The Sanchez Chemical Reaction

Chapter 14: A Recovering Drunk

It was indeed a long day. I ended up drinking so much that when all 3 of the bartenders working that day showed up for their shift, they all had me tap out for at least an hour. Not like I was super drunk or anything. But I was definitely feeling something. I don't know, maybe I was drunk. Or I am drunk? I have no clue anymore. Not like it matters, I basically live forever. How I spend my time doesn't matter in the end. I'll outlive everyone I know and love, so there's no point in making friends with anyone. Not to mention the fact that I have all this knowledge, but no one to share it with or pass it down to.

I grip my hair as I lay down on the countertop. By that point, it was almost midnight. And of course, I had to deal with being drunk and telling off other drunk guys to fuck off. I'm just tired. Tired of it all. Taking another swig, I feel a hand on my back. I don't even bother to turn around, assuming it's just another guy out to get me.

"Y/n?" A groggy and familiar voice comes through. Sounding concerned and confused.

I pick myself up off the counter and sit up to look behind me. It's Rick, standing in his usual wardrobe. I could be drunk but I swear I see care and deep concern for me in his eyes.

"What're you doing here y/n?" He asks as he looks at all the empty glasses I've accumulated.

It's hard for me to say anything, I've cried so much and I just want to burst out into tears again. I think it's clear to anyone who looks at my face.

He sighs and looks around again. "This place really isn't your scene. You shouldn't be here. C'mon, let's go. It's been 5 days since we last saw you. Did you forget you had a collar that needs to be checked or what?"

I just stare at him with the most blank expression I've ever felt. Suddenly seeing him made me feel even worse about myself. As if him seeing me at my lowest was just another kick to the face on top of everything else. I want nothing more than to die.

"Do you know this lady?" The bartender asks as he steps over to us.

"Yes." He says kind of annoyed.

"Great, because someone has to pay for all these drinks."

He and the guy start to talk and maybe even argue. I wasn't paying attention. I slowly reach up and grab the back of my collar. Drunkenly fiddling with the latch in the back as I try to take it off.

Rick notices quickly and blows some kind of dust on my face. It instantly makes me feel woozy and start to lose consciousness.

I have no idea how long it was till I woke up again, but when I did I was back at the Smith's house. In my guest bed and all. Rick was sitting on a chair in front of the door. Waiting for me to wake up.

"You awake over there?" He calls out with his arms crossed.

"Mm" is all I could muster out before grabbing my head and wincing. It was some of the most excruciating pain I've ever felt in my life.

"Serves you right getting that hangover. What were you thinking back there? Trying to take off your collar? And drinking for who knows how many days straight? That's supposed to be my thing. Stop stealing my character traits." I know he's serious, yet he still added a bit of humor at the end to make me feel a little less guilty.

I don't answer and just hold my head. Trying not to vomit.

"You gotta say something y/n. What happened to you while you were gone?"

I feel myself start to cry a little more as I look at him now. "C-come here."

He raises his brow before deciding to come over. I stand up and look him dead in the eyes as my tears keep streaming. It's something I can't help at this point. My body is just reacting to how it feels. And it feels like shit.