Loyalty

Chapter 5: Out.

Jessica's POV

It's been almost a year now since I had met Brian, and our friendship was stronger than ever. Even though he was becoming increasingly busy due to the growing success of the show, he still made time for me. We both valued each other's friendship, and we would probably do anything for each other.

For example, I've always told Brian that I would always pick him up if he was drunk and needed a ride home. He's taken me up on that offer a few times, sometimes even calling me at 3 or 4 in the morning to come pick him up. But that didn't bother me. Ever since my mom died, I've been hypersensitive about people driving drunk. I feel some sort of responsibility to ensure that something like that doesn't happen to the people closest to me. I care about Brian and I would never want anything to happen to him. He was my friend. I might even say that he's my best friend.

The past few days were particularly stressful for the people on Staten Island. Hurricane Sandy was threatening to destroy the Island, and people had gone into panic mode. Everyone was stocking up on necessities, and any other supplies they might need during the hurricane. Brian even helped me board up my windows, just in case. I didn't think it was necessary, but he insisted it would keep me safe. He also kept asking me if I had everything I would need during the storm: bottles of water, flashlights, first aid kit, etc. I think the fireman in him was being overly protective, and a bit paranoid. But I knew that he meant well, and he was only being so cautious because he cared about my safety. Two days before the storm was supposed to hit, I got a call from him. When Brian called, Katie happened to be sitting right there.

"Hey Jess, I have a favor to ask you," he said.

"Sure, what's the matter? Is everything okay?" I asked, slightly concerned.

"Would you mind taking in my cats during the storm? I don't want anything to happen to them. I think they'd be safer at your house, and I trust you to take care of them," Brian said.

Basically, Brian lived on the North Shore of Staten Island, in a flood zone. I lived on the South Shore, in an area that wasn't as high risk. He was concerned that his cats would be in danger. His cats. Not himself.

"Brian, of course, I would do that. But if you're worried about their safety, aren't you concerned about your own safety?" I asked.

"I'll be alright. I can take care of myself," he said.

"Bri, listen to me. If you don't think it's safe for your cats, then it's probably not safe for you either. Why don't you come over too, and stay here during the storm?" I asked.

"I'll be fine. I was a fireman, you know. I know what to do," he said/

"Oh, sorry. You're right. I didn't realize that being a fireman meant you were immune from drowning," I said sarcastically.

Brian laughed and said, "You don't have to worry about me. I'll survive."

"Come on, Brian. This is serious. Don't try to act like a tough guy. Just come over, and bring your cats. Then at least we'll have each other, God forbid anything happens," I said.

I was trying to slightly guilt him into staying over. But it was only for his own safety. I can't even imagine how guilty I would've felt if something ever happened to him and there was something I could've done to prevent it.

Brian sighed, thought for a minute and said, "I guess you're right. It's probably safer that neither of us are alone. Plus, if anything goes wrong, I'll be there to protect you. And the cats of course," he said.

"Of course. What would I do without my big strong fireman to protect me from the hurricane?" I said, teasing him about his comment from earlier.

He laughed and said, "Seriously though, I'll be over tomorrow? I'll bring extra supplies in case we need it."