Two

23. To my future

       It's only in moments like this you can truly grasp the importance of a name. Of an identity. Who you are, and the vulgarities of the world that revolve around that.

       It was 6 p.m. As he was leaving out the door, I could see the widespread smile on Rachel's mouth from the living room. She was just standing there, beside the exit, watching him wallow away into the night-time.

       Surprisingly, Rachel came besides me.

       - You alright, man?

       - ...

       I just started sobbing uncontrolably. My eyes were suddenly injected with a painful red, as she witnessed the scene. She didn't know what to do.

       - Rach, please... hug me. It's all falling apart. I can't...

       - Shh, don't worry... I'm here.

       - I love you, Rach. I love you so so much. I don't want to lose you...

       - I'm sorry, but... you're not my brother. I wish it wasn't like this. I don't know what the thing is, though... You were like this the first night, too. You didn't tell me why either and you're not telling me why now. I don't know what to do either. None of us want to be manipulated...

       Instead of making any attempts, I just hugged tighter. To my pleasure, she did too. It was one of those moments. Where you truly cherish it happening. It doesn't last forever. But it feels like everything you ever needed at the time.

       She did leave. At some point soon. 

       - Alright, I'm going to sleep. This was a very exhausting day. I think it'd better for you too if we stood separated, though. I'll use Change's room. Good night.

       It wasn't late, but she was exhausted. She left. I tried to be as comfy as I could in what was going to be... my last night on that couch. 

       Around two hours later, my phone started ringing. It was Jess.

       - Yo, Change, what's up? I won't even ask why this guy is showing up in place of you. Everyone thinks he's you. Except for, maybe, Collin. 

       - You guys good in there?

       - Yeah, Col's a little tipsy, but he's alright. Your alter-ego is getting really drunk, though. He's just as vocal as you'd probably be when drunk.

       - Oh, sounds fun.

       - Well, not to me so much. I'm bored of so much useless noise and drunks hitting on me. Can you come?

       - Aye, let me get dressed up. I'll be in front of the school in 20. That ok?

       - Yep. See you there.

       I picked out a casual attire and made my way out. No one really bothered asking anything, as Rachel was asleep and the parents were just cleaning rooms.

       The wind was blowing heavily outside and the thick fog made it tough to see around. With heavy steps, I made it to school. In front of the yard, there were Jess and Collin, sharing a cigar and talking about whatever things made them look at the sky while doing it. She was wearing a dark, tight dress with high heels and a hazel flower pinned to her chest, matching her eyes. He was wearing a blue skin-tight shirt and ripped, stiff pants, allowing for a good view of his built body. I could hear their words as I was getting closer.

       - Believe me, this is him. Not the other one.

       - S-Sure.. Alright. Yo, Change. Hey. Let's go to the bridge. I don't like it here. And there's a nice landscape.