Asian Kiss: Saying Goodbye (4/?)
Title: Saying Goodbye (4/?)
Pairing: Mike Chang/Tina Cohen-Chang
Rating: 14A
Summary: She's his everything and he wishes she were there.
This is 1,000 words longer than I originally intended, but I really do like how it turned out. It's not as sexy as last week, or fluffy as the Christmas-themed chapter I'm working on for next week, but I hope you enjoy it all the same.
Mike knows he’s been lucky in his life. He’s never really had to deal with anything major; his parents are still married, his brother isn’t in jail, his grandparents are mostly still alive. He doesn’t remember a lot about his grandmother’s funeral- His Dad’s mom- because he had only been seven or eight when it happened. Mike knows that it was the first time he had ever been to a funeral and aside from his cousin Holly’s wedding the only other time he had worn a suit as a kid. Obviously Mike knows now what happened, but back then he had a hard time grasping the concept of death and relating it to the lady who seemed to have endless praise for his little dance routines instead of the usual disinterest most everyone else showed. Sure, she would never let him do them inside after he broke a picture frame once, but the entire backyard had been his stage when his cousins were too busy and too old to play with him anymore. She was a pretty awesome lady in Mike’s mind.
He gets it now, though. He understands death. He understands the inevitability of it and the permanence. He’s eighteen and Mike isn’t able to hide behind childlike innocence this time. In some ways he knows he’s been preparing for it for a while; you don’t just hear cancer and think everything is going to be a-okay. He hoped, because his Mom hoped, because his aunts and his uncles and his grandmother hoped, but life kind of blows sometimes. Mike normally tries not to let life get him down, to not be bitter or unnecessarily depressed, but he figures that it’s okay to be moody and sullen and hide in a corner today because there are people everywhere and he just isn’t in a people mood today. There’s really only one person Mike wants to see right now and she’s not there.
Normally Mike loves his family. He loves being part of a big family of people who live close together. He never had a shortage of playmates when he spent summers at his grandparents in Columbus; being the baby of the family meant he was always challenged to keep up with the bigger kids and Mike’s pretty sure some of his fearlessness in dance comes from growing up like that. Being the baby also meant that when he wanted he could slink away into the corners and let his older cousins take the attention that he was never fully fond of. He’s letting them do that today because he just can’t bring himself to be out there. Today his family is too big, too noisy, and too much for him to handle. It makes him miss Tina more.
Mike’s always been hyper-aware of Tina’s presence in his life because she’s become such a permanent presence over the last couple years. He’d have to be an idiot not to realize how much time they spend together. She’s there at school, and she’s there at his house, or he’s over at hers. It feels like he’s got this new sixth sense that he never had with Brittany that tells him exactly when Tina’s around. But it’s weird because he’s never really realized how much Tina had turned into his main support system in life. Sure, she was his girlfriend and his best friend and all of that, but the last three days has totally made him realize that Tina’s become everything now. She’s the one he turns to when he’s had a bad day, or when he needs a confidence boost, or when he needs someone to tell it to him straight. She was the first person he called Saturday afternoon and really, she had been the only person he wanted to see. Mercedes had her to his house in fifteen minutes because they both had been at Quinn’s for a study session. He couldn’t imagine anyone else crying with him, or laughing at the summer stories from when he was just a dorky little kid (and not calling him a dorky little kid even though it was the truth), or just sitting with him in silence for hours. She knew when to push him to eat, and when to just hold his hand, and she had even gotten his mind off things for a few hours by insisting they practice their Glee choreography in his basement.
And it had been weird because the last couple days were the first time Mike ever realized how easily Tina had adapted to his home life, or maybe everyone else had just adapted to her being there so often. While he had kind of, mostly, shut down because of everything, Mike had learnt that Tina dealt with stress by doing. At some point Saturday evening Tina had made dinner after his Dad came home, helped his mother perfect the wording of the obituary, and ironed his suit for whenever the funeral would be. He doesn’t remember much else of the weekend, mostly Sunday, because Mike’s pretty sure he slept most of the day, because it hurt less when he was asleep, and followed Tina around while she did whatever it was Tina deemed important to help with. Mike thinks he may have folded some laundry at some point. He remembers his brother and his fiancé arriving at some point too, but Mike’s not positive whether that was Saturday night or Sunday anymore. He doesn’t really like how easily the days have blended together.
But the more he thinks of her the more he wants her here with him at the funeral home. He feels freaking lost without her, and okay, that makes him sound like a puppy or something, but he just needs her for this. He needs her to be talking to the funeral home director instead of his teary-eyed mother, making sure everything was in place for the reception afterwards. He needs her to tie the loose shoelaces of his second cousin who was running around and help his other second cousin straighten his tie because no one else is doing it. He needs her there to take baby Sam from his cousin Holly who’s trying to console the baby and his Aunt Cindy because Holly’s doing a terrible job at both and Mike’s pretty sure his head will explode if Sam doesn’t stop crying asap. And Mike knows that even though she’d be running around doing this and that like it was her own family in crisis, and Mike kind of likes the idea that she might think of them as her own family in a way, Tina would be constantly coming back to the small side table he’s sitting on. She wouldn’t forget him.
He can freaking picture her resting her hands on his thighs to leverage herself up to rest her forehead against his, or press her lips to his cheek, whispering that she’s right there. She’d understand, because she’s amazing, that even though he’s separated himself from the group he’s desperately craving reassurance that he can get through this day in one piece. She’d let him know that he wouldn’t have to get through it alone.
“You okay?”
“We’re at a funeral, Dan.”
The comeback is snappy, and for a second Mike feels bad because he knows his brother is just trying to be… brotherly. If there’s anyone other than Tina that would understand how much he shies away from the spotlight during big family gatherings, it’d be his big brother. Except Dan’s not exactly big, and Mike has to fight down a smirk when he looks down at Dan beside him because it’s a freaking funeral and he shouldn’t be gloating that he’s a good foot taller than his seven year older brother. Sure, Mike might not have hit his growth spurt until late but he totally made up for it in the end. Even if it does make him a freak in his family.
“Where’s Tina? Shouldn’t she be here by now?”
“She’s not coming,” Mike mumbles, picking at one of buttons on his suit jacket.
“What do you mean she’s not coming? I thought she was going to meet us here.”
“She was. But her Dad needed the car last minute.”
“Then why didn’t she come with us last night?”
“Because her parents didn’t really want her staying overnight in Columbus. So she was supposed to drive out this morning, but her Dad needed the car or something so she’s stuck in Lima.”
“And there’s no way she can get here? She should be here. You look like crap.”
Mike loves his brother. He really does. He figured out a long time ago that they were never going to be close like some of his friends and their siblings, though. When he was younger it used to really bother him because it would have been nice to have someone to play with, so Mike attributes a good deal of his shyness to just doing a lot of stuff by himself as a kid. Sometimes it felt like he was an only child growing up because by the time he was finally old enough to relate to his brother on any level, Dan was out of the house. He’s been off in Cincinnati for university for years now and sure, Mike knows he comes home for Christmas and Easter and stuff, when he’s not at Alicia’s parents for holidays, but it’s not the same as spending their formative years growing up together.
“I’m pretty sure if there was a way she’d be here. It happens. I’ll be fine.”
“Mikey, come on,” Dan sighs, nudging Mike with his elbow, “You’re not fine. You’re upset and lonely and if I were you I’d be pissed at her Dad because that’s a crappy thing to do to a guy on the day of his grandfather’s funeral.”
“Yeah, well, her Dad isn’t my biggest fan.”
“They never are. Wait until you bring up marriage; that’s when it gets really sketchy because then they know for sure you’re doing their daughter.”
“Yeah,” Mike pauses, “He sort of already knows that. And Tina’s his only daughter so... he’s really not my biggest fan.”
“Seriously?”
As weird as it sounds, this is the kind of awkward brotherly conversation he always imagined having with Dan. And it is really awkward, especially since they’re having it while waiting for their grandfather’s funeral to start, but Mike feels a bit less lonely and maybe even a bit proud of the way Dan’s looking at him. It’s sort of like they’re actually brothers or friends or something and they’re bonding or whatever it is that their mother is always nagging at them to do. Mike figures he’s completely erased any possibility of Dan looking or treating him like he’s a six-year-old kid from now on. That’s definitely the first and likely only positive of the day at this rate.
“You’re actually serious? Her Dad busted you?”
“It was bad news. I’ve never moved so fast in my life.”
“Please tell me you still had your pants on.”
“Mine were.”
Okay, so Mike’s sort of proud of himself. Even though he knows he shouldn’t be talking to his brother about stuff like this because what he and Tina do is, well, what he and Tina do, and if she were here Mike knows he wouldn’t be telling Dan any of this, but he’s blindly trusting Dan will use some discretion and never ever mention this conversation again. Ever. Because while Mike can almost joke about the situation, he’s not really over the whole thing because it really was bad. It was super bad. It was like his worst nightmare come true because Mr. Cohen-Chang totally shouldn’t have been home that early but Tina had looked amazing all day and they were paired together during Glee choreography and it just…
It happened, and Mike’s pretty sure Tina’s Dad will never ever forgive him for it or trust him with Tina ever again. Not that Mike would expect any less because you know, they were sort of caught doing it even though they weren’t doing it and there really weren’t a lot of clothes involved by that point, which was great up for him until the moment her Dad knocked on the door, and it was just bad. So, so bad. And even though it was bad, thinking about it and her makes Mike remember just how much he misses her presence here because she would totally be giving him the ‘I’m-going-to-kick-your-ass-later-funeral-or-no-funeral’ look if she heard Dan and him talking about it.
“I think it’s time to go.”
While Mike’s a foot taller than Dan, he freaking towers over Alicia. She’s the shortest person he’s ever known, and Rachel Berry is pretty short. She makes Tina look tall in comparison, and he’s pretty sure Tina isn’t an inch over 5’ 4”. His entire family is shuffling around, trying to find spouses and parents and children and Mike feels left out again because he doesn’t have anyone like that today. Sure, he’s going to sit with his family, his immediate family, but he’s still missing Tina. His Mom’s missing too as they begin filing into the funeral home lobby, but Mike figures she’ll just meet up with them before they proceed in because she’s the youngest so they’ll be walking behind his aunts and uncles.
Alicia and Dan are talking with their heads bowed together, and his Dad is just sort of standing around scanning the lobby for his Mom, Mike figures. Holly walks by with Sam and the baby is thankfully quiet, because Mike really doesn’t want to sit through the whole service a row behind the kid while he’s having a fit. Maybe he’s not as good with kids as he’s previously thought. He feels kind of awkward just standing around while everyone assembles themselves and he can make out the coffin at the doors and it’s just… weird. He’s probably said that word way too much today and Mike doesn’t even think that accurately describes what he’s feeling, but whatever. It’s weird. His grandfather is in that box and it’s just… weird. Weird. Weird. Weird.
“Come on, dear.”
His Mom is pushing through the crowd and it looks like she’s dragging someone; Mike’s first guess is that his cousin Jackie’s kid Samantha got away, again, because the kid is a total runner. And she’s fast as heck. Last summer he had to chase her down over a block when someone left the back gate at his grandparents open, and it was good he had long legs because she probably would have gotten hit by a car if she had gotten any further. But he’s pretty sure Samantha doesn’t wear heels or fitted black dresses with lace or have long curled black hair with blue streaks like the person with his Mom does.
“You go stand with Mike; I’ll be back in a second.”
Giving Tina a light push, Mike watches his mother turn and head towards the doors where her siblings are standing with his grandmother. He’s not really sure what’s going on because Tina’s supposed to be in Lima but she’s here, saying hello to Alicia and Dan before sliding in beside him in the line, slipping her hand into his like she’s been here the whole damn time and he hasn’t been a miserable, sappy wreck without her. Or talking about his escapades with her to his brother. She’s staring straight ahead and Mike kind of feels like she’s avoiding meeting his gaze. Is it wrong to think your girlfriend looks fantastically gorgeous at a funeral?
“What are you doing here?”
“It’s your grandfather’s funeral. I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
“But your Dad took the car.”
“I skipped school and took the bus,” she answers, finally turning to look at him.
“The bus? From Lima?”
“Yeah. One of those coach busses.”
“You did what?”
He tried not to raise his voice, he really did. But all Mike can think about is how Tina, his Tina, got on a bus with who knows what crazies and came all the way to Columbus, on her own, to be here with him. Sure, he knows that Tina is fully capable and very real-world savvy but that doesn’t mean something couldn’t have happened to her. And he gets that this probably isn’t the best reaction because she did it for him and he really does appreciate it, and he should probably tell her that because she probably had to pay a decent amount for the ticket, but Mike’s kind of freaked out by the fact she’s acting so nonchalantly about it. Like it’s no big freaking deal for her to hop a bus and leave Lima, probably without telling her parents too, who are going to kill him when they find out.
“It’s not a big deal, Mike. We both wanted me to be here, so I am. There’s other stuff to deal with right now.”
“I can’t believe you took the bus to Columbus alone!”
“Look,” she whispers, turning and poking a finger into his chest, “I am a big girl, Mike Chang and if I want to take the bus by myself to Columbus to be with my boyfriend when he needs my support I will. Don’t be a jerk about it.”
“How are you going to get home? And don’t say the bus,” he adds as an afterthought.
“With you? I don’t know; I didn’t get that far.”
“We’re staying at my aunts tonight.”
“Then I’ll call my parents. Or stay at your aunts. I don’t know, Mike. I thought you’d be happy to see me.”
“I am,” he brushes his thumb over her knuckles, “I am. I can’t believe you’d come all this way just for me. But you freak me out when you do crazy things like this. I worry.”
“I came all this way because I love you, you stupid boy. And I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d worry and you have enough on your plate. But you would have done the same crazy thing if the roles were reversed. So just…”
“Be glad you’re here?”
“Yes.”
He nods and leans down to press a light kiss on her lips, ignoring his family around him. He doesn’t know if it’s proper to be kissing his girlfriend right before the service starts either, but she took a damn bus to Columbus for him. For him. He’s not insecure about things with Tina, but it baffles his mind sometimes how far she’s willing to go for him. Like he’s totally worthy of all the time and effort and trouble she’s had to go through to be here. It kind of makes Mike feel like she’s as invested in this relationship as he is because she’s freaking everything to him. Everything.
“Thank you,” he whispers when he pulls back, “I am really glad you’re here. And I’m sure you can stay at my aunts tonight.”
“I’m glad I’m here too,” she grins as the doors open and Mike’s family begins to shuffle, “Let’s just get through this part and we’ll figure the rest out later, okay?”
“Okay.”
Pairing: Mike Chang/Tina Cohen-Chang
Rating: 14A
Summary: She's his everything and he wishes she were there.
This is 1,000 words longer than I originally intended, but I really do like how it turned out. It's not as sexy as last week, or fluffy as the Christmas-themed chapter I'm working on for next week, but I hope you enjoy it all the same.
Mike knows he’s been lucky in his life. He’s never really had to deal with anything major; his parents are still married, his brother isn’t in jail, his grandparents are mostly still alive. He doesn’t remember a lot about his grandmother’s funeral- His Dad’s mom- because he had only been seven or eight when it happened. Mike knows that it was the first time he had ever been to a funeral and aside from his cousin Holly’s wedding the only other time he had worn a suit as a kid. Obviously Mike knows now what happened, but back then he had a hard time grasping the concept of death and relating it to the lady who seemed to have endless praise for his little dance routines instead of the usual disinterest most everyone else showed. Sure, she would never let him do them inside after he broke a picture frame once, but the entire backyard had been his stage when his cousins were too busy and too old to play with him anymore. She was a pretty awesome lady in Mike’s mind.
He gets it now, though. He understands death. He understands the inevitability of it and the permanence. He’s eighteen and Mike isn’t able to hide behind childlike innocence this time. In some ways he knows he’s been preparing for it for a while; you don’t just hear cancer and think everything is going to be a-okay. He hoped, because his Mom hoped, because his aunts and his uncles and his grandmother hoped, but life kind of blows sometimes. Mike normally tries not to let life get him down, to not be bitter or unnecessarily depressed, but he figures that it’s okay to be moody and sullen and hide in a corner today because there are people everywhere and he just isn’t in a people mood today. There’s really only one person Mike wants to see right now and she’s not there.
Normally Mike loves his family. He loves being part of a big family of people who live close together. He never had a shortage of playmates when he spent summers at his grandparents in Columbus; being the baby of the family meant he was always challenged to keep up with the bigger kids and Mike’s pretty sure some of his fearlessness in dance comes from growing up like that. Being the baby also meant that when he wanted he could slink away into the corners and let his older cousins take the attention that he was never fully fond of. He’s letting them do that today because he just can’t bring himself to be out there. Today his family is too big, too noisy, and too much for him to handle. It makes him miss Tina more.
Mike’s always been hyper-aware of Tina’s presence in his life because she’s become such a permanent presence over the last couple years. He’d have to be an idiot not to realize how much time they spend together. She’s there at school, and she’s there at his house, or he’s over at hers. It feels like he’s got this new sixth sense that he never had with Brittany that tells him exactly when Tina’s around. But it’s weird because he’s never really realized how much Tina had turned into his main support system in life. Sure, she was his girlfriend and his best friend and all of that, but the last three days has totally made him realize that Tina’s become everything now. She’s the one he turns to when he’s had a bad day, or when he needs a confidence boost, or when he needs someone to tell it to him straight. She was the first person he called Saturday afternoon and really, she had been the only person he wanted to see. Mercedes had her to his house in fifteen minutes because they both had been at Quinn’s for a study session. He couldn’t imagine anyone else crying with him, or laughing at the summer stories from when he was just a dorky little kid (and not calling him a dorky little kid even though it was the truth), or just sitting with him in silence for hours. She knew when to push him to eat, and when to just hold his hand, and she had even gotten his mind off things for a few hours by insisting they practice their Glee choreography in his basement.
And it had been weird because the last couple days were the first time Mike ever realized how easily Tina had adapted to his home life, or maybe everyone else had just adapted to her being there so often. While he had kind of, mostly, shut down because of everything, Mike had learnt that Tina dealt with stress by doing. At some point Saturday evening Tina had made dinner after his Dad came home, helped his mother perfect the wording of the obituary, and ironed his suit for whenever the funeral would be. He doesn’t remember much else of the weekend, mostly Sunday, because Mike’s pretty sure he slept most of the day, because it hurt less when he was asleep, and followed Tina around while she did whatever it was Tina deemed important to help with. Mike thinks he may have folded some laundry at some point. He remembers his brother and his fiancé arriving at some point too, but Mike’s not positive whether that was Saturday night or Sunday anymore. He doesn’t really like how easily the days have blended together.
But the more he thinks of her the more he wants her here with him at the funeral home. He feels freaking lost without her, and okay, that makes him sound like a puppy or something, but he just needs her for this. He needs her to be talking to the funeral home director instead of his teary-eyed mother, making sure everything was in place for the reception afterwards. He needs her to tie the loose shoelaces of his second cousin who was running around and help his other second cousin straighten his tie because no one else is doing it. He needs her there to take baby Sam from his cousin Holly who’s trying to console the baby and his Aunt Cindy because Holly’s doing a terrible job at both and Mike’s pretty sure his head will explode if Sam doesn’t stop crying asap. And Mike knows that even though she’d be running around doing this and that like it was her own family in crisis, and Mike kind of likes the idea that she might think of them as her own family in a way, Tina would be constantly coming back to the small side table he’s sitting on. She wouldn’t forget him.
He can freaking picture her resting her hands on his thighs to leverage herself up to rest her forehead against his, or press her lips to his cheek, whispering that she’s right there. She’d understand, because she’s amazing, that even though he’s separated himself from the group he’s desperately craving reassurance that he can get through this day in one piece. She’d let him know that he wouldn’t have to get through it alone.
“You okay?”
“We’re at a funeral, Dan.”
The comeback is snappy, and for a second Mike feels bad because he knows his brother is just trying to be… brotherly. If there’s anyone other than Tina that would understand how much he shies away from the spotlight during big family gatherings, it’d be his big brother. Except Dan’s not exactly big, and Mike has to fight down a smirk when he looks down at Dan beside him because it’s a freaking funeral and he shouldn’t be gloating that he’s a good foot taller than his seven year older brother. Sure, Mike might not have hit his growth spurt until late but he totally made up for it in the end. Even if it does make him a freak in his family.
“Where’s Tina? Shouldn’t she be here by now?”
“She’s not coming,” Mike mumbles, picking at one of buttons on his suit jacket.
“What do you mean she’s not coming? I thought she was going to meet us here.”
“She was. But her Dad needed the car last minute.”
“Then why didn’t she come with us last night?”
“Because her parents didn’t really want her staying overnight in Columbus. So she was supposed to drive out this morning, but her Dad needed the car or something so she’s stuck in Lima.”
“And there’s no way she can get here? She should be here. You look like crap.”
Mike loves his brother. He really does. He figured out a long time ago that they were never going to be close like some of his friends and their siblings, though. When he was younger it used to really bother him because it would have been nice to have someone to play with, so Mike attributes a good deal of his shyness to just doing a lot of stuff by himself as a kid. Sometimes it felt like he was an only child growing up because by the time he was finally old enough to relate to his brother on any level, Dan was out of the house. He’s been off in Cincinnati for university for years now and sure, Mike knows he comes home for Christmas and Easter and stuff, when he’s not at Alicia’s parents for holidays, but it’s not the same as spending their formative years growing up together.
“I’m pretty sure if there was a way she’d be here. It happens. I’ll be fine.”
“Mikey, come on,” Dan sighs, nudging Mike with his elbow, “You’re not fine. You’re upset and lonely and if I were you I’d be pissed at her Dad because that’s a crappy thing to do to a guy on the day of his grandfather’s funeral.”
“Yeah, well, her Dad isn’t my biggest fan.”
“They never are. Wait until you bring up marriage; that’s when it gets really sketchy because then they know for sure you’re doing their daughter.”
“Yeah,” Mike pauses, “He sort of already knows that. And Tina’s his only daughter so... he’s really not my biggest fan.”
“Seriously?”
As weird as it sounds, this is the kind of awkward brotherly conversation he always imagined having with Dan. And it is really awkward, especially since they’re having it while waiting for their grandfather’s funeral to start, but Mike feels a bit less lonely and maybe even a bit proud of the way Dan’s looking at him. It’s sort of like they’re actually brothers or friends or something and they’re bonding or whatever it is that their mother is always nagging at them to do. Mike figures he’s completely erased any possibility of Dan looking or treating him like he’s a six-year-old kid from now on. That’s definitely the first and likely only positive of the day at this rate.
“You’re actually serious? Her Dad busted you?”
“It was bad news. I’ve never moved so fast in my life.”
“Please tell me you still had your pants on.”
“Mine were.”
Okay, so Mike’s sort of proud of himself. Even though he knows he shouldn’t be talking to his brother about stuff like this because what he and Tina do is, well, what he and Tina do, and if she were here Mike knows he wouldn’t be telling Dan any of this, but he’s blindly trusting Dan will use some discretion and never ever mention this conversation again. Ever. Because while Mike can almost joke about the situation, he’s not really over the whole thing because it really was bad. It was super bad. It was like his worst nightmare come true because Mr. Cohen-Chang totally shouldn’t have been home that early but Tina had looked amazing all day and they were paired together during Glee choreography and it just…
It happened, and Mike’s pretty sure Tina’s Dad will never ever forgive him for it or trust him with Tina ever again. Not that Mike would expect any less because you know, they were sort of caught doing it even though they weren’t doing it and there really weren’t a lot of clothes involved by that point, which was great up for him until the moment her Dad knocked on the door, and it was just bad. So, so bad. And even though it was bad, thinking about it and her makes Mike remember just how much he misses her presence here because she would totally be giving him the ‘I’m-going-to-kick-your-ass-later-funeral-or-no-funeral’ look if she heard Dan and him talking about it.
“I think it’s time to go.”
While Mike’s a foot taller than Dan, he freaking towers over Alicia. She’s the shortest person he’s ever known, and Rachel Berry is pretty short. She makes Tina look tall in comparison, and he’s pretty sure Tina isn’t an inch over 5’ 4”. His entire family is shuffling around, trying to find spouses and parents and children and Mike feels left out again because he doesn’t have anyone like that today. Sure, he’s going to sit with his family, his immediate family, but he’s still missing Tina. His Mom’s missing too as they begin filing into the funeral home lobby, but Mike figures she’ll just meet up with them before they proceed in because she’s the youngest so they’ll be walking behind his aunts and uncles.
Alicia and Dan are talking with their heads bowed together, and his Dad is just sort of standing around scanning the lobby for his Mom, Mike figures. Holly walks by with Sam and the baby is thankfully quiet, because Mike really doesn’t want to sit through the whole service a row behind the kid while he’s having a fit. Maybe he’s not as good with kids as he’s previously thought. He feels kind of awkward just standing around while everyone assembles themselves and he can make out the coffin at the doors and it’s just… weird. He’s probably said that word way too much today and Mike doesn’t even think that accurately describes what he’s feeling, but whatever. It’s weird. His grandfather is in that box and it’s just… weird. Weird. Weird. Weird.
“Come on, dear.”
His Mom is pushing through the crowd and it looks like she’s dragging someone; Mike’s first guess is that his cousin Jackie’s kid Samantha got away, again, because the kid is a total runner. And she’s fast as heck. Last summer he had to chase her down over a block when someone left the back gate at his grandparents open, and it was good he had long legs because she probably would have gotten hit by a car if she had gotten any further. But he’s pretty sure Samantha doesn’t wear heels or fitted black dresses with lace or have long curled black hair with blue streaks like the person with his Mom does.
“You go stand with Mike; I’ll be back in a second.”
Giving Tina a light push, Mike watches his mother turn and head towards the doors where her siblings are standing with his grandmother. He’s not really sure what’s going on because Tina’s supposed to be in Lima but she’s here, saying hello to Alicia and Dan before sliding in beside him in the line, slipping her hand into his like she’s been here the whole damn time and he hasn’t been a miserable, sappy wreck without her. Or talking about his escapades with her to his brother. She’s staring straight ahead and Mike kind of feels like she’s avoiding meeting his gaze. Is it wrong to think your girlfriend looks fantastically gorgeous at a funeral?
“What are you doing here?”
“It’s your grandfather’s funeral. I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
“But your Dad took the car.”
“I skipped school and took the bus,” she answers, finally turning to look at him.
“The bus? From Lima?”
“Yeah. One of those coach busses.”
“You did what?”
He tried not to raise his voice, he really did. But all Mike can think about is how Tina, his Tina, got on a bus with who knows what crazies and came all the way to Columbus, on her own, to be here with him. Sure, he knows that Tina is fully capable and very real-world savvy but that doesn’t mean something couldn’t have happened to her. And he gets that this probably isn’t the best reaction because she did it for him and he really does appreciate it, and he should probably tell her that because she probably had to pay a decent amount for the ticket, but Mike’s kind of freaked out by the fact she’s acting so nonchalantly about it. Like it’s no big freaking deal for her to hop a bus and leave Lima, probably without telling her parents too, who are going to kill him when they find out.
“It’s not a big deal, Mike. We both wanted me to be here, so I am. There’s other stuff to deal with right now.”
“I can’t believe you took the bus to Columbus alone!”
“Look,” she whispers, turning and poking a finger into his chest, “I am a big girl, Mike Chang and if I want to take the bus by myself to Columbus to be with my boyfriend when he needs my support I will. Don’t be a jerk about it.”
“How are you going to get home? And don’t say the bus,” he adds as an afterthought.
“With you? I don’t know; I didn’t get that far.”
“We’re staying at my aunts tonight.”
“Then I’ll call my parents. Or stay at your aunts. I don’t know, Mike. I thought you’d be happy to see me.”
“I am,” he brushes his thumb over her knuckles, “I am. I can’t believe you’d come all this way just for me. But you freak me out when you do crazy things like this. I worry.”
“I came all this way because I love you, you stupid boy. And I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d worry and you have enough on your plate. But you would have done the same crazy thing if the roles were reversed. So just…”
“Be glad you’re here?”
“Yes.”
He nods and leans down to press a light kiss on her lips, ignoring his family around him. He doesn’t know if it’s proper to be kissing his girlfriend right before the service starts either, but she took a damn bus to Columbus for him. For him. He’s not insecure about things with Tina, but it baffles his mind sometimes how far she’s willing to go for him. Like he’s totally worthy of all the time and effort and trouble she’s had to go through to be here. It kind of makes Mike feel like she’s as invested in this relationship as he is because she’s freaking everything to him. Everything.
“Thank you,” he whispers when he pulls back, “I am really glad you’re here. And I’m sure you can stay at my aunts tonight.”
“I’m glad I’m here too,” she grins as the doors open and Mike’s family begins to shuffle, “Let’s just get through this part and we’ll figure the rest out later, okay?”
“Okay.”