Addicted to Plush Brian Haner JR

The palms of my hands rested against my forehead. Cigarette resting in my fingers. My elbows were propped on my knees. I stared at the cup of black coffee resting nicely in the sand. The beach. As always. Its my home. I slowly looked out at the water. I took a long hesitant drag.

Brian: Posiden you are not happy today.

I stood up. The sand felt warm against the bottom of my bare feet. My mind was on the only person who its always on. Jenn. In the far corner though. Melly. I frowned. I looked back outside at the angry water. Posiden...

Brian: Melly...why are lingering in the back of my mind?

I shook it off. Not today. Today I was not going to worry over Melly. Today was going to be the first lunch me and Jenn will be having. A smile crept its way on my face. After much persuasion she agreed to lunch. Sooner than I know she had intended for us. Well for her. I'd have to wait a few more hours though. Its only eight. I'm going to the gym with Matt to pass the time. There is a pep to me today. Walking into the gym I greeted everyone who passed me with a happy hello.

Matt: you're in a good mood today.

He smiled. I nodded.

Brian: hell yeah man its a good day.

Matt: why's that?

Brian: lunch girl.

His smile grew a little wider.

Brian: we have lunch today.

Matt: right on man.

He patted my back.

Brian: you were right about calling her.

Matt: told you it was only a matter of time. I'm happy for you. Maybe you can take it to the next step.

Brian: there's no rush.

I smirked.

Brian: but hopefully we can move on to dinner...

Matt: and then some.

Brian: yes.

Matt: have you told Melly?

Again she lingered far in the back.

Brian: not yet.

Matt: she'll be happy to hear you got her back.

Brian: you think so? I didn't think she was even really paying attention, she's be so off.

Matt: she will be.

I looked at him. There was a small smile.

Matt: what?

Brian: nothing. Have you talked to her?

Matt: I...I saw her.

I frowned at his hesitation.

Brian: and?

Matt: well...well haven't you seen her?

Brian: not since Big Bear.

Matt: oh. She's-

Brian: let me guess she was fine.

Disgusting wor-

Matt: she was great.

Clenched teeth and a raspy grit composed his tone. But it wasn't an angry grit, more satisfied...I perked a brow. I wasn't sure how to react to that.

Brian: ummm. Ok.

Matt: I mean...yes she was fine.

Brian: right. When did you see her?

Matt: yesterday.

Brian: and James?

Matt: he wasn't there.

Brian: no surprise. What did you and Melly-

Matt: where are you taking lunch girl for lunch?

That was weird. A quick subject change. It brought suspicions to my mind. My eyes narrowed slightly.

Brian: a little diner we always go to.

He nodded.

Matt: you guys have your own little hot spot?

Brian: yeah...

Maybe he knew like Zacky did.

Matt: that's cool.

He knew something otherwise he wouldn't be acting so weird. We parted ways and I left with a frown.

Brian: not right something isn't right. Clearly. But what? He won't say anything. If he knows about Jenn...he would say something. He's Matt.

I shook my head.

Brian: and the way he talked about Melly...fuck he probley told her too.

Sighing I reached my home and started to get ready. I won't let it get in the way. I got to the diner before Jenn. I was early.

Brian: she's not going to show. Yes she will. No.

Jenn: do you always talk to yourself?

There was an uneasy smile on her face. She took a seat and her eyes darted around.

Brian: you alright?

Jenn: fine.

Fuck not her too.

Brian: I'm so fucking tired of hearing that word.

Jenn: fine?

Brian: all my friends are always just fine when I know better.

Jenn: maybe they're waiting for you to ask them to spill. To say I know you're not fine.

Brian: yeah well.

She nodded.

Brian: how's work today?

Jenn: ugh. I've got this asshole client.

Brian: hardass?

Jenn: dumbass is more like it. How was Big Bear?

Brian: a mess.

Jenn: that's no good. What happened?

Brian: Johnny got hurt.

Jenn: he ok?

Brian: yeah. Zacky was being weird. Along with Matt...

Jenn: and your cousin?

I sighed.

Brian: she has walls up. She won't let anybody in. How's your friend?

Jenn: she wasn't doing so well last time I talked to her.

Brian: what's the word with her?

Jenn: its official. From what it sounded like. Divorce.

Her eyes looked sad for a moment. As she stared at me I could feel the uneasy feeling wash over her again. Her talk was forced. It didn't come as simply as it used to. Her smiles were awkward.

Brian: I'd like to thank you for coming to lunch.

Jenn: I'd really believe you if...you let me pay.

There was a small grin creeping its way on her lovely face.

Brian: I've told you before you should never have to pay...

Jenn: and usually with anyone else I might agree. With you I've got to becareful.

I frowned.

Jenn: just once. Once let me pay. It would make me feel better if I could.

Brian: feel better?

Jenn: being here isn't easy.

Brian: why?

She shook her head.

Jenn: should be obvious.

She said under her breath.

Brian: you know, if it really is that uncomfortable for you, you wouldn't have come.

Jenn: I know. But you're real good with the whole pity me thing.

She smirked.

Brian: ouch. I've got to be. Your the only friend who tells me what they feel. What they really feel. Everyone else dances around the issues.

Jenn: yeah well I'm sure you don't kiss most of them.

Brian: touche. I'd been wondering when you were going to say something like that.

Jenn: I bet. Well I've better get going.

I nodded and refrained from a hug.

Brian: have a good rest of the day.

Jenn: I'll try.

I smiled and watched her walk off. Melly came to my mind again. I decided to call her. She didn't answer. Weird. She always answers my phone calls. I tried again. Nothing. Fine. I just could not shake her off my mind. Why? I lit a smoke. Maybe it would clear my mind. Once I reached my house I tried calling her again. Still no answer.

Brian: man you'd think I was calling Jenn when she wasn't talking to me...maybe Matt is with her.

I dialed his number.

Matt: what up Bri?

Brian: nothing much. Where are you?

Matt: I'm...I'm at home.

He said like he was unsure.

Brian: oh...ok man. Have you talked to Melly?

Matt: no. Why would you ask?

He said firmly.

Brian: because you're friends and you've been talking to her more than me lately.

My brows furrowed.

Matt: so? I don't talk to her every fuckin' day.

Brian: you don't have to get so defensive.

Matt: I'm not. Why wouldn't you call her.

Brian: I did. She didn't answer so I thought you might be with her.

Matt: well I'm not.

He sounded angry.

Brian: sorry.

Matt: she has a husband...call that fucker.

That fucker?

Brian: I will call that fucker... Are you mad?

Matt: no.

Brian: you sure?

Matt: yes. Now if that's it.

Brian: yeah bye.

He hung up.

Brian: what the fuck was that? I'm not sure. He's gone crazy. Something.

I shook the wonderment away and dialed James.

James: yeah?

He asked with attitude.

Brian: sorry is this a wrong time man?

James: no I'm sorry.

He sighed.

James: what's up?

Brian: if this isn't a good time-

James: its cool. What's going on?

Brian: Melly.

James: now what? I'm on the fucking phone...

For a moment I thought he was talking to me.

James: hold on real quick Bri.

Brian: sure.

I heard some muffled yelling. Harsh yelling. Ugly. Nasty. The kind done behind closed doors.

James: sorry. What were you saying?

Brian: no problem. Melly. I've been trying to call her but she won't answer.

James: not surprising.

Brian: right.

James: she's been caught up with shit.

Brian: like what?

James: just, we've been busy.

Brian: mind if I stop by later?

James: do what you want man. I won't be here but yeah.

Brian: okay, let her know I'll be there.

James: she'll be glad to see you.

The conversation ended awkwardly after that. When I got to Melly's later on something felt off. As always. I looked at her house from my car before getting out. The front door wasn't closed. It was cracked open. I pushed it slowly and let myself in.

Brian: Melly?

I called out. I shut the door and made my way further into the house.

Brian: hello? I know someones here the door was open!

Melly came into view. She looked wrecked. Hair was a mess. Her clothes ragged. Bags under her eyes.

Brian: Melly? What?

I went up to her and she wiped her eyes.

Melly: he left.

She whimpered out

Brian: he left? Who left-

Melly: he left me. James...left me.

She whispered.

Melly: all alone...

My mouth was on the floor. He left her? Impossible. I wrapped my arms around her. Sobs escaped her.

Brian: I don't know what to say...

Melly: there's nothing you can say.

I felt like shit. My eyes looked into the living room. And they were glued there. Melly's sobs were filled with an unknown pain to me. But I just could not sympathize with her. The sight in the living room was all I was focused on. Things clicked.

Brian: Jenn?