Heretics And Sheep

2: Sands Of The Soul

That day everyone in the world would face judgement.

"Fuck it, I've made up my mind!" Titus proclaimed to Marcus. He was scratching his ear and looking out the bus window.

Marcus noticed there were some rain clouds in the distance. He chose to ignore them and instead gave his full attention to his best friend. He seemed shorter than Marcus, slouched in his seat, phone in hand, his blue eyes beckoned.

Markus answered, "uhhh a-about what dude?"

"I'm gonna propose to Betty, I will not wait any longer, it's been three years!!"

If Marcus were drinking, it would have ended up all over his companion. They shared many moments like this in the past, but Titus's unpredictability never failed to surprise him. In fact, it brought him joy.

"You can't be for real bro," Markus tried to hide his disappointment. But he failed. "You've lived together for like what? A couple months?" Marcus turned back to his window. Titus scowled. He didn't expect this reaction, but he should have.

"You don't get it man, when I'm with her, I just feel... understood. I'll wear my shirt inside-out, I'll fuck up at work and get an earful but when I come back to her, she just laughs, and my problems melt away. I want to let her know what she means to me." He replied.

Marcus chuckled and stared into his friend.

"Look dude I know you love her but now's not the time, you are way too busy with uni and the money you've saved up just isn't enough. I mean you wouldn't want to live in that run-down place with your fucking wife. Actually... knowing you, I bet clogging up holes in the roof to stop the rain is your idea of romance" He continued.

"It is not!"

Marcus raised his eyebrows. Titus sighed, defeated. "You're right, I can get a little ahead of myself."

"It's not just that," Marcus said looking out the window.

"You two deserve better, get her a nice ring then sweep her off her feet and move out of that hellhole. She makes you happy and that makes me happy, I want you to do this, just don't rush things like usual."

Marcus turned back to him, smirking. "Give it like six months and that should be enough paychecks, and hopefully, I won't even have to pinch in. Then, when the time comes, I'll bring the champagne." He smiled. It was a rare sight. Not to Titus however; he always smiled when he was with him.

"You right, you right. Thanks man."

Marcus gave him a look and returned to his window gazing.

"Anytime..." His smile faded as water droplets started to roll down the glass. Titus saw this in the reflection.

"Your mum doing okay?" Titus asked. He already knew the answer.

"Nah dude she's uhh, she's still sick" There was a slight shakiness to Marcus's voice.

"Damn... you wanna talk about it?"

"Not much to talk about, it's only a matter of time. Her mother had the same thing y'know. She said she died not remembering whose bed she was in..." There was no stammer in Marcus's voice. He was unfazed, cold. It worried Titus, he knew he felt more than he let on.

"Alright man just, do me a favour."

Marcus listened, anything for his best friend.

"Don't be so hard on your sisters. They've had it just as bad as you have, and they only have you to rely on, so you HAVE to be there for them, seriously." Titus was stern. No longer did he smirk at his friend.