Chapter 15:BEAR HUGS

I made a quick stop at my favorite coffee shop before heading to work. I need caffeine in my system after the long night I had. It had been slightly irritating to find out all the coffee bags were gone. I couldn't remember the last time I went grocery shopping, it was too much work. The crowd here was alarming, people are addicted to these things. Impatiently, I was waiting in line for my turn resisting the urge to shove everyone aside.

"Who do we have here? Jeremy, the huge one " I heard someone speak behind me followed by a series of chuckles. Turning around, I stared into the face I remembered clearly.

" Cyril? Oh my, it's been forever since I saw you " We attended the same high school. He was in the choir and loved volunteering.

" Bring it in man " he pulled me into a bear hug, crushing me in the process. People around stared with humor. Two grown men, in the middle of a coffee shop hugging like children. We were huge, a sight to behold. Cyril has always being a hugger. There were no regular bro hugs with a pat on the back. When it came to him, no side hugs. Instead, complete bear hugs capable of squeezing the life out of you.

Someone tapped me gently, interrupting our reunion. I released myself from his grip and paid attention to the person that tapped me.

" Ummm, sorry to interrupt this but it's your turn now. " She looked weird and watched me awkwardly. I rubbed the back of my neck with my hand. Awkward indeed, we probably looked like lovebirds who haven't seen each other for a long while. That was partially true, but the lovebirds part was not. I could hear Cyril's snicker behind me.

We walked out, not bothering with a cup of coffee, forgetting the thought altogether. I opened the door to my car and we got in.

" What part of the world have you been young man ! " he looked cross but I knew he wasn't.

" I can ask the same question if that was a question " I chuckled lightly.

" It was a statement, you dummy. And I've been in the same place you left me "

" You returned back after college. I'm not surprised, you seemed like one to remind there "

" That town contained a lot of memories. I found peace and love," he said the last part dreamily. I look I recognized when it was on my face. DISTURBING. That was when I noticed the ring on his finger.

" WHOA. You actually got someone to marry you, poor lady " I shook my head.

He smacked my head in response " You clown "

" Lies " we both laughed. I can see it now. He'll make a good husband and most Importantly a great father.

" How many dogs? " I asked once we stopped laughing. Cyril was crazy about dogs. Once, he told me he planned to have 10 dogs when he grew older. His obsession was weird. Making money from sitting dogs u til it eventually became a hobby.

" Three " he calmly responded

" Just three? I thought it would be a zoo " I teased

" I got married to a crazy cat lady " he punched my arm and I groaned loudly.

" Wow, opposites do attract. You're probably running a cat and dog farm " it was easy to chat with Cyril. Guilt washed over me, I remembered all those times he tried to reach out. I was snobby, totally annoying. He was a good guy, charming and charismatic. How did I not see that? Oh right, Hannah.

" Are you listening to me? " he snapped me out of my thoughts.

" Sorry, what were you saying again ? "

" I asked what you're doing now. How is Hannah by the way "

" I'm a model and Hannah left "

" Explains the figure. " I wasn't huge because of that, totally different reasons.

" Yes," I was still not comfortable talking about her. Busying myself with other things so my mind will be fully occupied.

" Who am I kidding, I knew that. Not the Hannah part though. It was easy to track you down. You are like the most sought after bachelor "

" Track me down? What's wrong ? "

" Your mother " he stared at my sullen expression and broke the silence when I didn't speak. The dream I had was still very clear in my head. The way she looked at me, disappointment written on her face.

'" Why aren't you saying anything Jeremy? "

YES JEREMY, WHY AREN'T YOU SAYING ANYTHING? I asked myself

" What happened to her? " I crossed my fingers hoping it wasn't bad news.

" She is I'll, really I'll. I wouldn't lie, she's dying. I stand by each day and watch as she fights, fighting to live. Finally, I was asked to find you. it took longer than I had expected but here we are. She requested to see you and I had to find out where you stayed"

I gulped and he continued.

" I'm not your biggest fan. You never really cared for anyone, except for Hannah. After the death of your father, I watched you move from broken to annoying. You pushed everyone away, even your mother. Just in case you have forgotten, she is your only blood. All for a girl " he wrinkled his face in disgust. Confirmations everywhere, I am a terrible person. Looking like a child who has just been scolded, I cleared my throat and tried to find my voice.

" I deserve anything you say. I acted stupidly and I regret my actions. I really do "

" It's surreal. Makes absolutely no sense "

" Everybody makes mistakes, it's what happens afterward that counts. You made some stupid, foolish, and immature choices. I agree with you but you can fix it before it's too late "

" Thanks, I guess "

" You are welcome " he answered happily, I bet he has been waiting to do that for a long time. Can't say I blame him.

" What happens now? " I knew the answer to that, I needed to make things right.

" You apologize, to the one who deserves it "