Simon vs. The Reunion
Chapter 2
"Simon, I'm so proud of you!" Leah chimed through my car speakers.
"Yeah…thanks," I sighed, pulling up to the take out window to get my coffee from the barista.
"I'm serious, that took a lot of guts! I can't believe you did it!"
"It's really not that big of a deal," I shrugged. I handed money to the girl, and thanked her as she handed over my iced coffee.
"Simon, you'll see you are so much better off, I promise."
"Okay, I'm holding you to your words," I warned jokingly.
"You'll see," she said, actively smiling through her words.
"…I miss you, Leah," I sighed, thinking about her being next to me.
"I miss you too, Si. One more month and we will see each other. I'm sorry I haven't been able to get time to come see you."
"I'm no better," I admitted, pulling onto the road of my office.
"Yeah, that's true, you should have come to see me months ago," she said with a hint of sarcasm.
"So smug," I laughed. She laughed back with me, and then I told her I had to go. I pulled up to my office building and walked in through the side door and up a few flights of stairs. I slipped my key card into the reader and the heavy metal door to the office unlatched. I stepped into a hallway and held my key card ready once more. I accessed my personal office and placed everything on my desk. All my notes from yesterday were sprawled out, and patients' files were stacked neatly for the day.
"Simon, Jamie is here for his eight-thirty," my receptionist came into my office.
"Thanks, I'll be right up," I said. I fixed my desk, and pulled Jamie's file. I read over it quickly, and recalled our notes from last week's session. I got through the day quickly, which wasn't much of a blessing. When I got home I could feel something wasn't right the second I walked through the door. I could hear music playing in the kitchen, followed by an awful singing voice. I made my way to the hallway and stepped into the kitchen.
"Jenson! What the hell are you doing?" I bellowed, planting my hands on my hips.
"Oh, hey!" he smiled towards me. He was stirring a pot with who knows what in it, and the stove was cluttered with other pans and such.
"What-are you doing…?" my voice became low, and stern like I was catching a toddler in the midst of a crime.
"Cooking, what does it look like?" he laughed.
"I kicked you out last night, did you forget about that?" I questioned, dropping my hands.
"Yeah, about that. I have nowhere to go, and I wanted to say something to you," he turned off the burners, and whipped the apron off from around him. He threw it onto the counter and motioned for us to take a seat at the table. I rolled my eyes at him, but took the chair across from him.
"What?" I leaned against the table.
"Look…I know what I did was shitty, and really stupid. I haven't been the greatest boyfriend to you, and I just wanted to apologize," he frowned.
"Oh…" I sounded surprised, which I was, but where was this coming from?
"I know you kicked me out, but that was a fight, and I get it. I messed up, and I really hope we can try and fix this?"
"Why?"
"Why not?" he perked up.
"I just don't get it, Jenson…like is it because you realized you can't live without me, or because you have nowhere else to go like you said?" I interrogated him.
"Look, our relationship means a lot to me. I do love you very much, and last night was an eye opener. I fucked up, and I'm willing to admit it."
"Where did you go last night?" I asked.
"Where?" his eyebrows bounced half way up his forehead.
"Yeah, if you have nowhere to go- where did you go?"
"Uh…a hotel?"
"That sounded like a question?" I cocked my head as I examined his face for the real answer. He nearly deflated in front of me, and hung his head.
"Ugh, fine. I went to Jason's but-"
"Fuck off, Jenson," I stood from the table and headed to the bedroom. He followed after me like the night prior.
"Simon please, let me explain-"
"You have two seconds to explain to me why I should listen-"
"-I broke it off with him," he started. I turned to look at him, and searched his face once again for answers. His expression proved sincere for once. "I did it for you. I even deleted the app!" he exclaimed, opening his phone to show me. "Simon, I just wanted to be sure about my feelings for you. I know you're what I need in life-what I want! Please accept my apology and maybe take me back?"
"Jenson…this isn't something I can just forgive so easily. I'm not stupid," I shook my head at him.
"No one said you were!" he exclaimed, walking closer to me. "I'm the stupid one," he pointed to himself. "I was about to throw away the best thing that ever happened to me for some twenty two year old with a nice ass," he sighed. Was that a stab at me?
"O-kay," I shook my head at his words. "So what's going to be different?"
"Everything, I'm going to win you back."
"How?"
"I will show you. Just give me one more chance?" he pleaded with the saddest puppy eyes I've ever seen him give me. I took a deep breath, and thought it over a moment. He continued on with the eyes, and I eventually broke.
"Argh, fine- you get one more chance, but I swear, you have one more slip up, and it's over- for good!" I pressed. He nodded vigorously, and embraced me.
"You're not going to regret this! Thank you, Simon, I love you!" he hugged me and we kissed a few times before I broke away from him and changed out of my work clothes.
He finished making us dinner, and the whole time I couldn't stop thinking about how I was going to tell Leah about this. She was so proud of me, and now…let's just say proud is going to be the furthest thing from her mind.
"YOU DID WHAT?!" her words pierced my ears. I gulped before speaking again, but nothing came out. "SIMON SPIER- HOW COULD YOU TAKE THAT ASSHOLE BACK?"
"It wasn't my proudest moment, but Leah I have a reason-"
"I don't care- nothing is a good enough reason to put yourself through hell and back for a scum bag like Jenson!"
"Well listen for once- I'm going to keep it going just for the reunion. I need to show Blue-"
"BLUE? Simon, I'm so freaking disappointed in you right now. You have come so far since the whole Blue thing, and you're going to let one reunion ruin that? It's a weekend and how do you even know he's going to be there or if he even cares about you anymore?"
"…Leah," I sighed. I wasn't going to tell her how much those words hurt, but they did. It's been on my mind for years now. Someone I thought cared so much for me over a computer screen just disappeared, and of course I had to care back. I even loved him at one point, and he couldn't show himself to me. I'd like to believe he didn't care because maybe it would help me hate him, but deep down I feel like it was just a moment of pure anxiety and fear. I hated him for a moment, but it didn't last long. I've been thinking about him for longer than Leah knows. I just try to distance myself from the thoughts, but they always come back. There is the 'what if?' aspect I can't seem to stop coming back to. What would life look like right now, if he had come out to me? Would we be together? Would we just be good friends? What?
"Simon, why are you doing this?"
"So I don't look like the lonely, pathetic gay kid everyone left high school thinking I was!"
"Si, no one-"
"How do you know that, Leah? Besides, if you would just let me finish- I'm only doing this for the reunion. Afterwards, I'm breaking up with him. That's all. I'm using him like he used me…he just has no idea."
"…Si, still…Jenson of all people? Can't you do one of those 'Rent-A-Boyfriend' things? You'd have better luck winning over Blue with some random guy you hardly even know."
"If those things even existed, then I would, but I have a plan. It's going to be okay, Leah, you'll see," I explained.
"If you say so…but when it backfires, don't come crying to me," she sighed.
"I'll remember that," I nodded to her words. "I'm at work. I love you…" I said.
"I tolerate you," she mumbled. I smiled at her attitude and hung up. If she were truly mad at me, she would have just hung up without even a parting word. She took it well...I think.
June 20th, 10 A.M.
I just about finished packing my bag when Jenson came into the room with a cup of coffee.
"Thanks," I said, taking it from him. I took a sip and placed it on the dresser across from me.
"So I'll be there around eleven thirty tomorrow morning. I'll go straight to the park from here, and I'll worry about my bags then," Jenson explained, sitting on the bed. Turns out he wasn't completely kidding when he said he may have something in a month, but thankfully it's only for today. His job has him going to a conference, so he's going to miss the first night, but he'll be joining for the weekend events.
"Sounds good," I nodded, kissing him gently before slinging my bag over my shoulder.
"Let me know you got there safely?" he added, walking me out to the car. I nodded, gave him one last kiss and drove off to my parents' house.
I arrived a little after twelve thirty and my dad was outside washing down his car. He hadn't seen me pull up, so I made my way up quietly behind him.
"Need some help?" I spoke up. He jumped slightly, and turned around, nearly spraying me with the hose. I backed up quickly and laughed at his reaction.
"You just scared the crap out of me," he laughed, clutching his chest.
"Sorry," I laughed.
"Get over here!" he pulled me against his chest, nearly knocking the wind right out of me. He's still staying fit, which is important. It's embarrassing actually when your dad looks better than you, but hey…I try.
"How was the drive?"
"Good," I nodded. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and guided me towards the house.
"Great! Your mom has been cleaning since you told her about this visit almost a month ago, so when you get in there don't forget to remove all your clothes before stepping foot on her rugs," he joked, opening the front door. I chuckled at the thought of that being completely true about her, and made my way to the kitchen. She was busy with Nora facing the oven when I saw them. Dad cleared his throat and mom turned first. Her face lit up so bright, the fluorescents were jealous.
"Simon, honey you're here!" she exclaimed, coming around to hug me. Nora smiled in my direction, and placed a tray of fresh baked cookies on the island.
"How was the ride, not too long, right? Are you tired, did you want to take a nap? I put brand new sheets on your bed," she asked, looking me over. She ran her hands through my hair, and smiled at me.
"Em, he's twenty-seven, give the kid some room to breathe," dad spoke up, shoving a cookie into his mouth. Nora snorted at his response and mom shot them both a glare.
"I can't help it. He's still my baby, and I know when my baby is tired," she pouted, wrapping herself around me.
"I'm fine, mom, really," I laughed, hugging her back.
"Well alright, but sit and tell us how you've been,"
"Like I don't talk to you guys every day or something," I teased, taking a seat at the island.
"Oh, stop. If I don't call you, you never call me-" she started.
"Wow…I thought I was the only one who got that guilt trip," Nora's eyes grew wide as she snagged one of her own cookies.
"See what you're doing to your kids?" dad raised an eyebrow at her.
"I do not guilt trip anyone! It's not my fault my kids don't call me."
"Mom, you sound like Grandma when she used to call and cry about how no one comes to visit her," I added, taking a cookie for myself.
"Well… now I understand her concerns," she shrugged a shoulder, and smirked at us. We erupted in laughter, and she continued to protest her behaviors. In that moment I felt like I had never left home. It was comforting to have them around, and to feel like a family again. With me moving away, these moments have felt like distance memories, but I know when I come home it's like I never left. Nora graduated from culinary school last year, and got a job at a pretty nice restaurant close to here. I went to the ceremony, but I never had the opportunity to stay for a weekend like I had planned. So I haven't been home in a few years since maybe Nick and Abby's wedding? Nora lives at home for the time being, but she's never here according to mom, which is probably where the guilt trip comes in.
"I'm gonna go get my stuff and maybe freshen up a bit. I have some things I need to do before tonight," I explained, grabbing one more cookie before leaving the room. I retrieved my things from the car and brought them up to my room. I pushed through the cracked door of my old bedroom and smiled at the familiar space. My bed stayed in the same spot, just with fresh covers and the room had a new coat of paint on the walls. I still had half my room as a chalkboard, which I never erased. My desk was also still in the corner where I left it amongst all my little knickknacks.
I was grateful that my dad didn't turn it into a weird man cave or a home gym like you see in the movies. I placed my stuff on the bed, and heard the door creek open slightly. I turned to see if it was my mom peeking in, but instead I got a different visitor.
"Aw, Beibs…you didn't have to come up here. I'd find you eventually," I smiled down at the slow moving pup. I knelt down and pet him. I picked him up, and held him close to me. "Sorry I haven't been home in a while, I missed you," I said to him as I gave his head a kiss. I pleaded with my family to let me take him, but I lost the battle. He was getting older, and I definitely didn't have the time to watch him incase something happened. I placed him on my bed, and watched as he curled up and fell asleep.
"Poor guy," I cooed, starting to unpack some things. I laid out my nice shirt for tonight, and wondered if it would fill my mom with delight if I asked her to iron it. I did, and she nearly gave me whiplash from running past me to the laundry room.
I got my stuff together, and headed out down the street. I stopped in front of a house that was also too familiar and watched as the beauty herself made her way down the drive way. Her hair was about waist length and wavy, and her outfit still proved how fashionable she could be. I guess it makes sense since she designs clothes, but she never ceases to amaze me. I got out of the car and watched as Leah's smile took up half of her face.
"There she is," I beamed, opening my arms for her.
"Here I am," she laughed, welcoming the embrace. We held each other for way too long, and even started having a conversation while still being locked together.
"I've missed you so much," she sighed against me.
"I've missed you more," I smiled to myself, giving her one squeeze before pulling away. We looked each other in the eye and then got into my car. We stopped to get lunch at an old spot we used to go to, and then took a drive around town to catch up. Nick and Abby will be meeting us at the bar tonight, so Leah and I had the whole day together. I couldn't ask for anything better to start off this weekend.
"Did you let the alumni group know you had a plus one again?" she asked, swiping through her phone.
"Yeah, I messaged them a few days later," I explained. Leah nodded. Jenson's name has yet to come up, nor has she asked about him. I'm actually impressed at how well she's avoiding the subject. "You know we'll have to talk about him at some point, right?" I spoke up.
"Oh I know…I'm just trying to figure out how to filter myself before hand."
I rolled my eyes at her, and drove us back to my place. She had a great time chatting with my mom, and catching up on 'girl stuff' while I got ready for the night. Leah said she was going how she was dressed, but there was no way I was going out in a t-shirt and jeans. Instead, I put on a nicer pair of jeans, and my crisp button down maroon shirt with the stiff collar.
"Ready?" Leah asked, looking me up and down. I nodded and told my parents I'd be back late and to leave the door unlocked. Leah and I made our way across town to McDougal's Bar and walked in the front. There was a banner hung across the door way to the outdoor patio saying: Welcome Home Class of 2015. Leah and I made our way out there and checked in with the Alumni committee. We got nametags for some reason that both Leah and I tossed, and decided drinks were a necessity already. Making our way through the crowd I bumped into three people I knew pretty well from school, and some who said hi, but I had no clue who they were.
"Did we even go to school with her?" I turned to Leah, pointing out the women who held my shoulder for a moment to stop me to say hello. Leah shrugged, and pushed me through to the back of the patio. That's when I saw them-Nick and Abby. They were standing at a high top table, and when they saw the two of us coming they got overly excited.
"Spier in da house!" Nick hollered, slapping my hand before pulling me in for a typical bro hug. I hugged him back and then turned to Abby to give her a hug.
"It's so great to see you guys!" Abby exclaimed, going from me to Leah.
"I know, I couldn't wait to see you guys," Leah chimed, talking with Abby. After high school, the two of them became such good friends and considering everything, I couldn't be any happier.
"How's married life?" I asked, trying to figure out something to talk about with Nick. It's not like we don't know how to talk to each other anymore, but when you go three years without talking- what do you talk about?
"It's great, really, it's great. Our first year was a little hard, but honestly I wouldn't want it to be any different," he explained, smiling at Abby. I watched on as the two girls talked, and felt lucky all of a sudden. Lucky that these people right here have been beside me through everything. Now we're all back together for a weekend, and I'd take that over anything.
"You want something to drink?" I touched Leah's elbow to grab her attention. I got her order and went inside to the bar. I looked to the bar tender and placed an order for a beer, and a gin and tonic.
"Well if it isn't Simon Spier," I heard the boom of the smooth voice that was all too familiar. The voice that could stop me in my tracks because of the face it belonged to, only to put me in a stupor. I turned casually to see Bram Greenfeld walking towards me with a beaming expression and his hand out for me to take.
"Hey, what's good, Bram," I took his hand and just as I did with Nick we gave the typical bro hug.
"Wow, it's been so long," he shook his head, looking at me. "You look great," he added. I tried desperately not to blush, but it was probably too late.
"You do too," I nodded, looking him up and down. Even thought I've been following him through Facebook, seeing the older version of himself in person is much different. He seems to have grown maybe an inch since high school, but he is still pretty slender. His powder blue dress shirt molds around his sculpted physique, and his thin haircut makes him appear much older and professional. His smile is the only thing that could be considered familiar to me- even his eyes and how they shine.
"Thanks," he nodded, seeming to blush himself, but I could be wrong.
"How has life been?" I asked.
"It's good, it's good," he nodded. "I've been doing real estate for a while now, and then I decided to take a side job as a personal trainer, so I've been doing that for a year or so now."
"Oh, so no more financial advising?" I asked. Shit. He cocked his head slightly in question and furrowed his eyebrows. A smile formed on his lips, but I couldn't tell what that meant.
"You been Facebook stalking me, Spier?" he questioned. My smile seemed to drop instantly, and I felt the panic rise.
"Oh, n-no I-I, uh- I just remember seeing the-"
"Simon, Simon!" He put his hand up to me. "Relax, I was kidding," he chuckled, placing his hand on my wrist. I exhaled sharply and gulped.
"Oh," I sighed, turning to grab the beer the bartender placed down for me. I took a long sip, and looked back at Bram.
"No, no more financial advising. That was a side job, but I forgot to take it off my list of employments," he smiled. "I already had two people ask me about it. I didn't mean to make you feel-"
"No, no. I honestly shouldn't have asked," I blushed again, and this time I'm sure it was visible.
"It's really okay," he chuckled. "So what's been going on with you?"
"Just being a therapist is all," I shrugged.
"A therapist, huh? That's pretty amazing." He nodded, seeming particularly interested.
"Yeah, well, my mom is and when it came to school I was pretty interested in psychology. I ended up running with it, and here I am," I explained shortly.
"Well that's great. I'm happy for you," he continued to nod at me as I spoke. A part of me was noticing a little bit of defeat from his end, which made me think I was saying something wrong.
"How is real estate?" I asked.
"Oh, it's going really well," he said. "I've been learning a lot, and I've been able to meet some celebrities actually, so that's been pretty cool."
"Whoa, yeah, that's pretty neat. I can't say that for myself, so I guess you've got the better job," I laughed.
"Me? The better job? Simon you help people for a living, that's incredible," he protested. Again- blushing.
"Thanks, but-"
"Don't fight me on this, Spier cause I'll win," he shrugged, taking a sip of his beer.
"Oh, is that so?" I fought back… playfully? Simon, stop it.
"You know what to do if you want to find out," he smiled. I went to open my mouth to say something, but Garrett walked up and wrapped his arm around Bram's shoulders.
"Simon!" he cheered, throwing his head back slightly. "What's happening?" he asked.
"Just catching up with Bram here," I explained, pulling myself out of the weird situation that was rising.
"Oh is that so?" he raised his eyebrows and looked at Bram. Bram narrowed his eyes at Garrett and looked as if he was about to say something, but I cleared my throat. I took hold of Leah's drink and signaled that I had to bring this to her by holding my beer and her gin and tonic up for emphasis.
"I better get back to the owner of this drink," I chuckled. Bram's expression softened before asking if I had brought a plus one to the events.
"Yeah, actually he's coming tomorrow. This drink however belongs to Leah."
"Is Nick here?" Bram asked. I nodded and motioned to the direction of my table with my head.
"Yeah he's on the patio."
"I'll follow. I'd love to say hi," he said, bringing Garrett along with him. The second the three of them saw each other it was like a band getting back together. I thought girls seeing each other for the first time in forever were bad. Stick a bunch of soccer players together and see what happens.
"What took you so long?" Leah asked.
"I was talking with Bram. We ran into each other at the bar," I explained.
"Oh, nice," she nodded, sipping her drink.
"Yeah…nice," I mumbled, watching as he talked to Nick. It was like high school all over again. I couldn't stop staring at him, and I didn't want to, but it was hard to look away…okay maybe I wanted to, but I didn't want to be obvious.
"Here, wipe up your slobber," Leah whispered, handing me her cocktail napkin. I grabbed it and smirked at her.
"Hush," I sighed. She snickered at me, and went back to talking with Abby.
"Well if it isn't my fellow Creekwood High classmates!"
I heard the voice from across the room, and this time it was like nails on a chalkboard. I turned slowly to see Martin standing in the doorway across the patio. He was standing with his arms outstretched, and not one person was paying attention to him.
"Oh god," Abby groaned, "I'm going to need something stronger than this," she walked away with her drink and snuck around the crowd back into the bar.
"Please don't let him come over here…" Leah mumbled, watching his every move.
"How are you? Hey- Kelly, looking good!" Martin called out as he walked through the crowd. I rolled my eyes at his comments and cringed when I could tell he was getting closer to us. I looked to Nick, who was shaking his head slowly with wide eyes.
"He's right behind me, isn't he?" I looked at Leah. She stood, staring at me sadly.
"Simon Spier."
I never hated hearing my name called so much in my whole entire life.
"Martin, Fucking Addison," I turned around to see him standing with his hands on his hips.
"Not my middle name, but good try," he smiled, bobbing his head stupidly. "How are you big guy?"
"Great," I smirked, turning back to the table.
"Oh come on, aren't we past everything? It's been ten years!"
"Ten years isn't long enough, Martin. Goodbye," I warned, placing the glass to my lips.
"Oh, you'll feel differently come the reunion, you'll see." He said, before I could hear him walking off.
"Janice is that you? What a dress!" Martin's voiced echoed in the background, followed by the sound of someone getting slapped. "Okay, got it!" I heard after that.
I shook my head at the thought of his stupid self. He still looked the same as he did in high school. He was still a little stocky, but his hair was a little longer. It was messy and looked like he ran a tub of gel through it in an attempt to style it.
"Hey, Simon, I just realized something- where is Jenson?" Nick asked, looking around. Leah looked to me and smirked. I explained he'd be arriving tomorrow, and that they will all meet him then. Leah still has yet to meet him, but I already know she doesn't want to.
"How long have you been dating again?" Abby asked.
"About a year…or so, I'm really bad with remember dates," I chuckled nervously, touching the back of my head.
"I think it's awesome you found someone, Spier," Garrett spoke up, extending his glass to me. I nodded, and went to go take the last swig of my beer, but in the split second I looked away Garrett gasped slightly, looking down at his feet then back at Bram. I glanced up at them and raised an eyebrow.
"You okay?" I asked. Garrett nodded with a closed lip smile, and Bram smiled at him.
"I just stepped on his foot by accident, sorry bud," he said. Garrett nodded, and kept the thin smile on his face.
"Always with them big feet, man," Nick shook his head jokingly. Bram slapped Nick with the back of his hand and they went back to chatting.
"What was weird," Leah whispered to me. I nodded, and tried to ignore it.
"Hi, can I have everyone's attention?" Our senior class president stood on the corner stage to be able to see all of us, and waited for the room to quiet down. She fixed her blouse, and held a microphone to her lips. "I'm so happy to see all of you here, and to get this weekend started! Tomorrow we have field day events, so I'd get your partners ready, and dress appropriately. If anyone wants to bring a dish for the picnic as mentioned in the emails about this weekend, please feel free to do so. Other wise, enjoy tonight and get your mingle on," she explained, shaking her body slightly. It was cringe worthy watching her up there. "I see a lot of familiar faces out there, so there is bound to be someone you know in this crowd! Have a drink and let the fun begin!" she cheered with her arms up.
"Yeah! Let's get this started!" Martin called out in the crowd.
The night was coming to an end, and I was already having such a great time. This weekend might not be so bad after all…that is unless Martin mentions my name again.
