Sickening (A Lams Story)

Flirtatious small talk and dreaming in the dark

...

Flashing red and blue lights surrounded him, as he held his hands up in the air. He couldn't make out any sound except some kind of ringing in his ears, but the sound was starting to annoy him. Police got out of their cars, pointing their guns at him. He glanced around frantically, seemingly searching for something. His eyes locked on his blood spotted shoes and he raised his gaze up to his hands, which were covered in blood. He started shaking and bloody tears dripped down his face.

Both Alex and John woke with a jolt. 

Alex breathed heavily, looking around the room frantically. The three other boys he shared a room with were fast asleep. He grabbed his phone, checking the time that read 4:14 am, and he groaned, not wanting to be up this early on a Saturday. He dug through the nightstand beside him and pulled out his old inhaler, giving it three pumps, and then leaned back against his bed, letting out a sigh.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, John was also awake, breathing heavily. He bit his lip, thinking back to the dream and got out of bed. He swallowed hard, kneeling in front of his bookshelf, and selected a random book, grabbed a blanket, and walked downstairs. He opened the front door and sat down on the swing, wrapping the blanket around him, and opening his book.

Alex, upon regaining his breath and calming down, got out of his bed. In the dark, he packed up his backpack, and snuck out the window, being careful not to wake up the other boys. He jumped down, stumbling for a second, and then walked down the street, hurrying down the steps of the subway. He slipped under the bar and paused for a second trying to remember which line would run this early the closest to where he was going. But a train pulled up and he got on it, finding a seat, and letting out a breath.

John sipped the tea he had just made as the first signs of daylight started to creep up onto the porch. He hummed softly, continuing to read. Suddenly, the sliding door opened and John glanced up. His father lit a cigar, not saying a word. John stared at him for a second, waiting for a goodmorning. 

"Morning," he finally said. 

His father glanced at him and gave a nod. After a couple of seconds, he scuffed the cigar and straightened his tie. "I'm off to work," he muttered and walked down the steps to the car. 

"Have a great day," John muttered to himself sarcastically.

Alex pounded on the door, repeatedly ringing the doorbell, and finally it opened. 

"Alex, it's like six am." 

"Hey," Alex said with a sigh. 

Thomas set a hand on his hip. "Hey." 

"Wanna get breakfast?" Alex asked. 

"Are you paying?" Alex paused and Thomas rolled his eyes with a laugh. "Yeah, lemme get dressed and we can go." Thomas stepped to the side so Alex could come in. 

Alex looked around. "So," he said. "Parents still out of town?" 

"When are they not?" Thomas mumbled. "Do you want some coffee while I change? You look exhausted." 

"Didn't sleep well," Alex said with a shrug. "But I'm fine." 

"Did you stay over at John's? Is that why you didn't sleep well?" Thomas asked. 

"No. I just had a bad night. Nightmares and whatever." 

"About?" 

"...Nothing," Alex hummed. 

Thomas gave him a look as they climbed the stairs. "Nothing?" 

Alex shrugged. "Can't remember." 

Thomas rolled his eyes, walking into his room. "Well, are you taking your meds?"