Tears Of London

Heat Wave

JO

All night, we talked about dreams, projects, future and personal tastes. It was very interesting. I learnt, for example, that Erin hates coffee.
- Who are you ?! I exclaimed.
Then, we started to talk about our families. Erin was not clear on the subject, but I understood he is a single child, and that he doesn't see his parents anymore. I didn't insisted, as I didn't want to embarrass him.
- Where did you met my brother ? I suddenly ask him, staring at his hands with which he touches the cover.
- Peter is an old friend of mine, we grew up together.
- So, he was with you when he wasn't in class. You were the « bad influence » my mother was talking about when she found empty bottles in his school bag.
- I swear I wasn't responsible for this. I never had problems with alcohol. But Peter had. It's probably why your family decided to expel him.
I look at him with angry eyes. Obviously, he only heard Peter's version.
- To expel him ? That's hilarious ! We never expelled anyone. We offered him a second chance, and the opportunity to travel in Italy. He just likes to act like a victim.
- Yeah, that looks like him.
He finishes his phrase by smiling at me. His teeth are so bright.
Suddenly, his gaze change, to become more serious.
- Can I ask you why Jared and you broke up ?
I suddenly feel a heat wave in my head. My chicks are probably red at this moment.
I cannot tell him why. I don't know him well, so I don't want him to know everything about my feelings right now.
- If you don't wanna answer, you can tell me to go fuck myself, I won't take it personnally.
- It was his decision, I lied. Not mine.
- You think he had a reason to do it ?
- A few, I admit with a fake smile.
He surely reads on my face that I don't want to talk about it anymore, so he stops asking questions.
Now, I completely lie down in the bed, eyes closed. I stay here a few minutes. When I open my eyes again, I see Erin is sleeping, hands on the stomach. I want to take one of his hands. Touch it and feel its warmth.
But I don't.