Precious Virtue ✓

Chapter 37: Heart Of Memories

Precious Virtue

Chapter XXXVII: Heart Of Memories

[Preston's POV]

I had mixed feelings about heading back to my dorm today. A part of me couldn't wait—I missed seeing my roommates every day. I missed greeting them every morning. I missed going to class with them, I missed our study sessions at the campus cafe, and I missed our late nights in the living room where we'd play music for hours on end.

But on the other hand, I was also terrified. Of going back to my normal life without depending on alcohol to cope. Of going back to an environment that I broke down in.

During my four-week stay at the rehab centre, I grew accustomed to the routine. And because I was in an environment where it was impossible to access any alcohol, I was able to keep my temptations at bay. But now, that wouldn't be the case.

Now, I was going to have to learn self-control in an environment where alcohol was seemingly everywhere. I would have to fight everything in me not to take myself to a liquor store and buy a case of beer. I would have to learn and say no when offered a beverage at a college party.

And I was terrified of that. I didn't want to relapse. I didn't want to lose control, to lose myself to alcohol again. I didn't want to cave. Alcohol turned me into a person that I wasn't, and while intoxicated, I didn't recognize myself. And that scared me.

But I knew my roommates would be there for me. Adrien would be there for me. My dad would be there for me. I knew they would help me transition back into my day-to-day life. I would also still get treatment at the rehab centre. I was only transitioning from inpatient to outpatient, so I still had group and one-on-one therapy sessions and 12-step meetings to attend during the weekdays between class hours.

I wasn't going to be alone through this. It would be okay. I would make it through this.

I would be okay.

I closed my eyes and inhaled a deep breath. I sat anxiously on a lone chair in the receptionist area, my bags on the ground in front of me. When I opened my eyes again, I snapped my gaze to the front doors as my dad walked inside. He flashed a smile my way as he wandered over. I stood up from the chair and was immediately pulled into a giant bear hug. I couldn't help but chuckle and hug him back.

"Hey kiddo, you ready to go?" Dad asked. He patted my back and gave me a tight squeeze. I pulled back from him and nodded.

"Yeah, I am."

Dad helped me with my bags. We headed out to the car and threw my bags into the back seat. Then, we got in the car and drove off. I glanced back at the rehab centre from the passenger seat, biting my lip as I watched the building get smaller and smaller until it was out of sight completely.

When we arrived back at my townhouse dorm roughly ten minutes later, bags in hand, I pulled my keys out of my pocket and unlocked the door. As Dad and I stepped inside, I was taken aback by my roommates waiting at the door, a Welcome Home! banner above their heads and confetti being thrown in my face.

"WELCOME BACK!" My roommates cheered. Blaire and Primrose fired more party poppers at me. Flores and Elijah blew their party blowers, and I didn't fail to notice the box of funfetti cupcakes in Elijah's hands either.

"You guys seriously are the best," I laughed, smiling wide. I dropped my bags on the floor. Blaire, Prim, and Flores hurried over and trapped me into a big group hug.

"We couldn't not do something for your return back! We missed you so so much," Blaire exclaimed. When they let go, it was Elijah's turn to hug me; he wrapped a single arm around me and squeezed me, careful not to squish the cupcakes. With one hand, I hugged him back, and with the other, I reached into the box and grabbed a cupcake, licking at the frosting.