On the second ring the door was finally answered and we were face to face with a surprised looking Paul.
“I didn’t know you guys were coming over now! Joel said he was going to give you a call later…” He said in a surprised yet happy voice.
“Well, we could leave and come back later.” I said in a half-joking voice.
“Don’t be stupid.” He smiled and dragged Leigha and me into the house, “We have guests!” he yelled loudly so that the rest of the guys could hear him.
Paul turned back to us with another huge smile on his face. I couldn’t help but to smile back. His smile was infectious. Suddenly Paul grabbed Leigha and drew her into a tight hug, “I can’t believe you guys are here! It’s so good to see you.” He then gave me a huge hug and I felt the knot in my stomach slowly start to dissipate. Seeing Paul again was definitely putting me at ease.
“You okay?” He whispered into my ear as he released me from the hug. I didn’t really know how to respond. Was I okay? I wasn’t sure how I was feeling. I just felt empty.
“I’m doing okay.” I replied with a small smile. Paul just nodded and gave my arm a light squeeze.
All of a sudden Benji and Billy appeared in the living room where Paul, Leigha, and I had been standing.
“Well, look who it is.” Benji said with a grin.
“Hey guys.” Billy said as he stifled a yawn. He looked like he just woke up.
They both looked different than I had remembered. Benji, for one thing, had many more tattoos. It gave him a less innocent look, but I could tell he was still the same guy. He just looked a little tougher. Billy was still Billy only with different hair, but Billy was always changing his hair.
“What? We don’t get a hugs?” I said pretending to be insulted.
“Yeah, of course.” Billy said while stifling yet another yawn. He hugged me and then Leigha, “Sorry guys, I’m a little out of it. I’ve gotten no sleep in the past few weeks.”
“It’s alright. We’re sorry for just stopping by, but we couldn’t resist the opportunity to annoy you guys.” Leigha teased as Benji moved from hugging me to hugging her.
“You guys are always annoying. It doesn’t matter when you stop by.” Benji said joking back. Leigha stuck out her tongue at him and Benji rolled his eyes, “Nice outfit by the way Leigha. Your sense of style hasn’t changed.”
I tried not to laugh. Benji had always made fun of Leigha’s choice in clothes. Leigha always looked completely polished and had an almost sophisticated air about her. Today Leigha was wearing a sweater with a button down shirt underneath and simple jeans. I thought she looked cute.
“Bite me, Benji.” Leigha replied.
“You’d love that, wouldn’t you?” Benji answered with a smirk.
Leigha just rolled her eyes at the comment and gave me a look. I tried not to laugh yet again. Leigha and Benji had an on mostly off again relationship. I never quite understood it because they were so different and because half of the time they argued, but hey, whatever made them happy. In that moment I felt like we had gone back in time and that nothing has changed. If only things were that simple.
While I was lost in thought for the millionth time that day, everyone had started to make their way into the kitchen. Everyone grabbed a seat and no one really said anything for a few minutes. I let my gaze fall to the middle of the table. This was kind of awkward. I looked up to find everyone staring at me.
“What?” I questioned. I squirmed a little in my seat, “Stop staring. You guys are making me nervous.”
“We’re just wondering how you’re doing…you know…with…” Benji started to explain.
I cut him off quickly, “I’d really don’t want to talk about it…” I started to answer.
“He’s not here if you’re worried about him overhearing or something.” Benji reassured me.
“Thanks, but I figured that.” I responded and then ran my hand through my hair. They were all still staring at me waiting for me to say something. I knew I had to say something to appease them. Otherwise they’d bother me until I have any kind of answer.
“I just can’t believe that Liz….”
As soon as the words came out of my mouth I heard an all too familiar voice come from the front door.
“Hello?! Anyone home!” the female voice asked.
I knew that voice just as well as I knew my own. It was Liz. This day just kept getting better and better. I looked over at Leigha and she gave me a sympathetic look in return. I wanted to kill her. I knew I didn’t want to visit now for some reason.
“Shit. I’m sorry. We had no idea she was coming over now.” Paul whispered from next to me.
I just nodded. I wanted to leave, but I couldn’t. I was going to have to talk to her.