End Game (Roni-Borj Story)

Reminders of Him

We were playing around while washing the dishes, laughing at our silliness, me hoping that we could stay like this forever.

Borj has flicked some soap bubble to me, his eyes you couldn't see- probably swallowed by his smile.

Suddenly, the world around us disappeared.

Like in the movies, where everything slowed down, and slowly the world around you faded.

I haven't thought I'll experience this again.

I was looking at Borj, when suddenly I felt a sudden pinch in my heart.

For years, I've always been afraid to give in and be happy, because it seems that I'll experience it for awhile and it will be snatched right in front of my eyes.

I didn't know I was lost in my thought, until I saw concern in his eyes.

"Roni...are you ok?"

I smiled... I am more than ok... I am happy, but that fear is slowly clawing in.

I pretended everything is fine... I grinned and secretly dip my hand in the bubbles and wiped it on his face.

----

We were drying the plates, when we heard the front door unlocked.

We looked at each other, then at the door.

"Are you expecting someone today?"

"None that I know of...", I answered, but I heard his question loud and clear. Who else has a key to your house?

The door opened and someone I haven't seen for a while came in, his back to us, his hands full of gifts then said, "Did Antonio get a new car? I cant remember him driving ..."

I know the moment he looked around and saw me and Borj standing at the kitchen sink.

"Liam...", I said, looking at Borj, then wiping my hand in the dishtowel.

I can sense Borj looking at me, then at the guy who just came in.

I didn't have time to explain to him the details, but I can feel his confusion.

I walked towards Liam and kissed him on the cheek. "I didn't know you're back".

Liam was looking at Borj, who was drying his hands as well, his eyes on that guy, no one seemed to want to break the eye contact.

I saw Liam nodded his head, then looked at me. He smiled, the nice guy that he is, then said, "I just landed last night. I actually drove here from the airport, but I guessed you were not around"

"Yeah.. I was out last night", I said smiling, trying to ease the tension.

"Out with whom?", he asked, somewhat surprised, then looked back at Borj.

I closed my eyes, trying to decide how to handle it, when I saw Borj glanced at me.

He walked towards us.... I was willing him to look at me, so he could see reason; but he wouldn't look my way. His eyes at Liam.

"Benjamin, Pare", he said, offering his hand.

Liam took it, looked at me, then said, "Liam"

They just stared at each other, neither is giving out information who they were; so I smiled, and decided to make the proper introduction myself.