by King, C. M
I nodded as a tear broke free from my eye, which he quickly swiped away with his thumb.
“Hey, we don’t want to ruin this beautiful made up face, we’re going to have so much fun tonight. I’m going to get you away from what goes on inside this pretty little head of yours. Tonight is all about forgetting and partying till we can’t stand anymore.”
I smiled at his enthusiasm. “Perfect, that’s just what I need.”
“So madam, are we ready to go?” he asked in an overly posh accent, holding out his arm. I slipped my own into the crook of his, setting off for what would be one hell of a night.
When we arrived at Dukes we were taken to a large table, I was guessing from the fancy tableware it was definitely ours. I could almost guarantee Elijah would have popped in earlier, just to scrutinise and make sure everything was perfect for tonight. There were place cards stood around the table, I was slightly miffed that I wasn’t sitting next to Elijah. Though it was no coincidence, he was more than likely trying to push me into being more sociable.
He came back smiling with a round of drinks from the bar. I quickly took several gulps of the vodka for some Dutch courage before I sat down, feeling awkward when everyone else began to arrive. The majority of people I didn’t recognise, they had formed friendships with Elijah through Sam, and much to my dismay, they were all couples. I instantly regretted coming, suddenly feeling like the spare wheel amongst everyone else. By now I was on my third vodka, I hadn’t had much to eat, so on an empty stomach it was going straight to my head. But I wasn’t going to survive this night sober. The last empty chair was beside me as everyone talked amongst themselves. I sat feeling like the odd ball until finally the last person arrived. My eyes instantly shot Elijah a look of anger when the chair was pulled out beside me.
“Hey, Iz.” Ryan smiled, taking his place. Elijah squirmed slightly under my death stare. He had made no mention that Ryan was attending tonight. He knew I wouldn’t be amused by his meddling.
“Hey,” I replied, quickly taking another sip of my drink. By the looks of it, I would need plenty more before the night was through.
“So I haven’t seen you around much, how are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks.” It was all I could manage. I wasn’t mentally ready to be in another guy’s company. I was certain once the meal was over I was definitely heading home.
We all ordered our starters as the general buzz of voices once again filled the air.
“You look really gorgeous tonight, Iz. The colour suits you, you almost look angelic.” His eyes lingered on me longer than was acceptable, and I felt a shiver of unease run down my spine.
I scoffed as his remark, taking another swig of vodka.
Angelic?
I felt far from it.
Elijah was now in full swing, telling stories as everyone looked on in great amusement. Sam just sat back, letting him take the full limelight. I barely touched each course. My only appetite was for what stood in front of me in the glass.
Ryan was sat sipping on his beer, chatting to the person sat beside him. But his worrying glances hadn’t gone unnoticed, watching me slowly finish glass after glass. I declined dessert and Elijah shot me a look, but I chose to ignore it. I was in no state to talk to him at the moment. It was his birthday and for that reason alone I would remain quiet, but after tonight we were definitely having words.
I got up to go to the toilet, but my legs slightly buckled underneath me.
“Whoa, Iz, are you okay?” Ryan asked, bringing attention to me so everyone turned in reaction to his voice.
Fantastic.
“I’m fine,” I shot back, walking off.
But I wasn’t.
I could feel myself slightly stumble with each step, but I needed no help from anyone. After rinsing my hands I took a look in the mirror, my eyes were glassy and I could barely focus. I stood leaning against the counter, waiting for the room to stop spinning.
Opening the door I was surprised to find Elijah stood waiting, he pushed himself off the wall instantly coming over. “Iz, what’s wrong?”
Was he actually joking?
“What’s wrong? Oh I don’t know, maybe inviting me to your birthday meal and trying to set me up with Ryan. So then I’ll fit in with all your coupled friends.”
He instantly frowned at my accusation. “That’s not what I was trying to do.”
I held up my hand cutting him off. “Save it, I’m out of here.”
“But we’re going to the new club in town.”
I spun around and then regretted it, losing my balance. My body was now leaning against the wall to maintain some kind of upright position. “Yeah, I don’t think even you are blind enough to see I’m already hammered and can barely walk. After the night from hell sat there feeling like a spare wheel, or left talking to the guy who flirts with me religiously. You know I’m not in that place yet, but you still chose to take it upon yourself to push me into it before I was even ready.”
“Iz . . .” he pleaded, but I just wasn’t interested.
“Do me a favour, Elijah and just leave me alone, go back to your happy friends and just let me be.”
I made to storm off, but he grabbed my arm, pulling me back. “Iz, don’t leave like this, please.”
“It’s too late. I don’t want to be here. I never wanted to come in the first place, but as usual you had to have it your way, because let’s face it, what’s new? You never see farther than your own nose as long as everything is perfect for you. I don’t need to be sat on a table filled with happy couples to know how alone I am, but thanks for the reminder.”
“I never thought . . .” His eyes left mine, dropping down to the floor.
“No, you never do—I’m going home.”
“Let me come with you.” His eyes stared deep into mine in an attempt to sway my decision.
“No, thanks, the star of the show can’t leave.”
His hand dropped from my arm and a look of hurt quickly crossed his face. “You don’t have to be a bitch, Iz.”
“Well, that’s how I feel. Oh and by the way . . .” I popped open my clutch bag, grabbing the present I’d bought and tossed it to him. “Happy birthday.”
I walked off without saying another word. Tears streamed down my face as I walked outside, instantly feeling the cold night air hit my skin. I pulled off both shoes to steady my balance and headed towards the taxi rank. Tonight had been the night from hell, and I for one, just wanted it to be over.
Chapter 3 – Friend In Need
The next day I woke up in complete hell. It took a few moments for everything to register before it all came flooding back. I groaned in an attempt to try to move, but my body was not being compliant with my request, every movement was complete agony. I prepared myself for the torture, popping open an eye, feeling the light sear against my eyeball.
Oh god, the pain.
It snapped shut, trying to protect itself from further torture. My mouth desperately cried out for water, but I didn’t have the strength or energy to move. After several minutes of contemplation and wishful thinking, I dragged myself from the bed. Stumbling towards the bathroom, I was hoping a shower would rejuvenate and wash away the grimy hangover feeling.
After my shower I pulled on my sweats and a T-shirt. I quickly towel dried my hair, then went off in search of water and tablets. I was hoping they would quickly ease the headache that was currently ripping my head in half.
I managed to nip in and out without being noticed, quickly settling back on my bed, pulling a blanket around myself as I sat staring at the television. My eyes were focused on the images, but I remained oblivious to what was happening on screen.
My phone pinged and I lifted it up, already knowing who it would be. Elijah had left several texts pleading for me to ring him, but I had no intention in easing his guilty conscience. I tossed the phone back down and curled up, feeling a lowly tear trickle down my face. I had been betrayed by the one person I thought I could trust. Right now
I just needed space to come to terms with that.
A while later a light rap broke me from my trance, and my eyes automatically flicked towards the door. “Come in,” I said out of politeness, though I wasn’t exactly in the mood for company.
The door slowly creaked open, and my eyes widened when I noticed who it was stood there, looking slightly hesitant.
“Hey, Iz,” Ryan said. “Your mum let me in. I just wanted to check if you were okay after last night. Elijah texted me a few times, he’s really worried about you.” He hung back like he was waiting for permission to enter. I motioned with my head to come in, and he walked over, perching himself on the end of my bed.
I jumped in before he had chance to speak. “Elijah had no right to do what he did last night.”
He frowned at my harsh words. “In Elijah’s defence he was only trying to help.”
My eyes flashed to his in anger. “What right has he to decide I’m ready to move on? He just took it upon himself as usual, to stick his nose into other people’s business, regardless of whether I’m ready or not.”
“I know but—”
“No buts, and if that’s all you came around for, then you can just leave. I don’t want to discuss it anymore.” I huffed, crossing my arms, feeling defensive.
Ryan’s eyes softened slightly. “Fine, we won’t discuss it. You guys will just have to work it out yourselves. I just wanted to check on you. You know you worried me last night the state you were in.”
“Sorry.” My eyes dropped down to the blanket as I picked at it awkwardly, embarrassed by the state I’d got myself in to. I had totally lost it.
“I just don’t like to see you like that, turning to drink is not the way to go.”
I expelled a loud puff of air. “And what is?”
He grabbed my laptop and began booting it up. Once the screen sprung to life he began typing, then smiled joining me as we both sat side by side while I looked on in bewilderment. “A Netflix marathon, what do you fancy watching?”
It wasn’t as effective as drink, but under my present circumstances that was definitely not an option. “Anything that will distract me.” It would take a sledgehammer to the head to make me forget, but right now anything he offered would be gratefully received.
“You might regret saying that. How do you feel about a serial killer with a twist?” His eyes widened, and he grinned as my lips twitched at his enthusiasm.
“I’d have to say as long as it isn’t anything happy, then I am totally up for it.”
He nestled down next to me with the laptop angled so we could both see. I could feel the heat of his arm against my skin, and I prickled against his touch.
“Cold?” he asked, feeling me shiver.
“Just a little,” I lied, pulling the blanket farther up. As the credits began to roll I lost myself for the next few hours, welcoming the distraction from my overly busy head.
* * *
I awoke a while later to find Ryan had gone and the laptop closed, sat perched upon my desk. I blinked several times before checking the time on my phone; it was four in the afternoon. I didn’t even remember nodding off. The hangover was back in full force, feeling the pain slicing through my head once again. I headed downstairs towards the kitchen, quickly making a sandwich and grabbing a drink.
I could hear my mother and Mike’s voices filtering through, but I was not great company to join them. I quickly walked back to my room, rejecting Elijah’s sixth attempt to call. I swiftly typed out a text asking him to give me some space before I switched it off, not in the mood to wait for an explanation. It was pointless. We needed time away from each other. He would try to fight it though, but I had no desire to listen to his complaints of me being unreasonable. All that had gone out the window when he chose to go against my wishes.
* * *
Ryan began stopping by every day. We were now on the Easter break so I was grateful I didn’t have to try to avoid Elijah at college. We were slowly but surely making our way through the box set and he was right, serial killers had a way of truly making you forget. I enjoyed the escapism I had with Ryan for those few hours a day. Though once he had gone I quickly returned back to my own state of misery again.
On the fourth day he dragged me out, and we’d taken a stroll through the park. It had felt good to get some fresh air through my lungs after days spent confined in my room. On the way back we stopped at Starbucks. His treat was to buy me a caramel latte. I took a seat in the corner, my concentration on watching the world go by out the window.
When Ryan brought the drinks over, my eyes instantly zoned in on the couple of brownies sat there on the tray. He placed them down smiling, giving me a wink before taking the tray back.
We were half way into a discussion about who would fare better in a zombie apocalypse. Ryan had taken it upon himself to say he would be the king of all survival. Little did he know my survival skills were a well-charged Kindle and constant supply of chocolate, and that would be more than enough to keep me entertained.
It was half way through our intense discussion that I heard his voice. My eyes naturally flicked up to meet his wounded ones as he watched our jokey interactions. Ryan stopped talking while my eyes remained on Elijah’s until he followed my line of sight. He made to move to go over to speak to him, but I grabbed him holding him back.
Elijah’s eyes widened at my actions, watching Ryan turn back to me in dismay as I began to talk to him like he was no longer there. I heard him complete his order, and he stood staring at us for a few moments longer. But I refused to acknowledge him again, jumping moments later when he banged the door hard behind him.
“Iz, go after him. This is stupid. You were best friends,” Ryan pleaded, much to my annoyance.
“Were being the operative word, it can’t be undone. I think it’s best for both of us that we have some time away from each other.”
“You’ll regret this, Iz. You shouldn’t allow things like this to come between you.”
My eyes flashed to his. “Look, Ryan, if you carry on with this constant barrage of criticism, then I’ll be cutting you out next too—”
“Wow, you can be a mean spirited little thing, can’t you?”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Just try me.”
“Well, I don’t want to get on the wrong side of you, what can I do to make it up to you?”
“Another brownie would be great.” I grinned, sliding the empty plate over to him.
He smiled at my directness. “Ahh, so the way to your heart is through chocolate then?”
“Exactly.”
“Duly noted.” He smiled, walking back over to the counter, placing the order as guilt consumed me. Closing my eyes I could see Elijah staring back, and I questioned whether I had done the right thing, but it was done now. Our friendship had been ripped open, and I was doubtful that anything would ever salvage it.
* * *
My phone rang for the fifth time that day, I snatched it up in annoyance surprised to see Sam’s name flash up on the screen.
“Hey, Sam.”
“Oh, Izzy, thank god.”
The tone of his voice had me instantly on edge. “What’s up, Sam?”
“It’s Elijah. I don’t know what to do—”
I immediately sat up in bed. “Tell me what’s wrong?”
“He’s locked himself in the bathroom. He’s been drinking for the last few days heavily, but today it’s worse. He’s already drank three quarters of a bottle of vodka, and I’m scared what he’ll do . . .” His voice drifted off, and my heart began beating faster at his words.
“Have you tried breaking down the door?”
“I have, but it’s solid wood and it’s not budging. His mum has gone away for the week, and I have no one else to turn to. I know things aren’t great with you both right now, but he needs you, Iz. Right now he needs his best friend, so I’m begging you please come help him.”
I sat contemplating for a few moments. Would I just make things worse?
>
“Please, Iz, he needs you.” The begging tone of his voice sent a shiver through me. I knew I had to help.
“I’m on my way.”
Sam let out a huge sigh of relief as I leapt out of bed, quickly dressing before ringing a taxi. Luckily my mother and Mike were in bed. I slipped out without any interrogation, walking out into the cool, dark night, not knowing exactly what I would be walking into.
I pulled up a few minutes later outside Elijah’s house, and Sam soon came barrelling out the door to greet me. The look of fear he held made me walk faster, and I quickly hugged him before he pulled me inside.
“Iz, he’s not good, he keeps muttering things about the past. I’m scared as he’s never mentioned it before, and now since the drink he’s becoming more loose lipped, letting things slip. He’s bottled away so many things. He’s doesn’t normally let me in, but since this big fight it’s triggered something deep inside him.”
I anxiously bit my lip, trying to process all the information. Unable to believe my strong, funny friend had been reduced to this within a week, and all of it was my undoing.
I hesitated before knocking on the door. “Elijah,” I asked shakily, my voice giving away just how scared I was right now.
“Just leave me alone. It’s just like it was before, I’m all alone and no one cares. I can’t take this anymore. I want it to stop—”
“Elijah.” I spoke more forcefully, hoping my voice would be heard this time. The room went quiet, and my heart started beating more erratically as my ears strained to hear any sign of movement.
“Elijah, open the door now, you’re scaring us.”
“Iz?” he whimpered.
“Yes, it’s me, I’m here. Now open the door.” My face was pressed against the cold, hard wood, my eyes closed as I willed him to listen to my voice and do as I asked.