The New Romantics

Chapter Three: Treacherous

I could feel an awkwardness start to settle in, even though I'm pretty sure I was the only one who felt such.

Before anyone else noticed this aforementioned  awkwardness, I invited the boys upstairs. I know it was probably not the brightest idea- having my ex boyfriend and current boyfriend in the same room, but I was still frazzled from Branden's appearance. Also, I had left the curling iron on, so I needed to get to that. Thankfully, it hadn't noticeably burned the flat down, but, for some reason, I wish it had.

The first thing I did when we got upstairs was turn off the curling iron. It was clearly too late to curl my hair, so I'd just have to find something else to do.

As I tried to figure out that something else, the boys sat in the living room. They sat opposite of the other, Branden obviously trying to put as much distance between him and his competition. I heard Benjamin try to make polite conversation. "So, Branden, how do you know Elizabeth?" I all of a sudden realized I had never told Benjamin about Branden, or anything he did. Why would he ask such a thing? Maybe he was trying for polite conversation. Maybe he was being overprotective. Maybe he was just curious. I suppose I would never know.

Branden hesitated. I finished off my hair and walked out of the bathroom the same time Alex, my brother, walked out of his room. We seemed to be doing that a lot. Weird.

I sat down next to Benjamin right as Branden decided to replied. "I, uh, use to date her," he said calmly but cautiously. I felt Benjamin tense next to me. Alex stopped and turned his head. No one said a thing.

I flattened out my skirt, trying to look like this whole setting wasn't the most uncomfortable situation I'd been in. Say something, I told myself. But I couldn't! 

Alex continued his walk, apparently to the kitchen, unable to walk in a straight line. Drunk, I thought. Why was I not surprised. He was always drunk and always in the kitchen. I honestly can't think of him any other way.

 I instantly feared for everyone in the room, knowing what my brother could do if I let either of the boys out of my sight, especially considering his level of intoxication.

Benjamin cleared his throat after what felt like forever. "Well, wonderful to meet you." He smiled. I don't know what I expected him to say, but it definitely wasn't that.

Branden smiled back, obviously relieved Benjamin didn't lash out. I guess I was kind of glad of that too. I really didn't want blood shed today. It would just dampen the whole night.