The Boy I Knew

Chapter Four

"Wake up, sleeping beauty. Some dudes asking for you at the door." My roommate, Brendan, called from my doorway. I groaned and rolled over to face my clock: 10 AM. With a defeated sigh I sat up, clipped on my prosthetic and walked through the living room and towards the front door.

"Hey." Larry grinned. My memory from last flooded back like a tsunami and my face grew punk under my prosthetic. I closed the door in his face, turned, let out a small sigh to relive my rising anxiety, then turned back and opened it again.

"Hi." I smiled, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. "Sorry about that I uh... um... yeah." I mentally face palmed myself for being so awkward.

"Uhh... you're chill? Anyways, how's about that brunch? Still feeling up to it?" Larry asked, smirking a bit.

"Well if I didn't look homeless I'd be all for it." I shrugged, leaning against the doorway.

"You don't look homeless, Sally Face." He chuckled a bit, which cause my heart to jump into my throat.

"Oh c'mon. My hair is an absolute mess and my shirt smells like gin and sadness. I'd get more stares than usual going out like this." I sighed.

"I could do your hair and help you with the outfit... it's easy to make someone like you look nice." He rubbed the back of his neck, yet maintained his usual intense gaze. I felt my face immediately heat up under my prosthetic.

"I- thank you? Um... I mean I'm up for it but are you sure you want to be seen with," I paused before unclipping my prosthetic and holding it off to the side, giving it a small shake. "This?" He stared for a moment which made me regret my decision. I hurried to put it back on until he gently grabbed my hand and pulled it away, then used his other hand to brush some of my hair back.

"You still look the same." He smiled, tilting his head to the side a bit.

I'm a forgiving person. And honestly I want nothing more than to forgive everything he's done, jump into his arms, and walk into the sunset together. But I have to be strong- I can't just forget it all. I put myself through hell after he left; yeah that's partially my fault but it's also partially his.

Should I forgive him? Probably. Am I going to? I couldn't stay mad at him if I tried. What he did was wrong, but I'm sure theres an explanation and a good one at that. I know... Er... Knew Larry. He's gotta have something to say, right?

"Sorry that probably sounded dumb or... cheesy." He grimaced, pulling his hands back. I realized I had been simply staring at him as I inwardly monologued.

"Oh! No, I just spaced off, sorry about that." I clipped my face back on. "And that doesn't answer my question. This thing will earn you a lot of stares and awful remarks, I don't what that for you. Even if you hurt me.. two wrongs don't make a right."

"Sal, walk around without your prosthetic for all I care. I want to hang out with you. If that means stared and offhanded remarks then bring it on. I'll sock a bitch." He smirked, flipping his hair to one side and striking a small pose which made me chuckle.

"Alright, Alright. Brunch sounds amazing." I smiled from beneath the mask, and Larry must've noticed as he smiled back.

"Your eyes still light up every time you smile, and the prosthetic shifts when your cheeks lift." Larry pointed out, flicking the side of my mask. "That's how I know." He stated, almost as if he read my mind. I invited him inside and we ventured into my bedroom, still mostly filled with boxes.

"I never did ask... why'd you move here?" He turned and asked, looking at me.

"I could ask the same. Jobs, plain and simple. I was offered a place to stay by an old friend from college that I knew before I dropped out. And well, now I'm here." I shrugged. "Your turn."