Song^ Burning House by Cam

I felt someone kissing my neck and it started turning into sucking. I chuckled as I opened my eyes and looked over and saw Carol smiling at me. She tucked a piece of hair behind my ear as she studied me for a moment.

The light was peeking through the window a little and it was half shining on her face. I smiled at her and pecked her lips and instantly felt her smile against them.

When we pulled back, we stared at each other for a moment until she spoke, "You're so beautiful," she smiled. "Did you know that?"

This sudden burst of happiness overwhelmed me, but I didn't hesitant, "Not as beautiful as you are,"

She smiled, "Don't you mean, beautifuller?" she giggled.

I felt my face turn red and I wanted to hide. I shook my head and sighed and looked at her.

There was something different, but I couldn't pinpoint what it was. I stared at Carol as so many thoughts ran through my head. I couldn't believe that I put this woman in so much bad shit over the past few weeks and it pains me that she went through it all because of me.

I sighed, "I'm sorry," I stared at her as she was staring at me. "I'm sorry for putting you through so much and I didn't mean to be so stupid," I looked down at the bed sheets. "I hate fighting," I looked back up at her as she was staring at me and not saying anything. "Feel free to say something," I stated.

She stared at me for a moment, "I don't know what you're talking about,"

I gave her a confused look, "How can you not know what I'm talking about?" she shrugged as I stared at her. "I put you through shit for the past couple of weeks," she stared at me. "I got involved with Harge and almost got killed, and-"

She cut me off, "Wait, what?" she stared at me. "Harge? When did you see him?" she asked.

I stared at her, "A few weeks ago," she continued to stare at me. "Why are you acting like you don't know what I'm talking about? I ran into him at the store and he threatened me because he wanted you back. Then he hurt Phyllis, Richard and almost killed me," she didn't say anything and it was scaring me. "Carol, he shot me," I paused. "Well, he got someone else to shoot me, but still," she didn't say anything and it was scaring the hell out of me. "Here," I removed my shirt off my left shoulder to show her the scar from the bullet hole.

I looked at her as my shirt was down, "See?" I looked down at the scar but my heart instantly stopped.

It's gone.

I touched over the spot and it didn't hurt. I pressed on it but nothing was hurting and I didn't feel anything. I moved my arm and it didn't hurt like it was. I looked back up at Carol as she was staring at me with concern.

"Babe, are you ok?" she asked as she was staring at me.

I got up and went into the bathroom. I took my shirt off and looked at my shoulder. I didn't see any marks, I didn't see any scar.

I didn't see anything.

What the hell was going on?

Carol walked in and looked at me, "Terry, you're scaring me," she stared at me as I stared back at her.

I shook my head, "Am I losing my mind?" I asked her then looked in the mirror as I asked my own reflection.

What was going on?

*

After the last few minutes of freaking out, Carol offered to cook breakfast. I was sitting at the table trying to make sense of everything as she was cooking. When she brought me a plate, she sat down across from me and started eating.

I wasn't hungry as I sat there thinking, so I just pushed my eggs around the plate until Carol spoke, "Do you mind going out to get a few things today?" she looks over at me as she wipes her mouth.

I look up at her and I feel like I should say no for some reason. "Um," I started, then looked down at my plate. I didn't know what was going on but my head was spinning. I looked back up at her as she was staring at me. "Actually, I don't feel too good," I stared at her.

She nodded, "Ok babe, that's fine," she smiled as she stood up. "I'll go by myself,"

My heart stopped as I watched her. "Why don't you ask Richard?" I asked as she turned around. "I don't want to be alone,"

She nodded, "Ok, I'll call him," she excused herself and walked out of the living room. My head was still spinning as I sat there.

I sighed and tried to calm my nerves but they were going crazy. This was all too much and my mind can't handle everything at once.

Am I going crazy?

*

Richard came back with the groceries later on and Carol and him were talking as I was sitting in the living room watching TV. After a moment, I felt the couch dip and I saw Richard smiling at me, "What's up?" he asked.

I smiled at him as I looked him over. "Watching TV. What are you doing?" I asked as I watched him.

He sighed, "Well, I had to go do your shopping for you since someone was lazy," he stated as he stared at me.

I chuckled, "I wasn't lazy. I didn't feel good," I shrugged and looked at the TV.

I heard him chuckle, "Sure," I looked over at him as he was staring at me. "You're a terrible liar," he smiled at me.

I smiled back, "Maybe," I shrugged and heard him laugh. I looked at him.

"Oh," Richard leaned over towards me, "Don't forget about tomorrow, ok?" I gave him a confused look. "Carol's birthday party," he stared at me. "Did you forget?" he chuckled.

I slowly shook my head as I stared at him, "No, I didn't forget," he raised his eyebrows as I rolled my eyes. "I'm guessing you and Stephanie has everything ready?" I asked.

He nodded, "Yes," he smiled. "It's going to be so much fun!"

"What's going to be so much fun?" Carol's voice rang through the living room.

We both looked at her as Richard spoke, "Oh um, just the fact that um," he stuttered. "I don't remember," I looked at him as he gave me a 'sorry' look. "I have to go," he got up and rushed out of the living room.

Carol chuckled as she sat down on the couch next to me. As she sat there, it gave me a chance to look at her and think;

If what is happening is really happening, and for some unknown reason I'm giving a second chance at whatever this is, I might as well not mess it up again.

Even though I'm still freaking out on the inside.

*

The next morning felt just as weird as the last morning when I woke up on this day. I knew that this was really happening, but I still couldn't get over the fact that this was all happening.

I decided to make breakfast for Carol so I got up before she did and I went downstairs to start cooking.

I made a plate for her and right on cue, she walks into the kitchen. I smile at her as she walks to me and smiles back. "Good morning," she kisses my cheek and leaves my face heated, again.

"Happy birthday," I smile at her as she smiles back.

"Don't make a big deal out of it," she walks around me and I stare at her.

I chuckled. "Why not? It's your day," I watch as she sits down at the table.

She looks at me and shrugs, "I'm getting old," I couldn't help but smile at her as I sat down next to her.

I shrugged, "Well, it's something everyone has to go through. Getting old isn't that bad," I watch as she takes a bite of her food then looks at me.

"Easy for you. You're still young," she had a point.

"Well, you're still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and nothing will change that," I stared at her. "Not even old age," I watched as her eyes landed on me and I knew that saying that was a plus for me.

"Therese," she started and I knew where this was going.

I chuckled and got up. "Ok, ok," I walked to the counter and made some coffee for myself. I turned around and caught her looking at me. I smiled at her but didn't say anything.

I saw her stare at me as I knew she didn't know what was going on. She continued to eat and I stood there watching her. After a moment, she told me that she had to leave for work and I watched her grab her things before walking to me and kissing me.

I smiled against her lips and I couldn't stop smiling after we pulled back. She smiled at me, "I'll see you when I get home," I nodded as I watched her walk out the door.

I sighed and looked up, "Thank you," I smiled as I decided to pass time before this evening.

*

It was around two when Richard and Stephanie came over, and of course we still had another two hours before Carol came home, and I was calm about the whole thing because I knew that this was going to be the greatest party ever.

Richard's friends all pitched in to help. Stephanie's friends came too, and I was honestly happy. As an hour went by, everything was coming together as usual, and it looked amazing. I couldn't wait until Carol saw it again.

As I was standing in the living room with Stephanie and her friends, Richard came up to me. "Hey Terry, I need you to go to the store,"

I stared at him and I knew what was coming. "Um," I played dumb. "For what?" I asked

"Someone forgot the candles," he looked over at Stephanie and I saw Stephanie glare at him.

"I did not forget them, you did," I watched them for a while until I knew I had to come up with an excuse.

"I don't really want to," he stared at me. "I don't think I will make the best errand girl in this situation," I shrugged. "Too nervous," I lied.

He nodded, "Alright, I'll go," he said something to Stephanie and I thanked God above.

So far, nothing bad is happening.

I saw Phyllis and made my way to her. She smiled when she saw me and instantly pulled me into a hug. "I was wondering where you were," she said as we pulled back.

I pointed behind me, "I was standing right over there," I chuckled as she rolled her eyes.

I looked her over and couldn't have been more proud of her. When I looked at her stomach, I instantly knew and I smiled at her as she gave me a confused look. "What?" she asked.

I shrugged then heard Addison run up to me and I smiled as I picked her up. "There you are! You're getting so big!" I smiled at her.

She smiled back, "That's what mommy always says!" I chuckled as I looked over at Phyllis who was smiling at her.

I sat Addison down and watched as she ran away. I chuckled as Phyllis turned towards me, "She's a mess," I nodded as I looked at her.

"I know." I stare at her, "But don't worry about her. You're a great mom, so I know you'll teach her the ways," she stared at me for a moment and I just smiled.

I heard Richard come back and I looked over at him as he handed the candles to Stephanie. I looked around at everyone and I couldn't stop smiling.

After a moment, I heard someone yell, "She's here!"

I heard Richard yell and he told everything to hide. I hid with Phyllis as we both hid behind something.

The door opened and when we heard footsteps in the living room, everyone jumped up and screamed.

"Surprise!"

The look on Carol's face was priceless just as the first time and I couldn't help but laugh. Her eyes lit up as she looked around and even from where I was, I could see tears in her eyes.

I made my way to her and when she saw me, she broke down crying. I pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back, "Happy birthday babe," she hugged me back tighter.

When she pulled back, she wiped her eyes and smiled at me, "Thank you," she leaned in and kissed me and I smiled against her lips. When we pulled back, everyone started walking to her so I backed off again and let her have her space.

I watched as she kept a smile on her face and that's what made me smile. As the party started, I was in the backyard with Phyllis and Gregory. Richard was cooking on the grill and everyone was talking and laughing.

"Terry," I looked over at Phyllis as she smiled at me. "I have something to tell you," I smiled at her as she looked around then pulled me away from everyone.

I knew what she was going to say, but I had to play dumb again. "What's up?" I watched as she took a deep breath and looked at me.

"I'm pregnant,"

The biggest smile formed on my lips, "Congrats!" I pulled her into a hug and even though I already knew it was coming, I still felt happiness inside of me. I pulled back and looked at her, "How long?"

"About three weeks," she smiled and I smiled back.

I pulled her into a hug. "I'm so happy for you,"

She rubbed my back and thanked me. After we talked a little while longer, we headed back towards everyone. I smiled at Gregory when I saw him and he smiled back. I congratulated him as I hugged him.

I found Carol and I excused myself as I walked over to her. She was talking to someone and I smiled at her, "Baby," she turned to me and smiled.

"There you are," she smiled at me. "Where have you been?" she asked.

I shrugged, "My sister had to tell me something," I smiled at her. "Are you enjoying the party?"

She nodded and smiled, "Yes, thank you so much babe," she pulled me into a hug. "This means so much to me,"

I hugged her back as I felt everything inside of me catch fire all at once.

*

The next morning I woke up to a light shining in my eyes, and when I finally opened them, I noticed that it was the sun peeking through the curtains. I stretched and noticed that the bed was empty. I sat up and looked around and my eyes landed on the clock next to the bed.

8:15

Of course I slept in again. I rolled my eyes and got up to get dressed. I knew it was Tuesday and I knew that I had work later today, and to be honest, I couldn't wait.

As I was brushing my teeth, I thought about something and I stopped to stare at my reflection. I knew that something was happening today, and I knew exactly what it was.

I smiled at myself as I finished brushing my teeth. As I was walking out of the bathroom, I stopped and looked towards the drawer in the table next to the bed.

Should I?

I mean, I already know what's in there, but if this is real, and what is written inside is there, then I know that I'm not crazy about this whole situation.

But, Carol has a funny thing about her privacy and if she finds out, then we'll just fight again.

I sighed as I didn't know what was right or wrong in this situation and it was giving me a headache as my brain was arguing back and forth.

I took a deep breath and walked out of the room.

This was the best decision.

*

After I parked outside of my work, I walked in and was greeted by an employee. I smiled at then and I walked to the back and sat down as soon as someone walked in. "Oh shit, I didn't think you would come today,"

I looked up and was met by those pairs of green eyes and I couldn't help but smile at her.

She stopped, "Oh wait, you're not Charles,"

I smiled and shook my head, "No, I'm Terry," I got up and walked to her and extended my hand out

She smiled and shook it, "I'm Genevieve, I'm new, of course,"

I chuckled, "I kind of figured,"

She chuckled and tucked her hair behind her ear, "Yeah, I thought that Charles was on today then I knew he wasn't so I saw someone walk in this room and thought it was him and-" she cut herself off. "I'm sorry, I'm rambling,"

I chuckled, "It's ok,"

She smiled, "I'm a counsellor,"

I nodded, "So am I," I chuckled when her eyes lit up.

"Cool! So we'll be seeing a lot of each other," I nodded and she smiled. "Ok, well, I guess I'll see you around. Nice meeting you Terry,"

I smiled as I sat back down. I sighed, "Today is going to be great,"

The day went on, and Genevieve was in my class to learn about how I teach. I couldn't help but smile as she was watching me.

That girl, Ally, went first and I knew what her story was going to be. But just as the first time, it hit hard but I held it together.

It was silent after she was done until everyone started clapping and cheering for her. I also was clapping because she deserves it.

After she got done, I caught sight of Genevieve and she was watching me. She smiled at me and I smiled back.

After class ended, I was putting the papers back in my notebook when I saw Genevieve walk towards me. She smiled at me, "That was an amazing class,"

I smiled at her, "Thank you,"

"You'll have to teach me your skills because I most likely suck," she chuckled and I smiled.

I nodded, "I sure will,"

She smiled, "Maybe we can hang out?"

"Yeah, of course," she told me where she hangs out a lot and I nodded.

Starbucks, of course.

We sat down at a table and she continued to talk, "So, I saw that ring on your hand," I looked down at my hand then back at her and smiled. She smiled, "Who's the lucky guy?"

I chuckled, "Woman,"

She stared at me before smiling, "Oh wow, that's great," I nodded and looked down at my ring. "So, how long have you been married?"

I looked back up at her, "Six years," she nodded and I continued, "Her name is Carol,"

"Pretty name," she smiled. "How did you meet?"

I shrugged, "Like everyone else, I guess. Fate had a funny way of putting us together,"

She smiled, "That's cute,"

I smiled, "So, what about your girl?" I stopped and stared at her as she was staring at me.

"How did you know I was into girls?" she asked.

"Um, I just assumed," I stuttered as she was staring at me. "Gaydar," I shrugged and she started laughing.

She nodded, "That was a good one," she smiled at me. "But yeah, I'm gay and I'm in a complicated relationship," she shrugged.

I smiled, "I doubt that," she stared at me. "Just because you and her might see things differently doesn't mean it's complicated. She may be a handful but she's worth it in the end,"

She stared at me for a moment, "Ok, are you like a stalker?" she asked.

I chuckled, "No, but you can say that I have been in a situation like this before," she nodded and I smiled, "So, what's her name?"

She smiled, "Genesia,"

I wanted to laugh but decided against it. "Are you sure that's her real name?" I asked.

She nodded, "Yes,"

I raised an eyebrow, "Are you one hundred percent sure that you're not just using a ship name?" she stared at me in shock and I chuckled.

"Ok, this is freaking me the hell out," she stared at me. "How did you-"

I cut her off, "I just have a sense about those things," I chuckled. "So, what's her real name?"

She sighed, "Elysia,"

I nodded, "Pretty name," I smiled as she smiled. We talked a little while longer until everyone was already done visiting.

"I really like talking to you," Genevieve said as we were walking out.

I smiled at her, "I liked talking to you too,"

She smiled as we were outside in the parking lot. "We should hang out soon. I would love to meet your wife, and I want you to meet my girlfriend too,"

I smiled, "Of course. We can meet up at my house Saturday, how about that?"

She smiled, "Sounds amazing," I watched as she walked away and I got into my car.

That night, there was no fighting. No arguing. No privacy lecture. It was just Carol and I, cuddled on the couch watching TV.

I looked up at her as my head was on her chest, "You know I love you, right?" I asked.

Her eyes landed on me and she smiled, "Of course, and you know that I love you," she kissed my head and I felt happiness in my stomach.

I sighed and watched TV.

This was how it's supposed to be, and it was going to continue to be this way no matter what.

*

Richard, Stephanie and I were walking through the mall and it was different this time. It was different every time. Richard wasn't laughing because I didn't have a hickey on my neck this time, and it felt good to not hear his annoying laughter.

We were walking and I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I took it out and saw an unknown number text me. I opened the message:

Hey! I think I see you o.O

I smiled and texted back:

I see you too, Genevieve

I turned around and saw her as she was looking at me confused. I chuckled as I walked to her. She stared at me, "How did you know that it was me?"

I shrugged, "I'm smart like that and," I pulled my phone out, "Your number was at the top," I could see that she wanted to facepalm herself.

Yes, I saved her number this time.

I heard Richard come up behind me, "Terry!" he stopped when he saw Genevieve. "Who's this?" he looked Genevieve over and I saw Genevieve smile at him.

"I'm Genevieve," she extended her hand out and they shook hands. "I'm Terry's work partner," she looked at me. "Or whatever you might call me,"

I chuckled and looked at Richard who was staring at me. I smiled, "She works at the rehab centre with me and we met Tuesday," I looked back at Genevieve and smiled.

Richard nodded but didn't say anything and I knew what was about to happen. I watched as he kept looking at Genevieve then back at me. He then looked back and sighed, "Stephanie left us,"

I smiled then looked at Genevieve, "We better get going," she nodded. "Don't forget Saturday,"

She smiled, "I won't,"

I smiled, "I'll text you the address," she nodded as we said our goodbyes then walked away.

Richard looked at me, "What's happening Saturday?" he asked.

"Genevieve is wanting to meet Carol," I looked at him as he was staring at me. "and I want to meet her girlfriend," he nodded and kept walking as I smiled. "Richard, you're my best friend, you know that, right?" he nodded but didn't look at me. "I won't replace you this time," I chuckled as he stared at me.

"How did you-"

I cut him off, "Let's go find Stephanie before she leaves us,"

On the ride home, the same idea that I had before popped into my head and of course even though Carol and I didn't have a fight, I still wanted to be the best wife ever.

I asked Stephanie to stop at a store and when we parked, I ran inside. I grabbed the biggest bouquet of flowers they had and paid for them. I walked out and got back into the car and saw Richard look at me as Stephanie was pulling out.

"What are those for?" he asked as he looked at the flowers.

I smiled, "My wife," I admired the flowers as I couldn't slap this smile off my face.

It was around noon again, and I knew that it was almost lunch time, but she had a free period, so I wasn't in any hurry.

I didn't look down at the flowers this time as I was walking through the hall. I knew that Billy was around the corner and I was about to run into him.

On cue, I saw him and smiled, "Billy!" I yelled.

He looked at me confused but soon realised who I was, "Terry?" he smiled as I smiled and nodded. "Holy shit! I haven't seen you in forever!"

I chuckled, "It's been a while, that's for sure," I looked him over, "You look great,"

He smiled, "Thanks, so do you,"

He smiled then nodded towards the flowers. "So, what are you doing here?"

I smiled, "I'm bringing my wife some flowers,"

He raised his eyebrow, "Your wife, huh? That's cool," he smiled and I smiled back.

"So," I looked at him, "Let me guess, your nephew got into a fight?"

He gave me a confused look, "How did you know?"

I shrugged, "Lucky guess,"

He smiled, "Damn, that was a good guess," I chuckled. He nodded, "But yeah, he got into another fight and I swear he's just like me," he shook his head and I chuckled. "Well, I'll let you go. It was good to see you," I nodded and watched him walk away before he turned and looked at me. "Tell Mrs. Aird, I said hey,"

I rolled my eyes and walked to the classroom that always seemed to make my heart skip a beat.

I opened it and saw Carol sitting at her desk. I smiled as I walked to her and knew exactly what was going to happen.

But, my heart still raced.

*

Saturday came in a heated rush and it felt like time was flying by. Nothing too exciting happened this week, besides the fact that Carol and I made love countless times, but who would want details of that?

As Carol and I were cuddling up on the couch, I heard the doorbell and I instantly smiled as I got up to answer it. As I opened the door, I saw Genevieve and Elysia standing there.

I moved out of the way to let them in and Genevieve smiled at me, "Terry," I looked at her. "This is my girlfriend, Elysia," she smiled at me.

I smiled at Elysia, "Nice to meet you,"

She smiled back, "You too,"

I led them into the living room where Carol was, "Babe, I want you to meet someone," she looked at me as I brought Genevieve and Elysia in.

She stood up and introduced herself and I couldn't help but feel like this was the right path I was going down, and I couldn't stop smiling.

After a while, we all sat at the table and was talking about things. I kept looking over at Carol and smiling because I was honestly happy and nothing could beat it, and nothing will.

*

It's been a week, and I have made progress by not doing the things that would make everything fall apart. I avoided all the obstacles that I knew would bring me back to where I was, and I did not want that to happen.

I still don't understand what exactly is going on because I'm still thinking I'm crazy, but I know that I am going to keep doing the right thing and avoiding everything.

Was it a dream?

Was everything that I encountered a dream the whole time?

It felt too real to be a dream but to everyone else, it didn't happen.

Everyone was oblivious to everything that I went through, but I guess I didn't actually go through it.

Carol was just as confused as I was when I told her about everything that happened, and that's when I realised that it wasn't true. None of it was true. None of that happened to me, or to anyone else.

It just a twisted, fucked up dream that I thought was reality.

When it was actually reality; it was just a dream.