40. Drew

“Dude, you packed way too much. You’re not moving in, Drew—it’s just a sleepover.”

I didn’t overpack. Jared is, as usual, overreacting.

“I brought my toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, facial wash, body wash, lotion, matching nightshirt and pants, a change of underwear, a suit for tomorrow with matching formal socks, and dress shoes. Okay… when I list it all out, it sounds like a lot, but it really isn’t.”

“Sure, Drew. I told you—you didn’t need pajamas. I have complementary onesies! I’ve been waiting for this moment forever and bought them just for this occasion!”

Jared pulls out a Batman and Robin pair of onesies. “Voila, bro! It’s a masterpiece! I am Batman, and you are Robin—because that’s just what makes sense.”

I shake my head. “I think the fuck not, Jared. Is any part of you sane? I’m wearing my own pajamas.”

“Oh, come on, Drew, don’t take this from me. I’ve been waiting for this for years. Okay, fine—I knew you’d be difficult, so I bought backup.” He pulls out Mario and Luigi onesies. “You’re Mario, and I’m Luigi—for obvious reasons.”

I wait. He doesn’t elaborate.

“Which is?” I ask.

He huffs and rolls his eyes. “Gosh, Drew, do you know anything outside of business and screwing up your relationship with Claire? According to Google, Luigi is often perceived as the ‘cooler’ brother because of his unique traits. Higher jumps, faster speed, more adventurous spirit. Mario is the more basic, predictable one. So naturally, I’m Luigi, and you’re boring-but-popular Mario. You’re welcome.”

I pick up the Batman onesie and start walking toward the bathroom but notice Jared’s shoulders drop as he grabs the Robin one. With a sigh, I drop Batman and grab Mario instead.

When I come out, Jared’s no longer in the living room. I follow the sound of his voice. As I near his room, I hear him whispering:

“Yeah, Dad. Tonight’s not a good time. I’ll call you tomorrow after work. Drew’s here, we’re hanging out.” He pauses. “No, I don’t think you should come over. I think Drew needs time. There’s a lot going on for him right now. I’m here for him, Dad—and I think that needs to be enough.”

Dad wants to come over? Does he live nearby?

I knock gently on the cracked door and step inside. “Don’t hang up, Jared. Can I talk to him?”

Jared, fully suited up in his Luigi onesie, looks at me like he’s asking if I’m sure. I nod.

Jared asks, “Dad, did you hear that? Drew wants to talk to you. Okay—but please don’t mess this up. It’s his first sleepover, and I had to practically bribe him to wear a onesie.”

I chuckle, nerves twisting in my gut, as I reach for the phone.

“Drew?”

It’s his voice. My dad.

I try to speak, but the words catch in my throat.

“Drew, son? It’s okay if you can’t talk. I just want you to know I love you. I’m sorry.”

I take a deep breath. What do I call him—Dad? Sir? John? Sperm donor?

“I understand why you did what you did, I do. But how could you not tell me Jared was my brother when you figured it out? How could you leave me with her? Was I not worth fighting for? I have so many questions, and I don’t know if the answers will make any of it hurt less.”

I pause. On the other end, I hear a waver in his voice—he’s crying, trying to stay quiet.

“Honey? What’s wrong? Who are you talking to?” A woman’s voice. She called him honey—my mother?

My heart pounds. I start to feel lightheaded.

“It’s Andrew, honey. He’s with Jared.”

I hear footsteps—fast—and then the phone is taken from him.

“What the hell, Jared?!”

“Hello, Mom? Hey, it’s Jared. Yes, he’s here, but I think it’s better if you all talk in person. The first time he speaks to you shouldn’t be on the phone.”

“Dude, what the fuck?” I reach over and snatch the phone from his hand.

“Hello? Mom?”

I realize what I’ve just said. I called her mom. A woman I’ve never met.

“Andrew? Oh God! An—Andrew?” She gasps. “My baby boy. Oh God, my baby!” She starts crying. “C-can I c-come see you? Oh John—it’s our baby.”

I hadn’t realized I was crying until Jared silently handed me a box of tissues.

“Yeah, Mom. You can come see me. Maybe tomorrow, or this weekend.”

I’m overwhelmed. Jared reaches for the phone.

“I—I gotta go.”

I hand the phone to Jared, afraid that saying goodbye might jinx everything.

“Hey Mom. Yeah, it’s Jared. I can bring him by, or maybe meet you in the city tomorrow. We’ll figure it out in the morning. Love you too. I always take care of him. Yep. Uh-huh. Bye.”

Jared looks at me. “Sorry, man. Dad’s been calling all evening. I stalled as long as I could.” He exhales. “That was heavy. You still wanna play some COD, or should I start from the beginning—catch you up on your existence from my perspective?”

I sigh. “I think you should start the story. I deserve to know.”