The Balance Begins

II

Justin

After leaving Brie's apartment, I walk up the two flights of stairs that yield to my own. To my surprise, I find Eryn talking to my neighbor. "Okay, talk soon," she smiles to him as I approach my front door.

"You're talking to Cassius now?" I inquire as I place the key into the lock.

She subtly shakes her and smiles, "He caught me as I was leaving, wanted to ask me about studying for the final. So, I walked with him up," she points backwards as if to emphasize her point just as I open the door. She follows me inside, "You were there longer than I expected, Brie okay?"

"Yes, of course, Brie is always fine. Even when you aren't being the most supportive friend," I raise my brows and playfully glare at her.

"It's your job to be excited for her, and its mine to be... tough. She needs a firm hand sometimes; she's always got her head in the clouds—"

I fold my arms and stare at her, "Eryn, are you serious? Her mother died. You were there. That doesn't mean she needs you to be her mom, it means she needs you to be her friend. Support her, stop giving her soo much shit every time she throws an idea to us. Us and Skyla are all she's got!"

She rolls her eyes at me as she leans on the side of my couch, looking away from me, "Yeah well, I'm just trying to protect her. The right idea, or whatever, will come along. And when it does, I'll know. She shouldn't settle, for anything or anyone, she's special, Justin."

I approach her and wrap my arm around her shoulders, "You know I know that." Her eyes find mine, I gently squeeze her, "But someone has to balance out your bullshit."

She chuckles before pushing me off, "Fine." She steps off and points to the door, "I really do have studying to do, I'll catch you guys later?"

"Tomorrow. It's Wednesday, remember?" I add, warming up my oven.

"That's right. It's mom's day, I forgot."

I curl the left side of my mouth up, "Yup, see you tomorrow."

She shrugs before departing, "Bye Justin."

I shake my head, sometimes I think she purposely puts it out of her mind when it's convenient. I know she means well. Briellyn is special. From the day I saw her in her cute little summer dress at our neighborhood playground, she was beautiful even then. Five-year-old me and four-year-old her. The most fearless little four-year-old I'd ever seen.

Her mother and my mother got along nicely, so we saw each other ALL the time. People used to think we were the same age because she was so tall. And smart, gosh she's always been brilliant. And way more motivated than anyone I've ever met. But after her mom died, that spark dimmed a little for a while. She became quiet, Eryn and I the only real friends she had. The only ones she wanted.

I think the spark dimmed more when the nightmares started. She started seeing things. I know what you're thinking, and yes, I believe she really sees elements that aren't visible to the rest of us. Some days were much worse than others. And the nightmares... sometimes Skyla would have to come get me because Brie was too terrified to leave her bed for school. She used to tell me that she believed an evil spirit haunted her. After some time, the nightmares would stop. For awhile. Every time she has one, there is always a tell. Fidgeting, overly anxious, messing with her hair or her cuticles... Damn it. I sigh, my shoulders slumping in defeat.

She said a papercut so fast I didn't think twice about it. I'll call her after her dinner with her mom, ask her to sleep over. In the meantime, I pull out my phone to see if anyone new has popped up on FourSquare and Facebook. Six new requests. I can't even begin to explain just how many interesting characters I've run into on these two apps. This one guy I connected with, Daniel Rodgers, friended me through a mutual lady friend. Military guy. He made a post about guns that I commented on, he invited me to hit the range with him next time he's in town. He's temporarily stationed right out of Groton.

I slide the jeans off and slip the hoodie on, ruffling my hair to make it look like bedhead. I approve the friend requests and make a post to my timeline. 'New campus swag... #accurate,' I caption it, the Straight Outta Bed hoodie on as I sit on my bedside with some boxers on. I lean the phone on my desk to get the ideal 'model' angle. Post.

Now for dinner. The chicken I've been marinating for the last forty-eight hours is about to be amazing when stuffed with this bacon cream cheese sauce. The girls are gonna be jealous.

My phone sounds off multiple times after I slip the chicken into the oven. When I check it, my routine booty call has messaged me.

(Knocking Boots) Nicki : Hey Justin, plans tonight?

I quickly let her know that I'm unavailable tonight due to work stuff before returning to my task at hand. I haven't dated anyone for almost nine months for good reason, Briellyn is single right now.