Nowhere Kids

Together Again

Brent was pretty quiet during the ride to Barry's. Beau sat calmly in my lap, his head out the window enjoying the cool winter air. At least he could still bring a smile to my face.
"It will be nice seeing everyone" I said as I gently ran my hand through the fur on Beau's back.
"Yeah" Brent said softly. "I'm sure they'll be glad to see you doing okay" Things still felt tense between us, but I had to remember this was hard on Brent too.

Barry and Eric greeted us outside as we pulled up to the house. Barry was quick to hug me as I stepped out of the truck while Beau ran to Eric to say hello.
"How are you feeling?" Eric asked me as he leaned down to pet Beau. It was hard to speak with Barry holding me so tight.
"I'm going to be okay" I squeaked out.
"Barry man, let her breathe" I heard Zach say as he joined us. Barry let go of me with a quiet sorry just as Zach placed a hand on my shoulder.
"We're just all glad you're home" Eric said. Barry was still quiet but nodded in agreement. Brent soon stood by my side and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close.

We all went inside and entered the fenced in backyard so Beau could run around. Since it was winter the pool was closed, but the fireplace was set up so Barry decided to light it up. Eric and Zach pulled up seats for everyone surrounding the fireplace as Brent helped Zach get the fire started. I still felt exhausted from my hospital stay so Eric gave me the first seat. Once the fire was going and everyone was comfortable, things started feeling good again. It was the first moment I could relax.

Brent shared a seat with me as Beau climbed up onto Eric's lap. He didn't seem to mind the big boxer laying on him as he seemed content petting him. Brent was still quiet as everyone else talked, but I could by his grip on me he still had a lot on his mind. Even I was tuning everyone out, too relaxed being with them to pay attention to their words.
"What about you Brent?" Eric said, getting Brent's attention as he hummed in response. "What's your winter break plans?"
"Oh, I guess I haven't thought about it" He mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I know your family has plans for Christmas" I told him softly. He nodded and smiled a bit thinking of it.
"Well we all have plans for Christmas, and we have our New Years party planned, but what about the other days?" Zach asked us.
"I think I'm working most of the week" Brent said.
"I'll probably just be resting" I admitted. I felt a bit guilty, but I knew I needed the rest after what I went through. Luckily the others agreed it was for the best.

We sat around talking and having a good time until it got dark. Barry put out the fire while Eric and Zach put the chairs away.
"Ready to go home?" Brent asked me. As much as I wanted to spend more time with the boys, I was pretty tired so I agreed. We said goodnight to the guys and headed back to the truck with Beau. The ride home was peaceful, the radio quietly playing as Beau napped in the back seat.

"Hey B, did you still want to go Christmas shopping? When you have a day off work?" I asked Brent, who still seemed lost in thought. He hesitated a moment, making me wonder if he even heard me. I was about to repeat myself until he nodded. 
"Sure, that sounds nice" He said gently. I smiled and reached out for his hand that was resting in his lap. He smiled as he took my hand and gently squeezed it. It took all my energy not to break down crying during this nice moment, and I'm sure Brent felt the same way. This loss was hard on both of us, but I knew we could stay strong if we did it together.

Beau woke up from his nap as we pulled into the driveway. 
"You know, this place is finally starting to feel like home" I said as I got out of the truck.
"Good, we want you to feel at home here" Brent smiled warmly as he held his hand out of me. I let Beau out of the truck and watched him run towards the house before taking Brent's hand. We walked together to the front door and stepped inside. 

It was late by the time we got home, so Brent's parents were likely in bed. 
"Hungry?" Brent asked as he walked towards the kitchen. I shook my head no as I followed him and sat at the dining room table. He leaned against the counter and sighed, giving me a sad look. "Seriously, when did you last eat?"
"I dunno, hospital food isn't that nice so I know I didn't eat much there" I admitted. Brent shook his head before walking to the fridge. I watched as he grabbed some ingredients and made two turkey sandwiches. 

Brent sat down next to me and handed me a plate. 
"Come on, I'll eat with you" He said. He watched me as I picked up the sandwich and took a tiny bite from the corner. Tears formed in his eyes as he smiled before he took his own bite. I felt so guilty, I know I needed to take better care of myself for his sake. 
"Sorry baby, I know I'm being selfish" I mumbled before taking a better bite. Brent shook his head and placed a hand on my back.  
"I don't think I ate the whole time you were gone. This is hard on both of us, don't be sorry" His voice cracked as he spoke. 

We finished our sandwiches quietly, feeling safe in each other's company, before heading to bed. Brent helped me up the stairs as I was so exhausted. He helped me into bed before crawling in next to me, pulling me into his arms. I wanted to cry again but felt too tired.
"Goodnight love" He kissed my forehead and closed his eyes. I cuddled closer to his chest and let out a big sigh before relaxing enough to fall asleep.