The Chosen.

A Pinky Promise

For the first time since the worst night of my life, I brush my teeth and wash my own body. Frequently sitting on the floor to catch my breath, i dress myself in Bill's clothes that are far too big for me. Exhausted, i pour myself back into my bed to the smell of fresh sheets, a sign of Mia's love for me. I drift off easily, a little less hate in my heart for the world.

Mia forces me to eat some soup as we sit in front of the fire as a group. I think the empty feeling of Bill's spot will remain forever but i can't help but to admit it feels good to be next to them. My sweet friend brushes through the tangles in my long dark hair as i sip on the warm chicken broth. 

The silence feels so comforting and tolerable, before it was overbearing and devoid of Bill's sweet voice. I notice Tom taking frequent sips from a bottle, sinking deeper and deeper into his chair. His big brown eyes never separating from the flames of the fire. 

"Is he?" i whisper to Mia

"Yeah.. has been since. I swear I don't know him anymore." she whispers behind my head, still brushing my hair 

"Oh, I-"

"He drinks all day and night trying to forget." Her voice seems to lack any sense of remorse. Then again she's been present to deal with him since i haven't. I guess she's as tired of his bullshit as Zeke is mine.

"Oh my gosh." my heart aches for him, longing for his twin. My worst fear had come true, but i can't imagine the inconceivable agony of losing a twin. 

Taking my bowl, Mia heads inside with a few other dishes. Zeke disappeared a while ago so i decide to take my chance while he is all alone. I struggle to pull myself from the chair but finally succeed, carrying my heavy feet to the seat next to Tom. I'm almost there when my legs become too heavy and stiffen up sending me almost falling into the chair.

"SHIT JUNE!" Tom screams at me for almost falling, his cold eyes meeting mine.

"Sorry." i mutter. I feel embarrassed for him to see me this way.

"Be fucking careful." He chastises me. I swallow my spit, shocked at how easily he was able to hurt my feelings.

"I said sorry." i say at him bitterly, but glad he at least cares about something besides the drink in his hand.

"... Don't want you to get hurt." he murmurs while the glass bottle meets his lips again.

"I don't think it matters anymore." i say under my breath halfway not wanting him to hear, i don't want him to think i'm still off the deep end.

"If you want to stay with Bill, i will too." i rests his head on his hand. I nod at his kind gesture but i can't help but to wonder if it's only because he wishes to stay himself. 

"I miss him so much." i whisper. I feel like he is really the only one who understands the magnitude of my heartache. 

"Me too." His voice breaks as i see his throat quivering. The alcohol in his hand making it so much easier for his emotions to be set free.

"I'm don't want to live with out him." i softly mutter

"I know, but if you go... i'll be right behind you." he whispers throwing his head forward into his hands, unable to bear the thought.

"I won't go, if you don't." i make him a deal, one that i'm not fully sure i want to be making. But for the sake of him, i'll promise anything.

"June, i can't-"

"Promise me." i stick my pinky out towards him, which makes him chuckle under his breath. Thrusting his tipsy hand towards me he interlocks his finger in mine. I guess i'm not dying anytime soon.