The Story We Used To Know (Sequel to The Story We Live)

Us

"How could you do this? How could you even begin to think about doing something like this? Do you know how much this will affect the rest of us?" Brad spat.

"Who's 'the rest of us'? Last time I checked it was only us! I thought you of all people, would be the first to understand." Sean quickly fired back.

Brad shook his head slowly. He seemed hurt as he processed the words.

"I'm sorry." He softened. "I'm just not ready to lose you I guess. We've been through so much, ya know? It's hard to say goodbye." His lips quivered and his voice was shaky. What a sight. Never had I ever seen him cry.

I had thought it was a miracle to see Sean cry for the first time but this, now this was something else.

"Brad?" Sean's voice cracked terribly as he embraced his cousin. "Don't ever say goodbye again, okay?"

Brad nodded with tears in his eyes. "I promise."

There it was again. Those same words, always to be broken in the end.

"I'm doing this." Sean said firmly, pulling away from Brad. As assertive as his voice was, a grin still appeared on his face. "I have a plan."

Brad chuckled. "'Course ya do."

I sat at the table watching it all, my eyes shooting back and forth with the speaking pattern between the two.

"Hey," I interrupted, "can I eat or is breakfast just not a thing in this house?"

They both laughed. "Shut up!" They yelled almost simultaneously before attacking me, carrying me into the living room, tossing me on the couch, and tickling me everywhere.

We were all laughing hysterically but no matter what, I knew the hurt in Brad's eyes wasn't going away any time soon.