Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Chapter 6

"Brie honey? Are you going to come out of this room for dinner tonight?" Margot Laroche asked her daughter.
"No, leave me alone."
"Brie, you haven't left your room for three days. You haven't eaten anything, you haven't even showered. What is going on with you?"
Brie rolled over and pulled the covers up over her head.
"Nothing, just leave me alone maman."
Margot moved closer to her daughter and sat down on the bed beside her.
"Does your mood have something to do with a certain young man from next door and the fact that he hasn't been around the last three days?"
"Not everything in life is about Kris mother," Brie's muffled voice replied from under the covers.
Margot laughed out loud.
"Everything in your life does my dear. Just tell me what's going on. I thought you'd want to spend as much time with him as possible before he leaves. Did you have a fight?"
"He hates me mom! I told him something I shouldn't have and now he hates me!"
"Nonsense Brie! You are his best friend, he could never hate you."
"Well he does, and frankly, I don't blame him! I'd hate me too after what I did."
"I think you're being a tad overdramatic Brie. Why don't you tell me what happened."
"I am NOT being overdramatic mother. Kris hasn't talked to me in three days! Have you ever known that to happen?"
"Well...no, but it can't be as bad as you think."
"I told him I was pissed off at him for leaving. That I gave up everything for him and now he was leaving. I said he was hurting me by leaving and I wanted to hurt him as much as he was hurting me. And I did mom; I did hurt him and now he hates me! There. Are you satisfied?" Brie asked her mother in between sobs. "How are you going to put a positive spin on that mother?"
"Oh Brie," Margot sighed. "People say things out of anger that they don't really mean; Kris knows that. He's probably just giving you some time to cool off."
"I don't think so mom. You didn't see the look in his eyes; I hurt him deeply and I don't think he will ever be able to forgive me."
"Well let me ask you this: did you really mean those things you said? Are you really mad at Kristopher or are you mad at yourself?"
"Why would I be mad at myself? I'm not the one leaving!"
"Aren't you? Isn't it you going to university next month? So it's okay for you to go off to school and leave Kris behind, but it's not okay for him to go to Val d'Or to live his dream; a dream that you want for him as much as he wants it for himself? How do you think Kris is feeling about you going to school?"
"It's not the same thing. I have to go to school if I'm ever going to have the life that I want."
"That's precisely my point dear. You're going to school to get the life that you want and Kristopher is going to play junior hockey so he can get the life that he wants. There is no difference; it's the natural progression of life. People grow up and go their separate ways."
"But not us maman. We are Brielle and Kristopher. We are meant to be together...ALWAYS."
"And now the truth comes out."
"What do you mean...what truth?"
"Come on Brielle. All this is not about Kris going off to juniors, you knew it was coming and that is not what you're mad about. You are mad at yourself for not telling him the truth."
"WHAT DAMN TRUTH? I have no idea what you're talking about mother!"
"Brie, I have watched you and Kris grow up right before my eyes. I've been there for every game, every tournament, every fight, every broken heart, every award, every triumph, every defeat. Everything you have experienced, you've experienced together, and now that you're going seperate ways, you're scared. Scared of having experiences without him by your side; but that's not the real reason you don't want him to leave and it's so obvious to everyone but you."
"Because I'm scared to be without him?"
"No dear. Because you're in love with him."
Brie started laughing hysterically and her mother just watched with a look of sadness on her delicate features.
"Oh my god mother!" Brie said gasping for air. "That is the funniest thing I've heard in a long time! You think I'm in love with Kristopher? That's absurd!"
"Is it?"
"Of course it is! Kris is my best friend. I am NOT in love with him!"
"Okay, let me ask you this...who is the first person you think about when you wake up in the morning?"
Brie was silent.
"Well?"
"Kristopher."
"Who's the last person you think about before you go to sleep?"
"Kristopher."
"When you have good news, who is the first person you share it with?"
"Kristopher."
"When you are sad or upset, who do you go to for comfort?"
"Kristopher."
"Who can make you laugh even when you want to cry?"
"Kristopher."
"Who makes you light up like the sun when he walks into a room?"
"Kristopher."
"Would you rather be at a party with kids from school or be at home on the couch watching movies with Kristopher?"
"Watching movies with Kristopher."
"If he asked you to give up school to go with him to Val d'Or would you?"
"Yes."
"Who's happiness and success is more important to you, yours or Kristopher's?"
"Kristopher's."
"I hate to tell you this my dear, but that is not just friendship, that is love."
"No, no, no, no, no, no, no," Brie repeated over and over. "I can't be in love with him maman. I just can't! Not now."
"Love doesn't have a timeline sweetheart. It happens whether you want it to or not, whether it's good timing or bad."
"Well the timing couldn't be worse! He hates me and he's leaving in less than a month. I can't believe this is happening to me," Brie said burying her head in a pillow. "How could I be so selfish? How could I have been so mean to him?"
"Because you were hurting and you did what you always do...you lashed out. Kris knows that; he knows you better than anyone. But it's going to be up to you to fix this Brie."
"How do I do that maman?"
"Tell him the truth. Tell him you're in love with him."




With his hand on the door knob, Kris closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was about to push the door open when he heard voices.
"How could I be so selfish? How could I have been so mean to him?"
"Because you were hurting and you did what you always do...you lashed out. Kris knows that; he knows you better than anyone."
Kris smiled at the words Margot was telling her daughter. Words of truth. He did know her better than anyone; even better than her own mother.
"But it's going to be up to you to fix this Brie."
"How do I do that maman?"
"Tell him the truth. Tell him you're in love with him."

Kris' hand slipped of the doorknob. What did he just hear? No, his mind had to be playing tricks on him.
'She's in love with me?' he thought. 'No, this cannot be happening. Not now.'
Kris turned to leave when he heard that angelic voice.
"Kristopher? How long have you been here?"

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Chapter 5

"Oh god, please tell me I've died," Brie groaned the next morning.
No one answered her.
'What is that disgusting smell' she thought as she tried to stand up. She was a little woozy but managed to get on her feet with the help of the nightstand.
'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea,' she thought flopping back down on the bed resting her pounding head in her hands.
"Well good morning," a familiar voice said startling her.
"What's so good about it?" she asked without looking up. "And what is that god awful smell?"
"Breakfast," Kris replied simply.
"Ugh, I don't think I can eat anything."
"Good, I didn't make you any."
"Oh," she replied surprised.
"I made coffee if you want any," Kris said before turning and leaving the room.

Brie sat there for a minute thinking how strange it was that Kris was giving her the cold shoulder. Hell, he was almost bordering on being mean. She made her way out to the kitchen where she found Kris sitting at the table eating something that resembled eggs and bacon. Her stomach turned at the sight of it and he didn't even look up. She went to the cupboard and took out a mug and poured herself some coffee, not bothering to add milk or sugar. Nope, today she needed it black. Brie took a seat beside Kris at the table.
Silence.
Not their same usual comfortable silence either.
"Kristopher, are you mad at me?" she finally asked.
"No," he replied without looking up.
"Then what's with the cold shoulder?"
He just shrugged.
"Okay, are we going to fight, because I don't think I can handle it right now; my head is pounding and your breakfast is making me nauseous."
"I'm not going to fight with you, and maybe you should have thought about the way you'd feel today before you drank your face off last night."
"So that's why you're mad at me? Because I drank?"
Kris took a deep breath before he spoke again.
"No, I'm mad because you put yourself in a stupid situation and made me look like an ass," he said, mumbling the last part.
Brie didn't respond, but she could feel the tears starting to build.
Kris saw the tears in the beautiful blue eyes of his best friend and immediately felt bad for being so harsh.
He sighed and put his hand over hers. "What happened last night Brie?" he said softly.
"I don't know, I know I usually don't drink but I just...I felt like...I don't know," she said in a deflated tone.
"I don't mean the drinking."
The mood in the room took a somber turn and they both felt it. Brie knew what was coming next and she did not want to relive the previous night; a night she was not proud of. Kris needed to ask about what happened the night before, but fear of what he might hear was almost crippling his ability to speak.
"What happened...upstairs?"
"Oh. Kris I don't really want to talk about it."

How was she supposed to tell him that she was angry with him. Not even angry; pissed.
Pissed and hurt because he was leaving her. After giving up everything she loved to support him and taking so much flack from well, just about everyone their "bizarre" relationship, he was leaving her. After working so hard, for so long to achieve his dream of someday playing in the NHL; a dream she supported, how could she be mad at him now that he was on his way? She didn't know, but she knew she was and her escapade the night before was purely for revenge. She wanted Kris to hurt as much as she was hurting and she knew that any sort of time she spent with Rob would do just that. Kris and Rob hated each other. The truth was, Brie hated Rob too, but she was willing to put that hatred aside for one night if it meant that she would piss Kris off and make him feel as bad as she was feeling. She never expected it to go as far as it did. She was a horrible person and an even worse friend. How exactly was she supposed to tell her best friend that?

"Brie?" the sound of Kris' voice brought her from her own thoughts. "What happened?"
"Nothing happened Kris, can we just drop it?"
"It didn't look like nothing the way you came flying down the stairs! You were crying and you looked like..." he stopped.
"I looked like what?" she asked curiously.
"Did you...did you two...ya know..."
"No," she replied lowering her eyes.
"Did he try?"
Brie nodded her head without looking at him. The tears were flowing now.
Kris lifted her chin, but she refused to make eye contact with him.
"Brie, did he...hurt you?"
"He was so strong and so quick. The bedroom door was barely closed before he pushed me down on the bed and got on top of me," she cried.
Kris's blood was boiling and he could feel the anger rise inside him.
"I was so scared Kris. I kept telling him no but I couldn't get him off me. I faught as hard as I could but he wasn't moving. I think I gave up fighting at some point, I don't know, it's all pretty blurry. I remember him moving to get something out of his pocket and I kneed him in the balls as hard as I could. He rolled off me enough for me to get up and I was just about out the door and he grabbed me by the hair and I kicked him again. He grabbed my shirt and it ripped but I made it out the door. All I could think about was getting away from him and getting to you," she sobbed.
Kris was now on his knees in front of her holding her hands.
"Shhhh," he said wrapping his arms around her. "I'm going to kill him, you know that right?" he whispered into her hair.
"No! I just want to forget it happened."
"Brie, what he did was bordering on illegal. If he had've succeeded..."
"But he didn't and you know damn well what everyone will say. 'Oh, she went up there with him, she must have wanted it'."
"I'm sorry Brie, but I have to ask, why did you go up there with him?"
"Because I'm a horrible, horrible person and a horrible friend. I don't deserve you Kristopher. I don't deserve to be your friend."
Kris hugged her tightly to his body. "Brie, you're not making any sense."
"I can't tell you, I don't want you to think less of me. I don't want you to know how horrible I really am."
He chuckled a little at how ridiculous she was being. He took her face in his hands and said, "how could you even think that? Brie, you're being silly. You are my best friend and I love you. I could never think badly of you."
"You would if you knew the truth."
"Given the fact that you won't tell me, I think I already do."
"You...wait...what?"
"Jeanette told me the truth Brie," he said quietly. "And I can't say that I'm very happy about it. I'm your best friend, and it makes me really angry that you didn't tell me yourself."
Brie was beyond confused. She hadn't told Jeanette anything.
"What exactly did she tell you?"
"She told me that you really liked Rob and that you didn't tell me because I don't like him and you didn't want to hurt me."
"Well you don't like him."
"So it's true?" he asked unable to hide the hurt and disappointment in his voice.
Brie could hardly believe what she was hearing.
"NO! Absolutely not! I despise Rob!"
Now Kris was confused.
"Then why would Jeanette tell me that?"
"I have no idea..."she trailed off. "When did she tell you this?"
"Just after you went upstairs with him. I was on my way up to stop you and she stopped me."
The wheels were turning a mile a minute in Brie's head. She knew that Jeanette was jealous that Rob liked her and didn't give Jeanette the time of day, but she never thought she'd do anything that might intentionally hurt Brie.
"What else did she tell you?"
Kris really didn't want to open this can of worms but he knew he had no choice.
"She said that you've given up everything for me, done everything for me and that I've never done anything for you and now I was leaving. She said that I should let you have something for yourself and that something was Rob."
There was a long pause.
"Is that really the way you feel Brie?"
"No. Yes. Kind of. Ahhhhhhhhh! I hate this!"
"I'm really confused here Brie. What the hell is going on?"
"Everything is just so messed up Kris," Brie said getting up and going back to Kris' bedroom. She flopped herself down on the bed and buried her head in a pillow.
Kris followed her a minute later and sat down on the bed beside her. Instinctively he started caressing her hair just like he did the night before. He knew that was what could always soothe her.
"Brie, we've never lied to each other. We've always been able to tell each other everything, no matter how bad it was. Please tell me what's going on."
"You'll hate me," was the response that was muffled by the pillow.
"I assure you I could never, ever hate you Brie."
She took a deep breath before sitting up cross legged in front of him. The chocolate eyes that were staring back at her almost made her loose her nerve.
"Okay fine, but don't interrupt me because if you make me stop, I'll never get it out and I really, really need to get it out."
Kris took her hands and she closed her eyes, shook her head and blurt it all out.

"Yes, I am so pissed off that you're leaving me. I gave up all the things I loved to do so I could be there for you and what do I get in return? You leave. I honestly don't think that you owe me anything for supporting you, I really don't. I did it because I wanted to, it's just my heart is breaking because my best friend gets to live his dream and I'm left behind. I'm so proud of you because you've worked so hard for this. I want you to go and I want you to do well but I don't want to be left here without you. I have no other friends here because no one understands the relationship we have and now I'm going to be alone. I don't know how to be alone. I've never been alone. We've been together every day of our lives and now all of a sudden you'll be gone and I'm scared. I'm more than scared, I'm terrified! If you go, I have nothing here. I'm so angry that they're taking you away from me and I'm mad at you for wanting to go and it's stupid I know, because this is what we both wanted for you, but now it's reality and I'm clearly not coping with it very well. I am feeling so hurt and I just wanted you to hurt as much as I am so that's why I went upstairs with Rob, because I knew it would piss you off and hurt you and that's what I wanted. I wanted you to feel as bad as I do. I know it makes me a horrible person and an even worse friend and I'm sorry. I know I have no right to be mad, but I am and I'm sorry for that too. I want you to go, and I want you to be as great as I know you can be, and I want you to get to live every dream you have because you deserve it and I want you to know that I really do want that for you. I guess all the times I've thought about you living your dream, I never imagined that it would be without me. I'm sorry Kristopher, I am so, so, so, so, so, sorry for everything. I'm sorry for wanting to hurt you. I'm sorry for being such a drunken idiot. I'm sorry for being such a bitch. I'm sorry for resenting you. I'm sorry for being angry with you for no reason because it's something you have no control of. But most of all, I'm sorry for not being the kind of friend that you've been to me or the kind of friend you deserve. I completely understand if you hate me and never want to talk to me again, but I want you to know that I'm not proud of my actions over the last 24hours, but I am honestly happy for you. You are my best friend and I love you Kristopher. I hope you remember that, always."

There. She said it. It was out there and there was no taking it back. She raised her eyes to look at him and was surprised to see that there were tears on his cheeks. She cracked a little smile when their eyes met; waiting with much anticipation for his reaction to her confession.
He got up off the bed slowly and walked to the door, just like he did the night before. When he got to the door he simply turned around and said, "Go home Brielle."

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

You have crossed a huge line when you comment and call in to question my professional integrity. You seem to be hung up and this story being for my sexual enjoyment, and that is not the case, nor has anything in this story been sexual so get over it. I do not work for a school board or with teenage boys and the implication of something sinister or criminal toward me based on the "few sentences" you read crosses a line that you should not dare cross. I'm confident in saying that since you are so highly opinionated you have never admired a picture of an attractive young man (and the last time I checked, 19 was legal everywhere in the world). Is it my age that is offending you so much? Would you feel better if I was a 16 or 26 year old girl writing a story? You have no idea how old I am, you are assuming based on the fact I have two teenage boys. How do you know I am not 25 years old and married to an older man who had these children from a previous marriage? You don't; so stop making assumptions about situations you know nothing about. That's the thing about these stories, they are fiction and for all you know, my entire profile could be fiction too!
How did you find this story that offends you so much? I don't advertise it and to my knowledge the only place you could have found out about it was by reading another story or by seeing it posted on Sidney Crosby's girlfriend board. The last time I checked Sidney was the same age as Kris - hello pot meet kettle.
Again, I'm sorry you are so offended by the story but for the love of god DON'T READ IT!
Dear kj
I'm sorry you feel so strongly about this story that you felt the need to post your comment twice.
First of all, I fail to see how this story is disrespectful to Kris or is based on real and tragic events in his life. The only thing true in this story so far is the fact that he is going to play junior hockey and last time I checked, nearly every player in the NHL did that. If you are implying that I am going to incorporate the very real, very tragic death of Luc Bourdon in this story, save your disdain because you can't possibly know what is in store for the future of this story.
Secondly, fan fics are exactly that; a fictional story about someone you are a fan of. That is what this story is - fiction. If there are similarities between my story and his real life, it is by pure coincidence and not the result of dillusional fantasies or any kind of creepy stalking to find out information about his life. I am a fan of the game of hockey and of Kris Letang. Kris is a talented player and I admire him for the way he plays the game and the kind of person that he is. Not that I need to defend myself, but I assure you I am not a lonely housewife in sloppy clothes, fantasizing about a young hockey player because I feel neglected. I have no dillusional fantasies of having a romantic relationship, or any relationship for that matter, with anyone. These stories are merely a creative outlet for people who love to write, nothing more, nothing less. And just for the record, I am NOT old enough to be his mother.
Finally, I don't have to ask myself how Kris or his family would feel about this story if they read it, I am not writing a sexual fantasy or about real life tragedies, and there are far worse things that have been and will be written about him (read some of the other fan fics or girlfriend boards etc.). That is after all something that comes with being a public figure. What I will ask is this: if you are so offended by the story, why are you reading it? I believe in the right to free speech and that everyone is entitled to their opinion, so thank you for voicing yours and commenting on my little story; but in the future make sure you have your facts straight before commenting and please feel free not to read my story!
Cheers!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Chapter 4

Kris slid in behind the steering wheel of Brie's car and prepared for the drive home. Driving made him nervous, especially since he didn't have his full licence, but he was thankful they didn't have that far to go.
The drive was silent except for the slight moans and groans coming from the sleeping beauty in the passenger seat. They were about two blocks from home when he heard,
"Kris, I'm going to throw up."
"I'll pull over, hang on."
"Now, I'm going to get sick now!"
Brie had the door open even before the car had come to a complete stop. Kris threw the car in park and ran around to the passenger side. Brie was already doubled over on the ground getting sick. Kris felt helpless watching his best friend pay for her stupid choices, so he did the only thing he could think of; he got down on the ground beside her and held her chestnut curls and rubbed her back until she was done.
"Oh God, just kill me now," she said sitting on the ground with her knees pulled up to her chest so she could rest her throbbing head on them.
"It's only going to get worse mon amour," Kris said still fussing with her hair.
"Thanks a lot."
"Come on, I'm taking you home."
They got back in the car for the short ride back. He pulled her car into his driveway.
"Kris, my house is over there," Brie slurred.
"And I'm not letting you face your parents this way, they'll kill you. Maman is staying the night at Claude's house, you can stay with me. God knows someone needs to take care of you."
"Fuck you Coconut! I can take care of myself just fine!" she yelled startling him.
"You're doing a stellar job so far," he retorted.
"You're an asshole."
"Brielle, I don't want to fight with you; just come inside and get cleaned up, you smell," he said gently.
"I do not! Do I?"
"Yes."
"Well, like what?"
"You smell like a cross between a brewery, puke, and gym socks."
"Eeww."
"Exactly, let go," he said taking her hand like he had a million times before and led her into his house.


"I'll go turn the shower on for you," he said as he helped her sit on the bed. When he returned she was gone.
"Brie?" he called. "Brie where are you?"
"I'm right heeeeeere," was all he heard. He followed her voice and found her out in the family room. She was leaning up against the fireplace mantel looking at the pictures of them. Her shirt was in her hand.
"Do you remember when this was taken?" she asked running her fingers over one of the frames.
"Of course I do," he said quietly walking towards her. "That was my first day of school."
"And this one?"
"My very first time on skates. I was so scared of falling. You promised you wouldn't let go of my hand...and you didn't. You held my hand the whole time."
"I'll always hold your hand Kristopher," Brie said barely above a whisper. "What about this one?"
"That was that hockey tournament in Quebec City when we came in first."
"Oh, that's right. And you were MVP, I remember now. I hugged you just after you got your trophy and your mom took the picture. You were so cute!"
"Hardly!" Kris responded turning a slight shade of pink.
"Oh my god! Is that from Winter formal?" she said snatching the picture of the mantel.
"Yes."
Brie took a deep breath in and closed her eyes. "You always did look good in a suit," she said before placing the picture back in its resting place. She stumbled forward a bit. Kris instinctively reached out to catch her. His arm snaked around her bare waist sending shivers through her body.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Let's get you in the shower."
"Wait. Not yet," she said, not letting him move.
They stood in silence looking at the pictures. Brie could feel the tears start to well up in her eyes.
"God, Kris. Our whole lives are documented on this mantel. Every single important moment is right her. We're together in every single picture. And now..."
Brie stopped herself before the first tear fell.
"And now what Cherie?"
"And now...I'm going to be sick," she replied taking off towards the bathroom.
Kris once again held her hair and rubbed her back.
"I seriously want to die right now," she said resting her head on the toilet seat.
"Remember this the next time you get the brilliant idea to drink," he said.
"I really don't need the lecture right now dad," she sneered.
"Come on, you'll feel better once you get in the shower," Kris said helping her up to her feet. She stumbled once again.
"Clearly I can't leave you alone. God, Brie you're a mess."
"Shut up Kris! Are you going to help me or not?"
"Hold on to my shoulders," he ordered. She did as she was told.
Kris undid the button of her jeans and shimmied them down past her hips and supported her as she stepped out of them. Brie shuddered at the warmth of his hands sliding smoothly over her curves. Kris stood up. All that remained was her bra and underwear.
"Can you handle the rest on your own? he asked.
"Hmm? Oh yeah sure, I got this," she said and started to fumble with the clasp on her bra.
"Damn thing," she muttered.
"Problem?"
"I can't get the damn clasp."
"Here, let me help. Turn around."
"Kristopher! I really don't think you need to see me naked!"
"For Christ sake Brie, you're like my sister! It's not like there's anything sexual about it; now turn around."
He didn't know whether his comment was to reassure her or himself, but it did the trick because Brie turned her back to him.
Kris' words stung and the hands that had just moments ago sent shivers through her body now felt like daggers stinging her skin.
He turned around so she could get in the shower, but refused to leave the room. Brie was still unsteady on her feet and he was worried she would fall and hit her head.
The room was silent except for the sound of the water hitting the porcelain tub. Kris sat with his head in his hands, replaying the events of the night in his head. His thoughts kept taking him back to his conversation with Jeanette. Was she right? Did Brie really like that creep and just didn't tell him? He was pulled from his thoughts by soft humming coming from inside the shower. He listened to the tune for a moment and then the words started. He recognized it as a lullaby she used to sing to her dolls when they were little. He closed his eyes and smiled, remembering back to a time when everything was so simple.
He heard the water shut off and she called out to see if he was still there.
"Hand me a towel would ya?" she said.
He handed the big, white fluffy towel through the shower curtain and waited.
"I think I got it from here Kris, thanks." Just as the words left her mouth, she slipped on the slippery tub and fell forward banging her knee on the side of the tub.
"Merde!"
"Yeah," Kris laughed. "You got it alright! If it's all the same to you, I think I'll stick around."
"But..."
"But nothing. Let me help you out."
"Fine." Brie wrapped the towel around her and pulled the curtain open, holding her hand out for him to take.
"There was that so hard?"
"No. I just..."
"You are just to stubborn to admit when you need help. Let's go get you something to wear."
She followed him into his room and he started to rummage through his drawers to find
her some shorts and a t-shirt. With the clothes in his hands, he turned around to give them to her and felt his breath catch in his throat again. Brie had her back to him and had her leg up on the bed drying it off. The towel had fallen slightly and was open, revealing her bare back and side. He watched as she ran the towel over her side and down her hip, drying off the bare side of her buttock that he had previously been admiring.
"Find anything yet?" her question snapped him out of la la land.
"Umm, ahh, yeah, here," he said handing them to her. "I'll go get us some water," he quickly said before bolting from the room.
When he returned with two glasses of water, she was dressed in his clothes and was towel drying her chestnut locks.
"Here," he said placing her glass on the nightstand, right beside the same picture of them from the winter formal that his mom had on the mantel. "Take these," he said handing her two aspirin. "Maybe it'll help your head in the morning if you take them now."
"Thanks," she replied smiling sweetly at her best friend.
"And I know you're always cold, so I brought you another blanket."
Brie crawled in bed and snuggled in under the covers.
"Goodnight Brie," Kris said, turning and heading for the door.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to go sleep in maman's room."
"Do you have to? I mean this is your room, you could just...stay."
He pondered the offer for a moment and when he didn't say anything right away Brie spoke again.
"I really don't want to be alone right now," she said without looking up at him.
Kris undressed down to his boxers and climbed in bed next to her. This was by no means the first time they laid in the same bed; they'd done so a million times before, but this time felt...different. He laid on his side facing her and pulled the blankets up around her chin and smoothed them over her shoulder before rolling over onto his back. Her eyes were already closed. He laid there with his hands folded under his head just listening to her breathe. She rolled over onto her side and right into him. Her head was now on his arm, and her hand was on his chest. A moment later her leg was draped gently over his. She let out a content sigh and quickly fell into a pattern of deep breathing that let him know she was asleep.
Kris pulled his hand out from under his head so he could caress her hair.
"Oh cherie," he whispered. "Why did you do this to yourself?" He kissed her forehead and very quietly said, "bonne nuit mon cherie. Je t'aime." Exhaustion took over his body and his eyes fluttered shut.
Brie was restless for a moment until she found 'her spot' and almost inaudibly the words "I love you Coconut," slipped out.
Almost inaudibly.