Addicted to Plush Brian Haner JR

Brian: it feels so good to be out here.

I said while I got out of the vehicle. Stretching my legs after the long ride.

Matt: yeah I know what you mean.

It was a little funny because it felt like all of us took a long deep breath at the same time. Exhaling the stresses of home. Which were heavy on my mind. I lit a smoke and started unloading shit. Bags, food, and other things. Flicking ashes every so often.

Johnny: we are definitely going to need more beer.

Zacky: we can run and get some a little later.

Brian: and smokes. I forgot to get some.

Zacky: not me I came fully prepared.

Brian: where's James and Melly?

I looked around.

Zacky: they were behind us.

Their car pulled up as Zacky finished his sentence. Melly got out slamming her door. Wiping her face and planting a smile on it.

Melly: JOHNNY!!!

She ran over to where we were all standing and hugged him.

Johnny: hey Melly what's up?

Melly: oh my goodness I haven't seen you in so long.

She hugged him again and kissed his cheek.

Melly: you little shit why haven't you come to see me? Where's Jimmy? I haven't seen him either.

Zacky: he's probely romping around with Matt.

Melly: that sounds very sexual.

He laughed.

Zacky: you are a sick freak.

She laughed and it was very happy. Her arms went around him and he got a kiss on the cheek as well.

Melly: its always good to see you.

Brian: hey what about me?

Melly: oh yeah you.

She teased. Her arms wrapped around my middle. I put an arm around her.

Brian: where's my kiss?

She rolled her eyes and kissed my cheek.

Zacky: ew...incest.

Melly: who's the sick freak now?

We all shared a laugh.

James: hey guys.

Her smile faded a bit. We all went through the greeting.

Brian: I'm really glad you guys made it.

Melly: me too. Well I'm going to start putting stuff away.

She slipped from my arm and walked away.

Zacky: what's up James?

James: not much. This is really nice.

Johnny: yeah man.

Brian: there's nothing like the outdoors.

Its true. I loved how open it was. Things seemed to not matter out here. Thoughts are clear without the pollution of the city. It must have to do with being far from the world. Or it felt that way. The others talked and I just listened. Smoking another cig. James bothered me. Something about him really bothered me. Just at this moment. I cringed for a second and shook it away.

Matt: James!

James: Matt!

They exchanged their happy hellos. Matt walked off. I put my smoke out and grabbed a few things to take in. Jimmy was coming my way.

Jimmy: Melly is here! I'm so excited. This is going to be fun.

I smiled and went inside. Setting the bags down I made my way further into the cabin looking for Matt and Melly. I could here dishes clinking. The kitchen. I stopped in the door way. Matt was sneaking up on Melly. I watched with a small smile. He covered her eyes. She went still. Then a smile made its way on her lips as he whispered something. He moved his hand. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. I walked in. Once again their interactions were odd to me.

Brian: Melly what's for dinner?

Melly: we just got here.

Brian: and I'm starving.

She shook her head and went back to putting things in place. Matt's eyes lingered.

Matt: I'm going to bring more shit in.

Melly: tell me about lunch girl.

Brian: not you too.

Melly: ofcourse me too. I'm your cousin. I demand to know. How dare you not tell me.

Brian: I've been busy.

Melly: busy with lunch girl. What does she do?

Brian: realty.

Melly: a business woman. Tell me about her.

I smiled.

Brian: she's sweet. More than sweet. I don't even know where to start honestly.

Melly: that much huh.

I perked a brow.

Melly: you like her that much. Its good Brian. You're trying to change your routine.

She smiled.

Brian: yeah.

Melly: go help Matt bring the stuff in.

Brian: naw I think I'll be ok.

Melly: if you want dinner faster...I suggest you help him out.

Brian: fine.

I walked back to help Matt.

Brian: where did everyone go?

Matt: beer. Except Jimmy he's somewhere.

Jimmy: I'm here.

Brian: help bring the stuff in.

Jimmy: that's what I'm doing. I'm just taking my time because its so nice out here.

Brian: I know what you mean.

Inside I could smell the beginnings of dinner.

Brian: what are we going to do first?

Matt: I don't know.

Jimmy: let's go for a hike.

Matt: that sounds good. How are things with lunch girl?

Brian: ehh...

Jimmy: that can't be good.

Brian: I think she needs some space.

Jimmy: she'll get plenty of space while we're up here.

Brian: maybe.

Matt: you piss her off?

Jimmy: did you put the moves on her and its still to soon?

Brian: something like that.

Jimmy: don't worry it will blow over.

I could only hope. If not I'll have to figure something out. Or let it go. Like I should have done from the start. Instead I let it get this far.

Zacky: we're back!

Matt: about time.

James: where's Melly?

Matt: the kitchen.

He took a seat across from me.

Brian: its good you two made it.

He smiled a little.

Matt: yeah its been awhile we all got together.

James: we've just been so busy.

I listened to the guys talk. Everything James said seemed unconvincing to me. Its as if my mind told me I shouldn't believe how well he and Melly are doing.

Brian: I'm going out for a smoke.

They didn't even notice me step out. It was a bit cooler out here.

Brian: Melly what are you doing out here?

Melly: thinking.

I lit up my smoke and took a drag.

Brian: about what?

Melly: shit.

Brian: like?

Melly: just shit. I can think out here. Its so quiet.

Brian: yet crowded.

I looked at a window.

Melly: that's why I'm outside.

She smiled and sighed.

Melly: when do I get to meet lunch girl?

Brian: I don't know. Soon? Maybe.

Melly: I look forward to it.

Brian: you'll like her.

Melly: she better hope I do.

I grinned.

Brian: you will.

Her head rested on my arm.

Brian: we might being going for a hike tomorrow.

Melly: that sounds fun.

Brian: I'd rather go fishing.

Melly: maybe me and you could do that.

Brian: and James?

Melly: he doesn't like fishing all that much.

Without James works for me. He is getting on my nerves for whatever the reason. Things aren't right and I know they aren't.

Brian: care for a drag?

She plucked the cig from me and took a short drag.

Brian: why were you crying earlier?

Melly: I wasn't.

Her eyes darted to me for a second.

Brian: looked like you had been.

She shook her head.

Melly: no. I'd just woken up. Long ride you know.

Brian: I see. My mistake.

She took another short drag and handed me my smoke back.

Brian: if I know you well enough, you don't take drags unless you're upset.

Melly: sometimes it just sounds good and fighting the urge is pointless.

I nodded. I could relate to that. More than I realized.

Brian: urges can get you-

Melly: addicted, like you?

Brian: yes addicted.

Addicted to the finest of things. Like a woman.

Melly: I'm not afraid of addiction. They aren't always bad you know.

Brian: smoking is.

Melly: most the ones I have aren't bad. You...well.

She smiled. I smirked.

Melly: you're just unhealthy.

Brian: you've no idea how true that is.

Melly: I do. I grew up with you.

Brian: unfortunately.

I added teasingly.

Melly: not unfortunately. I like being around you.

Brian: for me not you.

Melly: you're a dick.

She shoved me.

Brian: you love me.

Melly: I have to you're family.

I cringed a smile and she laughed.

Brian: ouch.

My laughter joined hers. I wrapped an arm around her shoulder. That's the Melly I missed. Quick and witty but still very loving.

Matt: Melly?

She looked over our shoulders.

Melly: yes?

Matt: not to disrupt anything...but something is burning.

Melly: OH SHIT!

She darted from me and went inside.

Matt: she cool?

Brian: cool always.

Matt: that's not what I meant.

Brian: I know. She's fine so she says.

Matt: fine. She's always fine.

The way he spoke of her. He felt how I felt. Perhaps more friendly then intended. He shook his head. It reminded me of me. But he would never. Me with Jenn.