You Found Me (Warrior)

5. When You Showed Up

Chapter Theme Song: Marianas Trench - Good To You (Everyone's around, no words are coming out. And I can't find my breath, can we just say the rest with no sound.)

It took him a few seconds before he actually put his beer down. My face was frozen. I couldn't smile until I was sure he remembered me. Then, he said my name.

"Danielle?" He got up slowly, studying my face, waiting for my response. I continued to look at him, mesmerized by seeing him in person after the longest time.

"Yes, Tommy. It's her. " Brendan finally said laughing, nudging his brother forward.

I was in his arms within seconds. I moved in closer and inhaled cologne, that probably belonged to Brendan, beer, and the faint smell of whiskey.

He took a step back and looked at me with a huge grin on his face. I don't remember seeing him so happy. It was silent. Then, I realized he must have been waiting for me to speak.

"Hey..." I finally said laughing. "It's so great to see you again."

Tess, Brendan, Shane, Mike and a few other relatives were all gathered around watching our reunion with smiles on their faces, which made me nervous to say too much. The kids probably heard the commotion too and bustled inside. Paddy slowly followed behind.

"Hmm...you look familiar." He bellowed loudly, making me even more uncomfortable. I hated having all the attention on me.

"Pop, this is Danielle. She lived next door to us in Pittsburgh." Tommy said, pulling me to his side while putting his arm around my shoulder. I blushed, uncomfortably.

"Oh...right. I think I remember. You and her use to sneak around out back and hang out at the park."

"Yeah. That was us, always getting into trouble." I smiled.

I looked over to Brendan, who was obviously ecstatic to see his brother so happy after so long. Tess was saying something to him, but he wasn't listening.

He obviously didn't get it, so I looked over at Tess, who then said, "Maybe we should give them some privacy. Right, Brendan.."

He stopped smiling."Oh, right. You guys can catch up in den around back. Dinner will be served in soon after."

"Thanks." I nodded and before I knew it Tommy's right hand had already took mine, his beer in the other, and began leading me away.

"Uh... maybe you should leave the drink here." Brendan suggested eyeing his brother. His brother slowly complied and was leading me around back.

He sat on the leather couch and gestured for me to sit beside him.

When we were alone. I was finally able to look at him without millions of faces around. Then, in that moment... I saw him. My Tommy. That same kid who I used to stay up all night with when he didn't want to be at home. That same guy who gave me my first shot of whiskey... my first cigarette... I finally decided to sop being nervous and try to go back to old times.

"So...how's life?" He asked, as I took a seat. "What have you been up to..for what...the past 10 years, is it? Shit! It's been a long time."

"It has," I agreed. "I'm a journalist. I work for the Post and the Inquirer."

"In Philly?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Ah.. I remember now. You used to love writing."

"Still do...thank God" I paused. "It's nice to see you like this, Tommy." He put his arm around me and I leaned into his chest.

"Like what?"