Note: This story is not true by any means, nor based on any real situation; however, the people in this story are in fact real people, but names have been changed to protect those mentioned and myself. All comments or suggestions can be sent to: aero17justin@yahoo.com
Chapter 2: Ending Unplanned
After the events of yesterday, my head was reeling. I never expected anything like that to happen, let alone in my own backyard at my party! But it did, and Keith was crushed like no other; he went home shortly after it happened, refusing to answer any of my calls that night.
I would have tried to do something today, but I had to work. So I went about my day as normal as I got to work, turning off my phone and putting it in my locker until I got off later that night. As my boss declared we could go ahead and leave, I retrieved my phone and turned it back on as I left the store. I was mighty surprised to find a voicemail on my phone; however, there was no missed call, leaving me with a sense of mystery as I dialed my voicemail.
"You have one unheard message. First message, sent today at 9:15 pm..... Hey it's Keith. I really need to talk to you but I know you are at work. Maybe when you get off you can come by or whatever. Just call me when you got off. I'll talk to you later. Bye."
The tone of his message made me want to cry. He voice was wavering, which made me think he was trying not to cry himself. I hate seeing people cry, especially people I love, because I just end up crying too. So I waited until I got into my car before I called him back.
"Hello?"
"Hey buddy, it's me."
"Justin! You got my voicemail?"
"Yeah. Are you okay? You sounded upset." "I just really need someone to talk to. Can you stop by? I know it's already ten and I'm sure you are tired, but I really need you. Can you?" "You know I'm here for you whenever you need me, we are best friends! I'll be there in ten minutes." "Thanks, Justin. Bye."
So I pulled out of the parking lot, going the opposite way as I usually go to head to his house. As I drove, I thought about a lot of things, mostly how much Keith meant to me and how much he helped me through so much all the time. He was the kind of friend you could turn to no matter what the problem and he was always supportive when I had guy problems. My thoughts kept distracting me from driving, so I turned on the radio to keep myself from driving into a ditch.
As I pulled up to Keith's house, I found him lying on the driveway starting up at the dark sky. As my car pulled up in front of the driveway, he still didn't move, nor did he move when I got out of the car. I just plopped down on the cement next to him, not saying a word; I really didn't want to break him out of his concentration.
"I am glad you came over, Justin."
I was surprised that he had even noticed me sit down next to him. I smiled anyhow; it's just like him to wait until you are least expecting it and then does it.
"No problem. What's going on?"
"I don't want to talk about it here. Let's go somewhere else."
"Well, where?"
"You know where."
I did know where too. I had shown him my favorite place to go and think a couple months back when I was going through a rough time and he fell in love with it. It's a big park a little ways off that has a big lake full of fish. I tend to go fish in it when I need to be alone and think things through. So without another word, we got into my car and drove off; it's only a five to ten minute drive there anyways.
It was pretty silent inside and outside the car as we pulled into a parking spot at the park. It was no surprise it was open, as the park administration usually kept it open for late-night joggers and the lot. No surprise it was deserted too, as there's ample time to run during the day on a weekend. But we got out of the car and took a seat on the grass by the lake. It was a clear night, no clouds and no wind, so the water was peaceful and the air was cool.
And the silence continued as we just sat by the lake. I wondered if he was going to say anything, but with Keith, it's hard to predict anything.
"I'm not going to take her back."
Again, I couldn't predict when or what he was going to say. I was taken off guard by this remark, as he had, in the past, taken her back time and time again, no matter the case.
"I'm serious this time too, there's no way I can take her back after what she did."
"I hate to say this Keith, but it's about damn time. She treats you like shit and you take it time and time again. If you let her keep it up, you'll probably end up emotionally scarred from all the verbal abuse."
"Thanks, Justin. You always look out for me and I am thankful for that. I know you would never let me get hurt."
He reached over and pulled me into a hug. His hugs were perfect, warm and enclosing and they really were one-size-fits-all. He pulled back after a few moments, looking me in the eye. For some reason, I felt a little uncomfortable, because for as long as I can remember, he has never looked me square in the eyes like he was right then.
"What?"
I assumed I had something on my face or I had done something stupid. He just kept looking and smiling. I raised my right eyebrow (one of my quirks) and cocked my head. I couldn't understand what we was looking at.
"You are the best friend anyone could ever ask for Justin. You know I love you, right?"
"Yeah, I love you too." I longed to tell him how I really felt, but I don't think I needed to. I think he already knew at that very moment, because he closed his eyes and started to lean in close, almost as if he was going to....