"Oh my gosh!" Charlie clapped his hands over his mouth. "Is it permanent?" Bernard broke into laughter as he limped his way into his younger brother's presence. They gave each other a deep hug that could make Elowen cry. She kept the biggest smile on her face instead. "I researched so many stories of people getting their legs blown off!"
Bernard rolled his eyes as he released himself from the hug. "I can't wait for you to meet Philip. I've told everyone at work that he saved my life. He actually did."
"Oh! Ooh! I did not forget about you!" He turned to Elowen and motioned her to move closer. Hesitantly, she stepped into their reunion and Bernard stepped back. A look of confusion on his face. "It's because of Elowen that I'm here. She knows Philip and if it wasn't for her knowing where he lives then I would have never found you."
"Why are you hanging out with a girl like that?" Bernard dusted his arms off, clearly uncomfortable. "You know mom and dad wouldn't have wanted that."
The two college students stood still for a minute. Only Charlie could reply to such a comment because Elowen didn't know what to say or do.
"They also told me they wanted nothing to do with you out of fear you'd return home with no limbs. Yet, here I am, Berns."
Bernard stuck his hand out for Elowen who accepted the gesture shortly after. "Thanks for bringing my brother back to me." She smiled widely. "You two have a seat. The beers are on the house. Also, I know the time has changed but they still don't like black people at the bar. The booths are more comfortable anyway."
Charlie picked up a menu and started slobbering at all the things he saw. "I could order the whole left side of this menu! Foods on me, Elowen." She didn't have any problem with that. "Can we talk about how good looking Bernard has gotten. I haven't seen him in forever. I mean, he's always been the one girls pick first but... those biceps."
Charlie was now drooling over his brother.
"Yeah..." She glanced around to see everyone looking at them weird. "Weird how Veronica wouldn't tell us where Philip was but revealing Bernard's job was easy. Do you think they got rid of him?"
"If they did, why would Bernard still be living with them?" A waitress walked over to their table to take their order. Charlie almost jumped for joy when he saw her. "Yes! Okay. Whatever your drink special, can I get two of those? Also, this Fried Shrimp appetizer, can you not fry it? Also that red sauce that you dip it in. Can you put it in a cute little class like in the fancy movies."
She ran woman raised an eyebrow at him before turning to face Elowen. "Is he slow? This isn't a five-star restaurant."
Charlie gulped. "Then the regular fried shrimp would be great."
"I'd like a water," Elowen smirked. "And he's not slow." The waitress rolled her eyes as she went to put in their order. "Wow. She had the nerve to actually say that in front of you."
"My mom always told me being too happy is never a good thing." This made Elowen pout seeing him sad about it. She started to wonder if his parents were even good people. They had an amazing son who was dedicated to his degree and always looking on the bright side. How could they neglect him?
"Well, it's better than being a bitter bitch." Her eyes landed on their waitress. "I'm going to tell you something but you can't tell anyone." Charlie nodded eagerly. "I came here to tell Philip that I want to be with him." He gasped. "And... I'm not going back to school. I'll be finishing up my degree at a college nearby. Philip and I are moving in together."
Before Charlie could respond, the drinks and shrimp he ordered landed right in front of their faces. The waitress left before he could even squeeze out a thank you.
"Elowen, you're really going to do this for him? By what you've told me, your family really hates him."
"Well, I can finally have my family together. Yvette needs her mother full time and I love Philip. I think this is the best idea. You don't have to be happy but I need your support."
Taking a slight pause, Charlie massaged his chin before saying anything else. No one could change Elowen's mind, there wasn't a point trying to.
"Okay, I support you." He then went back to looking at the menu as Elowen scanned the restaurant for any familiar faces.
Her first thought was that Philip's dad shipped him off somewhere once again. The thought of it made her chest tighten. Losing Philip once again was not on the to-do list. Bernard walked over to their table with beers they didn't order.
"These are my own special blend-"
All eyes jolted to the front door that flew open hard enough to hit the wall behind it. In crawled aguy with messy blond hair and a wilted body. The man was obviously drunk out of his mind. Most of the customers didn't bother turning their heads as if they were used to it. "Well, Bernie. I maxed out on my limit over at Dixie's." He swung his body over to the bar then used his hat to scoop his hair back on his head. "Can I have a round of your special blend."
Bernard placed both the beers down slowly before going over to the guy who called out to him. He then whispered something in the drunk's ear which made his whirl around on the stool to look directly at Elowen. The sight of him appalled her.
"No, fucking way! Elowen!?" She quickly covered her face in embarrassment. "Oh, am I glad to see you! You have no idea how many nights I've actually started to pray but couldn't finish. Weird huh?" He then started walking over to her and took a seat at an empty chair without asking. When he leaned in for a hug, she backed away.
"Philip, you smell horrible. You're walking around town wasted and embarrassing yourself." He laughed in her face. "When is the last time you shaved? You look homeless."
The smile on Philip's face went down the drain. He then took a big gulp from Elowen's glass and ate some of Charlie's shrimp. "I am," he spoke in a serious tone. "Couldn't find a job in the time my old man wanted to I packed my shit and left. Remember that motel I used to stay at? It's been renovated. Has a kitchen in it now." His smiled proudly. "Eight bucks a night. Fancy. You should stop by sometimes."
"I've made the biggest mistake of my life trying to give you a second chance!" She kicked herself out of her seat before storing out of the building. Philip thought about going after her, but went to the bar instead.