A World In Chaos

Chapter Twelve: Before

"Man tell me she won't absolutely love this cologne I'm wearing man, shit came directly from France, Craig said it was anyways" Eli said with an eager grin as tonight was his 3 anniversary with Madison, engagement soon to be announced as he had plans to purpose that night.

Jay having just been dumped was hoping he'd have Eli to lean on for support since that was his brother and he had always been there so who else would Jay turn to anyways? Plus Jay had been wanting to spend more time with Eli since it had been a while since they fished or even had a drink and talked about all the bullshit life seems to never stop serving.

"You're about to be gone all night again" Jay said in a disgruntled manner, "can't we talk about something else for a minute before she shows up"?

Eli looked saddened... He had planned this proposal for a year now and Jay had not been supportive through any of it... "Sure Jay.. whatcha wanna talk about" Eli asked and Jay responded "I don't know I'm sorry man I...." He stopped for a second before continuing.

"I know this is the moment where you need me now more than ever... And I know I haven't been the best brother I could possibly be I mean... I just feel like we aren't as close as we were ya know?.... I just wanna talk more or something I don't know..."

"Yeah you've been pretty fucking selfish Jay but... Hell I understand, things with... Yeah I know and mom dying... You didn't take that well..." Eli was interrupted there.

"You got your coat or do you need mine? It's been getting colder and colder.... Supposed to be in the low twenties tonight" Jay said changing the subject.

"Dude... the fuck is going on... It's fucking august" Eli said concerned.

"I don't know, weather station can't make heads or tails of it" Jay said.

"Ya know" Eli hesitated before continuing "you didn't have to change the subject... I know... I know you're under so much stress Jay, hell we all do... We can see it all over you"

Jay looked at Eli and stood up "are you fucking kidding me"?!!! He shouted "by we you mean you and Madison right? I mean because who the fuck else are you talkimg about"?

"Jay calm down I didn't mean to piss you off I'm just... Concerned..."

"Yeah well don't be... I know what'll help me... But he's busy tonight"

Jay looked down at the floor and then out of the window as Eli looked at him before saying a word... "Want me to call Madison and cancel tonight Jay? Cancel something I've been working hard to make happen for a minute now?... So I can sit home with my brother who's acting like a spoiled fucking girlfriend instead of supporting me on a huge night of my life"?

Jay looked at Eli with furious eyes and said" Fuck you Eli" as Eli's phone rang, "This is officer Walkman speaking" he listened for a few minutes and gave a few yes sir's before hanging up, he looked at Jay and said "well... Looks like neither of you will have me tonight because I just got called on duty... There's been a few accidents tonight... I'll call Madison on the way".

Eli threw on his coat over three long sleeve shirts and started out the door before stopping and looking at Jay "I love you man, we'll talk okay"? Eli said in a soft brotherly tone, Jay looked at Eli and said "yeah" Eli looked down and walked out the door.

As he drove away Jay walked to the kitchen and made himself a sandwich before laying down on the couch and falling asleep.

40 miles away.

Jason stood in line waiting for everyone to make their order so he could get home and relax after working a thirteen hour shift laying concrete, the heat had really gave him a headache and he wasn't in the mood for dumb shit.