There's Always Trouble In Paradise

Mending

Within this last week of being back home, saying it was any short than eventful would be a lie. I finally was able catch up with my childhood friends and see familiar faces that I have almost forgotten.

Upon having lunch with Ed and Eddy, I learned all about what they have been doing with their lives. Ed is working at a local comic book store, fitting. While telling him how I have been doing, he believed that I was going to college to become Dr. Frankenstein. Some things will never change. As for Eddy, well, as always, his life seemed to be all over the place. He went to a two year school and then began working as a used car sales man. He is now dating someone who could be the younger sister if Nazz if I wasn't mistaken. But her name seems to have escaped me.

Speaking of Nazz, I also ran into her one day at the coffee shop with Daniel. She apologized to me for her childish ways years ago, something I could not hold a grudge against her for. She also informed me how she was now working at Peach Creek high school and helping the youth. I was proud of her to say the least.

Now let's see, who else did I run into?

Sarah is away over seas to college. Does not surprise me, she is a brave girl who is strong enough to take on the world. Jimmy came out as gay after he graduated and is now working in a salon. And Jonny. Well. He is still the good old Johnny, never without Plank by his side.

Alas, it was now the weekend, and Daniel went to visit his family for the weekend. It was only a few days without him, but I have to admit, I did find myself lonely. It has only been 24 hours, but I was already trying to find ways to keep myself busy and entertained. I already finished all the reading, homework, and preparation that I had to do before next semester. Now I found myself laying on the couch, reading one of my favorite books that I have already read over a dozen times. Sadly, I could not enjoy it, as I kept finding myself become distracted by my own thoughts. 

My father was sitting in his dedicated chair next to me, doing his paper work. But I'm sure seeing myself so distracted ended up distracting him. While I was lost within my own thoughts, my gaze above the open book in front of me. My father caught my attention.

"A lot on your mind Eddward?" 

My gaze into nothing broke as my eyes shifted towards my father. I felt rather embarrassed. "O-oh. N-no father. I seem to have just been caught daydreaming."

"Daydreaming about what, may I ask?"

"I am afraid I do not quite remember." 

My father placed his papers on the end table next to him, along with his pen, and folded his hands in his lap. "Tell me Eddward, are you happy?"

This caught me by surprise. "Happy father?"

"Yes, happy. Are you happy with your life? With Daniel?"

"Oh yes father! I am very happy with Daniel! Why do you ask?"

"You seem to have been daydreaming a lot since Christmas. I wanted to make sure you are truly happy."

I blushed. "Well father, I am someone who merely tends to daydream a lot."

"If you say so. Now instead of pretending to read that book you have read a dozen times, how about you go out? Get some fresh air, keep yourself busy. This weekend will seem to go slower if you stay on the couch the whole time."

I could not help but to smile, he was right, and I had to now do as he says. Even though I am an adult now.

"Very well father."

I placed the book neatly on the coffee table and retrieved my scarf, coat, and books. I adjusted my black beanie on my head and decided to venture out back to the coffee shop. It was not anything too exciting, but it did get me out of the house, kept my mind occupied, and allowed me to see a familiar face now and then. Upon entering the coffee shop, I now wished I did in fact bring my book with me, that way I would not be sitting all alone with nothing to do.

But I people watched. I did find joy in studying other people with how they lived their everyday lives. How happy and joyful they can be. Who they associate themselves with. And what that person means to them. Each life can be sure a beautiful thing that we tend to look pass all the time, since most of us are only concerned with our own lives.

And concern was going to grow as the red head in the red cap, with darling green eyes walked into the coffee shop. It was too late to even think about hiding. Kevins eyes locked right onto mine as soon as he walked in the door. I swallowed hard as I soon began to feel my heart begin to pound in my chest.

Easy Eddward, no need to get yourself worked up.

Kevin flashed me a smile and started to walk up to the table that I was sitting at. That smile, oh how could I have forgotten how that smile could make me weak in the knees. I feel so guilty for these emotions I have no control over. I have tried, and tried, but it seems to appear harder than I thought.

"Hey Double D, you here by yourself?"

I swallowed hard before I could respond. "Y-yes I am. D-Daniel is visiting his family for the w-weekend."

"Oh, cool." Kevin pulled up a chair next to me and sat down.

How could he act so calm and cool!?

He rubbed the back of his neck before speaking his next question. "Why didn't you go with him?"

"I have already met Daniels family plenty of times. I have missed my family and home town. I wanted to stay and enjoy it."

Kevin nodded his head in a slow rhythm. "Cool."

We sat there awkwardly for what seemed like forever.  Until Kevin finally blurted out.

"I miss you Edd."

I tried my best to keep my blushes back. "Well, I am right here Kevin."

"But you belong to someone else." 

I could not have hid my blush as well this time. "I do indeed belong to somebody else."

Again, awkward silence seems to have taken over. I sat there sipping my tea, keeping all my thoughts to myself. Kevin was tapping his foot, possibly keeping his thoughts within also. Well, most of them, until he blurted out again.

"Do you still love me Edd?"

My body froze but felt hot all at the same time. I did not know what to say or to do. What could one say or do in this situation!? I was engaged to a wonderful man, and here I am, sitting in a coffee shop with the man I loved years ago.

"Um.."

It was so unlike me to not know what to say. There are words upon words upon words that are shoved in this wonderful thing I have called a brain. And all I could think about to say is, "um!?"

Kevin gave me an understanding smilie. Curse him.

"I understand it's probably an odd question to answer."

Very odd indeed.

"Maybe this is easier to answer. Do you hate me?"

Without hesitation I shook my head no. I still could not speak a word. But at least the simple head shake of body language could be clear. 

Kevins smile grew wider. "Sweet. Are you not in love with me anymore?"

Why oh why was he doing this now? This was not the time or the place. Daniel was gone for the weekend and I did not of him to fall back on. But before I could even truly think about it, my head began to shake no again. 

Kevin leaned in closer to me. I felt as if my body could explode. "You love me Edd?"

I only gave one slight nod yes. Then Kevin stood up from his chair and walked out. Why was he walking out? Was this just a joke? Was he just fooling me!?

Now I was angry.

I stood up from my seat and stormed out of the building. I was going to tell Kevin I hated him! I can not believe he would do this to me! Oh, I was going to give him what for!

But next thing I know, I'm being pulled to behind the building, out of sight. And these strong arms that felt so familiar to my heart, that my heart missed, wrapped around me. Those lips of Kevins pressed deeply into mine. I did not pull away. Everything in my mind told me that this was wrong, to push him off, I had Daniel. But my body stood in place. And my lips rebelled against me as they danced along with Kevins.

Oh, what is this mess I have gotten myself into?