Platinum Rings, Picture Frames and Red Duvet Covers


Ch. 1 The Peacemaker

“How long has it been since you two talked?” Joel asked through the phone.

“Three weeks tomorrow,” Julie answered looking out the window at the afternoon rain.

“That’s what I thought. You know he really is sorry.”

Julie sighed, “I know Joel, but I just don’t see how we can go back. I don’t understand how he could have…” her voice broke letting out a sob.

“Shhhh. I know,” Joel comforted her. From where he was sitting in the kitchen he could see Benji in the living room. He was just aimlessly watching some TV show. “I just really wish you could talk to him. I hate seeing two of my best friends like this.”

She sniffed, “I don’t even know what to say to him.” she paused.

Joel paused too. “Hun, I really need to tell you something.” Another pause. “The guys and I have been afraid to leave him alone. We’re afraid of what he might do if we leave. We have to watch him constantly- we don’t even let him shower with the door shut. He mopes all day and sits around doing nothing- I don’t even think he picked up his guitar.” Joel sighs, “I just wish you two could talk. Even if it was only for five minutes.”

Julie interrupts, “I’ll just break into tears if I see him. Does he even want to see me?”

“Yes. He is so sorry.”

“I know he’s sorry- but how can I forgive him?”

“Maybe you don’t have to forgive him.”

“I don’t know- I still want to be… but I get so angry when I think about…” she sniffs, trying so hard not to cry.

“I know what he did was wrong but he was completely gone when it happened. I'm not saying it wasn’t wrong- and it is his fault but…”

Julie sobs, “I just don’t know Joel.”

“There’s no way you could come over and possibly talk to him- if you just saw how he is…”

“I don’t know if I'm ready Joel.”

“Well Billy, Paul and I all miss you. Maybe you could come over and visit us and if you feel up to it… Are you doing anything today?”

“No. I don’t work tonight.”

“Well come over and visit us- we’re getting some takeout. Julie, chill with us- you don’t even have to look at him if you don’t want to.”

“I do miss you guys- I guess I could come and if it’s too much I can leave.”

“Yeah. Please? I miss you. Do you want me to come get you?”

“No I can drive myself- lemme get dressed and I’ll be there in like 30 minutes.”

Joel nodded, “Okay, we’ll see you then. Bye Jules.”

“Bye Joel,” Julie hung up the phone and stood up slowly. She wiped at her tears and walked into her closet. She threw on her comfy jeans and a light blue sweater- remembering the rain outside.


Ch. 2 Silent Szechwan Sensation

~Meanwhile at the boy’s house, Joel hung up the phone and handed it to Billy. Billy ordered takeout and Joel sighed sitting at the table, “Well I got her to come over.”

Paul nodded, “I hope it works- I'm scared about them.”

Billy nodded in Benji’s direction, “Are we going to tell him she’s coming?”

Joel shook his head and stood looking at Benji, “He’s asleep. But he’ll wake up soon.”~

She washed her face and put nothing else but lipgloss on- fuck makeup. She tossed her phone into her bag and found her keys. As she drove the short distance to the boy’s house, she didn’t bother to turn on the radio- afraid that something might remind her of Benji. She pulled up to the house, as the delivery was there- Joel was in the driveway paying. She got out of the car and half smiled as she felt the light mist from the crazy weather.

Joel handed the food to Paul and hugged Julie, “I missed you.” Julie tried to smile but it wasn’t working and a tear rolled down her cheek. Joel hugged her closer and wiped the tear with his thumb, “I know.”

Julie wrapped her arms around Joel and tried to clear her head. “Does he know I'm here?” she whispered into his shoulder.

Joel shook his head, “He fell asleep right as you called and just woke up.”

Julie nodded, “Okay- then let’s go eat.” Joel nodded and smiled, his arm around her shoulders, and led her up the steps.

Julie paused a second as they reached the front door and Joel looked down, “Okay?” Julie closed her eyes then nodded. Joel opened the door and they walked in. Billy and Paul were setting out the food and Julie heard Benji mumble something about ice- he was right there on the other side of the wall and didn’t know she was there. Julie looked up at Joel and squeezed her fist in Joel’s shirt- holding on tight to him and they entered the small kitchen. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Benji stop dead in his tracks and stumble back a little bit. Billy smiled and hugged her, “Hey Julie.” Paul hugged her too, “What would you like to drink?”

They awkwardly all sat down. Julie between Joel and Billy and Benji at the head of the table- so he wasn’t facing Julie but was facing Billy. Small chitchat was made as Benji sat there half staring at Julie and half not wanting her to see him. Joel noticed Benji hadn’t put any food on his plate and gave Benji a spoonful of his favorite vegan veggies. Benji pushed his food around on his plate only taking about two bites. He didn’t say one word to anyone. Billy tried to break the silence once again. “Jules, want some Szechwan Sensation?” he laughed exaggerating the words. “I love that name- I think I’ll name my kid that!” For the first time in three weeks Julie voluntarily laughed. Joel smiled and patted her on the knee as everyone smiled. Benji just glanced her way- staring at her once again. Billy laughed again, “Benj, do you want some Szechwan Sensation?” Benji moved his gaze slowly to Billy and the new come silence was deafening.


Next- Ch. 3 and 4
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