Darling, you'll be okay

Time began to fly by in Tristan's presence. The days got shorter, the nights grew longer as I lie awake and missed him. Too bad I still didn't have my phone back, maybe then I could actually talk to him, other than at school.

I spent my evenings listening to the CD's on repeat. I had a new-found adoration for this band. Their music took me into another world.

As I was going to find Tristan in the courtyard one day- this had become routine- I saw something peculiar. I saw a familiar figure slouched over in the corner, sobbing. It was Broderick. I had to double take. Yes, definitely him. He was unmistakable.

I reluctantly walked over to him. "Broderick?" He looked up to me slowly, tears streaming his face.

"Are you going to laugh at me too? I wouldn't blame you if you did. I deserve it." He sobbed.

"Laugh at you for what?" I was in shock that the largest kid in school was in tears.

"Because I'm crying," he said. I know that he had treated me wrong, but I could see something in his eyes that made me feel sorry for him.

"Of course I'm not going to laugh at you," I said. I reached a hand down to help him up. He looked at me sheepishly, afraid to take it, but allowed me to help him. As soon as he stood up before me, I patted his shoulder. "It's okay."

Before I got a chance to ask him what's wrong, Tristan wedged himself between us. He looked at me, "This asshole giving you problems again?"

"No, no," I said quickly. "It's okay." Broderick looked at me, shocked.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" He asked looking guilty.

"I have no reason not to," I smiled. The past is the past."

And with that, our friendship began. Tristan, Broderick and I were seen together at school constantly. The huge, menacing bully of the school became my best friend.

Once you got to know him, he was just a big teddy bear.

And so Broderick existed no longer. He was now Brodie, the older brother I never had.

Notes