Broad Love

Chapter Eleven

~Dan~

All I said was his name when I opened the door, and the next thing I knew he was in my arms crying. When Phil cried, it was silent. But this, this was different. Loud sobs sounded and he was shaking violently. At first I thought it was because he was cold, but after we got him inside he was still shaking. I wrapped a fluffy blanket around his shoulder and made him some tea whilst PJ sat him on the sofa and tried to comfort him. Once he was settled, we asked him about what happened. In a weak voice, he explained everything to us. It made me furious.

"That bitch! She has no right- she should be ashamed-" I was so angry I couldn't even form full sentences. I stood up, not sure what I was going to do, but PJ caught my arm and shook his head slowly, so I sat back down.

"I was so stupid." Phil whispered.

"No, you weren't. You have nothing to be blamed for, she deceived all of us. She's just a girl that's too good at being a liar who happened to prey on you. I'm so sorry, Phil." PJ had Phil under one of his arms and was rubbing his back soothingly, trying to calm him down.

He sniffled. "Thanks, Peej. You too Dan. I'm sorry that I've ruined your night with my problems. It's just that I didn't know where else to go and-"

"Don't be sorry. Never be sorry. We're your friends, Phil. We'll always be there for you." I smiled at him softly and, to my happiness, he smiled back. We stayed like that for a few seconds until PJ cleared his throat.

"So do you want to stay the night? Because we don't exactly have a guest bed."

"He can sleep in my bed." PJ looked at me alarmingly. "I mean- he can have my bed and I'll take the couch." His gaze relaxed.

"Are you sure? I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"Don't be serious, Phil. It's the least I could do." 

He smiled again. "Thanks." 

Phil fell asleep only a little while after that; I'm guessing it's because of how emotionally exhausted he was. With help from PJ, we carried him into my room and put him to bed, like a 6 ft tall toddler. Seeing how late it was, I got some blankets and pillows and was going to go to sleep. However, my brain had other ideas. All I could think of was how Phil had just come back into my life, this time for good hopefully. But why now? I was in love with PJ and I was over Phil. Or am I? Another swirling vortex of mixed emotions took over my consciousness, but eventually I fell asleep. But not for long.