Break Down

There was a lot of chattering in the living room as I quietly scrubbed away at the dishes accumulating in my sink. I don't think I had ever seen so many coffee mugs and empty platters. I had made small fingers foods for everyone to eat, and they were devoured without hesitation. All the food that Aaron had bought for me previously had finally gone to good use. A part of me was glad that the food wouldn't go to waste, but I wasn't exactly thrilled about all the dishes.

For the longest time, the only person who entered my home was me and me alone. Recently it seems that everyone was just starting to invite themselves over to my house. They weren't even keen on leaving either, which bothered the introverted part of me. At the venue, I could do it all day long, greet people, shake hands, and have conversations. But this was different, this was in my home, invading my personal space. Even Leo was getting overwhelmed. He slunk down towards my bedroom a long time ago and I haven't seen him sense.

I envied the little bugger for being able to hide at will. If this was anyone else's house, I would have excused myself a long time ago and crawled into my bed. Sure, I would be doing work, but at least I was comfortable and not around other people. The chattering was starting to get a little louder now as everyone erupted into laughter. I couldn't help but sigh, wishing they would leave already.

"What has you all tense? I don't think I have ever seen you so agitated. Why don't you come join us?" Aaron's voice startled me, and I dropped the plate I was holding in my hand. I watched in slow motion, as the plate came crashing down to the floor. It shattered and scattered everywhere across the floor. I cursed to myself, my anger getting the better of me as I tried to tip toe across the mess.

"Rose, what is going on with you? Are you okay?" Aaron asked as he held out his hand for me to jump over the shattered mess. I couldn't help the pitiful look I gave him as I reached into the small hall closet and grabbed out the cleaning supplies. The chattering had stopped now, and I knew that they were all ease dropping. How could I say that this many people were overwhelming politely? I put on the best fake smile I could and started sweeping the mess.

"I don't know what you are talking about Aaron, I am fine. Just a bit tired is all." I tried saying casually. But my body, being my worst enemy, was starting to give me away. My hands started trembling, making sweeping the mess even harder. Aaron stilled my hands and cupped a free hand under my chin. I was forced to stare him squarely in the face. His lips were pressed into a firm line as he searched my face for an answer.

"You are shaking like crazy. Was it the phone call you had earlier? Is everything alright?" The concern in his voice made me smile. It was nice to be worried about, but this wasn't something I wanted to burden him with, especially since everyone seemed to be having a good time. That and the other room was still quiet.

"That phone call was nothing. In fact, it was actually a very good phone call. I'll admit I am still not at my best since the accident. I swear to you I am just tired. Stop being so worried." I chastised him, pulling away as I continued to finish cleaning the mess. But once again, Aaron stopped me, but this time taking the broom from my hand and gently pushing me to the side. He pulled a chair out for me and pointed toward it.

"Then you will sit. I don't need you to feel overworked. The company still needs you. We can't have our fearless leader weak." Aaron swept the rest of the mess up into the dustpan as I took a seat. I sighed, trying to hold my hands still, my emotions piling up over me faster than I could knock them back. When was the last time I felt babied like this? I have known Bastion and Aaron for so long, but we were colleagues.

The gentle hand that Aaron offered was very similar in how my dad used to treat me as a kid. The smiles, the worry, the way he would take care of me. The strong arms when he caught me falling out of the tow truck, then how he stayed with me all night just to make sure I was okay. I truly didn't appreciate him as much as I should be. Tears started running down my face, and I ducked my head, hoping he wouldn't notice my quaking sadness that poured over me. I wasn't sure when I had started letting my guard down, but I didn't want him to see this side of me.

"Rosaline, what is going on with you lately? You are truly starting to worry me." He said kneeling down in front of me. I let out a soft giggle as the tears continued to spill down my eyes. I couldn't help wrapping my arms around him, hugging him tightly as I gently sobbed into his shoulder. The warmth made me feel a little better, despite everything going on.

"You and Bastion have been so good to me over these last few years. I guess I just realized I don't thank you two enough. After the accident, I have started to realize who my true family is starting to be. I kept telling myself that I could never get what I lost back, but here you two are. You can't replace my family, but you two are doing a wonderful job filling in." Aaron wrapped his arms around me, hugging me tightly as I continued to cry. For the first time in a very long time, I could feel the weight being lifted off my shoulders.

I could always rely on these two to have my back in the toughest of situations, and I would always have theirs. Like two big older brothers I never had. I wish my mother was alive to meet them, I think that she would like them both. Especially knowing how caring they are. Father would approve too. I have been so fortunate to meet them.

"You have been a very big part of my life too. Especially after my divorce you were always there to distract me. We will always worry about each other, that's what family is for. Now you sit here and let me shoo everyone out. I think you have had enough excitement for one day." Aaron said letting go. I gave a weak smile as he left, letting me sit in my own silence. From the other room, a quiet wave of chattering had started to pick up, and slowly one by one I could hear the crowd diminish.

How weak I must have sounded just now. But regardless of how I sounded, it was nice to let them know how much I appreciate them. I think it was time to stop closing myself up and start letting things out. The more I kept these feelings bottled, the more I felt like I was going to erupt. They didn't deserve that, not after everything they had done for me anyway.