Life As an Afterschool Special

My Life as an Afterschool Special

My ex boyfriend Brain just called me and told me that his mother had died… it seems so strange, because I just talked to her a month ago.

Brian and I dated when I was a freshman at Ohio State. We dated on and off for a while, but after I was raped I pushed him away and got involved with someone else. Brian was a christian, and no matter what mistake I made during taht time he would always push me back towards God. He remained my friend and was loyal and loving when I was unreasonable and hurt. And he convinced me to love again. And for that I am ever greatful. We began to date seriously, and even talked of marriage. He was sweet and supportive, and I loved him deeply, but we were just too young to be able to handle all the trails and chaos that came into my life my at that time. Brian helped me through some of my darkest moments, but it was a lot for anyone to take.

I was overwhelmed in Ohio, and so I spent a summer in Vermont, then I moved away to Minneapolis, and then spent a summer in CA. Brain waited patiently while I tried to “find myself” but the stress was too much. He came to visit me in Minneapolis. And we flew out and saw my parents in Michigan and hung out in ohio, but we couldnt make it work. Brian and I broke up shortly afterwards. The emotional strain of everything we had been through had taken its toll, along with the ever growing distance and my refusal to settle down. It was hard, because it was emotional, and feelings ran deep. Phyllis, Brians mom, and I were always very close. I loved her and she knew it. I was so afraid to talk her after Brian and I broke up, because I knew how deeply she loved her son.

The first time we talked after the break up she was amazing. She was funny and supportive and loving, and while I cried she just listened and tried to understand. And we have maintained a relationship since then. She has emailed me and Instant messaged me, and even sent me gifts and letters.

I always teased her that I was her favorite, and she was just holding out for me to be her daughter in law. She would always laugh that great laugh of hers and say “Ya, but you cant tell Brian.”

Phyllis was from the south, Gadsen AL to be exact. And she was everything I always pictured a southern belle to be. She was classy, and fun, and loyal, and so so so fiesty.

I remember one time after we broke up Brian and I were talking on the phone and she wanted to tell me something and he wouldnt give her the phone.

Next thing I hear is him yelling “Ow” and then her voice. I asked her what happened and she said “I bit him”

and I said “you BIT Brian?!” and she said ” He wouldnt give me the phone!” But she said it with an accent so it sounded cooler.

She was like that. Unexpected. and amazing. and sweet. and so so loyal and loving to the people in her life, especially Brian and Jessica, her kids.

I could tell you a thousand stories about her but what matters most is I loved her. and she will be missed.

*Bri if you read this, you know that I am always always here, and I love you. Anything you need, anywhere, anytime. Just let me know. I will take the first greyhound bus to Alabama. I’m praying for you.*