on any other day

 

Brian wasn't thrilled to see company when he got home, but then again he'd never been the social butterfly like Bom who never met a stranger. Of course, after taking a second look he remembered Liam.

"It's been a while," Brian said but he didn't offer a handshake. A part of him wanted to keep his mask on, but he was tired and did his best not to be too close.

"Are you working these days?"

Liam nodded said he was still down at the grocery store, but it was stocking items at night. He was still taking classes at the University.

Brian did his best to keep his cool and not even think about Ivy and the baby. He knew Bom wanted to see her and the baby, but he thought it was best to stay away. He said it was because of the virus, but he had his reasons. 

No way did he want to be in the same room with Jay and of course, seeing the baby gave him a bad feeling too. Bom kept insisting. They needed to look at this through Keanu's eyes. He had a sister. He needed to know her. Now it just bummed him out. Maybe it was just as well that Liam was here.

Finally, Liam finished his tea and got up, wishing them a happy new year as he left.

Brian wasn't sure he could say it back, but he did his best. Winter left him in a slump. It was in the teens outside and the wind chill was in the single digits. Lord knows, how long that would stick around. Then there was the news and that frightened him even more. 

He went to wash up because he knew Bom would want him to. Every day, she asked when he got home to get out of his work clothes to be washed soon as possible and to shower. It felt like he was sleep walking, but just as he was turning on the shower, he noticed something on the sink. 

Brian squinted as he took a look. Instantly, he needed to sit on the toilet. He almost blurted "You gotta be shitting me." But he remained silent as the goosebumps danced up his back. He knew Bom wouldn't want him saying such rot.

He took a deep breath. He wanted to be happy for her, and he knew she would want him to be happy too, but he was certain it would take a toll on him. Brian shivered and hurried to shower. He only had a few minutes to himself to find some sort of calm. Once he stepped out of the bathroom he needed to be in good humor.

He was going to be a dad again.