Bed of Roses(Climbing Class story)

Chapter two, Maybe I'll smile again

FW: Cussing, mentions of suicide, mention of drugs and alcohol

Hannah stopped and stared at me, then that familair, kind, smile slowly formed onto her face. She grinned excitedly and ran over to me, pulling me into a tight hug. I leaned into her and pressed my face into her shoulder. She smelled like rose perfume. The kind she's liked since we were younger.

"Josh! You're back, already? I thought it would take longer- not that I'm complaining! It's just- usally hospital visits are longer?" Hannah reminded me of a disney princess, she was good at everything and she was kind hearted. And a bit of a ditz, I still love her of course.

"I dunno, it was hospital, pillow room, new therapist." I shrugged it off easily, usally if I had my lash outs my parents made me see someone new and change my prescriptions. Probably not the best way to go about it.

Hannah never let go. Her grip only tightened when I tried to pull back. I already knew what this was about. The promise I made to her, I was really a shit brother wasn't I? And the most disappointing part was the fact I couldn't even remember why I did it. I just decided to have an episode, and the only thing I gained was pissing my family off.

I looked over at Sam and Beth, they were sitting close to each other. They didn't look as pleased, especially Beth. Beth looked pissed. Like extremely mad. Between both of my sisters, Beth definitely scared me more. It was funny because Beth was dad's favorite, and Hannah was mom's favorite. I kind of just existed, they were both of my favorite. I loved my sisters with my whole heart. I liked to believe they liked me but I was more the sure I annoyed them and was more of a bother than anything else.

If I wasn't trying to kill myself I was drunk or high.

"You're fucking stupid, Josh. I swear to god if it was up to me and I didn't love you then I would beat your ass. It's just- god why are you like this I have a life too! I can't just worry about you." I watched as Beth turned away, Sam chasing after her trying to calm her down and reason with her.

Hannah had let go of me and she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, she smiled weakly at me. "She's just stressed about stuff. You just added a little more than she could handle."

I looked away. I don't understand why she still tries. Hannah mumbled something about checking on her twin and let go of me. I watched skeptically as she paused next to Chris and mumbled something quieter to him and then pranced off like a princess in her castle. That's basically what this one.

I finally allowed myself to look at Chris. My best friend in the whole world since 3rd grade. His hair was blonde and he had blue eyes, and these goofy glasses. His grades were beyond perfect, especially in science and math. He was the living definition of a geek. His worse class was history but it was just an A. 96 fucking percent. And he has the audacity to complain about it. Beats my fucking grades which are either a B or C. Other than his perfect looks and his academic success, he was a good kid. I was the one who dragged him to parties and made him drink my fathers fancy alcohol.

If it wasn't for me he would stay at home in his free time playing fucking Zelda or Finale Fanasty. Or whatever he plays nowadays I stopped remembering titles when I realized they were always some stupid romance fantasy bull shit. Actually he does have a bigger taste I'm just being pissy because this guy is so perfect and I'm forced to be his friend. Well no, I'm not forced I'm just surprised he truly enjoys my company.

At least I think he does.

"Josh.." Chris started,

I waved my hand and interrupted, he immediately shut up. "Wanna walk to the park?" It usually worked.

But something flickered in his eyes. Not pity or sympathy. Something that made my heart stop. But just as soon as it was there it was gone and Chris looked at me sadly. "No, I don't. I want to talk to you, actually talk."

I grit my teeth. I didn't want his fucking sympathy or pity. I huffed out a laugh. "I don't have to talk to you about shit."

Chris seemed to hesitate. Good. He sighed. "Fine. Are you going back to school tomorrow?"

I won, of course I did. It wasn't his business anyways.. Even if he did act like he cared. He didn't really did he? No one did. Hell, my parents were busy arguing in the car instead of actually seeing if I was okay.

"Yeah, I might as well. I'm sure there's tons of stuff I've gotta make up." I said and set my glass of water down. "What are you even doing here?"

"Sam and Beth needed help on the homework assignment." Chris ran a hand through his hair. "Ashley told them I was good at it so they asked for help. And I kind of owe one to Beth.."

Ashley. Of course, it was always Ashley. What was so important about her? All she did was read and write and just exist. I swear, she could breath and Chris would be at her feet like a dog. I don't even know why I care. I stifle a sigh and raised a brow at Chris. "Owe her for what?"

Chris just shrugged and coughed, turning around. "My mom wants me home around now, I should go home. See you tomorrow, Preach."

I smiled softly and watched his leave the kitchen. "Bye, Cochise."