Like a Moth to a Flame

Lisa 9

I'm not going to question why Reynolds is out here waiting with me because I kinda like the company. I texted my mom and a couple of friends just to let them know I'm ok and on my way home. I just want to sleep. Sleep this day away and all the emotions that are tangled up in it. John's on his way to pick me up and being the older brother that he is, I'm sure he'll ask questions, but I also know he'll back off when he needs to and just leave me be.

Reynolds is now seated next to me and I'm wondering if he's smiling at the flamingo on that elderly woman's bag seated across the street from us. The light from the street lamp catches on the fushia pink sequence and just draws your eyes to it. You can't help but stare and smile. I slightly turn my gaze towards him and yup, he's smiling which makes me smile even more and for that brief moment,everything is normal.

I lean back and take in the sights and sounds as I wait for John's car to pull up to the curb. Reynolds seems to be mirroring my actions because now he's leaned back, but his eyes are closed. Poor guy. I wonder when the last time was when he was able to just rest and not worry about solving cases. I wonder when the last time was when he was able to play sports and go out to dinner. I wonder if he has a girlfriend. I immediately push that thought out of my mind because I just don't want to go there. I can't deal with another let down today.

John's blue car pulls up to the curb and to a slow stop. He turns on his emergency lights and exits the car with a concerned look to his face. That's my brother, the worrier, but its so good to have someone I know and love, here with me because I feel like like I'm about to fall apart any minute now. He walks over to me as Reynolds quickly stands up, extends his hand as he introduces himself. "Hello, I'm Detective Andrew Reynolds. I just wanted to make sure she got home safely." "I'm John Silas, her older brother and I'll take it from here." John eyes him as if giving him a warning signal to leave because Reynolds returns the look and concedes. He puts his hands into his pant pockets and turns to walk back into the building.

"That was weird. Are you ok? God Lisa, look at you. What the hell happened? Mom's been blowing up my phone. I told her you'd speak to her once you were able to." We climb into the car and pull away. "You know, if you ever want to talk, about anything, not just this, I'm here for you," John says quietly, eyes staring straight ahead. "I know, I just want to get some rest right now. I just want to forget what they've been telling me happened, even if its just for a little while John." The tears well up in my eyes and I wipe away at them as I can feel his eyes on me. He turns on the radio and once we pull up to the stop light, he reaches into the back seat and hands me a breakfast biscuit, a half smile appearing on his face. I take it and begin to eat it as we head in the direction of my apartment where I can finally rest.