Unkept Promises // Brolby

*6*

Chapter 6

Take It Easy by Jetta (Matstubs Remix)

    There are two things in this world that I treasure and hold close to me. Privacy and silence. Whenever one of the two are in my grasp, I tend to hold on to it and never want to let go.

    Privacy was a huge thing for us nowadays. When we wanted to be alone, we'd go into our rooms, shut our blinds, lock the door and stay in there until we felt our need was satisfied enough. But low and behold we could never be satisfied with the small amount of time we had to ourselves.

    The silence was gold to our ears. Usually the house was filled with rowdy boys and two giggling girls, sometimes three if Elton brought Amanda over, and two barking dogs. The house was practically empty, making the echoes just a little louder. So hearing nothing was bliss to everyone.... but me.

    I loved the silence, but not when I was in certain stages. Right now, that certain stage decided it wanted to see me perform and watch me crash and burn. It wanted me to hear the boos and feel the tomatoes being crushed into my shirt and drip from my face like a circus clown. I was paralysed while I sat on my bed, the silence bringing an uncomfortable ringing to my ears. I shifted in my spot as my mind went through every mess up, every mistake of my entire life. Thus, my act begins.

    Why did I come to LA? Why did I start YouTube? Why did I start Vine? Everyone said you would fail. Why didn't you give up? You're cringey. Why did you go with Brennen last night? He only pities you. He would never like a guy like you. Who would? A weak, pathetic, worthless—

    I drew in a deep breath and shook heavily. I shook my head trying to rid myself of these thoughts. Why now?

    I laid back on my bed and put my arms over my eyes.

    "Hey, Colby. We're gonna play some games on the Xbox. You wanna join?" I heard Sam's voice fill the room. I turned my head after lifting my arms from my face and saw him standing at the doorway, holding the doorknob. I took a deep shaky breath and nodded.

    "Y-Yeah, I'll be down there in a minute." I cursed myself for the stumble. Sam smiled, seeming to miss the small stutter. He closed the door and I waited until I heard him go down the stairs. I sighed heavily.

    I got up and moved to my dresser, opening the middle drawer and taking out a clean t-shirt, seeing as I had sweat through the one I was wearing during my mini episode.

Once I was dressed and cleaned up, I took a deep breath and opened my door. I walked out and slowly went downstairs. Before going into the gaming room, I grabbed a water bottle and banana from the kitchen. Opening the banana, I walked into the gaming room. As I was taking a bite, I made eye contact with almost everyone in the room. I froze.

"Damn Colby, you know when you do that, it drives me wild." Corey, who I didn't know held a camera, laughed.

I snorted and turned away as I finished the bite. I jokingly winked at Corey then sat down.

"Oh my god, the Colby Brock winked at me!" Corey fangirled to his camera. I rolled my eyes and watched the screen wondering what they were playing. To my small knowledge on the game it must've been—

"Fucking Fortnite." Aaron grumbled under his breath as he died. Everyone chuckled softly as Aaron got up and gave the controller to Sam forcefully.

"Bye Aarooooooon!" Sam yelled as he started up a new game.

     And that's how the day went. We played video games and yelled at the TV or the person with the controller. We fought for turns and at some point, Aaron came back.

    It was a nice time, getting me out of my thoughts. Laying in bed after saying goodnight to everyone, I came to realize that the voices weren't there. I was alone, but peacefully.

    Contently, I slept.