Dear Cheyanne

Sunday Hangovers

The next morning, there was no way of sugar coating the situation. I was still a bit drunk, but it was beginning to turn into a hangover. The house was silent. I had been sitting against the door all night, not even trying to move. I could really use my anxiety medication right now.

I needed to leave. I could not even find my phone to look at the time. I bet my mom is worried sick. I told her I was only going out for an hour, and I was coming home for dinner. I never came home. Oh, I am grounded for life. The house was silent, and I heard nothing but creaking from the wind against the walls. My mind kept replaying the events that occurred last night. I could not get out of my head watching Ezra's fist wailing on Vada's face and her yells echoing through the walls. I sat, blocking the doorway with my body and my knees pressed to my chest. I picked every piece of my skin around my fingernails. My ears were ringing from the yelling and trauma. It was like hearing the news of Cheyanne all over again. I sighed to myself, squeezing my eyes shut.

"I told you. It's bad." My eyes shot open to see Cheyanne sitting in front of me. Her facial expressions looked disappointed. I couldn't respond to her without wanting to cry. My sobs choked in the back of my throat before wiping my nose from the snot that was dripping.

"I didn't want to believe you. She—she is out there with that monster." I choked softly so neither Vada nor Ezra could hear I was awake; not that it mattered. From what I saw a couple minutes ago, they both were out cold.

"You need to leave." Cheyanne whispers back to me. I met her eyes as they looked pleading, like she was begging me to leave. I rubbed my wrists along the temples on my head, the headache growing relentless now. I sighed, standing up with a stumble. I forgot I felt drunk still. When I rose on my feet, the nausea escalated. I turned to slowly open the door, but when I turned back to Cheyanne she was gone. I grew sad. I did not want to do this alone.

My footsteps were soft and quiet. Though the house creaked a couple times as I tiptoed towards the front door. When I got into the living room, I stopped, gasping at the sight I was seeing. My shaky hands reached into my jacket pocket for my phone, and I began taking pictures of the sight I was seeing. The drugs lined along the table, beer and liquor bottles scattered along the room, Ezra was passed out on the couch and Vada was laying on her back against the floor.

Her face was bloody. I could not recognize her, but her knuckles were also scrapped up with blood. It had looked like she was trying to defend herself the way that Ezra looked. He himself had a few cuts and bumps on his face. I took pictures of the two. After finishing, I could not leave her there. I tip toed to the kitchen, grabbing a dry washcloth. I put water on it to dampen it. I trailed back into the living room, beginning to wipe Vada's face and knuckles off. I was careful not to wake either of them up.

A light sob escaping from my mouth at the sight of her. I was scared for her. Before I knew it, I was going to lose her like I did Cheyanne.

"I'm sorry." I whispered to her, dropping the wash cloth next to her. I stood up quickly and ran out of the house. I ran to my car, quickly getting in and backing out of the driveway as fast as I could. Before the two could realize that I was gone. I quickly plugged my phone into the charger in my car so It could turn back on.

The entire ride home, I cried out loud. I feared that Vada was going to get herself killed staying with this boy and there was nothing I could do to convince her. Did she want to die at this point? I felt the nausea coming back. I probably shouldn't have been driving while still somewhat intoxicated. I had to pull over, I felt like I was going to be sick. When I pulled over, opening the door and I immediately felt the acid rising in my throat. It escaped through my lips, making connection with the pavement beside me. After a minute, I felt better. A mixture of alcohol and the sight of Vada got too much for me. It made me feel so sick.