Imperfections Are Beautiful (Harry Styles)

I frowned as my eyes fell on the obstacle at my feet; my mother's limp and near-lifeless body on the floor beneath me. I simply gave her a gentle (or what I thought was gentle) kick in the side, but all I got in reply was a gargle and a groan, as she frowned and turned over so she was facing away from me. 

I felt my fists ball up in anger, as I took a deep breath and stepped over the overly-drunk woman. Numerous cans and bottles were littered around the living room, making me roll my eyes.

"Why" I muttered beneath my breath, yanking out a black bin liner and beginning to place the empty cans and bottles into it.

"I do wonder where you get all the money to buy this you know mum."

She groaned from the hallway, and again I rolled my eyes. Continuing to tear through the disgusting mess she had made, I came across something, buried beneath a few cans of Carling (which in fact was probably the most disgusting thing I had ever had the pleasure of tasting) . It was a small, tattered teddy bear, with one eye and one ear.

"Marcus" I whispered, picking it up and throwing the bag aside. I made my way into the hallway, stepping over the mess of a woman on the floor and climbing up the stairs.

A strong feeling of relief washed over me as I saw my own brother fast asleep in his bed, the sounds of his soft breathing surrounding the tiny bedroom. I placed his favourite teddy at his side, placing a soft kiss on his cheek and leaving him to rest peacefully. 

"Get up" I growled as I stepped over here for the umpteenth time. "Get up and get yourself to bed, I'm not letting Marcus see you like this" 

"Marcus" She grumbled, her eyes opening slowly. She slowly sat up, her hair tugged and tattered, dark circles underneath her eyes and dry vomit around her mouth. 

"You look like complete and utter shit mum" I stated honestly, almost wincing in disgust as I laid eyes on her. "You're lucky I'm still here to look after you." 

For a moment I thought she was going to slap me, but suddenly she was keeled over, and spewing pure vodka all over the wooden laminate. 

I let out a loud sigh, resorting to the kitchen where I grabbed the mop and a tub of disinfectant. 

"You're disgusting, do you know that?" 

She walked (or limped) past me, getting herself a glass of water and taking her usual seat at the kitchen table. 

I watched her whilst I mopped, a frown on my face. Why have I not left yet? I'm 19, I have a job, I've finished school, I'm managing. I don't need her. 

Marcus is why I haven't left yet. He needs me. 

Once I was done, I put away the mop and disinfectant, and continued clearing up the living room. I gave up with trying to conversate with her. 

"Bed. Now" I demanded, pointing towards the doorway. 

She sat staring blankly in my direction. 

"Mum, now" I demanded again, wincing at the word "mum". I didn't have one, not anymore. I don't know who this woman was but she definitely was not my mum. Not at all. 

She watched me, before pulling herself up and nearly falling over. I suppose she expected me to help her because she was shooting daggers in my direction but I didn't, I stood my ground and stayed pointing towards the door. 

She regained her balance, muttering something I couldn't understand in her drunken slur and stumbled past me, struggling up the stairs and getting herself into bed where I'm sure she would pass out once again. 

When I was pretty sure I was alone and she was gone, I fell to the floor, my head in my hands as I clawed at my face, tugging at my hair viciously and sobbing violently into the floor. I couldn't do this anymore, why did everything have to get so bad, why did everything have to get so shit?