Disclaimer: I do not own Queer as Folk. No copyright infringement intended.
Lots of Brian here but that makes sense considering what goes on in the chapter. :) I gave it my all and am hoping that I did him justice. Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Free Your Mind
After a short but serious conversation about Melanie, Brian and I decided that it wasn't something we wanted to dwell on and instead we ended up spending some quality time with Gus before putting him to bed and spending some quiet time together. We were in the stages of post fight calm that always led to more partying and drinking on Brian's part after about a week of nicety. I really hoped that didn't happen this time. He had counseling in two days and I wanted to think that it might keep us from the mess that usually followed this kind of calm.
"I love you." Brian whispered quietly in my ear and I smiled. That was an unusual sentiment for Brian to express and I loved it every time he did. I wondered if Mel's current predicament was what brought on this sudden sentimentality and immediately felt a wave of sadness at what she must be going through now.
"I love you, too." I replied, forcing the sadness away as I lay in my lovers arms. We very rarely spent time cuddling but when we did it was a quiet affair with soft touches. It was welcoming to me and helped heal the pain of separation that we had both endured when I had been in New York.
"Are we really going to the zoo tomorrow? I inquired quietly, not wanting to wake up Gus. I felt a soft kiss being planted on my neck which sent shivers down my spine and I grinned. His touch was like fire, warm and electrifying. I would never get enough of it and it only made me more certain of my love for him. We were struggling, that was true, but that didn't mean I could survive without him.
"Yes, Sunshine, we really are. Did you want to come with us?" I turned in his arms, planting a quick kiss on those familiar lips as I settled down facing him.
"Of course. I'm pretty sure Gus thinks we are all going anyway and I'm not doing anything tomorrow." I rested my head on his chest, listening to the slow beat of his heart, letting the feel of his touch seep through me.
"Good. Gus really does love spending time with you. You are a role model to him." I detected a hint of pride in his statement and looked up to see him watching me with a solid happiness in his gaze. I blushed, betraying my embarrassment at being praised for something I hadn't meant to do. I loved Gus but I hadn't really done anything to make him look up to me. Brian seemed fully aware of my doubt as he continued speaking.
"He adores you, Justin. He wants to be just like you when he grows up." I hadn't really seen any of this but Brian seemed sure of it so I wasn't going to argue. I smiled, pressed my lips to his, and rested my head on his chest once more.
"Are you nervous for Thursday?" I inquired, curious but afraid of his response. Did he even want to talk about the dreaded day? The silence stretched on for what seemed like forever, though it was probably only a minute, as I watched Brian's expression change from completely open to more introspective and thoughtful. I was grateful not to see complete panic or anger but my nerves didn't lessen.
"I suppose so. I haven't really thought about it," He spoke quickly, barely glancing at me. I sighed. He was lying, that much was obvious. I couldn't tell though if he had been dwelling on it in fear, anger, or neutrality. I doubted he was happy about what he was about to do. How could he be after all I had learned about my lover in the years we'd been together. Brian Kinney didn't do shit like this, until now.
"Well, I'm pretty nervous for my appointment-" I didn't get to finish as Brian's cell phone lit up on the dresser, vibrating a few times. Someone was calling him. My body protested as he let me go to roll over and answer the call. I wished I could lay in his arms forever, warm and safe.
"Hello?" I watched as he slid back over to me, taking my hand in his. I squeezed gently but he frowned at whatever was being said on the other end of the phone.
"Lindsey? Is everything okay?" He inquired, glancing at me with a worried expression. I kissed him gently on the cheek and rested my head on his shoulder.
"Okay, well, Justin and I were going to take Gus to the zoo tomorrow. Did you want to meet us at Britin for dinner? You can stay there if you'd like. We have plenty of space and you can stay as long as you'd like." I lifted my head, wondering what had happened that Mel and Linds would be spending some time in Pittsburgh. I didn't know much about the testing that went along with cancer since I hadn't known about Brian's cancer until after he had gone through with the surgery. It was possible that they already had the test results but if they did, why would they stick around? I shoved that all out of my head for the moment to focus on Brian who had just hung up the phone.
"Is Mel...?" I couldn't even finish the question though there was no doubt about what I wanted to know. How could I think about anything else now? Brian laid back down, pulling me with him and holding me close as he pulled up the covers.
"They will get the results in a few days but they don't want to stay at the hospital so they are going to meet us for dinner tomorrow at Britin and probably stay there with Gus and JR for a few days. I made sure she knew that they could stay there as long as they needed to." He sighed, his soft breath ruffling my hair, before he kissed my neck gently and held me closer. I loved when he held me like this.
"Well, there is still hope right?" I inquired, wishing we knew for sure if Mel was healthy or not. I couldn't imagine the chaos if she really did have breast cancer.
"Of course, Sunshine. There is always hope." I smiled at the introspective tone in my lovers voice but didn't ask anymore questions. We were both exhausted and some much needed sleep was calling. I let myself relax in his arms, relishing the heat of his embrace as I drifted off into the darkness of my sub-conscious.
xXx
I awoke with a jolt as the alarm went off right next to my ear and I slammed my palm down on the machine with a groan of annoyance. Stupid, fucking, alarm. I grumbled halfheartedly as I dragged myself out of bed, glancing back at the sleeping blond that was stretched out, unfazed, on the other half of the bed. He was lucky he was able to sleep in after the day they had gone through yesterday. The zoo had been a great idea in Gus's eyes but Brian had forgotten just how rowdy his son could get. All that energy seemed to have no limits and they had practically ran around the entire zoo while his son ooo'd and ahhh'd at all the animals.
Justin, of course, had been just as animated, having brought along his sketch pad to take in the artistic wonders of the animals we had visited. It was always a treat to see him work on his art, the way he vanished into a whole new world was almost as fascinating to watch as it was to see him in the throws of passion. Both were wild and beautiful and had me more enraptured by my Sunshine everyday I spent with him. Why couldn't it be like that all the time?
Oh, right, because I can't seem to figure my shit out. I sighed and stepped away from the bed to get in the shower. I really didn't need to hang around staring at my blond lover like some love sick puppy. I had a counseling session to attend to in about an hour and a half. I grabbed a towel and made my way to the shower with a snort. Who was I kidding? No matter what, Justin had changed me. Ever since we met the changes had been irreversible. So why was I fighting so hard against it all of a sudden?
xXx
"Brian! Earth to Brian!" My frustration boiled over as my head snapped up to glare at the unwelcome intruder.
"What the fuck do you want?" I snarled as Mikey took a step back in shock. I had just bitten his head off for no good reason and I honestly didn't give a fuck. I rubbed my temples slowly, hoping to relieve the major headache that was currently nesting above my right eye. I wanted to fucking destroy whatever crossed my path but at this point I had a business to run.
"Uh... I just asked if you got my message earlier?" I glared at him again, wishing I could just tell him to fuck off but I had gotten his message earlier and it wasn't exactly 'fuck off' news.
"Yeah, I did." I responded curtly, finally giving in to his presence. I was too tired for this shit.
"So... will you help me?" I took a long drink from my water bottle along with two ibuprofen in the hopes that it would help get rid of the migraine that was rooted in my skull. It was like I had someone swinging a hammer against one side of my skull. I winced and tried to look up at Mikey without giving away my painful situation.
"Yeah, Mikey. Can't it wait until tomorrow though? I have some really important shit I have to get done today. It's not like we can't get it all done tomorrow." I could see the disappointment and pity in his eyes which only served to bring back the anger. I didn't need his fucking pity. I was fine, happy, fucking joyful so why was everyone I dealt with looking at me like I would crack at any second? I shoved the answer away and looked up at my best friend.
"Yeah, we can do it tomorrow. But that means we have to start early and work through the day. Can you get away from this place for that long?" The disappointment and pity were still strong in his expression and I wanted to smack him to make it go away. I growled in frustration, grumbling about his idiocy as I picked up a pen and made a show of writing down what he wanted from me.
"No fucking problem, Mikey. Now would you please go back to your pathetic professor and childish comic store so I can enjoy my day in peace?" The venom in my tone was unmistakable and I looked away from Mikey's very hurt expression. I wasn't usually this mean to him and the professor but my head was still fucking pounding and I really needed him out of my office now.
"See you tomorrow, Brian." Was his quiet response as he left my office in a rush. The hurt hadn't left his eyes as I watched him leave. I sighed, suddenly regretful of my asshole attitude towards Mikey. He wasn't really the target of my hatred and frustration but to admit who was would only put me back where I didn't want to be, brokenhearted and fucking lonely as hell.
I could see the soft blond hair in my minds eye, his ever changing bright blue eyes, and that perfect smile for a moment before I squeezed my eyes shut to dispel the image. I could feel my heart twist in agony. I hadn't seen my Sunshine in six months, though we spoke on phone quite a bit for naughty and not so naughty activities. It just wasn't the same and every time we spoke I felt the pain of his absence more acutely.
I slammed my fist down on the desk, hoping to jump myself out of the spiraling thoughts. I wouldn't make it through the day if I continued down this dangerous path. I pulled open the bottom desk drawer and lifted out a large bottle of Jim Beam with a shot glass to go with it. I poured quickly, unwilling to dwell on my thoughts any longer. I couldn't function when I thought of him and at this point all I needed to do was function.
xXx
I knew that my time without Justin had been dark to say the least. I had drowned myself in liquor and whatever else could alter my mentality so that my own thoughts didn't drown me first. I couldn't handle the influx of painful emotions that came when Justin left. I had needed him more than I had thought and no matter how much I wanted him to succeed I knew that if I let myself dwell on missing him that I would end up asking him to come back home, ruining his chance at being a self-sufficient artist.
I propped myself up against the wall of the shower, letting the water run soothingly down my chest and back while I forced myself to recall that I was not actually in that dark past anymore. Justin was here with me, thank god. Yet, I continued to ruin what we had.
I straightened up suddenly, knowing that this line of thinking was not a good way to go when headed off to counseling. I didn't want to be some fucking lesbionic moron who couldn't hold himself together. I was Brian Kinney for fucks sake. I had more dignity then that.
xXx
I awoke to a dull ache in my legs and an empty bed as I stretched out to relieve my sore muscles. Running around the zoo all day yesterday had been fun but I obviously needed to keep in better shape because I was sore as hell.
I glanced over at Brian's side of the bed and reached over to pick on the folded piece of paper left for me on his pillow.
Went to counseling, then to work. Will be back for dinner. Love you, B. My heart leapt in my chest as I considered Brian's appointment today. I glanced at the clock. He would be arriving around this time to the counseling center. I could only imagine what he was thinking about in this moment. Did he hate my guts for making us do this or was he devoid of any feeling on the subject at all?
I forced myself not to dwell on it as I got out of bed and made my way to the shower. I didn't have that much to do today but I did have plans to meet Emmett for lunch and I knew if I didn't get ready now that I'd never make it out of bed to go. I was very good at sleeping for long periods of time. I was surprised Brian hadn't woken me up when he had gotten up just to make sure I was awake to meet Emmett. There had been plenty of times where I had missed a lunch or breakfast because of my sleep habits.
My shower was quick and I was soon enjoying putting together a hot breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and bacon so that the rumbling in my stomach would be satiated. I jumped as my phone suddenly vibrated insistently in my pocket. I turned off the burner for my eggs and set them aside so I could plate them after I answered my phone. I flipped it open without looking at the number and placed it against my ear.
"Hello?" I didn't have long to wait before a familiar voice came through loud and clear and very excited considering how early it was.
"Hey, honey! Are you up and about? We have a lunch date this afternoon!" I grinned at Emmett's obvious excitement. He had told me about two days ago that we needed to have a lunch date because he had something extremely important to tell me. He had outright refused to tell me in front of anyone else or over the phone. I knew he was planning my mother's wedding but I doubted it had anything to do with that, I hoped it had nothing to do with that.
"Yeah, yeah," I responded with a laugh, "I'm up and about, Em. You are way too cheery for the morning though. How do you do it?" I held the phone to my ear with my shoulder and began to plate my breakfast so I could eat it. I was starving at this point.
"Oh, sweetie, it's not early. It's already 10:30! I've been up for hours. I'll see you at the Crab Shack, okay?" I mhmmed my consent and then he was gone. I hung up the phone and immediately dug into my food, hoping it wasn't too cold after my conversation with Emmett. Once I had scarfed the rest of it down I worked on getting dressed for my day. I took my time picking out a comfortable pair of jeans to go with the simple t-shirt and zip up sweatshirt.
I usually didn't bother with a attaining a 'certain fashion look' since that was Brian's forte but I had the time this morning so there was no reason not to at least look at what I was going to wear. I smiled at the finished product that was staring back at me in the mirror. I looked just like I always did, comfortable. I glanced at the clock and cursed. It was 11:15 now and it would take about a half an hour to get across the city and park at the busy restaurant. Em had picked a fairly upscale place just to have lunch which only raised my suspicions on what he wanted to tell me.
He had even promised to foot the bill when he was fully aware that I had a shit ton more money to spend on fancy lunches like this than he did. Unless he had just landed a big wedding to plan. His business was extremely popular and he made quite a bit of money but, compared to Brian and I, it couldn't quite compare.
He wouldn't hear any of it though when I told him that I would treat him to lunch. He told me that he wanted to treat me because it was a special day for celebration. I didn't really understand but I let it go and backed off as he wished.
I threw on my shoes quickly and practically ran out the door to my car before speeding off to meet up with one of my closest friends. I didn't want to be late for whatever announcement Emmett was so excited about.
xXx
I parked my car in the closest parking garage a block down from the intimidating building which held the counseling center. If they wanted to make me feel more comfortable with entering the building to show up for the appointment, the building they resided in had been a poor choice. I sighed and forced myself to push the button for the elevator, ignoring the appraising looks I was getting from a thin brunet standing a few feet away, also waiting for the elevator.
I had no interest in him and I was here for a much more important reason. I took a deep breath as I stepped into the elevator and pressed the correct floor number while the other man entered, seemingly going to the same floor since he didn't bother pushing another button. The ride was silent, thank god, as I tried to get my nerves under control. I cursed inwardly as the doors opened far too soon. I stepped out, glancing at the sign that gave directions to the different offices on this particular floor.
It didn't take long to spot the sign for the counseling center and I immediately turned left and made my way through the confusing maze of hallways, always following the signs, until I reached a door with the correct number.
It wasn't labeled in big bold letters, instead the words were smaller, keeping things understated which was nice considering what I was about to do.
"Hey, are you going to stare at the door all day or are you actually going to enter?" I glanced back, surprised that I hadn't noticed there was someone behind me. It was the man from the elevator. I stepped to the side, gesturing for him to enter, a scowl firmly in place on my face. This man was starting to annoy me and put me more on edge than I originally was.
Once he had entered, I quickly followed suit, watching as he 'checked in' with the front desk before I did the same. I found a place to sit far away from elevator man to wait for my appointment.
After about five minutes of knee bouncing agony a short, petite woman entered the waiting area.
"Brian?" She glanced between elevator man and myself before I stood, hoping my nerves were well hidden from the lady before me. She smiled at me and led me back into the offices of the psychologists. I winced at the sound of that word in my head. It made me feel like I might be crazy or something which wasn't what I was.
"Well, Brian, it's nice to meet you in person. My name is Marie, as I'm sure you recall. This is my office here. Go ahead and take a seat. She motioned towards a comfortable sitting area with two plush chairs. I picked one and sat down fluidly while she sat down in the other, clipboard in hand.
"Alright, Brian. Let's start with the first question, simple enough. Why are you here?" I looked her straight in the eyes, putting on the best mask I could of confidence and poise. I didn't want to be a nervous wreck in front of someone who was judging me at my own request. Why the fuck was I here? I pinched the bridge of my nose and shut my eyes for a moment to gather my thoughts before taking a deep breath and looking her square in the eyes once more.
"I'm here because Justin thought it would be good idea if we both went to counseling. So, if this is the way to keep him, well, I promised him I'd try and here I am. Next question." I leaned back, slipping quickly into Brian Kinney mode, letting the quick talking and smooth tone work for me instead of focusing on the nerves. I could do this.
"Ah, no, Brian. We are not moving on to the next question. We are still on the first one. I cannot help you unless you want the help. If you are here merely to please Justin then this wont really help you. Counseling is not effective when done because some else wants you to do it. It only works if you are willing to explore yourself and find out where your troubles are coming from." She watched me carefully, but her expression had no doubt or uncertainty in it. I had no real effect on her which was odd to say the least and she wasn't about to give me a free pass to come here and be the old asshole I used to be.
I sighed, breaking her gaze to glance out the window. She was asking me to open up and we had only just met. I wanted to laugh in her face and walk away but Justin's disappointed expression was immediately called to mind. I wanted this, for him and for myself. I had to believe that or what would I have left when it was all said and done?
"Listen, I know I need this. Some of my reasons are based on needing to keep Justin in my life. I couldn't live without him at this point. There are other reasons though. I want to stop being such a coward, such an idiot when it comes to the relationship Justin and I have. I want to be able to be the man he needs. I just don't know how to do that on my own. So, I am here for myself as well. That a good enough answer for you, Doc?" I kept my answer brutally honest, opening my thoughts up to the feelings of cowardice and shame at my own lack of trust. I felt myself trying to back away though, the walls starting to build up as I added my own touch of Brian Kinney humor at the end.
Her expression twisted into something a bit more thoughtful as she considered my answer. If she didn't believe me then I was going to walk out of this place and never fucking look back.
"Yes. It is. Now, why do you think you're a coward?" Well, she certainly didn't waste any time getting to the hard shit. My thoughts shifted abruptly to a more preferable activity that involved hard things. I smirked, trying not to look at Marie as I forced myself to focus on the task at hand. Now was not the time to be horny though it was usually my natural state.
"Well, because I can't trust myself to show Justin that I love him. I drown myself in booze to keep myself from feeling too much. When he left-" I cut myself off, the welling up of emotion a surprise to me as I tried to get out what I was saying. This was too much for one sitting. How could I explain it without falling into my old ways? I don't think there was any real way to do that.
"When he left?" She would take that last bit and shove it in my face. I stood up, moving to stare out the window and the sidewalk far below us. I could see the lines of people that were walking along on their way to work or on the way to their morning coffee. I wished fervently that I was them right now, instead of being forced to explain myself to this woman.
"A little over two years ago Justin and I decided that it would be best if he went to New York to further his art career. There were a few articles published on his work and how talented he was. I wanted him to be able to be his own man, to experience the world in the most extravagant way possible and I knew that couldn't happen in the Pitts so I told him I wanted him to go, that it would be best for the both of us." My voice shook as I recalled that day, that final night we had spent in each others arms. I had never felt more connected to anyone in all my life. I could see Marie, out of the corner of my eye, scribbling something down on her clipboard before turning her gaze back to me.
"And now he's back?" She inquired. I smiled, the memories of that day still fresh in my mind. I hadn't been able to let go of my Sunshine for the entire day and night of his return.
"Yes. He had spent about two years in New York. We had spoken on the phone almost everyday of that two years and then, suddenly, he told me he wanted to come back and that he wanted to move in with me instead of getting his own apartment. It was happiest and scariest day of my life." I noted with a small amount of shame. I had been scared to death when Justin had told me that he wanted to come home yet the happiness had been just as strong.
"Why were you scared?" I was glaring out the window now, annoyed with her persistent questioning. How the hell should I know why I was scared? I just fucking was. I wanted to tell her to fuck off.
"I don't know, Doc. That's just what I felt. Happy?" I snapped at her but she didn't look frightened of my temper or unhappy, she looked as though I hadn't said anything at all. I frowned and flopped down into the chair across from her.
"Brian, if you don't want to be here, then don't waste my time. I have a waiting list of people who would actually like my help." I looked over at her, shocked that she had the gall to say that to someone who was paying her the ungodly amount of money I was paying her. I felt my frustration flare but beside that began to grow a small amount of respect for the no nonsense woman sitting in front of me. She wasn't about to take my bullshit and I was suddenly grateful for that as we stared each other down.
"Okay, okay." I conceded quietly, breaking our gaze to stare out the window once more.
"I... I was afraid that he would leave me again, that he wouldn't stick around in Pittsburgh. He would realize, once he came back, that I was not good enough for him and he would go back to New York and find some perfect soul mate to marry and live happily ever after with." I spat out the words with disgust as the memory of Ethan floated to the surface. I hated him and his stupid fucking violin with a passion. I had hated it just as much at the time, surprising myself with the power of my hatred towards a man I didn't even know.
"Would he leave you?" She inquired, her gaze never leaving me as I tried to reign back all the hatred that was coursing through me. Would Justin actually leave me? I could see the love shining from his eyes, I could feel the reverence in his touch as we made love, yes I said made love. I didn't fuck Justin anymore. I don't think I ever really had. I sighed and turned to look at Marie, finally having calmed down enough to respond.
"No." But that didn't change the fact that my thoughts still doubted and worked to protect my heart which lay open to my beautiful blond lover.
"But you still have these fears which makes you think you're a coward?" I nodded but didn't look at her, keeping my gaze steady on the outside world. If I looked at her I knew everything I was feeling in that moment would be plastered on my face. I didn't want her to see that. I wasn't ready for her to see that.
"Thank you for telling me that. I have a few more questions. Who are you, Brian? How do you see yourself?" I took a deep breath, grasping for control of myself, of my emotions, as I worked on the next question. I was glad to be off the previous line of questioning. It wasn't easy for me to think about Justin leaving. It had happened more than once and I prayed to whatever god might be out there that it never happened again.
"Well, I'm 35 years old, I run my own advertising business, Kinnetic, and I spent the majority of my adult life fucking every hot gay male in Pittsburgh. What else do you want to know?" She sighed at my response but seemed to expect as much. It's not like it wasn't true. I had been known to fuck a lot of people. My rule on fucking someone once and only once forced me to pick a new guy every night. It had worked well for me, until I met Justin. He had made me crave more.
"Okay, let me give a bit more detail. What were your parents like?" I crinkled my nose, confused as to why she would want to know about my wretched parents. I had never met a pair of more selfish and disgusting people as my parents. Fortunately, one was already dead and the other made it a point to stay out of my life as much as possible.
"What does that have to with me?" I inquired, curious as to why she thought they were relevant to our discussion of me.
"Your parents raised you and, whether for better or for worse, they helped shape who you are." She didn't back down from her question or take it back. Her reasoning made sense but I was exactly the opposite of what my parents had raised me to be.
"They were mean and spiteful and hated each other. They were both drunks and my father beat the hell out of my mother and myself. I'm glad he's dead. Neither of them accepted that I'm gay. My mother is convinced that I'm going to burn in hell and tells me that every chance she gets." Marie scribbled something down quickly and met my gaze with a smile.
"Did you ever consider the possibility that your parents treatment towards each other and towards you helped shape your idea of having sexual intercourse with 'all of gay Pittsburgh' to keep you from getting too attached and ending up in a relationship like theirs?" She looked completely serious though I was sure she had to be joking.
I was the farthest thing from what my parents had been and I had done everything in my power to stay the hell away from their influence but that didn't mean that I did those things because of them. I did what I did because it was pleasurable and because I could have anyone I wanted. It was logical.
"No. What I did was logical." I knew our time had to be coming to a close, at least, I hoped so. I was tired already and it was still early morning.
"Well, our time is almost up but consider something for the week. Your parents treated each other and you terribly giving you a disturbing vision on what domestic life should be like. Doesn't it make sense that your tendency to fear commitment has something to do with your parents effect on you? Don't answer now. Just think on it. It was good to meet you, Brian. Would you still like to meet with me next week or are you going to be looking elsewhere?" I stored the question away for further reflection though I wished I could just deny it upfront and move on from talking about my parents. I sighed, considering her final question. I really didn't want to make this decision about returning here but I already knew my answer.
"Same time next week then?" I sounded frustrated and exhausted but she didn't seem to notice as she penciled me in and got up from her chair.
"I'll walk you out. This way." I stood to follow as we made our way out towards the front area of the office. It was empty which was good because I still wasn't pleased about elevator man and his snide remark.
"I'll see you next Thursday, Brian. Have a good week." I exited without another word, not exactly responding to her salutations. One session down, how many to go?
xXx
"Baby, you're late!" Emmett scolded as I rushed up, fairly out of breath. I glanced at my watch and outright laughed.
"Em, I'm late by like 2 minutes! Is this announcement time sensitive as well? You would think you had witnessed a miracle by the way you're acting! Come on, let's get a table, I need to sit down and catch my breath." I glanced around the front area of the restaurant only to find two waiters looking at me like I was causing some kind of disturbance. I fucking hated fancy shit like this. You have to act proper or they think you're going to cause trouble.
Once we sat down and I managed to catch my breath from my run in an attempt not to be too late, we placed our orders and Emmett got down to business. I watched, surprised, as he went from a very excited and happy-go-lucky friend to a very serious expression. It was like he was preparing to tell me something very important or very bad. I didn't like it. I had already learned about Mel recently. I really didn't want anymore bad news.
"I feel like I've been waiting forever to tell you this. I haven't told anyone yet..." I huffed, annoyed at the introduction I was getting. Why couldn't he just bubble over like he usually did?
"Come on, Em. Get on with it! You're starting to scare me with all this secrecy." I was practically begging him at this point, wishing I could tell him about Mel and make him understand how on edge I already was with Brian having gone through his first counseling session but those were secrets I had to keep to myself. He held up his hands in surrender, a flicker of excitement passing over his face as he built up a bit more suspense and then he literally exploded in a flurry of words and excitement.
"Oh, Justin! You'll never believe! Drew asked me to marry him! Can you believe it?"