WINGS

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

With no other jobs lined up, Mason didn't see the importance of worrying about job he would probably never find. Unless, he decided to move. And even though he'd screwed up, he wasn't so sure, moving away from town was what he wanted just yet. He still had hope, that over time, he and Brent might still work things out. Meanwhile, he would keep things simple. So, he returned to the café where he worked before. And the owner was more than willing to have him on board again. Fortunate for Mason, the small rental above was still available.

"Hi, Brent. It's me again. I've been trying to get a hold of you, but you're not answering my calls or texts. I know -I get, that you don't want to talk to me, but I just wanted to say, I was on my way back to talk things out with you before the..." he paused in a heavy sigh. "before all this happened. Anyway, I wanted to say thank you. You didn't have to wait around and you didn't have to give me space, but you did. I actually learned a lot about myself while I was away. And whether you believe this or not, I do love you. I wanted to...no, I want to be with you. So, I hope...," -Beep! "Damn it."

Over a two-week period, Mason had called at least eight times. He left a voice mail after voice mail, not that it seemed to be doing him any good. He began to lessen his phone calls after a month and a half, never having one voice mail answered, or a call returned. The hope he had that Brent would want him back, or at least give him the time of day, died inside him, a little each time. But he was determined and trusted at some point, Brent would have to pick up.

"What do you want, Mason," Brent answered, strictly.

"Wow. I didn't expect you to pick up. Uhm, I just thought maybe we could meet or talk."

Brent could hear the soft smile come across Mason's lips, but he remained hurt and relentless, no matter how much he missed Mason. "I don't have anything to say to you."

"Yeah, uhm. Okay. I just thought maybe you deserved an explanation."

"Look, Mason. You need to stop calling me and leaving me voicemails. I told you I don't want to hear your excuses and I don't care to hear the details."

"I know," he began to choke, "but it doesn't seem fair, Brent. It wasn't my fault."

"Nothing's fair in life. You wanted to see what it was like to be on your own. Well, you got your wish. You're a big boy, now. It's time to grow up, Mason. Be a man and own your mistakes."

"I am. Trying. If you'd let me." The other end went quiet, but he could still hear him breathing. "Brent?" So, Brent had apparently always seen him as a kid. That stung, fiercely. The emotion rolled up his chest and he let out held breath, refusing to prove Brent right.

"Move on, Mason. I have. Take care of yourself." Click.

He looked at his phone, he could see Brent's face as he held back the tears when the second held breath forced its escape. That would be the last time, he heard the man's voice he fell in love with. Well, if this were the absolute end, there was something he had to do before he could move on.

It was a couple of days later, on a Wednesday morning when Mason quietly stepped inside the door, quick to check and make sure Brent wasn't at home. This would be the only way to move on, and of all things, it was the last thing he wanted. But Mason knew in his heart, it was the right thing to do. He held out his hand and pulled his engagement ring off his finger. Gently, he set it down in the wooden bowl by the door. He didn't feel right keeping the ring, it no longer belonged to him. Just next to it, he let go of his house key. His eyes wandered, hung on the memories surrounding him. From cuddling on the couch to the ghostly laughter of Brent chasing him all over the house. His heart hurt, but he had no one to blame but himself. He asked to be alone, and now he regretted it.