2.21: Talking to the Moon
Saturday, March 17th, 2012
In a rental car, EJ arrived at Pearly Gates Apartments outside of Austin, Texas. He looked at the address to make sure he was at the right place because the apartments didn't look as nice as he expected. They clearly needed a remodel. Getting out of his car, EJ stood up and straightened the sleeves of his button up shirt before heading up the stairs in search for apartment 200.
EJ found the room and knocked on the door calmly hoping he had finally found his brother and could convince him to come home. He placed his hand in his pocket to make sure he had his backup plan in case he could not convince him. Hearing the door unlock, EJ grew nervous in anticipation.
The door opened slightly and Chad peered through the crack to see who was on the other side. "EJ? What are you doing here?!"
EJ placed his hand on the door to make sure Chad didn't try to slam the door on him. "Chad, we need to talk. Can I come in?"
Chad sighed before opening the door completely so EJ could walk in. He figured this day would come eventually, but he also hoped EJ would respect his decision to leave. Glancing at his laptop which was playing music, he said, "Make it quick. I have things I need to do."
"Homework?" EJ questioned trying to make things less tense.
"Something like that." Chad took a seat at a small desk as he tried to remain calm, but as he reflected on the fact that EJ found him, he stood up and grabbed a suitcase to start packing. "I hope you know there's nothing you can say or do that will make me return to Salem. Things are better this way, and you should just forget me and where I live. I'm not past finding a new place to stay if I have to."
EJ scratched his temple because he wanted to lay into his brother for what he did to Will and the rest of the family. He refrained though because Chad seemed tense, and he needed Chad to be as open as possible. Trying to make the environment more relaxed, he suggested, "Do you have any liquor hanging around? We could take a few drinks together."
Chad gave EJ a serious look. "I already told you this isn't happening. Don't push your luck here."
EJ sighed as he claimed, "Chad, there is a lot you do not know. I'm not here to make you come home, but I do think you should come back to Salem."
"How did you even find me?"
"I mentioned homework earlier," EJ reminded him. "I know you're still taking courses at Salem U through independent study. I followed the trail." Seeing that Chad had relaxed some, he continued, "I know you must be curious about the family – about William."
Chad shook his head as he eyed his laptop again. "No, I don't want to know anything. I already said it's better this way. I can't know anything about what's happening in Salem because then I won't stay away and ruin everyone's lives. Please forget I am here – forget you ever found me."
EJ placed his hand in his pocket once again. "Let's talk about this. I came here to see my brother, and you are not acting rationally here. We all love you, and you are hurting us by staying away. Will is…"
"I told you to stop!" Chad demanded turning his gaze away from the music playing on his laptop and returning it to his brother. "Will is better off without me. He can live a safer and better life without me. I am done here. I'm sorry I can't give you the family reunion you want."
EJ groaned in disappointment. "Fine. You don't want to talk, and you want to pretend we don't exist. I tried, but I can see your mind is made up."
Chad looked down feeling slightly guilty for pushing his brother away but felt somewhat relieved because EJ seemed to back down. Glancing over to his laptop again, he shared, "I am picking myself up, EJ. I don't need anything from the past bringing me back down."
Noting how Chad seemed fixated with the music playing from his laptop, EJ wondered what else was on Chad's mind. He decided to take the opportunity to pull out an envelope from his pocket. He placed it on top of the bookshelf next to the door, so Chad would find it later. "Goodbye, Chad. You know how to reach me if you change your mind."
Chad watched as EJ walked out of the apartment without closing his door. Frustrated, Chad got up and slammed the door causing the envelope to fall behind the bookshelf. Heading back to his computer, Chad turned it up to hear the DJ announce that there were no more dedications for the night. Moving to his window to look at the moon, Chad sighed because this was the first time he hadn't heard a dedication from Will. "I'm sorry I never responded to you Will, but it's for the best. Maybe you've finally moved on to better things. Maybe you're actually happy now."