on holiday

It felt like a holiday. Ian was glad he could share it with Josie. They'd gone to the usual sites. Eaten foods only Josie had thought about. Some, she'd never look at again. But she loved the tourist traps, and even the fairs. It was quite fun in London.

It was even better to hang out with Gilly and Jules like old times. Yet, that wasn't anything like it used to be. Although, there was time for darts and the usual drinks.

Of course, Ian wasn't so sure he could take much more of this vacation. It wasn't like he had loads of cash.

"I've been talking to your Mum, and she says I could stay with her a bit." Ian finally told Jules his plan while the girls were out at the open market.

"Why would you do that?" Jules looked at him as if his old school mate had lost it. "That's not home, anymore."

"I guess, but I dunno. I've missed it." Was that so awful?

"Its not an excuse, is it? You, want to go to the Uni, don't you?" Jules reminded him he best get started now and not wait. "You wouldn't take a year off, now would you?"

Jules looked at him as if he needed to talk to him. Now.

"I haven't decided." Ian shrugged.

"But won't Eric be disappointed. You're his little brother. I thought you'd move above his garage. It sounded all set." Jules reminded him of what was being said at his graduation party.

That too sounded like a far off dream. He just didn't know if he could handle it. Still being so close to someone he couldn't even acknowledge as his own. He thought it would be easier, but it wasn't. It would never be easier. This was the only way he knew how to distant himself.

"Does Josie know?" Jules fetched the darts to start another game.

Ian shook his head, no. That was going to be the worst part. Letting her go. But he had too.