Icing on the Cake

~37~

“Thanks for coming.” I said as Michael and Ashton walked into our house. Michael surprisingly gave me a hug.

“It’s a nice place.” Michael said walking in. “I guess I haven’t been in your guys’ house yet.”

“It’s good to finally see you guys again.” Calum said, coming to greet the two.

“You too, man.” Michael said, giving Calum a hug as well.

“Hey Ash.” Calum said to Ashton. Ashton was looking down and wouldn’t even look up. He wouldn’t even look at us.

We could all feel the tension. Michael seemed to want to break up the tension the best he could. “So where are the margaritas you promised?”

“By the pool.” I said, trying to sound as positive as possible, even though I felt like there was a hole in my stomach. That feeling you get when you’re in a fight with your best friend.

“Even your drinks are fucking gay.” Ashton muttered under his breath.

Those words hurt. A lot. It was of those, if I spoke I would start crying. “Why don’t you guys…um…excuse me.” I said, walking through a door to the kitchen.

I let go of my neck, letting my head hang down and I started sobbing. Calum walked in. I quickly stopped crying, wiped my tears, and said “Sorry. I’m back together now.”

“Okay, are you ready to go out?” Calum asked.

“Yeah.” I said. “I’m great.” Calum grabbed a beer out of the fridge. “What are you doing?” I asked.

“Brining Ashton a straight drink.” Calum said.

Hearing those words and seeing Calum do that seemed to bring a PTSD style flashback happen.

***January 2016***

That bitch Megan was at my house early in the morning. Megan was one of the managers that tried to conform me.

“The cameras will be all over the place here on your little vacation.” Megan said. “So drink this beer and take your shirt off at some point.” She handed me a beer from the hotel mini fridge. “Now go outside, sit with your friends and family, take off your shirt, swim, and drink your straight drink.”

***End of flashback***

“Where’d you just go?” Calum asked. “You just blanked out for a second.”

Anxiety and depression washed over me. “I’ll tell you later.” I said, fighting tears. “Let’s go deal with the situation at hand.”

Notes