Train Wreck

twenty four

Thinking about him made me grin, especially when I found my eyes drifting to the horseshoe pit and reliving the laughter from our previous evening.

Benji has so much life just pouring from him. The vibrant way he lives every moment is like a jolt of caffeine when you're tired. Seeing the way he interacts with Daisy, how they tease and joke around, made me hope for a different life.

Atlanta was boring. Sure, we had restaurants and clubs and excitement. There was a ton you could do... but where was the depth? I had more intense and meaningful conversation with Alice in the forest than I had with anyone I met in Atlanta for years.

Maybe the biggest lesson I was learning was that time did not indicate intimacy.

You need to be careful who you trust, and make sure you monitor those ties closely. My friends in Atlanta never cared about me. They used me for free drinks or a laugh or to fill a void. Alice did not need me one bit. Instead, our time together is a balance of grafting a close friendship where we can learn from one another as we move forward. We have found a way to learn about one another without pressure or pretense.

Alice just gets me. She does. Seeing her face usually calms me down, but last night was different. Last night proved that while things between us have potential, knowing Benji is related to me will complicate everything in ways we never imagined.

My phone buzzed and I saw a text come through from Benji.  The timing was perfect which just made me grin and shake my head. Maybe things won't be easy for awhile but at least I could count on him to give me a chance to clear my head once in awhile.

BENJI: DUDE!  Are you able to link up and play Grand Theft for awhile?  Jason can jump on before I have therapy and you have to meet him! He's the best, and played short stop so I know you'll be buddies.

I laughed and my heart felt warm at his suggestion that I meet his best friend by playing a video game.

REMINGTON: Sorry, bruh, gotta get some work done for now.  We will see you guys at lunch, though.  Hey, what's the best thing to order for you two?  Gonna grab egg drop soup and egg rolls of course as sides.

The playlist continued shuffling, a Chevelle song playing next while I kept reviewing messages and trying to catch up as efficiently as I could.  There was a work load of data mining projects I could dig into when I was at a good place but for now I knew it would be easier to just sort. My body was still sore and after tomorrow we would all have a better idea of what our plan would be moving ahead. Our follow up doctor appointments will be a great way to know how quickly the three of us can somehow find a new rhythm.

I saw my phone vibrate and grinned, noticing another text from Benji.

BENJI: Bummer, but that works!  Lissy loves anything so she'll be happy with whatever.  I want sweet and sour chicken or orange chicken.  Maybe do that and then like beef and broccoli or something?  Cause I'll eat that, too, and then she can share with me.  Oh!  Lissy loves fried rice.  It's one of her favorites.  And crab rangoons, with the cream cheese filling stuff?  Lots of sweet and sour sauce.  Thanks!!  See you guys later!

I took a screenshot and send a text including these details to my dad before going back to my work, ideas of the spread we would soon be enjoying in my head.  The time seemed to speed by before I felt a hand on my arm and was startled out of my work. Dad rolled closer, almost pulling himself as he gripped my bicep, but my headphones were still blaring so I saw his lips moving so didn't hear a word.

He gave me a broad smile as I took them off, "Good thing you have those, or I'd be hollering that you have your music too loud!"

I chuckled, "Sorry, Dad!  Couldn't hear you there."