Being a Barrow - A Sequel to Barrow's Boy

Piece of My Heart

Unfortunately, I don't have the time (or plot) to give you all a Christmas special this year. But, I still wanted to get a chapter up for Christmas, so here it is! I hope you all enjoy, and happy holidays!

     The whole group stayed in the flat for far longer than Theodore had expected, though he wasn't complaining. He knew that they had all interacted as a whole group once before, but he sat, amazed at how easily these very different sides of his life came together. 

     Theodore recognized that he owed a lot to Abi, Everett, Hazel, and Danny for how well these interactions were going. The four of them seemed content to keep the conversation going, even if the other five present didn't join in at all. Yet, the others did join in. Periodically, at least, when they felt like it. 

     Theodore had contentedly been playing host for most of the time, throwing out the empty cookie box, popping open the bottle of wine hidden in the kitchen cupboard, and refilling glasses when asked. 

      He'd just refilled Monty's glass for him when Abi questioned him on his brother's engagement, which Monty promptly responded to after thanking Teddy. 

     "The wedding's next weekend," he confirmed, staring at the liquid in his glass. He had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders, which Dansworth had been periodically adjusting for him, despite Monty seeming unbothered whenever it slipped.

     "Are you both going?" Abi asked, eyes moving to Dansworth. Danny nodded in confirmation.

     "Us and whoever this one-" he motioned to Monty with his thumb- "can convince to be his plus-one."

     Monty rolled his eyes, so Teddy had to ask.

    "What's this?"

    "Amelia, my brother's fiancée," Monty elaborated for the group, "is insistent that I bring a date to the wedding. Something about getting me to live a little, I think."

     He took a sip of his wine before continuing.

     "She doesn't seem to get why I won't put some poor woman in that position."

    Abi opened her mouth, likely to try and encourage Monty to not see it that way, but Hazel beat her to it.

    "What are you talking about? I'm sure any girl would go with you if you asked."

     Monty glanced over at her, then laughed. A singular, sarcastic sound. Hazel sat up straighter and persisted.

      "I'm serious! I'd go with you, if you want."     

     "No, don't say that," Monty urged, shaking his head. "You don't know all the details."

      "I doubt it's as bad as you're making it out to be. It's not like you're leading me into some dark alleyway to my death-"

     "No. But it's hard to have fun when your date is slowly approaching his death-"

     "Robert," Danny jumped into the conversation. Monty looked over at him.

     "What? It's true!" Monty insisted. "I have cancer. There's no use in pretending I don't."

     The group, despite their unanimous tipsyness, grew quiet at those words. Theodore glanced around, taking in the reactions of those who hadn't previously known. He watched as some of them seemed to place the pieces into their correct spots, while others seemed caught completely off guard. Mae swallowed, lifting their glass to their lips. Percy stared at his feet. Hazel stared at Monty, lips parted as if she meant to speak, but couldn't. Victor and Everett exchanged a glance.