked the air in front of his sister, nearly hitting her in the face with his tiny little fingers.
WHY, WHY HIM WHY? Out of all the sperm! Laura growled.
Mike raised a brow and then lowered Xander onto the kitchen floor where he suddenly darted away from them and ran into the living room, jumping onto the couch and grabbing the remote.
Laura, hes threetry to be more patient. Mike whispered and then cringed when the volume on the television exceeded 60.
He sighed heavily and gave a deep frown. Xander! He shouted as loud as he could. His little head popped up from behind the couch and he stared at his father with a wide grin.
Mike walked towards him slowly and winced as the sound of the television boomed through his ears. He grabbed the remote gently from his son and lowered the volume, sighing with relief as it returned to the normal volume of 13. Xander giggled ecstatically as he watched his father rubbing his ears with pain.
XanderTV does not get louder than this. Understand? he demanded in a stern authoritative voice.
The toddler grabbed the remote from Mikes hands and pointed it at the TV, pressing his little fingers down, flipping between each channel. He suddenly pounded his legs which didnt reach the end of the couch, up and down quickly with excitement when he found the station he wanted.
Daddy! He cried joyously when he happened to fall on the station for MTV where one of the Linkin Park videos was playing.
Mike gave a small chuckle and shook his head as he watched his son staring at the screen in awe, watching his father walking through a dried up lakebed rapping on the screen. Yeah, yeah alright, watch daddy on TV but dont turn it up okay? He asked calmly.
Xander nodded with a large grin and sat back against the couch comfortably. Oh hey, that was the good video. You guys all got soaked. Laura explained as she sat down at the centre island.
Mike frowned and turned around staring at her in question. Excuse me? You thought that was good?
Wellsoaked guyscome on dad, it just screams-.
Dont ever finish that sentence please. He interrupted and returned to his breakfast making.
Excuse me if Im part of the female race. She muttered as she watched him crack an egg into the frying pan.
Mike side glanced her and growled under his breath. LauraI really hope youre not suggesting that the band was hot in that video.
Hell yes I ambesides, Im not including you so be happy. She explained with a furrowed brow.
Thank Godyou scared me for a second there.
Well Im not THAT demented. She chuckled and shook her head at his stupidity. Mike lowered his eyes and concentrated back on the eggs he was making. He reached into the cupboard and grabbed a plate, setting it down in front of Laura, handing her a fork as well.
Eggs? he asked.
Scrambled. She stated.
I love how you specified which kind Mike muttered and rolled his eyes.
Hey, I have preferences. I wont eat them unless theyre scrambled. She explained.
Picky, picky. He replied in disbelief and began scrambling the eggs at a moderate and constant pace. After a while of making breakfast and listening to MTV drone on about some band, Mike turned around and placed the frying pan on the centre island with another plate.
Xander, breakfast. Mike announced casually.
No! he shouted back.
Yes, now. Mike ordered and watched as he slowly slid off the couch with reluctance and frowned, crossing his arms.
NO!
Mike glared and ran a hand through his hair with frustration.
Careful dad, you wouldnt want to get impatient now would you? Laura asked quietly, causing his glare to deepen.
Xandercome here, NOW. He ordered calmly.
NO! He shouted and darted away from the couch towards the stairs. Mike ran after him and caught him in his arms just as he was about to run onto the first step.
Gotcha! Mike yelled and held him tightly, feeling his little legs kicking and thrashing, demanding to be let down.
No!
You are coming into the kitchen whether you like it or not. Mike warned.
NO! he screamed at the top of his lungs.
Laura laughed under her breath and began to munch on her eggs while watching her father struggle with a disobedient little three year old. Mike sighed with irritation and frustration as he continued to hold the toddler tightly.
Come have some eggs.
NO! Yucky! he shouted, visibly upset.
Then what do you want to eat then? Mike asked.
COOKIES! Xander screamed with excitement and clapped his hands.
Cookies?
Yeah!
Mike frowned and looked at Laura who was snickering into her food. Laura, have you been giving him cookies for breakfast again?
It was one cookieeveryday for the past three weeks.
What!
Relax dad, hell grow out of his cookie fazehopefully. She replied lightly in thought.
Okay fineXander, Ill make you a deal. If you eat your eggs, Ill let you have a cookie. But ONLY after you finish your eggs. Mike stated slowly so that he could understand more easily.
Xander breathed out heavily in thought and struggled within his fathers arms, signaling that hed comply.
Alright Mike nodded and carried him over to one of the chairs at the centre island and sat him down.
Laura plopped two spoonfuls of scrambled eggs onto Xanders plate and handed him a plastic fork. He grabbed it clumsily and clutched it tightly within his fists and jabbed at the plate hard, obviously still upset that he wasnt getting his cookie just yet.
Xander eat. Mike ordered with a furrowed brow.
He stared up at his father with a deep glare and stuffed a mouthful of eggs into his mouth. Unfortunately he had stuffed so much in, it was all falling out the sides and onto his shirt. Mike lowered his eyes and grabbed some paper towel, then began cleaning the gooey mess off of his sons cheek and shirt.
Hey dad, he eats just like you. Laura muttered suddenly with a sideways smile, eyeing the bits of egg on her little brothers shirt.
Mike looked up from Xander and lowered his eyes at her giving that I resent that look.
Good morning allooo I smell eggs. Anna announced as she walked into the kitchen and took off her coat.
Anna your son is a pig. Mike stated clearly.
I always knew hed be just like his father. She replied quickly and smiled down at little Xander with bright eyes, ignoring Mikes insulted look.
Hi baby! she exclaimed and kissed Xander on his soft little head so full of the down like fluff some people refer to as hair.
Mommy, I want cookie. He muttered in a low tone with sad eyes.
Anna brushed through his black hair softly and raised a brow. You want a cookie? But you have eggs right here.
I want COOKIE. He stated and pounded his little fists against the centre island.
Hell, just give him the fucking cookie. Mike breathed quietly.
No Mike, he has to learn to be patient. Xander, finish your breakfast and then youll get a cookie.
Anna, I already tried that and it didnt work. Mike explained stressfully.
Finefinish your breakfast and youll get TWO cookies. Anna smiled and held up two fingers for Xander to see.
Cookietwo cookieTWO COOKIE! Xander shouted with excitement.
Anna laughed and placed the fork back into his hand. Eat. She ordered bluntly and so they all watched as he downed an entire plate of eggs in less than a minute, so keen on getting his new prizeTWO cookies. Xander dropped his fork against the plate with a small ping and reached out with both hands, grasping the air, staring beyond towards the cookie jar.
COOKIE! COOKIE! COOKIE!
Annahe is seriously going to be sick the rest of the afternoon. Mike muttered.
Hell be fine, just give him the damn cookies.
Me wantee! He shouted with annoyance and grunted as he tried to lean forward towards the cookie jar, which was quite a few feet away on top of the counters. Of course Xander had no sense of depth perception at allhe was only focusing on the cookie jar and not the distance between him and his desired sugar high.
Patience my little rock star, your cookies are coming. Mike chuckled and grabbed two from the jar, handing them to the hyper toddler.
So hes going to be a rock star? Anna asked quietly as she grabbed a few pieces of egg from Mikes plate.
Hell yes he is. There is no way he is getting past these doors to college without learning how to play the guitar. He explained with a frown.
And what if he turns out to be some science fiction watching, pop music listening pansy? she asked with an arched brow.
Anna that is IMPOSSIBLE. Hes related to mehes automatically a heavy metal, head bashing, ear bleeding rockerisnt that right little Xander? he asked with a smile.
He looked up from his cookies, which were crumbling around him and falling out of his mouth. He had managed to somehow stuff both into his mouth at the same timethis just screamed upset stomach later on.
Come on, do that hand thing. Mike whispered with an eager smile.
Xander swallowed his cookies and lifted his fist high into the air, extending his thumb and pinkie out.
Michael, why did you teach him that? Anna demanded with lowered eyes of annoyance.
Hey, he got it from TVI didnt teach anything to him.
It shows. She sighed and rolled her eyes.
Okay well I gotta go guys, be back later. Laura announced and hopped off of her chair.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, where the hell do you think youre going? Mike demanded with a furrowed brow.
Laura turned to him and growled loudly. None of your business.
Josh is taking her to a movie this afternoon. Anna stated casually and cleaned up her sons plate.
Mikes eyes widened and he breathed out in disbelief. Who the hell is Josh?
No one. Laura muttered angrily, not wanting her father prying into her personal life.
Her boyfriendreally Mike, you should pay more attention. Anna muttered and threw the rest of the dirty plates into the dishwasher.
BOYFRIEND? No, Nuhuh, absolutely not. Youre staying home. He replied sternly.
Dad, I HAVE TO GO! Laura whined loudly.
Not with some guy I didnt even know about.
The reason why you didnt know about him is because I dont really feel I should have to tell you ANYTHING about my personal life.
Then why does your mom know? he demanded with confusion.
Argh, Mom, make him let me go! Anna shook her head and leaned against the centre island.
Mike, its a girl thingjust let her go.
But what if this guy is some pot smoking, stuffy headed pimply freak who only wants to get his hands on her?
Shes smart enough to stay away from those kinds of people. Anna explained calmly.
Too bad, shes staying home. He replied.
Laura glared and crossed her arms angrily. Why did he have to be such a prick? Father, let me go!
No way DAUGHTER. He replied with a deep frown.
Anna rolled her eyes and glanced at Xander who had suddenly become confused by their anger. Dont you hate it when they fight? she asked quietly. Xander turned his vision towards his mother and giggled softly.
Bad.
Oh yeah, sure is. She smiled.
Suddenly the door bell rang and Lauras glare deepened. Im going.
No youre NOT.
Mike, stop being so fucking protective and let her out of the her cage once and a while. Anna breathed with frustration.
Finebut Im meeting this kid. He muttered.
Lauras eyes widened as she backed away towards the door, eyeing Mike cautiously. You are NOT meeting him.
Am so. He smiled and opened the door.
He eyed the young boy like he was fresh meat and leaned against the door frame, crossing his arms. This Josh was quite tall, tanned skin, dark hair and deep green eyes. He stared at Mike with confusion and glanced at Laura who lowered her head with embarrassment.
You have exactly ten seconds to convince me that I should let my daughter go out with you109
Dad Laura hissed angrily.
87
Josh frowned and stuffed his hands in his pockets, searching for something to say. Uh
654
I uhI-IIm
32-.
Im in a band. He stated suddenly.
Mike stopped his countdown and eyed the young teen suspiciously for several seconds. Laura stared at Mike helplessly and growled under her breath.
Bring her home before ten. Mike stated and pushed Laura through the door towards Josh.
Will do He replied nervously, still confused.
Waitwhat kind of band? Mike asked before they started to walk away. Laura lowered her eyes impatiently and gave her father a cold stare.
Josh cleared his throat and eyed Mike nervously. Strictly heavy metal.
Mike reached into his pocket and handed him fifty dollars. Get her something nice to eat. He whispered with a sideways smile. Laura raised her eyes with surprise and glanced at the fifty dollars in shock.
Are you serious? she asked.
Hey, hes a good kidyou two have fun now. He stated cheerfully and closed the door in front of the two shocked teens.
Anna chuckled lightly and shook her head as Mike entered the kitchen with a large smile. Ah kids these days.
Mike, youre still a kid. She muttered and rolled her eyes.
Am notIm almostuh
Thirty. Anna finished for him.
Holy shit Im old. He breathed in realization.
The problem is, youre not old enough. Dont you have work today or something? she asked.
Possibly
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
It means I dont have to if I dont want to. Im the head of this band-.
Uh, Chester is the head of this band. Anna corrected.
Excuse me? How the hell is he the head of the band?
Hes the singer.
So? I sing tooand I rapI do more than him. Mike argued.
Anna sighed heavily and sat down beside her son who was eyeing the cookie jar once again. Go to work. She ordered.
Hey, I deserve a break.
Michael, you have been putting off this new album for a year. Go to work NOW. She replied heavily.
Its not my fault Ive been busy with you and kids and ChesterI have too many responsibilities. He explained.
Well I can easily get rid of you and then youll only have one responsibility.
Are you threatening me? he demanded with a frown.
More like warning you. If you dont finish that album, the fans will murder you. She answered with a small smile.
You know what Anna? Everything you say to metakes me one step closer to the edge and Im about to break because in the end it doesnt even matter. He stated quickly.
She stared at him blankly for several seconds before finally replying. Well good, since you are already in LP modego to work and leave me alone so I can relax and watch some TV.
Fine, Im leaving. He replied with lowered eyes and walked towards the front hall to retrieve his jacket from the closet. Suddenly, Xander slid off of the chair and ran towards him at high speed and stopped with a jump in front of him.
Daddy, I wanna come!
Mike stared down at him and adjusted the collar on his jacket. You wanna come? Youll be bored sitting in the studio all day. Why dont you stay here with mommy and watch some TVplay with your toys
But I wanna come with you! He whined with a small pout.
Anna walked into the front hall and crossed her arms, giving a smile while watching Mike sigh heavily. Come on Mike, let him go with you. Hell be just as bored here. She explained quietly.
Alrightyou can come. Put on your shoes. He ordered softly.
Xander squealed with excitement and grabbed his shoes from the closet, sitting down and slipping them on clumsily. Mike eyed Annas crooked smile and walked towards her slowly.
Is there a reason why he cant stay here?
I want to be alone without a little boy running around the house and God knows Xanders going to do it too. She laughed.
Gee, thanks, I feel so loved. He chuckled.
Daddy! He screamed from the floor.
Mike closed his eyes through the sheer pain of the scream and turned around slowly. Yes Xander?
I cant do it! he whined and pointed to his laces.
Mike kneeled down in front of his son and clutched his laces weakly. Pay close attention. He warned softly.
Xander watched him as he slowly tied the two ends together, then made two loops and tied those together. Therethink you can do it for the other shoe? he asked.
Xander eyed his other shoe with interest and grabbed the laces tightly, trying so hard to remember what his father had just taught to him. He tied both ends together tightly and then clumsily made the two loops. A few seconds later, he had managed to tie the shoe all by himself which caused him to gasp out happily with a smile.
I did it! he cried.
Mike smiled and rubbed his head roughly, causing his hair to stand up all over. Good job Xander. Ready to go?
Yeah!
Mike picked him up quickly and held him in his arms while turning around to face Anna. Mommy look, I tied em! Xander shouted with excitement.
Yes I see that, arent you a smart boy? She chuckled and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
She then leaned up and kissed Mike softly on the lips and smiled.
Yucky! Xander shouted with a frown of disgust.
Yeah, yeah, I knowyucky now, fun when youre sixteen. Mike muttered and rolled his eyes.
Bye babies. Anna laughed softly.
Bye. Mike replied and then looked at Xander.
Say bye to mommy.
Bye mommy!
Bye sweetie. She replied and watched as Mike opened the door.
He carried Xander out towards the Escalade and opened the back door, sticking him in his car seat and strapped him in tightly. He then closed the door and then entered the drivers side and pulled on his seatbelt. He glanced up through the window and saw Anna standing in the doorway smiling with happy eyes. Mike turned around and looked at Xander with a smile.
Now doesnt mommy look pretty?
Pretty, pretty! he shouted and clapped.
Mike turned back to the front and shook his head with a large smile, then started the ignition. He then sat back and pulled out of the drive way, then stopped the truck on the road, glancing back through the rear view mirror towards his son who had now found a pair of sunglasses and was wearing them.
Alright, lets do this. Mike breathed and turned on the radio, filling the truck with loud guitars and booming drums which were vibrating the windows.
He pressed on the gas hard and squinted with a smile through the bright sun ahead.
Todaywas a good day.
True love exists yes I know this
My heart was waiting for you
And when we met I felt my chest
pound fast, racing for the chance
to know you, to hold you
To open up and show you
The way it feels when you know...
You are not alone
Know that I would fight the tides to
Be together
When you feel alone
Listen to this song to make your heart
feel better
Two hearts entwined, yes, you are mine
And I'll be your's forever
I've done the math, I'm less than half
We're better off together
And I want you here by my side
As much as you are on my mind
When I'm gone you should know
Rainy Mondays feel like Fridays
When you're smiling at me I can feel
The space
Between us collapsing
Our love is everlasting
Listen to this song
Let it make your heart feel better
{Song: Alone}
{Artist: Sanctus Real}
~~ ITS OVER!! NOOOOO THE END!!!! Aww it was fun writing it...hope y'all enjoyed it!! wootness *throws confetti* *has party* I am SOO sorry for taking forever on this chapter but i had mid-terms at school and such. Anywhoo, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR READING AND REVIEWING!! YOU GUYS ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE LIKE CRAZY, ITS AWESOME!!! Will there be more fics to come from me?? Hmm, i dunno...its probable. Kay so its over, finished, finito, fin...and this is a very long good bye so im just gonna stop and say : BYE!!! Peace out!! :)~~ PS: Don't forget to review lmao thankees !! :)~~
