𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒 | 𝐁𝐗𝐁

ＦＯＲＴＹＴＷＯ

Part of the night was spent listening to the silence from upstairs, secret, warm kisses and soft touches shared under the blanket spread on the sofa, and the dream quickly ended. During our remaining two days in Vermont, Matt and I did not have the chance to be alone again.

When we returned to the city, everything was as before. In a way. The new school term was busier than we expected for each of us, and we actually didn't even have time to communicate with each other frequently. But one night, when Kate and I were planning to stay home and have a movie night, Matt decided to make a move that clearly provoked me. I was holding my girlfriend in my arms when the phone rang in the middle of the night.

"I have to check this out," I said, pulling Kate from my arms and getting up from the couch, "Matt's calling."

It slipped out of my mouth, earning me what could only be described as a strange look from Kate. "Since when has Matt been calling you at night?"

"Since Vermont," I said, making sure I looked comfortable enough, "You know, we've made amends, we're friends now."

"So be it." Kate raised her eyebrows awkwardly and popped a piece of popcorn into her mouth as I headed towards the bedroom.

I closed the door. I answered the call, taking a small breath through my nose. "Don't you think it's a little late to call?"

"Calm down," came a raspy voice on the other end of the line, "I missed you and was wondering if you could come for a run."

"No way," I quickly protested, "Kate and I are in the middle of a movie."

There was a brief pause after my answer and I heard Matt sigh slightly, "Look Ben, I don't want to give you a hard time, but there's something we need to talk about."

"What's going on?"

"Not on the phone," he replied, "Can't you just say you went out to buy something? I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't really important."

I was about to say no, but then I thought. This could be really important. What if Sam knows something about us? What if she goes through Matt's emails or phone?

"I'll be there in ten minutes," I said and ended the call.

***

When I entered the park, it was deserted as usual and there were no problems. I was about to head towards the jogging track in search of Matt, but my steps were cut short when I found him on a bench next to the giant fountain. I ran and sat next to him. His face looked pale.

"I needed to talk to you," he said, interlocking his fingers on his knees. He looked drunk. The sweet smell of Whiskey on his breath hit my nose.

"Me first." I raised my hand slightly to interrupt him, "You need to stop doing this. You're calling me in the middle of the night and..."

"I'm going to break up with her."

A thick cloud of smoke flew past my parted lips, "What, what are you talking about?"

"I can't go on like this," he breathed and slowly turned his body towards me, "I can't do this, Ben. I love your sister, I really care about her, but not as a woman. Do you know what I mean?"

"I don't think I understand," I protested, "You want to break up with Sam? But why?"

"You know why," he said, moving his dark eyes over my face, "Because that's not what I want, your sister isn't who I want to be with."

"Ah!" I moved my eyes away from his face as I leaned back slightly, giggling a few times as I looked into the distance, "So I knew you'd disappoint her. And I guess I need to do the same for Kate."