Chapter 27: Asshole
They waited there for a minute. They were holding their breaths hoping they would take theirs. Alexandra started to gasped and cough. Then Tyler, then Teresa choked on the air. They didn't open their eyes but they made soft moans. "They're okay!" Elliot exclaimed. They sneaked their bodies to the cars. They took them to Caleb's house. They laid them in the guest rooms. They have to keep their awakenings a secret. Because they are still vulnerable, they had to be hidden from Chase.
They were relieved their friends came back. Alexandra, Tyler, and Teresa were in a deep sleep. After all, they were dead. It takes a while for the body and mind to get used to things. All they have to do is wait. Caleb and Elliot disappeared upstairs for the rest of the night. Pogue occupied another guest room. He wanted to stay by Alexandra. "We need to talk," Reid said. "Okay, let's chat," Browen replied. "Not here, let's go home."
They drove to Reid's house. His parents were on another trip yet again. They went inside. It was roughly three in the morning. They were extremely physically and emotionally exhausted. "So, what do you want Garwin?" "Before the whole Book of Damnation thing, we were talking about something." "Oh yeah," Browen was slightly uncomfortable. "You don't believe I love you. Because I'm incapable right?" "I didn't say that. It's just a little harder to see." "Or you just want it from someone else." "Who Garwin?" "No one in particular, just not me." It's one of Reid's few fears, to love and not it be returned. It explains his past promiscuous behavior.
"Listen Garwin, you said we're similar aren't we?" "Yeah?" "Well, we are the type of people to let things flow and not set in stone." "I can't believe how much you are being a stone. You said to flow things, how does it flow when you prevent it to?" "What do you mean?" "I mean that you and I have a little fun, we're friends, and I thought we knew how the other one felt. Well, I don't. You just want things how they always were. Life isn't a one beat song. It changes. My life changed when you showed up. I know I changed yours. But I can't wait and see on a maybe later or a 'I don't know.'" "What are you saying?" "I can't keep going like this. I feel it's a one sided relationship. You have no input, no will in this. You're scared or lying about everything. You have to say now that you love me or not."
An ultimatum was thrown at Browen. She was stunned after what happened tonight, then Reid's trying to add to that. Browen took a deep breath. "Garwin, it's not the time to do shit like this." "I know, but after tonight, I need to know what is at stake." "This is so unfair to do this to me." "That's what assholes do best." She scoffed at this comment. He was an asshole and always will. One of the few assholes in my life. In fact, he's the only asshole. She realized that the word "asshole" was more like an endearment. Instead of honey, cupcake, or baby, she would call him asshole. And he never got bent out of shape by the insults. Never. Does love mean embracing another's flaws? They both are filled with flaws. They have tempers, impatience, attitude, stubbornness, and abrasiveness.
Browen never felt this way until now. She faced the wall and leaned with her forehead. The more time that lapsed, the more Reid doubted. Although it was only a minute, it felt longer in both their minds. "Asshole," Browen smiled. "What?" Reid didn't understand. "Asshole," she repeated. Reid understood. Was she mad? "You're THE asshole of my life." Reid was starting to panic inside. He thought she was going to tell him off and storm out with no hesitation. He walked to her hoping that somehow he could convince her.
"You're an asshole, the asshole, my only..." Reid knew she started her rambling. He knew what she was going to say. My only asshole. He kissed her intensely. In between with a breath, Browen said, "I love you." Reid drifted her back to the wall. "My Browen," Reid husked. After macking out in the living room for a long bit, they retired into Reid's bedroom. They wish they could have continued but they were fatigued. Browen was clad in undies and a tank. Reid was in shorts. They laid there spaced looking at one another. Browen looked down to his hands and noticed his gloves on. She slipped them off. She planted light kisses on his palms. Reid extended his arms and pulled her in.
"Browen?" "Yeah?" "You're my first love." "You're not a virgin Garwin, don't insult my intelligence." "I didn't say that. I had fun with girls, but I hardly tolerated them let alone loved them." "Even your first?" "No." Her head was on his chest. Reid was playing with her hair. "So" "So?" "How many?" "I'm a virgin, remember?" "No, I mean did you love anyone?" "I'm not telling," she teased. They finally settled into themselves. Before Browen reached full dream state, she whispered, "No." Reid sighed in content. "My Browen."