The Secrets That Bring Us Together

Chapter 19

When I wake up the next morning I am sore all over from sleeping on the sofa. I make my way to the bathroom and groan when I see my appearance. My face is swollen and puffy and still slightly tear stained.

I get into the shower and try to wash away my memories of last night. I can't believe he came here. I can't believe he kissed me. I can't believe I kissed him. I can't believe Nate is moving in today.

My nagging thoughts aren't helping the headache I'm sporting thanks to the wine. When I get out and dried I take some tynol and hope it fixes at least some of my problems.

I leave my hair in the same messy bun it was in when I went to sleep and throw on a pair of yoga pants and a hoodie. I thrown on my ugg boots and a head out of my apartment, I take one last look around because after today it will feel so different.

As I'm driving over to Joeys place sunshine andersons - heard it all before plays through my speakers and I turn it up and sing along. This song is speaking to me on a spiritual level today after my encounter with Alex last night. I feel awful about kissing him and giving him any false hope but it was a momentary lapse in judgement. And he had an affair for more than half of our relationship so I don't feel that bad.

I pull up to Joeys and go inside his stupid smiling face is even more annoying to me this morning, "ooo Mia, you look like you had a long hard night at whore house last night." I flip my delightful brother the bird and go straight to his fridge for a bottle of water and take a seat at the kitchen counter.

Nate joins us and I don't miss the way he's taking me in,"are you okay?" I feel uncomfortable under his sincere gaze so I decide to say "aww Nate, it sounds like you care" he gives me that 'dont-piss-me-off look that only he seems to posses and I back down, "I'm fine." I give him a small smile to reassure him.

They guys are packing Nate’s room up and to be fair all I've done is hang out with Brooke all morning. She's such a lovely girl and I really hope my shit head brother knows how lucky he is he has working swimmers to connect him to her for life. Otherwise he would end up with someone with the same IQ as him. Or maybe he would have came out of the closet.

Brooke and I have been talking about the baby for a while when she says, "what's really going on, I can tell your not okay and I would really like you to be able to confide in me. Your family have welcomed me with open arms and been amazing, I just want to return the favour."

Im not one for talking about my problems, unless it's to Cameron, Tom or Grace, but Brookes so sweet I decide what's the harm, don't hurt to have more girl friends,"I take it Joey told you about Alex?" I ask and she nods yes, so I tell her about him turning up last night, and everything that happened.

Brooke tells me I'm better off without him and not to feel bad about the kiss. She's really cheered me up. When were finished talking Joey and Nate come out with the last box. "ready to go roomie?" I ask.
"sure" but Nates voice is monotone, is he seriously this sad about leaving Joey?

We get outside and Joey and Nate hug for at least the 50th time today, “I’m gonna miss you dude” Joey says and he sounds choked up.
Nate pulls back and puts his hands on Joeys shoulders “mate, I’m going to be a 30 minute drive away its not the other end of the world” they are rediculous.
“I know, I know its just, I’m having a baby, I guess I thought you would be here to help and support me” I can't help but snort at what Joey says.
“dude, you do know it’s Brooke carrying your baby, not Nate, right?” I'm just checking because he's been very hormonal lately.
He rolls his eyes “yes I know, you walking man repellent. Do you have to ruin every sentimental moment, ever?” I roll my eyes back and barge past him with a box ready to go in Nates car. Once everything is loaded, I've said goodbye to Joey and Brooke, and I've programmed the address into his satnav I head to my own car.

I take a deep breath as I start the car. Its just Nate. I can do this.