A.J. stumbled back and looked at me, "What the hell is up your ass?" he
asked angrily.
"You lied to me!" I said still standing in the doorway.
"I did? Care to enlighten me?" he asked crossing his arms over his chest.
"Do you happen to remember something about Lina and Brian kissing?" I
asked and I saw him pale. "I thought you did. There had to be a reason why
you were acting strange."
"Look, I only told you nothing happened because I knew how hurt you'd
be," he said putting his hand on my shoulder.
I shrugged him off, "And you don't think it hurt more to have my two best
friends and fiancé lie to me?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't think about that. You didn't leave him did you?" he
asked searching my eyes.
"No, I love him too much. I don't think I could leave him if I tried, but
I'm still mad at you!" I said hardening my tone.
"I'm sorry, but I'm going to kick Brian's ass from here to Timbuktu for
hurting you."
"Don't bother, A.J. It won't do any good, he was in hysterics when I
left. I brought Anthony with me so he's probably going insane. I left Lina
there too and I said 'I'm taking Anthony with me in case you and Lina feel
like gettin' it on'! Oh God, what did I do?" I cried and A.J. pulled me into
a hug. I decided to just give in, I needed the support now, I really just
needed a good friend.
"It'll be OK, I'm still going to kick his ass," he mumbled.
"You don't know when to quit, do you?" I laughed.
"Sorry, but I told him not to hurt you. You're like a sister to me and I
hate to see you in pain," he sighed still holding onto me.
I breathed in his scent. CKone. It wasn't particularly my favorite, but
on him it smelled wonderful. I wanted to stay like this forever. I felt so
calm in his arms. As soon as he grabbed me I immediately calmed down, I don't
want to let go. It's weird, this is the way I feel when Brian holds me.
"Are you going to stand here all day?" he asked bringing me out of my
thoughts.
"What? Oh sorry," I laughed and looked up at his face, "Ohmigod! I'm so
sorry. I didn't mean to hit you that hard," I said and bit my lip.
"It's OK, it hurts a little, but I'll live."
"Oh man, I'm so sorry. I would come in, but I'm ready to talk this whole
thing out with Brian."
"All right, I'll call you tomorrow or something," he started to close the
door.
"Actually, wait! Could you come with me. I need someone to take Lina to
the hospital and I don't think I can sit in the same car as her. I'm afraid
of what I might do to her."
"Why are you so mad at her? Brian's the one who kissed Lina."
"Not the second time," I said and turned around to walk to the car.
"What?! there was a second time?" he asked coming after me.
"Yeah, I'll tell you about it on the way over, but for now," I looked him
up and down, "I think you could use some clothes."
He looked down, "Oh, well you woke me up! I mean it's only 10:30 in the
morning. I'll be right back," he said running into the house and I went to
sit in the car.
'I still love him. Even after what he did, I still love him,' I surprised
myself with all the love I felt. I had never been in love before, I guess
this is what it feels like. When no matter what happens you still have love
in the end. I sighed, "Me and Brian are going to make it through. We've made
it this far, nothing can tear us apart now."
Little did she know, how wrong she was.
The days turned into weeks and weeks into months. It was three months
since Annie had caught Brian and Lina's little kiss. And they seemed to be
drifting farther and farther apart. Annie didn't want to have anything to do
with Lina, but the fact that she saved Brian always got to her.
Annie started college soon after and Brian was usually at the studio
recording. That left Anthony, who spent most of his time with the baby
sitter, Kim. Annie felt like she wasn't being the best mother, but she needed
to start college as soon as possible. The sooner she got her degree the
sooner she could start working, of course she didn't need the money. Brian
had plenty of it, she just wanted to do something on her own for once. Sure
she had her car, but her Mom bought it. House? Mom bought it. She was tired
of not doing anything. But being a Mom and a student was draining every ounce
of energy she had. She was strong person, but how strong was she exactly?
"I just need to get a few more things and I'll be all done moving in!"
Annie smiled. Her and Brian were moving in together -- finally. By her
request the wedding was moved back to December. Four months away from now. It
was a long time and Brian wasn't too happy, but agreed to wait. If that's
what she wanted then fine. No arguments.
"All right, you go up and get what you need, I'll wait down here," Brian
suggested.
"OK, I'll be right back," she said giving him a quick peck on the lips
before disappearing upstairs.
She walked into her room and set the box she had on her bed.
She sighed, "Oh man, I'm going to miss this place." She went over to her
dresser drawers and started to empty them.
"What was I thinking?" she laughed holding up a polka dot tank top,
"That's going in the garbage," she said and chucked in the corner.
She came across a small bottle next. Her caffeine pills.
She thought about taking them for a minute, but got her strength back, "I
can't take them besides they're probably expired already," she tried to
convince herself, but stopped before throwing them away. Just for the heck of
it she decided to check the date, "Hmm, 2002. They're good for almost another
two years."
She studied the bottle, having a silent battle with herself, whether or
not to take them.
"Ann, are you almost done up there?!" Brian called from down stairs.
"Uh, yeah..I'll be down in a minute," she replied slamming the drawer
closed. She stuffed the bottle in her pocket and grabbed the box off her bed
before leaving.