In This Life (Sequel to 'In Another Life')

34

I popped it in my mouth, and leaned over the sink, turning on the cold water. I cupped my hand under the flowing water, then took a drink to swallow the half pill with. It went down smoothly, but I was already feeling guilty. This wouldn't happen again. It couldn't. I wouldn't go back to that. I would never go back to that. Too late now. I had let my urge control me this time. Never again. I steadied myself, then exited the bathroom, to head outside with the others. When I opened the door to go outside, I was greeted with multiple cheers from my friends. "WooHOO, she made it all by herself!" Sarah yelled, clapping and whistling. I rolled my eyes and flipped her the bird with my middle finger. "Shut it or you'll be using the cane next, smart ass," I replied flippantly, as I made my way towards the glass, circle table that was by the pool. It was surrounded by four soft back chairs, three of them already taken by Kenzie, Denise, and Sarah. I sat down slowly, in the free chair and looked towards the pool. I watched as Brennen came up, wiping his eyes, then slicking his wet hair back. Even I had to admit, that man was hot. I caught Sarah's eye, and winked at her. "I know," she replied quietly. She stood up, grabbed a water bottle from the cooler beside her chair, and walked to the edge of the pool. Brennen swam over to her, and she kneeled down, passing him the water bottle. "Thanks babe," he replied. She smiled down at him, love written all over her face. I watched them, smiling a little as I realized that my friend was so happy. It still felt weird sometimes, even after all this time, that she and Brennen had reconnected almost as soon as we all moved out here. I still remembered the first time that she had seen him. We had went out to eat, after a long day of unpacking and trying to get our house set up. We were all tired, and stressed, so we needed a break. It was just us; me, Sarah, Denise, and Kenzie, since Justin was at his own place at the time. The girls wanted to go to Tender Greens, obviously because Brennen and Colby used to talk about it all of the time. I was hesitant because I didn't want to run into Colby, but we went anyway. Once we got our food, who should walk in but Brennen and his brother Jake. I nudged Sarah, and nodded my head towards the door. When she turned to look, she almost choked, making us laugh. "Oh my God, Brennen!" she exclaimed, jumping up from her chair. Brennen glanced her way, and held up his hand, then looked away, talking to his brother. Her face fell, and she sat back down. My heart hurt for her, so I lay my hand over hers. "I'm sorry S." She shook her head as tears welled up in her eyes. "It's fine. I just don't understand. We've kept in touch over the years. It's only been like a week since I heard from him. I didn't tell him that we were moving out here because I wanted to surprise him. I guess I expected a bigger reaction." We all looked over to where Brennen and Jake were sitting. They were laughing and talking, while Sarah sat there quietly. "I'm gonna go say something to him. This isn't right. You were good enough for him to keep hanging around as long as it was long distance, but not good enough when we're right here. That's not okay!" I exclaimed, standing up. Sarah grabbed my wrist quickly. "No T, do NOT go over there. It's fine. Don't even worry about it." I shook my head, and yanked my hand away from her. "NO, it's not fine S. You are one of the strongest women that I know and you're sitting here, scared to say something to someone that led you on. Well, he's gonna hear what I have to say," I huffed out, anger coating my voice. I stalked away, towards Brennen and Jake. When I got close, he glanced up, smiled, then looked back to Jake and continued his conversation. This just made me angrier. When I finally reached their table, I stood there, arms crossed, and stared down at him. He glanced up again, then away, before his head shot back to me. "Terra?!" he exclaimed, his eyes going wide. "What the hell are you doing here?! It's so good to see you!" He stood and wrapped his arms around me in a hug. I was frozen in shock. What was happening? I was supposed to be mad at him for ignoring Sarah. I pushed against him, until he released me and stepped back. "Don't you hug me Brennen Taylor!" I exclaimed, glaring at him. "You've been talking to Sarah for years now, but the first time you see her in your town, you ignore her! She's good enough for a fling and a long distance thing, but not here, huh? I thought you were better than that, but I guess what everyone says is true. You're just a jerk that uses people when it's convenient for you." His eyes went wide, shocked. "Wait, what? When did I see her? Is she here?" He glanced around the restaurant in confusion, until his eyes landed on Sarah. I watched the way his eyes changed when they landed on her. They softened, and shock and joy filled them. "Hey Brennen," she said shyly, looking down at her hands. He smiled, and walked over to our table. I was in shock a little, and slightly embarrassed for going off. Apparently, he hadn't even noticed us at all when he walked in, and I had basically just told him that he was a horrible person. I glanced at Jake, knowing that my face was burning red. He just laughed, and shook his head. "Nice to meet you Terra." I smiled, and held my hand up in a halfhearted wave. "You too. I guess I better...get back to my table.