She asked Mike incredulously, “Mike, what did you just say? Who’s going back home?”
Mike, in his drunken state, took a moment to respond, “Your Ezra is going back home. Don’t you know? I invited you guys to dinner today to see him off.”
Xena suddenly stood up and pulled me to a corner.
I leaned against the wall, silently meeting her gaze. Her eyes were red, with tears welling up.
After a moment, Xena spoke with a trembling voice.
“When did you decide to go back home? Why didn’t you discuss it with me?”
I lowered my head, clenching my fists to stop myself from wiping away her tears. “I decided on my birthday when I video called my parents. You were out celebrating Remy’s birthday all night, so I didn’t want to disturb you.”
A look of panic flashed across Xena’s face. She stepped forward and grabbed my hand. “Whatever the reason, I’m your girlfriend. You should tell me first whenever you decide to do anything.”
I looked at her in surprise. In the past, I would always tell her first about anything I wanted to do.
I thought this was respect, but Xena was always impatient.
<
She would say, “Can’t you be more decisive? Why do you have to ask me about everything? I’m not your mother!”
Xena took a deep breath and asked tentatively, “How long are you planning to stay there?”
I hesitated for a moment, then decided to keep it from her for now. “I plan to go back for a few months first.”
Xena exclaimed in surprise, “Why so long?!”
I lowered my head and remained silent.
Finally, Xena sighed and stopped waiting for my answer. She just looked at me expectantly and said, “Let’s go home together later.”
I instinctively wanted to refuse, but Remy came over. He reeked of alcohol.
He grabbed Xena’s hand naturally.
“Snow, why did you come over here? Let’s go buy some new bedding after dinner.”
Xena looked at me guiltily, trying to free her hand from Remy’s grip but failing.
She carefully explained, “We grew up together and are used to interacting like this. It’s just like siblings, nothing more.”
I nodded understandingly. “I understand.”
Remy shook her hand again and said, “I had a few extra drinks and my head’s spinning. Just come with me to buy and change the bedding. I threw up on the bed last night and messed it up. If I don’t change it, I won’t have anywhere to sleep tonight.”
8
Xena looked at him helplessly. “Stop shaking. I’ll go with you.”
Xena once told me she hated people who drank.
In the past, if I had even a sip of alcohol, she wouldn’t let me near her, let alone help me change sheets I had vomited on.
Apparently, when the drinker was Remy, she didn’t mind.
Xena turned to me, “Ezra, chat with Mike for a while longer. Wait for me here, I’ll just help him buy the sheets and change them, then I’ll come right back to go home with you.”
I took a step back and said flatly, “No need. He needs you more than I do. I’ll call a cab home later.”
Xena tried to hold me back, but I dodged her and walked back to the table. I said goodbye to Mike and called cabs for both of us.
Before getting into the cab, the drunk Mike sobered up for a moment. He patted my shoulder and said, “Xena has gone too far. Her relationship with Remy must have hurt you, right? I’m sorry, buddy. I shouldn’t have introduced you two back then.”
My throat tightened, and a few tears fell. I quickly turned away to hide them.
Over the years, Xena had abandoned me for Remy countless times. I thought I was used to it by now.
Mike’s words instantly pierced through the shell I thought I had built so well.
It turns out, I could still feel pain.
Once, Xena and I had many beautiful memories together.
But these memories had gradually faded with the increasing arguments over Remy.
I composed myself and turned back to him with a smile. “Mike, it’s not your fault.”
Mike sighed and said, “It’s not your fault either. Try to move on.”
I nodded and helped him into the car, watching as it drove away, just like my past with Xena.
2:45 PM
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