Tears Of London

Pete's back

ERIN

It was 01:00 am, I was in the bathroom, washing my face with cold water.
- Erin ! Hey, brother !
I looked in the mirror, and saw a man behind me. I turned to him, to see better.
- It's been a while ! he said.
I recognized the scar Peter has in his left eyebrow.
- Pete ! I exclaimed. What are you doing here ?
- I wanted to party at the Hutt, like the good old days, remember ?
- Sure. Nothing has changed since you left. How was your trip ?
- Interesting. I would love to travel with you, next time. Italian girls are so fucking hot, you'll see.
We laughed together, like we had done before. Like nothing had changed. Like we just ran away from home.
- Man, you didn't change, Pete declared in a whisper. Still looking so old.
I punched him in the stomach before he slapped me behind my head. Five years are separating us, but he's like my little brother.
- It was good to see you.

*

The next morning, when I came in the kitchen, I saw Malcolm pouring himself a glass of vodka. I checked the clock and rode « 9am ».
- In the morning ? I simply asked.
- Leave me alone, I am drowning my sorrows. Kelly and I broke up.
I looked at him confusely.
- Kelly ? I didn't know she was your girl.
- It hasn't been a while. Two weeks, I think. Maybe two and a half.
Why didn't he tell me ?
- Whose fault is it ? For the break up ? I asked, pouring a glass of water.
- Kelly. Guess why ?
I waited silently his answer.
- She said I was too boring for her.
I forced a laugh.
- That's a bitche's reason, I said. See the positive, you are free now. Free to fuck anybody, at anytime, anywhere. Nobody can fix your limits.
- Thanks, brother. But I don't want this.
- What do you mean ?
- I want her.
I gave him a judging look. What the fuck is he talking about ?
- It's true ! he exclaimed. I think I like her.
- Well, she don't. So it's over anyways.
I brang my glass to my lips.
- Why are you talking to me like shit ? he complained. My problems bother you ?
- Yes, honestly. I miss the old Malcolm. He was not that absurd.
- I'm not absurd. I'm in love.
I adressed him a big mocking smile. But, directly after, I regretted, as my attitude was reminding me my father. He was always asking me to be strong, to be the brave man he wanted me to be. And he never wanted me to talk about my problems and my feelings. When he realised I wasn't neither brave, or strong, he left the house. 
- I know it sounds ridiculous, but I swear it's true, Malcolm defended himself. You should understand better than anyone.
He was referring to Emily. My ex-girlfriend.
- Yeah, okay. I trust you, I admitted. And I think you should wait a moment, until she notices you're the one. And if she doesn't, text her, and tell her about your feelings. Try and you'll see.
I tapped my friend's shoulder, in a friendly way. He smiled at me.
I'm not my father and I'll never be him.