Pisanthraphobia (H2OVanoss and Others)

Chapter 15

Lui, Daithi, and Brock, who was leading a hungover and almost blinded Brian, were early. They had decided that the longer they waited the worse of they'd be, so they still had about 15 minutes to spare by the time they entered the fancy cafe.

Their reservations had been made online, and Evan had found the address while evading the questioning messages from Craig and Tyler. The three had found a much simpler cafe, the wonderful Starbucks, and had opted to see each other there first.

Evan had spent the day before getting ready. He had cut and restyled his hair, which was longer but just as spiked as before, and he had shaven and showered with a long forgotten freedom. His friend's blue logo shone on the front of his hoodie and MiniLaddd sunglasses rested on his nose.

He got a few glances as he walked down the unfamiliar street, either because of the bright colours or perhaps they were fans as well, but no one seemed to recognize him. Eventually his tired legs led him to the green mermaid, and at her sirens call he entered the cafe.

Taking a deep breath, his eyes scanned the assortment of tables and chairs, looking for something in particular. The screech of a chair and a silver flash from his peripherals caught his attention, and he launched into a hug.

Dodging around customers, his arms encircled the neck of his taller friend and the shoulders of his shorter one. A light, ever-so-warm laughter filled his chest and he let it out softly, on cloud nine.

It was his day of sun in his life of rain, and suddenly his worries were gone. After they calmed down they sat, awkwardly avoiding the curious games of the other customers. Tyler slid a simple black coffee into Evan's hand, and he sipped on its warmth as they caught up.

"How do you want to do this?"

After their small talk settled the mood, Evan wanted to see what Tyler and Craig were planning to do. He couldn't just waltz in and say hi, and the more attention they had on them the harder it would be to set things straight.

He told them this, and they decided the best thing to do would be for Tyler and Craig to approach, settling things and having reason before emotions, and then they would rendezvous with Evan for a more private reunion.

They waited awhile until Evan was sure the reservation was set, and then they initiated their plan.

"Um, we only arranged for four people?"

"I assure you sir, there's no mistake. The reservation had two people added last night. This is Katie, she'll be your waitress for today."

Lui shrugged at the rest of their party, and followed the waitress back towards the interior seating, coming to a six seater table to the side. They sat by the wall, leaving the two empty seats by the walking area.

They had ordered drinks and were talking about the weird cafe when two people sat down in the other seats. There was a pause, as they all gave each other surprised looks, and then they turned to see who had taken the chairs.

"Oh my god!"

Brock and David let out synchronized cries as their two friends gave them shocked looks, both looking incredibly self-satisfied.

"Surprise? Did you miss us?"

The boys laughed and Craig's purposeful voice crack and started asking questions, why were they here? When was there flight? How has they been doing?

"Well, there's something we need to talk to you guys about."

"Us too, actually."

Craig and Tyler exchanged glances, and after their orders had been taken they watched Brock gesture to Brian, who was laying on the table. They leaned in and whispered, but Brian seemed to be either asleep or passed out.

The pair were both disturbed and worried by Brian's apparent change, and both took notice of Brock's dedication to his friend. Thrown off, they didn't bring up their topic until after they had been eating for a while.

"So...do you think...Evan was actually insane?"

"Of course not."

After Evan was taken to that place, the group were all unsure. What Evan had seen was horrible, and emotionally scarring, but he was the most level headed of the group, and he was also Canadian.

Though they hadn't done anything to protest, they all agreed that Evan would probably be fine in a short amount of time. When months went by, they slowly started to lose hope, though they had no details about his recovery except Tyler's occasional updates.

"What would you do if he got out of that place?"

"We'd help him out, I guess. Get things back to how they were."

"Well, what if he wasn't released, exactly. What if he got out but wasn't deemed mentally sane?"

"Like in an escape movie? I guess it would depend on if he actually was okay. After what you said he's been like, he probably wouldn't be able to 'make it out' if he wasn't fine."

Tyler hummed and continued eating, the others confused but otherwise ignorant of the weird conversation. They had a delicious meal and tipped highly when they left, their waitress giving them a bright smile.

  Eventually they all headed back to Brian's (and now partially Brock's) apartment. After they settled down, hey gathered in the living room minus Brian and hooked up some video games on their PS4.

After a while, checking his phone, Craig paused the game and cleared his throat. The others looks over, and he typed a final message on his phone. A second later, someone unlocked and opened the door.

Brock jumped up from the couch, about to approach cautiously, when a man in a bright blue sweatshirt came through the doorway.

"Hey guys..."