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

63

"Hey, I thought I heard Sam," Denise said, walking into the living room, eating a bowl of cookie dough ice cream. She handed me and extra spoon and we both sat down on the couch. "He just left. He came to pick up Colby." She nodded, and put another spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. "So what time are you guys heading out tomorrow?" I asked, after I swallowed the spoon of the creamy dessert. "We'll be leaving here at 8am. Colby said he would be here around 7:30, since Sarah is staying with Brennen tonight. I swear she never stays home anymore. They might as well move in together." I grinned and nudged her with my shoulder. "They're in love Neece. They're happy" Her face softened as she took in my words. "I know...and I'm so happy for Sarah. She deserves to be happy." "So do you," I replied, setting my spoon back in the now empty bowl that she was holding. She looked down at the bowl then back up to me. "Well, I would be happier if you hadn't taken the last spoon of ice cream." I laughed at the look on her face. She sighed, and then leaned forwards and set it on the coffee table. "I really like him," she said quietly. I nodded. "I know," I replied, knowing that she was talking about Elias. "This is hard T. I don't know how to deal with this. I haven't been serious about anyone in a very long time. I'm falling too fast and I don't know how he feels. I don't know if he wants something serious or if he's just playing. I just don't know." She sighed heavily, and looked at me. "What do I do?" I raised my eyebrows. "You're asking me? The girl that took three fucking years to figure out what she wanted?" She laughed, shook her head, then leaned her head back on the couch so she could stare at the ceiling. "You're right. I guess we're all a little messed up huh?" I lay my own head back and stared at the ceiling with her. "Yeah, I guess we are. But you can just talk to him. See what he says. Whatever he says, at least you'll know, but I do feel like he really likes you. I can see it in the way he acts around you." She turned her head to look at me, hopefulness in her eyes. "Really? I'm not crazy for thinking that I might be falling for him?" I shook my head. "No. Remember, I had already fallen for Colby before I even actually met him. At least you've met him." We both laughed about that. "Yeah, but look where you are now. Your life is good T. I know you're still sore and your body isn't completely healed but you're almost there. You're with Colby Brock. We live in LA, with our closest friends. We've become friends with people who we used to watch through a screen. I'm kind of dating one of my favorite musical artists. How do things like this really happen?" "You got me. I have no idea. I'm still trying to figure out why he would want my fucked up self in the first place when he could literally have anyone that his heart desires," I replied, shaking my head in disbelief. "Oh shut up T. You're amazing. You're kind to everyone, even when they don't deserve it. You always stop to give the homeless money or food, you literally make sure everyone else is okay, even if you're in a bad place yourself. Not to mention, you're fucking gorgeous, whether you see it or not." I rolled my eyes, but didn't reply because I know she would just chastise me more if I disagreed with her. "Ugh, you are so annoying," she replied, leaning forwards. "Besides all of that, his heart desires you, you dumb bitch. Don't do that thing where you keep second guessing yourself, or him. Just live in the moment and have fun. We know from experience that life is short." "Okay," I said forcefully. "I get it. I'll shut up. You know how I am when I get inside my head. It's crazy in there, so I don't understand why anyone would want to deal with that side of me." I saw her expression change and knew she was about to go off on me, so I changed the subject. "So, how are you feeling about the graduation?" She glared at me, but let the subject change. "I'm excited, and happy, but it makes me feel old as shit. I just can't believe they're already graduation. It's kind of surreal. I've really missed home lately though, and my family so I'm excited to see them for a couple of days. But if you need me, you know I'll come straight back." I rolled my eyes again, and stood up. "Colby will be here with me. I'll be fine Neece. It's getting late though and I'm tired. You should get some rest too yeah?" "Fiiiine," she replied, standing up next to me. "You and Colby behave while we're gone." I scoffed and tilted my head. "Not a chance. I haven't been bad in a long time. It's overdue." I got a laugh from her. "You're probably right. Kenzie will probably swing by your room in a bit. She's been on facetime with Kevin for a couple of hours. I don't know what they can be talking about for that long. I can't do that. Just text me for Christ's sake." We walked towards our separate rooms, down the hallway. When I reached mine, we stood at the doorway for a moment, then she hugged me. "Take care of yourself T. I know it's only a couple of days, but I worry about you." I hugged my best friend tightly, and smiled. "I'll be okay Neece. I promise. You've got nothing to worry about, especially since Colby will be here. Plus, we have our other friends to call if we have any problems. Go enjoy this trip and enjoy being with your family." "I love you Terra. You know that right?" "Of course I do. I love you too. Now quit being mushy. It's weird coming from you. I'm the emo one."