The phone rings and rings, finally after the fourth ring, it's picked up, "How are you holding up, sister dear? I hope I didn't turn your dinner into a dramafest."
"Oh. I'm doing fine... It was pretty rough in parts, but I'm glad that Eep trusts me enough. And, it explained a lot... I've got to give him credit, he managed to stay pretty calm during the whole thing."
"Well. That's unexpected. I don't suppose you're going to tell me whether or not Asher was speaking truth or lies Saturday night?"
"Little brother, can you keep a secret? Well, I can. All I can say is that some of what Asher said was true. He is really a creep. You have no idea how much I'd like to find that guy and hit him. If I never seem him again, it'll be too soon."
"That's what I thought. Can't blame a boy for being curious. I feel for the big lug. I would almost worry for the creep's safety should your paths ever cross. It's a shame he's such slime. He was so very pretty. In my not so humble opinion, you are all kinds of good for Eep, as he is for you."
"On the plus side, I think it was good for Eep to talk about that stuff with someone... He was holding it for a long time. On the negative side, I think he was so embarrassed & ashamed that he broke up with me."
"WHAT? What did that moron say?"
"I think the fact that I was being reasonable & understanding, freaked him out... I don't know. He basically said 'I don't think I can do this' and then walked out. I left a message, but he hasn't responded."
"Oh that... I am torn between feeling a deep well of sympathy for him and wanting to slap the stupid out of him. How are you doing? Are you okay? I have faith that things will work out. You know, this might be a good
thing to talk to Wanda about. She's lived with Eep for years. She might know how to
handle him when he's acting like a twat."
"Yeah, you're probably right... how did you get so smart, little brother?" She texts Eep: "Are you okay? I know last night was rough & I'm sorry... did you really mean to break up with me?"
"Well, I was fortunate enough to be gifted both with brains and a smart older sister." Vincent texts Eep: "I know abt what happened between U & Mouse last nite. B4 U freak out, she didn't give me details on the conversation. Just that U walked out on her. Look. I understand that ur hurting & humiliated. & 4 what it's worth, I'm sorry. BUT, ur trying 2 throw away a rlly good thing. Either U can let this horrible time & those horrible people continue 2 dictate who U R & keep making u their victim... OR U can move on, learn 2 get ovr this & take a chance on something that will make U happy. Ur choice, sweetie."
Taking her brother's advice, Mouse spends the afternoon with Wanda, Eep's roommate. She returns home to discover a letter from Eep pinned on the door. She takes it down and walks into her living room and begins to read. As she reads the letter, she can feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She reads it a second time, but is interrupted by a soft knock on the door. She opens it to find Eep standing there, "Sorry I kinda dropped off the face of the earth there. I needed to clear my head. I behaved like a dick. It's not an excuse, but, um, there's kinda an explanation. And, I wasn't trying to break up with you. I'm just a moron. I feel more like a train wreck than a wonderful human
being. And for the record, your brother hits hard as shit for a little
guy."
"I just read your letter... I wish you'd stop thinking you're a wreck of human being, I think you're wonderful. Would it make you feel better if I shared some of the stupid things I did when Nana died? Trust me... I've done my fair share. I was so miserable that I never slept more than 3 hours, drank, smoked, partied & exhausted myself so much that I caught pneumonia. I didn't want to think or feel anything... While I was recuperating, Izzy took care of me. She never admonished or complained at me... well, until after I was better. But, what I'm trying to say is, that everyone has crap in their lives that makes them want to run away or do stupid stuff. You can either learn from it or let it consume you, I just don't want your past to be what defines you. And, I don't think you're a loser."
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. That's the same thing Vincent said to me, actually. I can't figure out when that kid started making sense.
"Little brother is actually quite smart. Don't let his pervy facade fool you. And, you two have more in common than you realize. It's not my place to say, but it's true. That's probably why he likes you so much... that & he thinks you're hot."
"Vincent & I? Stuff in common? That's a terrifying thought... God. Trust Vincent to crush on someone who reminds him of himself."
"How did your day with Wanda go? She mentioned it to me as she was heading out the door. She seemed disappointed when I didn't react. I hope she wasn't too obnoxious."
"I haven't really had a female friend since Izzy, it was actually kinda nice. I stayed far away from the subject of dating, though. She did try to steer it in that direction a couple of times, but I played dumb... I'm not sure I'm comfortable telling your roommate about my love life... I mean, our love life."
"Heh. Sorry. I, uh, got distracted. But, yeah. Thanks for that. I mean, whatever you did tell her made her smile at me like the Cheshire cat when I walked in."
"Well, I don't think I said anything significant, but if what I said helped, hurrah. So, I'm thinking of curling up on the couch & watching a movie, interested?"
"Honestly, I think I've had enough alone time. You sure you wouldn't mind my company?"
"Let me think... hang out with a sexy, handsome man or be by myself. I think I'd like to have your company."
"Well, you'll have to settle for me." Eep smiles at his girlfriend.
