Or So You Thought

Disconnected Connections

Ari POV

Why does this feel weird, the fact that he's walking me to class? Oh yeah, it was suppose to be Brian but he decided to fake me out. I felt like something is being hidden though. I shook my head at the thoughts. I need to stop this. I over think things & over think wrong... It's just a mess. "Melvin, are you hiding something from me?" Woah. That was out of the blue. He stopped & looked at me. "What are you talking about?" he asked. Well, I might as well come out with it. "I don't know what it is but I have this feeling that there's something you aren't telling me" I elaborated. "Well-" he started off but then paused himself. "What? You can tell me" I said. "Okay. I don't want you to think I'm crazy because we only agreed to go together last night but I got you something & I'd love it if you wore it to dance next month... Well, two weeks really" he replied. Then he pulled out a medium sized light blue box & placed it in my hands. Am I crying? I feel I should be. "Go ahead, open it" he urged. It was honestly one of the prettiest bracelets I've seen. It was silver with purple stones & silver guitar charms. "Wow Melvin. This is really pretty. How did you know I like guitars?" I asked truthfully. I actually didn't like guitars that much apart from the sound & looks. After my failed attempts trying to master the instrument, they made me kinda angry so I took up piano. Though, I do envy people who can play like Ed Sheeran or Niall Horan. But I would gladly start again after seeing this. "I kinda took a leap of faith but I wanted to ask you something" he said snapping the bracelet in place. "Uh... Yeah. Go ahead" I said. A wave of worry swept over me. "Would you be my girlfriend? " he asked. Scratch that, panic. Severe panic.

Brian POV

"You can't be serious" Riley said to me as we all got seats in the café. I know it's something I shouldn't do but if Ari was ever going to believe what I had to say, or at the least listen, I needed to get Melvin to the old him. I needed the serpent I've come to know, I need him pissed to the highest hill. I need to strike at the heart. "I know it's not the greatest idea but it's all I've got" I responded. "You're taking a risk with this. This isnt just a silly tiff anymore, it's a war. People get hurt in wars Brian" Adam added on. "I know but this has been a long time coming. We all know that. He started this so I'm not the one at fault here" I replied. I know it may seem like I'm the bad guy here but I'm really not. I'm just being framed as all. "These are dangerous waters you are treading. Are you sure you're ready for what's ahead?" Seth asked. I paused for a moment "Yeah. I'm ready". That was a lie straight from hell.

I paced the hallways for what seemed like the longest time while the boys went to class. I couldn't believe that I was pondering to do this. All of these years. I needed to get her number but I had to call him to get it. I never thought I'd live to see the day where would have to do this. The day I actually needed him. I couldn't stand him. I can't call him. I told myself but reluctantly, I dialed the last number I ever thought I would call. "Hello?" Damn. "Hey. Liz. Uh... It's me, Brian" I said stammered. I really needed to pull it together. "Oh my gosh. Brian?! What a surprise. How are you?" she asked me. When was the last time I spoke to them? 4 years ago? Well, I guess she could be surprised. I am. "I'm pretty good. Question. Malcolm wouldn't by chance be home, would he?" I asked. "Yeah. Hold on,"  she replied. I heard the clicking of heels & several voices before one came through the receiver. "Well, if this isn't the beginning of the end" Malcolm chimed. "Hey big bro" I replied. Kill me now.