𝑇𝑊𝐼𝑁 𝑆𝐼𝑍𝐸 𝑀𝐴𝑇𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑆 / 𝐽.𝐵.𝑅

CLOUD NINE

Alex's world felt like a dream as she floated through the streets of the Outer Banks, her mind high on the potent mix of weed and euphoria. The night was warm, and the stars seemed to twinkle just for her, their light shimmering like confetti in her drug-induced haze. The tension and pain that had weighed her down for so long felt like they had melted away, replaced by a buoyant, almost childlike joy.

She stumbled into the local convenience store, her movements exaggerated and carefree. The store's fluorescent lights were brighter than she remembered, casting a warm, inviting glow. She greeted the cashier with a wide grin. "Hey, there! Is this place always so... happy?"

The cashier, used to Alex's quirky behavior, just chuckled. "Yeah, something like that. Need anything special tonight?"

"Just some snacks and good vibes," Alex replied, her laughter bubbling up like a fizzy soda. She grabbed a random assortment of junk food-chips, candy, and soda-tossing them into her basket with a flourish.

Outside, the Pogues had been trying to track her down, concerned after she had vanished earlier. They spotted her coming out of the store, carrying a ridiculous amount of snacks and a smile that seemed to stretch from ear to ear.

"Alex!" Kiara called out, her tone a mix of relief and exasperation. "Where have you been? We've been looking everywhere for you."

Alex turned to face them, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, you know, just having the time of my life. It's like I'm floating on a cloud. Want some candy?"

The Pogues exchanged looks, clearly relieved but also a bit wary. John B stepped forward, trying to keep his voice steady. "Alex, you're really high right now, aren't you? We need to talk."

Alex giggled, shaking her head. "Oh, come on, John B! Life is too short to be serious all the time. Let's just enjoy the moment. I'm on cloud nine, and you should join me!"

Despite their concern, the Pogues couldn't help but smile at her infectious happiness. They walked with her down the street, trying to keep her safe while she pranced around, her laughter echoing through the night.

As they approached the pier, Alex started to sing, her voice rising and falling with the rhythm of her happiness. She danced around, spinning in circles, her hair flying out in a wild halo. The Pogues watched her, a mix of amusement and worry in their eyes.

"Hey, Alex, maybe we should get you home before you get into trouble," JJ suggested, his tone gentle but firm. "You're really out there right now."

Alex waved him off, still laughing. "Oh, don't be such a buzzkill! I'm having a blast. And besides, you guys are here with me. What could possibly go wrong?"

As they reached the edge of the pier, Alex sat down, dangling her feet over the water. The cool breeze was refreshing, and she looked out at the ocean, her gaze dreamy and unfocused.

"Look at that," she said, pointing out at the horizon. "Isn't it beautiful? Everything's just perfect."

Kiara and Pope exchanged worried glances but stayed quiet, letting Alex enjoy her high while keeping an eye on her to make sure she didn't do anything dangerous.

"Alex, we just want you to be safe," Kiara said gently. "We're here for you, even if you're not making the best decisions right now."

Alex looked up at her friends, her eyes softening. "I know, Kiara. And I appreciate it. I really do. It's just... sometimes, I need to escape, you know? To forget about everything for a little while."

John B sat beside her, his expression serious but understanding. "We get it, Alex. But there are better ways to handle things than getting high and running away. We're here for you, and we want to help. But you have to let us."

Alex's laughter died down as she looked around at her friends, their concern evident. She nodded, her high starting to wear off as reality began to seep back in. "Okay, okay. Maybe you're right. Maybe I need to face things head-on instead of just running away."

The Pogues helped Alex up, and they started walking back, their conversation light and supportive. Despite the high still lingering in her system, Alex began to feel the weight of her earlier decisions pressing on her again.

As they made their way back through the quiet streets, Alex couldn't help but feel a twinge of gratitude for her friends, even if she had a lot to work through. Maybe tomorrow would be better. Maybe things would start to make sense again.

For now, she was content to walk beside the Pogues, their presence a comforting anchor as she tried to navigate the rollercoaster of her emotions. The night was far from over, but at least she wasn't alone.

The Pogues helped Alex back to her place, their concern palpable but softened by their easy camaraderie. They entered her house, and Alex immediately plopped onto her couch, her previous high fading into a hazy memory.

"Alright, Alex," John B said, taking a seat across from her. "We need to talk about what's going on. You've been in a rough spot lately, and it's clear that this high was just a temporary escape."

Alex nodded, her eyes tired but still carrying a hint of the earlier joy. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I've been trying to avoid facing things. It's just... easier to get lost in something, even if it's just for a little while."

Kiara sat next to Alex, her expression a mix of sympathy and frustration. "We want to help, but you need to let us in. Hiding away, whether it's through getting high or anything else, isn't going to solve your problems."

Alex looked around her cluttered living room, the reality of her situation sinking in. Her earlier euphoria had given way to a more somber mood. "I know. I guess I've just been scared to face everything. It feels like I'm stuck in a loop of trying to escape rather than deal with things head-on."

Pope, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "We get it, Alex. It's tough, and we're not saying it's easy. But running away or numbing yourself isn't the answer. We're here for you, and we want to help you get through this."

Alex's eyes welled up slightly as she looked at her friends. "I really do appreciate all of you. I don't deserve your support, but I'm grateful for it. Maybe I need to start facing my problems, even if it's scary."

The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of Alex's words settled in. The Pogues, despite their worries, felt a sense of relief that Alex was beginning to open up. They were ready to support her in whatever way they could.

"So," John B said, breaking the silence, "let's figure out a plan. We need to make sure you're safe and find a way to get you the support you need. We'll do this together."

Alex nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Yeah, let's do that. I don't want to keep running away from my problems. I need to face them and work through them."

The conversation shifted to practical matters as the Pogues discussed ways to help Alex, including seeking professional support and finding healthier coping mechanisms. Alex listened intently, her mind beginning to clear from the fog of her high.

As the night wore on, the Pogues helped Alex clean up her place and made sure she had everything she needed. They stayed with her, offering comfort and companionship, even as the early hours of the morning approached.

Eventually, they said their goodbyes, leaving Alex to reflect on their conversation. She was grateful for their presence but knew that the road ahead would be challenging. The journey to facing her problems and healing was just beginning, and it would take time and effort.

With a deep breath, Alex looked around her apartment, the mess and chaos now seeming less overwhelming. She felt a flicker of hope, knowing that she had her friends' support and that maybe, just maybe, she could start to turn things around.

As she settled down for the night, Alex promised herself that she would take small steps toward healing and change. The path would be difficult, but with the Pogues by her side, she felt a renewed sense of determination to face whatever lay ahead.