Two Different Roads

Flinch

Ellen had just kissed Mike goodbye as he and Peter left for acting lessons at the studio when the phone rang. "Hello."
"Ellen, is that you?"
"Yes...Brian?"
"You sound...different."
"That's probably because I'm actually relaxed," she smiled.
"The holiday has been beneficial then?"
"I'm quite happy," she told him, thinking of Mike.
"Not too happy to come home, I hope."
She swallowed with difficulty as if trying to dislodge something stuck in her throat. He'd been teasing, but this was no joking matter. She found herself completely at a loss as to what to say.
"Is something wrong?"
"Eppy...I've met someone," she confessed at last.
"Does John know this?"
"Not yet."
He sighed, but did not give her the scolding she expected. "I refuse to discuss my thoughts on that subject. It's strictly between the two of you. I didn't ring you in my role as a friend (although I consider you that and I hope you feel the same about me). I called as your employer to determine when you might be returning to work. This complicates things obviously. If I must replace you, I need to know."
"I hadn't planned to stay indefinitely, and I wouldn't want to leave you in the lurch. That was why I gave you this number to begin with, so you could ring if you needed me."
"Well, I do, soon. The boys go back in the studio on the twelfth of October. I could do without you until then I suppose, but after that..."
"I need to talk to Michael about this Eppy. Whatever I decide to do, he should be involved."
"Reverting to friend status for a moment-this sounds serious..."
"It is. I've fallen in love, Brian."
"Again, concerned friend-shouldnt you be telling someone else that information rather than me? Perhaps personally?"
"I can't believe I hadn't considered that before. You're right. Eppy this is a mess I've made without meaning to."
"Whatever I can do to help clear it up, just let me know."
"I will, and thank you. I'll call you soon and let you know what I've decided. And no, Eppy, you are NOT my friend. I think of you more like the big brother I never had. I kind of love you, you silly git."
A rare chuckle. "I suppose I love you as well, Dear Girl."