Mr. Misty-Eyed | Josh Dun

reality | forty-eight

"I used to say, 'I wanna die before I'm old,'
But because of you I might think twice."

. . . . .

My fingers shook nervously as I stood in the bathroom trying to button my shirt. Tyler leaned casually against the door frame with a lopsided smile on his face, obviously amused by my nervousness about dinner with my family. It wasn't because I was scared that they wouldn't like Bryce or that she wouldn't get along with them, because even with her snarky side, Bryce could befriend just about anyone. I was scared because I didn't want to mess anything up tonight, because god knows I always found ways to embarrass myself.

The sound of the front door being opened caught my attention and I turned from the mirror to look at Tyler who was smiling down the steps at whom ever had just entered. I could feel my heart start to race just the slightest bit faster with anticipation, forgetting the still undone buttons on my shirt.

"Hey, Bryce!" Tyler greeted as he stepped away from the doorway and disappeared out of sight, the sound of someone ascending the stairs was all I could hear. "You look fantastic."

I bit my lip and hopped on my toes slightly in excitement and took a step toward the door, but quickly gathered myself and went back to buttoning my shirt. I was anxious to see her because after my little chat with Johnny she had been annoyed that I had disregarded her calls. In the end though, I think she was just happy that her nephew seemed to be doing the slightest bit better with the situation.

"Hey you." There was a soft knock on the door frame as Bryce spoke.

My gaze turned to hers and I didn't even bother hiding the grin that formed on my face as my eyes trailed over her attire. It wasn't often Bryce wore dresses, but when she did it was surely a sight to see.

"You look stunning," I spoke after we both stood there for a moment in silence.

Bryce smiled gratefully. "Thank you. Definitely trying to step up my game to impress your parents."

I chuckled and shook my head, finally buttoning the top button of my shirt. "You always look good, Bryce. Especially when I can see your freckles."

Instantly her nose scrunched in dissatisfaction, her hands coming up to rub over her cheeks where the tanned spots lay hidden under a film of makeup. I smiled again and run my fingers through my floppy hair, not quite knowing what to do with it. I turned quickly toward my girlfriend as her fingers played with the orange prescription bottle that I had left out on the counter, the sound of the pills rattling back and forth making me tense slightly.

"How are these working?" Bryce's tone was cautious as she asked the question.

My hands dropped to my side after giving up on my hair and I turned my body fully to look at her. I leaned my hip against the counter and folded my arms over my chest as I stared down at her.

"Fine, I guess." I shrugged. "I'm still anxious a lot, but they even it out. The rest is all in my head, I just have to work it out on my own."

Bryce nodded and smiled, setting the bottle back down on the counter. "I think you're strong enough to do anything you put your mind to. As long as you're willing to step out of your comfort zone."

"And I am." I unfolded my arms and reached out to grab onto Bryce's hips. "I'm trying really hard."

The corners of Bryce's lips turned up, her entire face bright with happiness. "And you're doing an amazing job so far."