Thanks To You!

I woke up the next morning with a strong smell of alcohol around me. Once my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw a bottle sitting on the table in front of me. That’s when it hit me, I started a drinking game by myself. Every time something specific happened in the movie, I had to take a shot. Turns out, I ended up drinking the whole bottle. Whoops.

I got myself of the couch and started my walk up the stairs to see if Vic was still passed out on our bed. When I got up there, he was sleeping on the floor with a bottle still in his hand. I sighed, slowly approaching him before I started putting the empty bottles in the bathroom bin. The bottles clinked and clanked still not waking Vic.

I had to leave the house, so I could just think about the hell is happening in my brain. Luckily I have work today. I changed in the bathroom up in my bedroom before I walked out and saw Vic slowly picking himself up off the floor. I walked over to him and helped him up, helping him stand in front of me. He looked up at me with a sad smile before placing his arms around my waist.

‘I’m super sorry about everything Jack. I love you and I over-reacted. I’m so stupid.’ He said.

I don’t know what to say, he hardly apologizes to me. He really must mean it. I just put my arms around him before leaning back a little bit and kissing his sweet lips.

‘I have to go to work now Vic. I love you and can we please talk after?’ I questioned as I let Vic go.

He nodded his head in acceptance before he headed to the bathroom. ‘I love you too’ was yelled from behind the bathroom door.

I got everything ready for work before I left to go. On my way to work, I called Zack to see if he can meet me in my office for a talk.

On arrival, I saw Alex’s car was already in his car space. I didn’t smile at the thought of seeing him today. I walked past and walked into the building, saying good morning to the girls behind reception. The elevator music just made me feel more depressed and hungover then before. I should really change it to something much happier.

I walked past Zack’s office and gave it a quick knock on the way past, indicating that I was here and am ready to meet him. I reached my office and walked in seeing Alex at his desk doing the paperwork that needed to be done.

‘Morning Jack. You have a coffee on your desk already.’ Alex said as he looked up slightly before looking back at his work.

‘Thanks Alex.’ I replied before continuing my walk in. That felt too strange, no having a casual talk. It was too professional and I don’t like it.

I had just sat down at my desk when Zack walked in.

‘Dude, you look like shit.’ He said.

‘Thank you so much. That’s the look I was going for today.’ I replied.

‘Right, so what happened?’

‘Well, is marrying Vic the right thing to do?’

‘Of course it is! Vic is the love of your life.’ Zack said.

‘I’m second guessing.’ I replied.

‘Is this because of you know who?’

‘Yes, because of Rian.’ I replied, making Zack shake his head.

‘I’m going to hit you.’ Zack said.

‘Yes, okay. It’s him. Old connections.. ah feelings are reoccurring.’

‘Vic has been there for you longer… don’t second guess yourself. I have to get going now, meetings but let’s have lunch together.’ Zack said as he got up off the chair.

‘Okay, see you then buddy.’ I replied. Zack walked out the door and closed it again.

What was I meant to do in this situation. I want my friendship with Alex to reform again but I can’t have Vic and I breaking up because of this. I need someone to cover for me.

I just thought about who i sometimes talk to and Vic does totally hate and will get mad over if I ‘hang out’ with.

I got it! I will message Josh. I keep in touch with him because of what he did in high school. I will never forget what happened and it is now on of my biggest nightmares.

But before I get a alibi, I will still have to talk to Vic about this.

The end of the day came about really fast. During the whole day, all Alex and I talked about was work. Nothing about how we were, nothing about Melody, which really made me sad. I loved talking about her, just her name mad Alex smile that beautiful smile.

I was packing up and clearing my desk when Alex walked in with a bunch of flowers and a card. He stood at the door with a smile.

‘Hi Jack. These came for you’ He said as he walked over and placed them on my desk.

‘These look like the flowers from our river. Are they?’ I replied.

‘Yeah, I wanted to apologize for being such a dramatic human being.’ He mentioned.

‘Lex, it’s fine. You haven’t done anything to make me upset. I am just worried is all.’ I stated.

‘Don’t read the card till I leave okay. That took about 2 hours to think of what to write.’ Alex turned around walked out of the office without another word.

I closed my briefcase and sat back down on my chair, looking at the envelope. I didn’t know what to expect but I don’t think I will be reading it tonight. I need to get home and talk to Vic. I placed the card in brief case before walking out and heading home.

When I got home, I could smell my favourite dish being cooked. Roast pork and vegetables. I think Vic was trying to get me to forgive him a lot faster... was I ready to forgive though?

I walked into the kitchen and saw Vic dishing up the plates. He looked up when he heard me enter and smiled to me before he finished the plates. He took the plates to the table, where we both took a seat. He smiled to me as I took my tie off, looking at me with a evil grin. I kind of looked away in fear as I haven’t felt this feeling in such a long time.

‘How was your day?’ I started the conversation.

‘Yeah, good. I didn’t have to work so I just caught up on some house work before watching a couple movies. How was your day honey?’ he replied.

‘Good thanks, a lot of paper work though.’ I said.

We sat in silent, the cutlery hitting the plate making the only noise while we ate. There was occasional eye contact but nothing more.

Vic got up and placed his plate in the sink, forcefully. He looked over at me with anger.
‘How long are you going to stay mad at me Jack?’ He yelled, making me cower away in fear.

He walked up to me and slammed his hands on the table next to me. His eyes showed so much hate and I could smell the slightest smell of alcohol on his breath. Of course he has been drinking. That’s all he does these days.

‘Vic, you’ve been drinking again. I am saying this because I love you but I think you have a problem.’ I stated.

Vic removed his hands off the table and looked at me, fists clenched. He pulled his hands back before one hand made contact with my face.

‘Jack, do you want to know what my problem is? You are my problem and I am getting sick of you hanging out with Alex. I am sick of you talking about him. He isn’t your boyfriend but I am. I need you to pay attention to me and love me. And if you don’t do that and love him or even mention him. Think of him, I will do what I did just then.’ Vic threatened as he walked away.

I sat at the table with my hand resting on my face as I heard Vic stomp away with rage. I gathered my things and decided that I have to do what Vic has said because I can’t have this happen again, not again. It will really fuck me up again.

I grabbed out my phone and went to my messages with Alex. I read over them before sending a quick message Alex, I can now only be your boss. We can’t be friends and we can’t be anything, just boss and assistant. I am sorry.

I opened my brief case and grabbed out the letter. I know I was safe to read it because Vic slammed the bedroom door and I was down stairs out of sight. I opened the door to the backyard and proceeded to the swing in the corner.

I ripped the envelope open and pulled out a card, just a goofy picture on the front. I opened it up pulled out a bunch of cash. The card read;

Jack,
Thank you so much for helping me when I needed you the most.
I will be there for you any time you need.
Here is the money you gave me for Melody to start school. I have a job now because of you and I could never be more grateful
I love you Jack, always have and most probably will.
Alex.

I looked at the card and walked over to the fire pit. I looked at the card as it fell into the ashes from our previous fire. It sat there, open, words staring at me in the face. I lent down and picked up the box of matched we kept next to the fire. I lit one and dropped it on top of the card, it slowly burning a hole in the middle.

Soon after, the card was just another pile of ashes in the fire pit.

Jack, what do you mean? Are you okay? Alex replied. I looked at the message, staring at it then without thinking, deleting Alex’s number without a reply.

Notes

I am a lowsy person. omg, i am so sorry!
It has been two months. life is getting hard.