Ghosts and Records

Black Crow

Dave's POV

Yep I am gay. I have come to the conclusion that the only reason I liked girls was because it was my life goal to be the only straight Strider. I have been messaging John for weeks now. He hasn't even read them. I began drinking again.
The habits are back. This happened before I met John also. I would use Bro's ID to but me drinks and cigarettes.
I would escape the house late at night with a backpack full of Bud Light, Marlboros, and dozens of spray paint cans. I did my best work at night. They used to call me the Texan Crow. I would find a bare wall late at night and let my feelings out. I always signed it with a small black bird. People seemed to enjoy my work. It brightened the state up.
But now I just stroll to all of my old spots looking at the artwork. Some is faded. Some covered by other artists. Then I had an idea.
I ran as fast as I could to the 24 hour hardware store and bought black, white, red, and green spray paint. Then I find the most visible place in all of Houston and begin my work.
Hours later I am finished, it is almost daylight. I pull down my face mask and look at it and all of its glory. It is the image John drew on the cover of the CD. I got it to where the green of the ghost is dripping down like slime. The record is perfectly pixelized. Just like my shirt. At the bottom is my bird and in large words, This is the Crow's last flight.
I smiled. Proud of my work I headed home finishing the last of my one pack of smokes that I brought.
I got home and changed in to something a Strider would sleep in and passed out on my bed.

Dreaming

"Dave"

"Yeah John"

"I missed you."

"I missed you too."

John embraced me.
"John I am so sorry. I know I fucked up. Please don't leave me like that again. I almost couldn't handle it."

"I won't. I'll stay here forever."

He looked up at me. His bucked teeth showing as he smiled oh so dorkily up at me. I leaned down putting my hands on his face our lips so close. He got on his toes and I woke up.

Fuck. If I an going to keep having those dreams then let me at least finish the good part. I looked at the old clock on the wall and gawked. It was eight o'clock. IN THE FUCKING AFTERNOON. Jesus. I stayed in my room drinking, smoking, eating doritoes, and surfing the web.
I picked up this new routine for the next few months. Only leaving my room for more food and beer. I knew it was unhealthy but I didn't care any more. Bro and Dirk just stopped trying to help.

I was laying on my bed staring at the ceiling when I heard a noise coming from my computer.
I was invited to a group chat.

Jade: Hey! Everyone is invited to my annual Fourth of July party.

Oh yeah. I forgot about that. I looked at the calendar on my phone. June 28. I guess I could straighten myself up before then. They always have it in Texas anyways.