Love and Loss

The rain starts to fall again during the course of breakfast. Neither Zach or I says much, but its not an awkward silence by any means. The silence is comfortable and refreshing.
The dawn is speckled with rays of light bouncing off the wet grass. It twinkles invitingly as to inform everyone the of the new day. I can’t help myself from sorting through pictures of Alex in my mind. He was always the optimist of the two of us. I’m sure he would like this morning, find something good about it. The only thing I find good about it is Zach sitting next to me. Other than that the morning is to be vile as every other day without Alex near me.
Zach reaches over and tassels my hair.
“Your suppose to call your dad...” he says eyeing his food. He twiddles his fork back and forth in his hand.
I sigh voluntarily, “Can’t I just pretend I am still asleep? I’m not ready to deal with him yet.”
Zach shrugs and a smile slowly breaks out over his face. “I guess that’s okay. Troy should be home soon though.”
Zach’s dad Troy, I would love to call my own. His warmth and kindness was one of the many things that lulled me to the Johnson’s house so frequently. The door was always open. He was a doctor at the E.R. Many times through my awkward stages of adolescent development, Zach and his father had been a life saver, literally. For when days I was a complete lost mess, Zach and his dad could always sort me out and set me on the right track. I owed them for so much, but they never seemed to demand payment in return. I hoped I had never used them.
“I didn’t hurt you did I Zach, I mean going out with…him?” My eyes lifted to meet his slowly. I would never mean to hurt him, but I had always been curious.
He pauses, fork in hand as in contemplation. “Nothing that makes you happy could ever hurt me.” he says quietly, suddenly rising from the table and heading for the sink.
I swallow with difficulty. I was completely unworthy, just by his tone I knew he spoke the truth.
We both jump when the garage door begins to open. Troy bounds through the door with his brief case in hand. It’s amazing how much energy he always has, even after his late E.R. shifts.
“Hello Taylor, Zach.” he says with a wide smile.
His black hair is cut shorter than Zach’s but they are so similar of each other it makes me laugh. He prances up to us and kisses us both on the forehead. Zach pretends to be disgusted, but secretly he smiles after turning.
“Enjoying your Sunday?” he asks in a light tone, pulling off his tie in the process.
I shrug “I always enjoy myself over here.” I say sheepishly.
His eyes soften and he locks contact with mine. “Know you will always be welcome.”
I swallow a lump in my throat. Definitely unworthy.