Replacement
Cyrus struggles to feel secure after Jay gets a new girlfriend and talks it over with Jeremy. (December 2022)
Jeremy’s voice drifted through the door, audible to anyone close enough to hear. “Did something happen between you and Alice?“
“No,“ Cyrus’s answer was sharp. “I barely know her.“
“Are you sure?“
“Yes. Nothing happened.“
“Alright, alright, I believe you. It’s just, I’ve noticed whenever she’s around, you tense up. Well, you get tenser than normal.“ His voice smiled, carrying the most mild of teasing.
But Cyrus didn’t sound amused. “It’s not about her.“
For a minute, their voices lapsed into silence. All that could be heard were Jeremy’s footfalls while he finished some task or another.
Eventually, Cyrus spoke again. “It’s Jay. She’s been my friend for a long time.“ He stopped, as if that explained everything.
Jeremy let Cyrus have a few moments of quit before he answered. “You know, I’ve seen you all hang out together. Jay’s been trying hard to include you both; she’s not going to replace you.“
Cyrus snorted derisively. “You’re such an optimist.“
“Cyrus… Xander hasn’t replaced me, even with all the girlfriends he’s had,“ Jeremy said, so solemnly it made Cyrus snort.
“Who would want to replace you?“