The standard flow of Friday night was disrupted by an unusual event. My husband's weekly concert was pushed back to an earlier time slot in order to allow for a second event. The record company he and his brothers were signed to was holding a release party for their latest album. As usual, I would not be attending the concert; in this case using the time to prepare for the party. Soon I was dressed in nice, formal attire and ready to support my love.
As I headed down the stairs to the parking lot, I was surprised to see Alvin's dark, cherry red '67 Camaro pull into the parking lot. I was shocked to say the least; why was he home instead of at the party? I approached my future brother-in-law, only for him to try and sidestep me on the way to his apartment. Playing the part of a linebacker, I tried to impede his progress as best I could. It was when he drew near, though, that I noticed the tears.
When I made the stop, his demeanor changed completely. Alvin stopped trying to reach his home, instead collapsing into my arms like a sad or injured child. We stood there for a minute or so; the supposed 'awesome one' crying softly into my shoulder. Eventually, his tears ebbed and we headed to his apartment to talk. Once inside, we took a seat on the couch and talked things over. Naturally, I was very concerned.
"What's wrong, Al?" I asked. He stared at his hands for a few seconds, before speaking in a quiet, embarrassed tone.
"It's the concerts…" Alvin started, "but more than just that. The entire time, I'm putting on a show. Not just the singing, but I have to act happy; as if my life is perfect." I raised an eyebrow.
"I thought your life was perfect," I admitted. He shook his head sadly.
"People also thought I'd spring for a Ferrari, and still think I live in a mansion," Alvin countered, "I'm not the kid I once was, Aus; even I've matured." I paused for a moment to let his words sink in.
"So, what's bothering you now?" Alvin let out a disheartened sigh, and stared at the floor.
"Theo and Ellie are married. You and Si are engaged. Heck, Jeanette is even going out with your friend Noah!" he explained, "Yet here I sit: single, and alone." I frowned; this was a feeling I knew all too well.
"You know, I used to have the same problem." He looked up in shock as a smile pursed my lips. "My younger sister got married before I ever met Simon, and I had had only one girlfriend by that time." Alvin seemed shocked.
"H-How did you deal with it?" he asked. I put a hand on his shoulder, looking him in the eye.
"To be honest, it rarely bothered me," I answered, "But, one of the best remedies is spending time with friends." Alvin managed a half smile.
"In that case… you want to grab some dinner?" he asked, "I'm sure BJ's will have the Dodgers game on; I hear they're playing the Giants!" I smiled, glad to see Alvin happy again.
"That sounds great, Al."
We arrived at BJ's to find the place surprisingly dead, and easily located a free table by the bar. Alvin ordered a house beer on draft, because I was the designated driver. I had ordered a root beer before sitting back and watching the game. It was already the second inning, and the game proceeded well into the third before we ordered food. The Giants were losing in entertaining fashion, and for once I actually enjoyed spending time with Alvin.
Everything changed in the fifth. Alvin was mid-sentence when he stopped and stared at something near the entrance. I turned and spotted a young, female chipmunk about our age entering the bar area. She had medium-length, strawberry-blonde hair and soft, cerulean blue eyes. Alvin, while completely shocked to see her, waved the young woman over immediately.
"It's been a long time, Alvin," she remarked, walking up to our booth. Unlike most attractive women, she appeared rather laid back and casual. Her attire consisted of dark jeans, a black Zeppelin t-shirt and a dark purple jacket.
"Indeed it has, Charlene," Alvin replied, smiling, "Care to join us?" She smiled warmly.
"I suppose we do have some catching up to do," she replied, taking a seat. I quickly began to feel like a third wheel, but enjoyed watching Alvin and Charlene converse. They were an obvious match, and were madly in love by the time we left. Celebrating a Dodgers victory, we headed back home with the happy couple snogging in my back seat. Soon they were safe in Alvin's apartment, while I was welcomed home by my love after a very eventful night.
"How'd things go with Alvin?" Simon asked as I walked in. I smiled as I hung up my coat.
"Great. He's probably snogging Charlene as we speak," I answered. Simon let out an amused chuckle.
"They always were a great match back in the day," he reminisced, "Which reminds me…" In seconds he was upon me, my body thrust onto the couch as we joined in the fun. As our lips locked in a passionate kiss, it seemed life had never been better.