The Worst of Times

Chapter 6

"I didn't do heroin!" Chester quickly said defensively and I felt somewhat baffled. He was so forceful about it, almost making him unbelievable. Instead of forcing the answer out of him, I simply put a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"It's okay, Chazzy. What did you take?" I asked softly and his features gentled.

"Pot and cocaine. Nothing more though, I swear. A-and I only took the coke to get through some nights." He admitted and my heart literally ached.

"Why did you need it?" I asked and he shook his head, frowning. "You can tell me anything, Chaz."

"It's nothing you don't already know, it was just to escape him, John. I-I swear I'm not addicted to the drugs though. I m-mean I don't know b-but I'm sure I'm not." He assured me and I nodded my head slowly.

"Are you okay?" I asked and his face seemed to somehow fall even more but it rose when he seemed to think a little. He gave me a small smile.

"I am because I'm with you." He grinned and I couldn't help but return the gesture.
~
We sat side by side under a tree in the park as if no time was ever lost between us.

"I love you so much, Chazzy." I murmured into his hair as I spooned him. He scooted closer into me and my arms wrapped more firmly around him.

"I love you too, Nodabear." I heard him say in a small voice and I cuddled into his hair more, taking in his scent. His hair smelt somewhat like lavender, it somehow felt fitting.

His thin body seemed to have gotten even smaller since I last held him. The drugs probably thinned him further as well. He just felt so small, his bones sticking out of his skin. His clothes hung off his body, although they were definitely smalls.

"How's school?" I asked, rolling away from him and onto my back. He copied my movement and I gripped onto his hand instantly.

"It's been alright. Skipped a lot of days." He admitted softly and I gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

"Any bullies?" I asked and he seemed to hesitate before answering. His voice sounded softer ever since we got him back, pained even.

"At first, loads. But when I had erm relations with John, everyone left me alone." He sighed. "When I go back, it'll happen again. I'm dropping out."

"Won't Sam not allow that?" I asked him carefully, not approving of his decision to drop out of school.

"She won't even notice, she's too busy whoring herself away." He spat, although his voice not losing any softness to it's slight edge.

"What do you mean?" I questioned him, instantly confused. Had him and Sam fallen out? He'd never disrespect anyone unless they deserved it.

"She's been sleeping around every night since... After my dad's funeral, I think." He said the last part softly. I tilted my head towards him and saw a tear run down. It was clear he still missed his dad.
-
"Sleep, Mike. He should wake up tomorrow." The doctor told me, giving Chester one more glance before leaving the room. I looked down at his small body, my eyes traveling to his wrists.

Tears began flooding down my face suddenly and I let out struggled cries.

"How could you try and leave me like this, Chaz?" I cried, taking out a shaky hand and setting it just above the bandages. I paused, my tears shortening. I hiccuped then tried to stop my arm from moving, afraid I'd break Chester.

He looked even smaller than usual tucked into the hospital bed. I'm sure he hadn't been eating since his father passed. I was so concerned for him. He attempted suicide by slitting his wrists.