Lost Voices

The Reason Why

I forgot the reason why we couldn't be together.

It was snowing. Probably the sixth or seventh day it snowed this December. I was waiting for you outside Mely's. You were running late. You were always late and I always kept on forgetting things. I was practically shivering and my breath kept fogging up in front of my face. I hugged myself and starting rubbing my shoulders, trying to keep myself warm.

Where were you?

I suddenly heard you call out my name. I turned and there you were.

You were walking towards me from the parking lot, the street light illuminating you as you smiled at me and waved. I was supposed to be mad. Mad that you didn't even call. But I couldn't help but smile and wave back. It seemed like forever before you caught up to me. Maybe the parking lot was bigger than I expected or maybe I just couldn't wait for you to be by my side.

I was about to say hello when you suddenly put your arm around my neck and practically strangled me in your hug.

"Sorry, I'm late."

"It's fine. I haven't been waiting that long."

In reality I was waiting for you for more than 30 minutes.

"Really? That's good then. Let's go!"

You dragged me to the front door, your arm still around my neck and I pretended to struggle out of your hold but I was more than comfortable being that close to you. You stopped and looked around. I tugged on your jacket sleeve and pointed to the direction where our table was.

You immediately spotted Louie and a huge smile formed on your face. You removed your arm from around my neck and walked towards them. I was a little disappointed. Only a little.

But then you stopped before taking another step and then turned around to take my hand and pulled me to follow you. I was a little relieved. Only a little. You made me sit before you could and refused to take the seat Lilah offered you. So you sat down beside me and grabbed the menu on the table, your eyebrows arched down as you decided on what to order. Then Louie started talking to you.

"So you applying for anything yet?"

The question startled me and I immediately turned to look at you. You clearly saw the sadness on my face and a half grin appeared across your lips.

"Don't worry just yet. I still got a few months ahead of me."

I gave you a weak smile.

Louie raised his eyebrow at us.

"You know. I forgot the reason why you guys can't be together."

He wasn't the only one.

You were the first to laugh and then everyone else followed. I laughed last, wondering what was so funny.

Through out dinner, everyone was laughing at your jokes and listening to Carrie's mountain climbing accident.

When dinner was over we said goodbye to everyone and you led me outside and we walked through the parking lot, towards where you left your car. I never knew why you parked so far away that day. I started shivering. It was colder than earlier that afternoon. Really colder. You noticed and stopped walking.

"What's wrong?"

"M-my hands are ice. I-I left my gloves."

You laughed.

"You're always forgetting things."

You were right.

I didn't expect you to, but you suddenly took both of my hands in yours and held them up to your mouth. I twitched as I felt your unbelievably warm lips against my skin. And then you started puffing out deep breaths, instantly warming my hands. By then I was sure that I was blushing, but I could have easily said that it was because of the cold if you ever asked. Then you let go of my hands and smiled at me.

"Better?"

I slowly nodded.

We continued on walking towards your car and I saw you fumbling for something inside your jacket pocket. You took out your phone and when the light turned on, a frown appeared on your face.

"What is it?"

You shook your head and shrugged uncomfortably.

"She hasn't called back."

That's when I remember the reason why we couldn't be together.

"Let's just go, sis."

You were my brother.