Flawed Perception

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Stability. Safety. Comfort.

That was what Jeremy provided. It was everything I needed. I was so wrapped up in my own little world, my personal bubble that I didn't know happiness as simple as that was one person away. I couldn't help but wonder what my life would be like if I had just confided in Jeremy in the first place.

The next few days were filled with all the awkwardness one would associate with a blooming relationship. The sweetness of our summer days together had pasted a permanent smile on face.

A week or so after Jeremy's welcome home "party" I asked Jeremy to go shopping with me for a gift for Andy, for how well he was doing with his sobriety. It was mid afternoon and humid as ever so my curls were extra vicious. I tied them up in a bun. I finished getting ready and walked into the living room.

"Good afternoon, mom." I told her. She was doing a crossword on the couch. I sat next to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She replied with a warm smile. She was really enjoying the new me, the one that didn't mind affection.

"Where are you off to?" She inquired.

"Jeremy is taking me to the mall to get something for Andy. I'm really proud of him and I want him to know that." I nestled in closer to her, something still new to us as a family, but probably commonplace in normal households. She wrapped her arm around me. It was the best feeling in the world, being comforted by my mother.

"Well, aren't you sweet? I'm sure that would make him very happy." She kissed my forehead.

"I'm probably going to go to the music store, maybe get him some guitar picks or tabs. Remember how much he used to love playing?"

"Yeah, he was amazing. It's a shame he quit when your dad left." Everything went still for moment at the mention of my father, making me uncomfortable for a moment. My mom broke the silence. "But I am sure Andy would love that."

I had forgotten that the reason my brother even played was because my father had taught him how. He put so much pressure on Andy to practice every day, even if he was tired or didn't want to. I questioned my taste in gifts until I remembered how much he loved to play on his own, when the pressure was gone and it was for him or me. Before everything changed Andy and I would sit on his bedroom floor and he would play for me, sometimes for hours. I loved it. We were nearly inseparable then.

My mind was still stuck in the past when my phone buzzed. Jeremy had texted me telling me he was outside. I kissed my mother on the cheek before saying goodbye and heading out the door.

"Hey beautiful," He greeted. He had just stepped out of his car and was circling around to meet me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he pulled me in close. I lingered in the moment, as I usually did. Every time we hugged I was hesitant to let go. Maybe a part of me worried he was too good to be true, too good to be mine.

"Hi," I whispered gently as we pulled away. I stood on my toes to give him a quick peck. He leaned down slightly to meet me in the middle.

"Hi," he replied in between tiny kisses. He smiled after one last kiss. I bit my lip nervously. PDA and I were only just getting to know each other so I often became a shy following any sign of intimacy.

"Ready to go?" he asked. Jeremy held out his hand. I nodded in reply and let him lead the way to the passenger seat. He circled back around and got in the drivers' seat and we were off.

"So where are we headed?" He asked.

"I was thinking the music store in the mall, the one with the guitars on the wall. Jeremy used to play and I think it might help him to start again." I told him.