Ultraviolet

Chapter Twenty-Nine: 21

Jess let me off early, citing that I looked pale, and the second I drudged myself up the stairs and into my bedroom, sleep overtook me.

Seconds later, I awoke to the front door being shut. At least it felt like seconds, but after a quick glance at my phone, I realised it was almost five in the morning. Without a plan in mind, I slipped out of bed and walked silently throughout the hallway.

I don't know what I expected.

But I certainly didn't expect this.

Hadeon was stumbling around the kitchen, his arms loudly pulling ever cabinet open. If it wasn't for the awkward twisting of his legs or the smell of "manly" drinks like whiskey and bourbon, the smile in his dark eyes was evidence enough that Hadeon was drunk.

"Violet!" He called, happier to see me than he'd ever been.

"Shh!" I hushed. "Jess and Jack are sleeping."

"Violet!" He repeated under his breath. "Do you know where the vodka is?"

Somehow, he was still speaking clearly. No mumbling or slurring.

"I don't think you need it." I sighed. Hadeon lived off being in control, being the protector of everyone. This weakened version of him scared me.

"He says we do." Hadeon states, his finger flying up to point behind me. My heart jumped into my throat as I flipped around. It was just Andy, sitting on the couch with his wide toothy smile.

"Andy, I think I've got this." I announced as politely as I could. "You can go home now."

"Go home? Nah, we're just getting started." He snarled.

"Found it!"

Hadeon joined Andy on the sofa, a clear bottle with blue writing in his hand. I though about giving up, going back to bed and leaving them to drink themselves blind. But, a small tug pulled at my heart when I saw Hadeon flopped down in his seat, barely recognisable in his current state. I might not like Hadeon, but I definitely couldn't just leave him like this. So, I joined them.

"What are we doing?"

"Hadeon and I were going to drink." Andy informed me.

"Just... drink? No game or anything?" I questioned.

"Men don't play games." Andy smirked, taking a shot straight from the bottle. "But you are welcome to join us."

"She wont." Hadeon guffawed.

"Is that so?" I shot back.

He nodded, a knowing smile on his lips. "I doubt you've ever even been drunk."

I snatched the bottle out of Andy's hand and took a gulp of what I'm certain was cleaning product, doing my best to hide my disgust. "Theres a first time for everything."

Hadeon took a gulp as dizziness started to fuzz in my brain, despite reminding myself that alcohol didn't work that quickly.

"You tap out?" Hadeon challenged.

I took the bottle again and a bigger shot, this time coughing through the burning down my throat.

"Do you tap out?" I spat back.

Hadeon, Andy, and I continued to take shots of the bottle. Hadeon didn't seem any more affected than he had been when he got home, but Andy's speech was slurred and his eyes droopy, and I felt like I had just spun in circles round the room despite being sitting comfortably the whole time.

"Can I ask you something?" I warbled at Hadeon. He nodded, not meeting my eyes. "Why did you decide to start drinking?"

Hadeon snapped his head to Andy and gave him a warning glare, before answering. "No reason."

"Is that why you're burning holes at Andy?"

"Burning holes?"

"You know what I mean!" I slapped his arm.

"Andy needs to be supervised." Hadeon slurred.

"Thats reasonable." I nodded. I stood up suddenly, the need to pee hitting me instantaneously. I stumbled back for a second, black dots covering my vision. I heard both boys stand up to catch me, but I just slapped away their helpful hands. "I'm fine!".

"Where are you going?" Andy questioned, a hint of anger in his voice.

"Empty the tank." I stated, slapping my stomach.