Take a Break [DISCONTINUED]

-2-

CO-WRITTEN BY OwlWithAHat

TW: cemetaries, mention of Usnavi + strong imagery (towards the end) ((**))

I think I forgot to mention that they were apart for like a whole year, so the reason they're able to chill is because they're on mid Winter break, John did most of his senior year classes in London.

BACK TO THE STORY

[Official publish date February 20th]

*Backstory*

Upon arriving in London, I felt like the small boy who was once so helpless and unaware of his surroundings once more. New sounds, new scenes, new people. All of it was just so overwhelming.

In my daze, I noticed someone was trying to help me, "Excuse me, sir, are you lost?"

In front of me was a woman, a little shorter than me, pretty as can be. "Uh, yeah a little. I'm coming from-"

"America, yes I know. I'm a worker here, and my name is Martha..."

John's pov
London was quite a visit. I met people, did things, and went places I've never been. Such an exotic place, I couldn't have asked to go anywhere else.

All the sights and sounds became my home for a long time. The people were incredible and I almost didn't want to leave.

But of course, I couldn't leave my little Lexi behind. He's such a sweet guy..

As soon as I saw Alex waiting for me in the lobby of the airport I couldn't wait. I ran up to him and grabbed him. I spun him around and kissed him deeply. "I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too, Johnny." He had a little sadness in his voice and my heart panged. I can't believe I wanted to stay in London when my life is already started here.

And so there we were, dreaming of life to come on the couch. Away from my father, away from responsibility, just my love and I.

***

Waking up the next morning, my nose welcomed the savory scent of eggs and bacon. I rubbed my eyes in an attempt to see over the couch I had previously slept on. It was none other than my wonderful boyfriend and his brother, working together to make breakfast at approximately 12:30 in the afternoon.

Alexander looked over and smiled, "It's about time you've woken up, I was just making some brunch."

"As I can clearly smell, heh. What's the occasion?" I asked.

James and Alex became quiet all of a sudden, "It's, uh, the one year of our mother's death.." Alex said quietly.

"We're going to visit her grave today. Would you like to come?" James asked.

"I'd be honored. You mother sounded like a lovely woman." I chose my words carefully so not to upset either of them.

After breakfast, we all got dressed and got in the car. We drove to the cemetery, with a quick stop at the flower shop nearby, in silence, I caught a glimpse of Lexi's face. His eyes looked sad.

Upon arriving, I have the arrangement to Alex and followed him to the tombstone that had been laid gingerly on the grass a year before. James knelt in front of the tombstone that read 'Rachel Faucette, 1978-2017, mother of two, James and Alexa Hamilton'.

I felt my heart drop. Sure, I never met her, but she was the one who raised the man I've come to love. If it wasn't for her, I would have never met him, either.

I knelt in front of the tombstone as well, put my hands together, and said some words to myself about how thankful I was she brought Alex to the U.S.

I stood up and waited patiently for the boys to stand as well.when they did, they began sharing memories of her that I could never be part of.

"She was quite an amazing mother..." Alex said. I could hear the sadness in his voice. I side hugged him and kissed his forehead.

James nodded his head in agreement and walked back to the car. Alex and I followed after him.

It was a quiet car ride. Perhaps a little too quiet. I looked out the window and saw dark clouds approaching.

Rainy days have been sweet music ever since arriving in London. The pitter patter on the window panes never failed to put me to sleep at night. I could count on the wind gusting through the tree branches tapping on my window, begging to be let in. The symphony of nature that never seemed to end could have me smiling in no time at all; it was music to the deafening silence of the stale air constantly surrounding that old London appartment.

Like every other time before, the rain out me to sleep, and I woke up inside the same house I'd stayed the night at. I looked out the open window to find everything slightly wet from the clouds that had passed over us. The familiar scent of outside swirled around my nose and put me in a good mood.

I walked towards the kitchen to find Alex and James playing a card game. I'm not much of a card game person, but I ended up watching anyways. There's only so much you can do days before mid Winter break ends.

I took a look around the still unfamiliar house. The dining room and the kitchen had the same color scheme, connected by an open door frame. Through a closed door was the family room. There was one couch, a love seat, and a recliner; all the same color beige. There was the front door and a staircase leading upstairs.

Upstairs there were three rooms and a bathroom. Alex's room was colored with light blue walls and cream colored furniture. He had a desk with tons of small drawers. On top of his desk there were pads of paper, a desk lamp, and pens and pencils strewn across the desktop.

The next room was James'. He had beigeish walls with stained wooden furniture. He had a small closet and a pretty big bed. Lots of pillows. I noticed he had a few beer cans by his bedside.

***The last room was Usnavi's. His room was very minimalist. A bed, a desk, and a wall mirror. The bed had been stripped, the desk was empty, and the mirror looked brand new. Inside his closet was a few boxes of his things. Clothes, shoes, objects of his that were of no use. Alexander is too small to fit into them and James is too muscular. Next to the box was a bag of personal items. A crusifix, a ring, some odds and ends.

The room was barren enough to still have the feel of death. I could feel his spirit linger in the room. I felt as though it was trying to latch onto me, latch onto anything living. It was gasping for something it simply could not have.**

Walking back downstairs, I noticed the railing was cold and smooth. It sent shivers down my spine. I looked in the kitchen to see them still playing their card game, quietly.

I coughed to let them know I was still here. Alex looked up and smiled. He walked towards me and squeezed me tight. "John, James and I have been talking.." he started. I got slightly concerned. "I think we've made a decision, but we need an answer from you first." He finished. I got antsy with the question and started wringing my hands together in nervousness.

"Would you perhaps, I don't know, uh, want to live with me? Uh-- us. I mean us." Alex stuttered. Cute.

It took me barely any time to decide in my mind that of course I'd love to live here. They both know how difficult it is to live with my father. Of course I have my mother, but my father could find me just as easily if I were to live with her. "Uh, yeah! I'd love to!" I said excitedly.

Alex and James hugged me. I felt like one small family with these two. A single tear fell from my eye as I began to feel like I was home.