Finding Yourself Again

Chapter 4

  Brendon pulled his moving truck into the driveway, and shifted into park. Finally, finally, he was here. He'd been driving for 4 solid days, crossing the entire country to bring him to the West Coast. He probably could have pushed a bit harder and made it in 3 days and some change, but it was a physically demanding trip on top of his already exhausted emotional state and frayed nerves.

  Although he'd exhibited tremendous inner strength and self-respect in leaving Ryan, that didn't mean his heart wasn't battered and hurting. He was still stinging from Ryan's betrayal, his broken dreams about their relationship, and leaving his family behind in New York. But even though he was hurting, Brendon knew this move was the right thing for him to do.

  He popped open the truck door and took the 3 large steps down to the ground. He stretched and popped his cramped back, and took a deep inhale of warm and sweet Southern California air. Despite the reasons prompting his relocation, he was genuinely glad to be there.

  He walked up the steps of the porch and rang the doorbell of the house. It was only a few moments before he heard footsteps approaching. The door swung open, and he was greeted with a blinding smile.

  "Oh my God, Bren! I'm so glad you're finally here!"

  "Hey Spencer!" Brendon said. "You have no idea how glad I am to see you." Spencer opened his arms and enveloped Brendon in a tight, brotherly hug. "I really missed you, Spence."

  "Man, I missed you too. I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there with you when you needed me", Spencer said sadly.

  "Dude, don't worry about that. You being here for me now and taking me in is the best thing that could have happened to me at the moment. And you were still there for emotional support the whole time, even if you couldn't be there in person!" Brendon genuinely meant his gratitude for Spencer's help and generosity.

  "B, you're like my brother. You shouldn't expect anything less. Hey! Let's stop jawing here on the porch. Let's get you inside to rest for a bit and get a bite to eat. Plus, I know Linda will want to see you!" Spencer's eyes lit up every time he mentioned Linda's name.

  Brendon stepped through the door with Spencer and took his first look around at Spencer and Linda's home. It was a cozy, charming bungalow, and they had certainly made it a comfortable and homey place. Brendon felt at home immediately.

  "Bren! Oh my God - come here and give me a hug!" Linda made a beeline for Brendon, and hugged him up, rocking him back and forth. Brendon couldn't help but giggle over his happiness to see her.

  "Aww, Linda, you look fantastic! Spence too! Seems like California really agrees with you guys!" Brendon enthused. He was so happy for his friends that things were working so well for them after their cross-country move from New York 9 months ago. He hoped he would find a similar fortune as he made SoCal his home as well.

  "Yeah Bren, this really was a good move for us. We're hoping for the same outcome for you," Spencer said, echoing Brendon's thoughts. "I just got done grilling us some burgers, and have some beers on ice. Let's go sit in the backyard and eat before we get into unpacking your stuff."

  Brendon groaned in agreement. "Oh man, that sounds amazing. Thank you so much."

  The trio headed through the living room and kitchen into the backyard to enjoy their dinner together.

——

  "Man, Spence! When did you get so good at grilling out? That's easily one of the best burgers I've ever had!" Brendon was really impressed with Spencer's skills with grilling out.