Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina- The airport

Jeff sat on the edge of his chair waiting for Shannon to get back with their coffee. Jeff wasn't exactly a fan of coffee but he needed something to get him through the next few hours. He had been on the road all week and worried about his big brother. He hadn't seen Matt this upset and depressed since their mother died and that was so long ago. Jeff knew that there was more to what Matt was going through than just his injury and being out of work. He actually suspected that it had a lot to do with him never getting over Melony.

Even though Matt dated after Mel left him, his heart was never truly over her. Jeff warned his brother to take some time to heal to work on his personal demons. Nevertheless, Matt did what he always did when faced with an emotional issue. He buried himself in his work and forgot to take care of himself, which was why he was injured now.

"Hey man, what's up?" Shannon asked as he handed Jeff the cup of coffee and sat down beside him.

Jeff shook his head and leaned back in the chair before raking his hand across his wearied face. "I'm hoping bringing her here doesn't push Matt further off the deep end."

"Do you really think he get worse?"

Jeff shrugged and took a sip of his coffee.

"Besides I think seeing her will make him clean up real quick. Those two need each other although neither of them will ever admit to it."

"When I called Mel she didn't seem to sound too desperate. I mean, she's got a house, her own restaurant and she has a guy in her life." Jeff wondered why he felt the need to debate when he knew Shannon was right. He blamed it on being grouchy due to his lack of sleep.

"I didn't say she was desperate. I said she needed Matt as much as he needs her." Shannon glanced at the clock on the wall and leaned forward resting his arms on his knees. "They were in love at one point and you don't just throw a love like that away. Matt realizes that he messed up that's why he decided 'not to date' after he dumped that last bimbo."

Jeff stood up deciding to check the schedule again after glancing at the clock. "Her plane is landing now. Let's head toward the gate."

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It wasn't quite six o'clock in the evening when Matt poured the last out of the vodka into his glass and through the empty fifth into the trash and grabbed his fifth beer from the fridge. He was fully intoxicated but the pain in his heart was eating him alive. He stumbled up the stairs and into his bedroom where he collapsed on the floor, reached under the bed and pulled out an old shoebox. It was cliché and corny but he never could bring himself to throw out the letters she had written him. He flipped the top open and picked up the photograph that was lying on the top. He remembered the day it was taken. Despite hours of protest, he had managed to get her to agree to go to a local mud derby. They both ended up a little intoxicated and extremely muddy but happy as the picture of them showed. They were covered in mud from head-to-toe, hugged up with huge smiles on their faces as her head rested on his chest. It was his favorite picture of them together. He laid it the bed, pulled out a random letter, and started reading it but not before he downed a beer.

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Melony stepped of the plane and made the short walk down the tunnel. She was nervous and questioning why she had agreed to this in the first place. Sure, she still cared about Matt but she was probably the last person he wanted to know about his demise. After all, he was proud and driven by his ego. Therefore, it would be detrimental for him to be seen in the shape Jeff said he was in. She nervously adjusted the strap of her carry on bag and tucked her ticket in her purse. She stepped out into the airport amid a sea of faces but she recognized Jeff immediately. He was busy talking to Shannon so he didn't notice her as she took a moment to take the sight of him in. Somehow, he seemed older yet still as boyish as ever. As she was admiring the man who was like a brother to her, they spotted her and ran over to greet her.

"Mel!" Jeff hugged her tightly followed by Shannon.

"Boys please. There's enough love for everyone." She laughed and turned to pinch Shannon's cheeks. "I see you've still got the baby face going for you squirt."

"We are the same height Mel it just so happens you live in Prada heels all the damn time."

"Don't hate on the Prada baby." She turned her attention to Jeff. "It's been too long huh?"

Jeff solemnly nodded his head. "Yes it has sis."

"How bad is he Jeff?" Mel asked with concern as she sat her bag down on the floor.

"I've never seen him like this Mel. He has all but given up on life. He's pitiful and he won't listen to anyone or me. Dad can't even stand to go over there anymore."

"You guys know I want to help but I'm not sure Matt is going to take too well to seeing me."

"Don't worry about what Matt wants. His ass is in this mess cause none of us have the heart to crack down on him like we know you can. So get your game face on and unleash your bitchy inner Italian and let's do this."

"Wow Shannon, I'm not sure what to say to that." Mel laughed and grabbed her bag. "Ok, let's get a move on before I change my mind."