Broken Innocence

5. "It's easier"

Mia slumped down on the pavement while scrolling through her contacts. She reached the right name and despite her blurred vision at the bright light, managed to press call.

"Mia? What's wrong?"
"Reecey" the girl's words were slurred and Reece knew she was out of it instantly
"Where are you?" Worry began to take over as Reece clicked on her contact, in search for her location
"I- I don't know?" Her words came out more of a question that a reply.

"I've got your location. Stay there, okay?" No response "Mia?!"
"Mm hmm?"
"Stay where you are. I'm coming"

...

It didn't take long for Reece to show up. Granted he took one of his father's cars, which he is not legally aloud to drive only being 16 and what not. Yet he had been taking lessons early through his uncle.

The blond teen got out the car and knelt down before his oldest friend,
"What happened?" He asks,
"I- uh... Reecey?" The girl was still clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol in her veins.

Reece sighed and gently helped the girl stand. She stumbled but managed to keep herself upright.
"Come on" Reece helped her to the passenger seat before getting back in the drivers side.

"Why are you doing this to yourself Mia? You're destroying yourself. And for what?" The brunette leaned her head on the window,
"It's easier" she slurred.

"Easier? Easier than what? How is drinking yourself into oblivion, getting into fights, smoking, these stupid older guys that ditch you on the side of the road easier? I hate seeing you like this Mia. You're destroying yourself. You're destroying my best friend. And I'm supposed to sit and watch it happen?"

Reece was tired. He wasn't one for emotion at all but truthfully, the girl his best friend had become scared him. He wanted to protect her. Her and Autumn. They were his life. Reece couldn't protect his mother. He couldn't stop her from leaving. But he had another chance with Autumn and Mia. He wasn't about to lose them too.

The car was silent. Mia didn't respond. The blond finally looked over and saw her eyes closed as she slept peacefully. He released a deep breath before starting up the car again.

...

Reece had carried Mia into the house and up to his bedroom, she was barely conscious but the alcohol had started to wear off.

"Reecey?" The girl mumbled as he rummaged through his draws,
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry" Reece could see the hurt in her eyes. He knew deep down she didn't want this life either. He just wished she saw other coping mechanisms.

"It's okay" he dropped one of his shirts onto the bed next to her, "here, I'll grap some shorts from Aut's room for you. Sleep it off, yeah?" Mia nodded and wiped the tears from her face,
"Thank you Reecey"

Reece could already imagine the trouble he would be in for sneaking Mia in. But what else could he do? Leave her alone in that state? No matter what she went through or how she dealt with it, Mia would always be Reece's best friend and he would always do what ever he had to do to protect her.

Mia's emotions were all over the place. She hated feeling weak. She hated herself. Every fight, every drink, every smoke, every skipped meal. All the make up hiding her real face and the fake confidence she wore along with it. It was all fake. Yet, it made her 'perfect'. That's all she ever wanted. Was to be perfect. To be the one people wanted. The one that people didn't want to leave.

...

Mia was awoken by a sudden jump next to her. She rolled over with a grunt to face the smiling teen.
"Morning" the brunette glared at her friend which just fuelled his enjoyment more. "Sleep well?"

"I hate you" Mia grunted and threw herself back into the pillow
"No you don't" he laughed. Mia threw the pillow at him. Despite her throbbing head she managed a small smile.

Mia knew deep down that Reece didn't like the way she was. She didn't like it either. But you have to do what you have to do. She needed it. She needed to be liked by people. That's what made her feel worthy. Whether it was just her body or reckless behaviour. People liked it.

And besides, even if she wanted to change. What was there to change? It's just who she is. There is nothing for her anymore. Unlike Reece. Reece is smart and liked. He's liked because he's genuine and kind and good looking without having to try.

Mia knew despite Roger's attempts to put down his son, Reece would go places. He had that in him. If only it was the same for her. She had nothing. Everything she did have she faked. And it was exhausting.