Cancer is a bully that beats down people until they're lifeless. Mitch fought hard, though. Six years, he kept his illness at bay, and only his best friend, Kirstie knew. That is until it started fighting harder. He had to tell the world his secret...
Mitch walked into his shared apartment, as he did every day, coming home from “work” at JS Publication, which publishes his many bestselling books, as he did every day at four. He did his usual routine of putting on some loud music to drown out his always horny, and unfortunately straight, best friend screwing his girlfriend. After he had Beyoncé blaring through the speakers, he started singing along, doing his afternoon chores of doing dishes, prepping for dinner, and feeding the cat.
As the oven was preheating, he danced to his room, singing along to Lady Gaga as he showered and changed into comfortable clothes. He pranced back to the kitchen and put the garlic bread in the oven as he prepared gluten free pasta noodles from scratch. As the song switched, he turned the burner on to boil water. He made the sauce, cooked the noodles, mixed the pasta, and carried their dinner to the table. He set the table and switched the music station to some k-hip-hop singer as he cleaned up the living room. He sat down as a shirtless Scott, and his clothed girlfriend walked out to join the younger man.
“This smells incredible,” Scott complemented as the couple sat down.
“It’s vegan and gluten free,” Mitch explained, serving the pasta to himself. “I know how she can’t normally have dinner with us, so I decided to make something that she can actually eat dinner with you.”
“What is the catch?” Scott raised an eyebrow. “You’re never this nice to Ana unless you want something. What do you want from me, Mitchell?”
“What is there to want?” Mitch asked. “I have my dream job, I’m good with money and what it can by, I’m happily single, and I live with my best friend. What more could I ask for?”
“So there’s no catch?” Scott pushed on. “There is no tricks up your sleeve?”
“Not at all,” Mitch shook his head with a smile. “I’m going to be out with Kirstie tonight and I wanted to help continue your date night for you. No catches. I’m just being nice.”
“Isn’t Kirstie that girl you dated for like five years?” Scott’s voice faltered, indicating some kind of negative emotion.
“It sure is,” Mitch nodded, continuing the lie he’d been telling to everyone but his lovers; and Kirstie. “It was a mutual split and we’re still great friends. I’m meeting up with her because I get to see my son today. They were on a trip to Ohio and got back yesterday.”
“You have a son?!” Scott gasped. "When we’re you going to tell me you have a son? How old is he? What is his name?”
“When he was born you were too busy with your new girlfriend,” Mitch shrugged. “I literally never saw you around so I was always with Kirstie and Coby. He’s a junior, but we call him Coby, and he’s turning three in a week.”
“How did I not notice?” Scott raised an eyebrow. “That was something huge for you to go through.”
“I wasn’t important anymore once you found you a girlfriend,” Mitch continued. “I was okay with that, though. More time I could spend with Kirstie and Coby.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t pay attention,” Scott sighed, looking at his feet. “It’s cool, Man,” Mitch smiled, adding more pasta and picking his plate up. “As much as I’d just love to sit here and talk about my son, I have to go. I’m taking this plate with me so I can share some with Kit. She gave me the recipe.”
“So there was an ulterior motive,” Scott smirked. “You made this so you can take some to your ex girlfriend.”
“That’s where you’re fucking wrong,” Mitch growled, handing the blonde his phone. “I specifically told Kit that I needed a good vegan and gluten free meal so I can cook for you two. As a thanks, I made enough for her. Stop assuming the worst, because it looks really ugly on you, Hun.”
“Mitch!” Scott tried to call out, but the music, and distance kept him from getting the brunet’s attention.
“Let’s just enjoy this dinner, okay?” Ana smiled. “It smells good, so we may as well eat it.”
“Sure,” Scott faked a smile, serving him and his girlfriend.
~**********~ M
itch wrapped his plate up in some aluminum foil as he grabbed his white wine and apple juice out of the fridge. He safely packed the food and drinks in a bag before going to his bedroom, completely ignoring the couple at the dining room table. He packed up his clothing bag, his necessities bag, and his electronics bag, carrying them out to his car. He grabbed his phone, the device playing the music, going back to the kitchen. He grabbed his dinner bag before going out to his car without a goodbye.
He began driving to his friend’s apartment, stopping by a strip mall. He bought a new Spongebob plush for Coby before picking up ice-cream for the three of them, along with some spaghetti for his son. He pulled into the apartment’s parking lot, texting Kirstie to bring Coby down for a surprise. Mitch kept the car on for the radio as he waited for them to walk down.
When they did walk out, Mitch smiled at the sight of his two favorite people. Kirstie was in a pastel wig, her brown eyes enhanced by the galaxy on her eyelids and lavender lips. She had on a galaxy sweater and a pastel purple skirt with built in suspenders. She topped the outfit with her signature combat boots. She had Coby in a tiger graphic tee under a gray and white cardigan. He had on Converses and a grey beanie, his brown glasses magnifying his coffee colored eyes.
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“Daddy!” Coby squealed, running to the man as soon as he was out of the car.
“Hey, Bub,” Mitch pulled his son into a hug. “Was Ohio with Mommy fun? Did you have a good time, Coby?”
“Yes, Daddy,” Coby nodded excitedly. “Mommy said you has a surprise. What did you get?”
“I brought you your favorite Spaghetti and ice cream,” Mitch explained. “I also brought you a new Spongebob toy, since your mommy told me you lost the old one.”
“Yay!!!” Coby bounced. “Thank you, Daddy! You’re the bestest Daddy ever. Are you staying with us?”
“For a few days I will,” Mitch answered. “I packed enough for about a week. I’m letting my friend have some time alone with his girlfriend.”
“Okay!” Coby smiled as Kirstie and Mitch carried in the four bags into the small but comfortable apartment.
