The Next Day
She sat there sulking, her misery a public eye sore to everyone in the restaurant. She continued to mash her pancakes with the fork, hoping the mess would some how entertain her. Nothing could get her spirits up, not even Paige's brilliant plan to "brunch".
"So, you enjoying the food?" Paige asked, hoping to get a rise out of the redhead.
"Yeah, sure," Ellie sighed, staring blankly at her plate of untouched food.
"Uh… I think the chef did a great job with my omelet."
"Yeah," Ellie replied dully.
"Okay, I can't take it anymore. A sloth has more enthusiasm than you at an evening brunch. Snap out of it."
"What?"
"You is what. You seemed down when I talked to you on the phone this morning. I try to cheer you up with brunch, but you're not budging. I try to make conversation and you're just sitting there playing with your food. What gives? You seemed completely normal yesterday."
"Paige, I'm just not into it. I don't want brunch, I don't wanna make conversation. I just…" Ellie paused.
"What?"
"I just want my best friend. That's all. I miss talking to him, I miss seeing him, I miss sharing every detail of my day with him."
"Ellie, you and Marco will always be best friends. No matter what. Just because you guys are, I don't know, taking a break or whatever, doesn't mean you won't have time for each other."
"I know, it's just weird; us not seeing each other 24/7. I mean, it's not like I can't live my life without him, I'm just so used to us being together. And now that I'm moving into this new place… being on my own, I'm kinda feeling lonely."
"Well, that's what roomies are for, yah know. Get the place together, put out cheesy "Roommates Wanted" flyers; you'll be sharing that big place with someone in no time. If you find the right people."
"It wouldn't be the same." Ellie sighed. Paige gave her a look. "But I guess you're right," Ellie quickly added. "The quicker I get the place together, the quicker I can start looking for roomies. Nice people. Sane people."
"Exactly,"
"Things will get better."
"Right,"
"Things will get better,"
…
Later
"Dinner was great Mr. S, thanks." Sean said as he scrubbed a plate at the kitchen sink.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Snake smirked. He gathered the remaining dishes and brought them to the sink. "And thanks for offering to do the dishes; they never give me a break around here."
"No problem, it's the least I can do."
"Well, when you're done just set them on the drying rack and I'll arrange them later."
"Oh, don't sweat it. I'll take care of it."
"Huh. Well, great. Thanks."
"Don't mention it," Sean sniggered.
"Archie," Spike called as she entered the kitchen. "Oh, hi Sean. I thought you were out with the girls."
"Nope, I decided to stay back and help Mr. S with the cleaning."
"Oh, thank you Sean." Spike briefly smiled. She turned to her husband. "Um, can I talk to you in the living room?"
"Sure," Snake nodded to Sean and quickly followed his wife to the living room. "What's up?"
"Look, I know it's only been a day, and I know he hasn't been a burden on us or anything, but I can't take it anymore." Spike whispered. "Ever since last night, I've been trying hard to keep my mouth closed about it, but I can't anymore. I need you to talk to him."
"This again?" Snake sighed.
"Yes, this again. Archie, I can't…"
"Well what if he's telling the truth, what if they did deport him back."
"Excuse me?" the woman folded her arms. "Just last night we were on the same boat."
"I know, it's just… don't you think if he deserted the army, we would've gotten a call or… heard it on the news. It's not really a common thing to happen."
"Look, I know you care about him and I know you wouldn't want anything to happen, but this is serious. We can't protect him from the commitment he made."
"Don't you think I know that?"
"Well you sure as hell aren't acting like it."
"Spike,"
"No. I am giving you one more day to talk to him. One more day to get this all straighten out. If you don't… then I'll be doing the talking."
"Fine. I'll, I'll talk to him."
"Make sure you do," Spike started up the steps, leaving an uneasy Snake to his messy thoughts.
…
Sean stood just around the corner. A knot formed in the pit of his stomach as he digested the entire conversation.
One more day.
One more day.
Tonight, he'd have to run.
