Axel

35

A X E L

"Drug abuse hotline" -that's all the sticker said, then a phone number in black letters. It must have been in the railings of the park in all weathers, sitting there, waiting for the right eyes at the right time. It was a place people like me would find, there in the sunlight, urging them to reach out and get help. I wondered how long it had been there, years most likely, just three little words reaching out to save everyone they could.

It was funny, really. I come to this empty abandoned park to get away, where i know nobody will be,to give myself a break. Yet, whilst i've always known the sticker was there, i've never fully paid attention to it till now.

Three words. Sixteen letters. They made me feel sick.

As i stand, looking at it. I hear a car approach, the tires roll against the cement before the engine is cut off. The car is parked right behind me, and it doesn't take long to figure out who it is. Because there's only one person who would know where to find me.

A few seconds pass before i can hear a car door slam shut and the sound of feet stepping on little rock's approaching me.

I can feel their presence as they come towards me and stop right beside me. We stand for a moment in silence, a silence that feels way to long.

"Happy birthday, brother." Ronan is the first to talk. Of course he would know i'm here. He's the only person who's ever really been able to read me. He's the only person who's ever really cared for me.

I nod before i feel his arms wrap round me, and i think i'm too shocked to even push him off.

No funny remark. No hesitation. Just a hug.

"I've got you, Axel. Always." He says, and when he realises i'm not pushing him off and instead tapping his back i hear him chuckle.

I push him off right after and am met with a smirk on his face.

"Is Axel going soft for me?" He smirks wider, and when i threaten to punch him in the face he only laughs.

When his laughs dies down, and he places his hands on his hips he scans my full view. He studies my face and my eyes, his eyes rank all over my body.

"Why you staring at me? Pedo." I scowl, turning away from him.

Ronan chuckles. "How are you?" He asks, but it's not what he means.

He means 'Are you using?'

He means 'You look like shit.'

I reply with "Fine." and he drops it, like i hoped he would.

"Right well, i have to go. But, i've brought someone who wants to see you." He replies, and clears his throat.

And before i can ask any question or even mutter a goodbye i hear his footsteps get quieter as he walks away. But then he sudden stops in his tracks, i can tell he's holding back from saying something, and when he takes a moment to think he finally speaks up.

"Wether your sober or using. I'll be here for you always brother, remember that." He blurts it out and walks away.

I swallow a sore lump in my throat, i shut my eyes and breathe in. I want it to stop. I don't want to hear about it anymore. I don't want people to worry for me.