Engulfed

Chapter 14

Pete was right. He was so right. I hate it when he's right.

I woke up to a pounding head and I probably deserve it. Every second of last night was burned into my brain. It wasn't like a normal drunk experience. I remember everything like I was sober. There was a choice behind everything I did last night and I was conscious of every single one.

I squeeze my eyes shut and press my fingertips to my temples. I hear it pulsing in my ears, beating like a quickened heart. My stomach runs in circles, a washing machine in my body.

When I forced myself to turn over, I found myself to be alone. There was an empty space in the bed where Pete laid last night. I missed his company. He's a good friend to take care of me like this. I just wish I could give something back.

I half-expected, more-so wished, there'd be a beautiful girl, kissing me good morning. I don't have the luxury that Pete does. Although, I had a half-decent wake-me-up.

Bearenstain rushed into the room. The door'd been cracked just enough for his nose to fit in and he pushed it from there. He jumped onto the bed, whipping his tail around wildly. Snuffing, he licked my cheek with his sloppy, wet tongue.

I laughed and rubbed his ears. He laid his long body over mind and sniffed at my face.

"Bear!" Meagan whisper-shouted. Her shoulders had lifted up high and her cheeks blushed. Apologetically, she said, "Sorry!"

I smiled. After all, he made me feel a lot better. Being around animals was almost therapeutic to me. I've always loved them. My head was busy loving Bearenstain instead of being in pain.

"It's alright," my voice is rough and unrecognizable. I've been losing it more often than not for a while. It's on and off, a lot of times in the morning.

She sat at the edge of the bed and ran her hand down the Vizsla's back. Smiling, Meg looked down at me. I sensed a little sadness, pity, and I knew that I'd concerned yet another human being.

"How ya feeling?" her voice raised a little as she asked.

I shrugged, "Alright. 'Bout as good as it's gonna get right now."

Her tight lips turned into a frown, "Would you like some tea? That might bring it down for a while."

I waved her off, shaking my head and avoiding her eyes, "Oh... You don't have to do that..."

"Oh, yes I do," she said and got up to the door. Bearenstain froze, lifted his head, and followed her out the door.

"I'll be right back!" she promised and left.

"I'll just refrain myself from leaving anywhere," I replied sarcastically to myself. She could've heard it, but didn't show any sign of it.

My phone rang a little while after she left. Brendon's face lit up the screen and I answered it quickly, "Hello."

"Hey, how ya doing?" Brendon asked, his voice full of care. Sometimes Brendon could say something and not mean it. He could let anything slide and get away with it. This time, he really meant it when he asked.

Did he know about what happened? Were there cameras last night?

"Okay, you?" I swung my feet over the bed and slowly brought the rest of my body up with it.

"Just okay? That's not okay... I'm not okay if Patrick's not okay. What's wrong bud?" Brendon pressed.

Well, if he didn't know, he was about to find out. Vaguely, I told him what happened last night. He listened, not once interrupting me through my whole story. Brendon wanted to hear what I had to say.

"Aww dude, hangovers are not fun. Drinks are not nice to you in the morning," Brendon chuckled a little. He's already had to deal with Spencer's drinking issues. This was almost nothing compared to Spencer's addiction. "Do you need help?"

"No, no. I'm alright. Pete and I talked about it last night. It was a one time thing. It won't happen again. I don't want to look at a drink ever again," I assure him.

"That's good to hear," Brendon smiled. I could hear it in his voice and he could in mine. He's pointed it out before.

"So," he broke the long silence, "I hear you've been chasing after this Allie. Any closer?"

I'd completely forgotten about Allie. My hand went to the back of my neck and I sighed, "Nope. No one saw or heard where she went after escaping the fire."

"We'll find her. I'll get the guys to help you. Well - Dallon and I will. We can recruit others too, if necessary," Brendon offered.

"The chances of finding her are slim," I admitted. It hurt to hear it for myself. "I just want to thank her."

"Don't worry, bud. I promise I'll get you to her," Brendon's voice was like a pat on the back.

I smiled, "Thanks."

"I constantly thank God for Patrick Stump," he told me. I blushed.

"I'll talk to you later," Brendon laughed and wrapped up our chat.

"Alright, bye," I say and hang up.

And then?

Meagan, Bronx, and I had a tea party.