The Neighbor Next Door

A less strained visit

The house felt so quiet with his kids finally at school. The year had started, and life had been quiet, and okay enough for OJ to figure everything out, and get them enrolled, and everything that comes with putting kids in a new school, and it was their first day today. He had organized it so his work calls would end before school did, so he'd be picking them up from school each day. Of course, that could change, if his kids wanted to ride the bus home, but he was mostly doing this so he could check up on them directly after school was over, to see how they were handling it. He was naturally worried, having expressed said worries to his sister a few weeks ago. Right now, his work call was wrapping up, meaning he had to go get his shoes on, and get going soon. If his kids were up to it, he'd probably be taking them to the store with him for some grocery shopping. They were low on a few essentials, and OJ wasn't sure what he wanted to make for dinner tonight. Probably something nice for his kids, to celebrate their new school year. Maybe they'd go out. Or he'd save that for the end of the week. Either way, he'd figure something out.

Things had honestly been quiet, and peaceful since he and MePhone had talked things out. He was doing his best to put aside his romantic feelings, and everything felt normal enough when the two texted. It was clear over these past few weeks that MePhone was trying... Something new. He had seen the guy outside more often, whether that be tending to his garden more often, or just sitting outside on the doorstep with his cat, OJ was glad he seemed to be at least trying something new to help himself. They hadn't been talking a lot lately, but the brief, usual texting was still nice. Best of all, nothing felt awkward between the two. OJ was honestly relieved for that. Glad things hadn't been ruined, really. He could be patient about this, and even if his feelings did end up fading with time, he'd still be there to be a friend. He wouldn't let that get in the way of things, either. As of now though, his feelings about all this were still strong, and he was doing his best not to be selfish about it.

Things would work out eventually, and he just needed to give the guy time. He could do that.

Right now, he was finishing up his work call, and after that, he'd be picking the kids up. He'd also probably send his usual daily text to MePhone soon, just to check in. He wanted to plan something for the two to do together again soon, whether that just be another dinner, or anything, really, since the two hadn't really hung out since the whole thing, and he knew it would have to wait, because the guy's brother was coming to visit for a bit again, and he wasn't going to try to take any time away from that, so he'd see if they could plan something together after all of that. Maybe if he warmed up to the idea of going out, like he expressed wanting to through their texts, OJ could take him out somewhere... That would be nice, honestly, but he wouldn't get too excited about it until he knew.

His thoughts were clearly getting ahead of him. He shook off his current ones, focusing on the wrapping-up of his call, before getting up to go get his kids from school. Things were looking up, and OJ was glad about that.

...

3gs left the apartment after a nice, small moment with his fiance, to head back to his childhood home, once again. He wasn't so much excited about being at that house again, but he really did want to visit his brother again... Mostly check in, really, and work towards making up lost time. It was Wednesday, and he was going to head home on Sunday, giving them a good bunch of days to do things, and some time for him to try and help his brother with... Well, a lot of his issues. As long as the other was honest and open about things, at least.

He was hopeful this would be less awkward than the first visit, considering it was planned, and he didn't have to worry about having to see their dad either, so things would be fine. He was honestly sure he probably wouldn't be speaking another word to the old man before he passes. He doesn't think he minds, really. There were more important things to focus on now, and despite that hollow threat of his, nothing had happened. He hadn't made any attempt to 'make him regret this', towards the last heated phonecall the two shared. Even if that just meant not being left anything in the old man's will, he didn't care. He never wanted anything from him anyways. He had his own life, and it was being built up carefully, after unlearning so much of his own issues, to learn how to feel human even when he wasn't, and feel okay. His life had been so much better after leaving the house, even if he had floated for so long throughout his twenties. All he was able to do during that time was keep going, and well, that got him somewhere, didn't it?