The next day I head home around noon after eating out with the girls. It's Saturday and I've got nothing piled up from work, so I can happily head to bed the moment I reach home. I plan on sleeping all day because of how busy the week has been. Ashs' place is a twenty minutes drive from mine, so am home before I know it. Stepping out if my car I remember I was supposed to go grocery shopping today. Ugh, it totally skipped my mind and Lay wouldn't be bothered by the lack of food at home, she'd just eat out. Shopping is the last thing Lay would be found doing. (just kill me).
I think of driving back to the store I frequent but decide against that. I'd just go to the one nearer to us which is just five minutes away on foot.
I pick up my small bag from the passenger side and lock the door before heading to the store.
Upon reaching the store, I quickly start picking out things I need. I didn't want to waste time at all. I can hear my bed screaming my name and I just have to go to it. (lol). I was halfway through practically shoving stuff into my basket when I heard a very familiar voice. I look up just as he does and come face to face with the one person I've spent the entire week looking for. Ric was staring at me clearly stunned. He had his phone to his ear and i think he was on the phone or rather still is.
"Sorry, I'll have to call you back" he said and dropped the phone from his ears still looking at me. I watch him as he walks slowly in my direction looking a bit conflicted. I made no effort to walk to him. I just stood there watching him before a tap on my shoulder draws my attention and I quickly turn to see another person I know too well, someone who looks so much like Ric. Ric's younger brother, Tony.
Tony quickly wraps me in a sweet hug and i just couldn't help it but hug him back, that's when I remember the basket I have in my right hand. Tony releases me and snatches the basket from my hands.
"Is this really you, Bee" he says looking at me.
"I've missed you" he adds affectionately and I just couldn't help but say "I've missed you too, Tee".
Tony is like the little brother I never had. He's five years younger than me and seven years younger than Ric. I haven't seen him since he left for college two years ago. I love him as if he were my own brother. He used to hang out with us all the time tagging behind us wherever we go.
"What are you doing here Tee" I say "Look at you. You've grown taller and bigger" I laugh
He really does look taller than the last time I saw him. He has also added muscles and looks all manly.
"I'm no longer the little boy you know Bee" he laughs.
"I can see that" I say looking him up once more.
I notice a figure beside me and turn to see Ric standing quitely with his head down as if if there's something fascinating on the floor. What's up with him? I wonder. Did he not get my calls or did he just choose to ignore them? Maybe he was too busy to call me back. I have so many questions for him but now's not the right time for that so I chose to ignore him as I focused back on Tee who is going on and on about how he misses home. I drag Tee along as I continue placing stuff into my basket which Tee is now holding, after which we make our way to the counter still gisting. I make the payment and Tee picks up the two bags for me as we head out of the store. I noticed Ric trailing behind us with a bag in his hands. I guess he's done too.
"I'll go with Bee, Ric. You take the car. I have alot to talk to her about" Tee says as he grins at his brother and I look up to meet Ric's eyes which have been staring at me. His expression is as clear as day and his face gives nothing away. He turns left heading to his car which I just noticed is packed a few feet from where we're standing.
"Let's go Bee" Tee says walking ahead of me towards my place and I follow.
"Whats up with him" he asked
"Who?"
"Ric"
"I have no idea" I shrug
"Did you guys fight?" he suddenly asked. "I noticed he didn't say anything to you and neither did you." he added and I remember just how persistent Tee can be. ( Someone pls get him to stop asking). I didn't want to talk about Ric but my mouth obviously has a different opinion.
"No. At least not a fight I know about" ( argh, what's with me and saying that. Now Tee's going to be on my neck)
"But something did happen right"
"Nothing happened" I say
"I'm sure something's up with the both of you"
"Nothing to get you worried Tee"
"I still want to know"
"Stop being nosy Tee. You are too old for that." I say hoping to discourage him from asking but that doesn't work.
"Just tell me Bee" he says " Let me guess" he continues seemingly thinking.
"Did he refuse to get you your biscuits or did he take Lay's side in an argument or he threw your book in the tub?" he continues laughing.
"Tell me Bee"
I pretend not to hear him as I keep walking ahead.
"Maybe he got jealous you went on a date with some guy" he added casually and that makes me stop. I turn to face him and we neary collide. Guess he didn't expect me to stop.
"Why will you say that?" I ask warily
"Say what? that he got jealous?"
"Yes"
"Is that a new thing?" he asks and I swear my heart stopped.
"What does that mean?" I ask him.
"Ooo, I mean he does that alot whenever he sees you with other guys, especially when you're out on a date. It's nothing new" he shrugs and continues walking.
"I never knew that" I say
"It's not a secret Bee. Its something even mum knows. She always teases him about it. Says he'd do that for the rest of his life since he'd have to watch you marry some other guy one day" he laughs shaking his head and I try to look calm even though everything inside me is screaming hell. I don't even know what to think anymore, but I manage to not ask more and just listen to him as he goes on and on about how good it feels to be back. We arrive at my place and I ask if he's coming up with me.
"Ric's probably waiting for me to cook. I promised him I will since I practically dragged him back home" he grins.
"Ok, hope you are not leaving town without seeing me again. Let's hang out before you go Tee"
"Sure. Don't tell Lay I came without seeing her. She's gonna have my head"
"I'll try not to, but I can't promise you I won't" I laugh as he hands me my stuff and I start heading up the stairs. I turn to wave at him and he waves back before turning back and walking towards Rics'. Ric's place is just a few minutes walk from mine. So he'll be there soon.
The apartment is quiet as I walk in. I wasn't expecting to find anyone there since I already knew Lay went out. So imagine the shock I get when I see someone sitting in the living room staring right at me as I walk in. (He's supposed to be home).