The Art of Secrets

Chapter One

Growing up wasn't easy for me. I practically turned an adult the day I turned sixteen, my mother  died when I was only seven and my whole life changed after that.  -NN

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The smell of cigarettes and whiskey fill my nose. The way sweat is pooling in my palms and my head  pounding not letting me thinking clearly are enough to tell me that something is not right.  What did she give me to drink? Uh, who cares. I'm drunk and I need to get back home before she comes back.  I'll call Ames. I'm sure she'd come get me out of here. Wherever 'here' is.

I make my way to the door and take out my phone as I start walking down a random road the reads Wikle Avene. I fumble with my phone for a good two minutes before I can get it out of my front pocket, I dial Ames' number and she picks up on the fourth ring. 

"Let?" Her voice is groggy which means I just woke her up.

"Hey Ames, sorry to wake you but uh.... do you think uh... maybe you could uh... pick me up?

"Where are you?"

"Uh.. sort of lost.." I admit. 

"Lost  like around where..?" 

"I don't know Ames! What do you think lost means?!" I half yell into the phone but then regret it cause I know she's my only hope of getting out of here. "Sorry Ames, just please come get me. I'm at a street called Wikle Avene." I finish.

"Fine. I'll be there soon. Don't move." She warns.

"I won't, and... Thanks  Ames."

"You owe me, Let." She says before she hangs up.

"I know." I breathe into the phone. I really do owe her a lot, not only has she gotten me out of these types of situations before but she is also the only friend I really have. And she knows it. 

True to her word fifteen minutes pass and I see her white Mini Cooper come into view. I get up from the curb and  walk toward her car. As I get in I notice that she isn't even looking at me, she's looking straight ahead. Five minutes pass and  nether I nor her have spoken a word and I finally decide to break the silence.

"Ames I'm sorry okay? I won't do it again. This is the last time I'll call you to pick me up I swear it. please say something."

"Do you wanna know where I was before I got your little phone call Let?" she finally looks at me with tears in her eyes. "I was at the fucking hospital! Curt got into a fight with some random dude at the bar and Curt got hurt pretty bad. I was already upset and angry with him and then you call me, Drunk! may I add to ask me for a fucking ride?! Again?! How many times do I have to keep picking you up from random places? I love you Let but I'm getting tired of all this nonsense. I get it, your young but that doesn't mean you have to act stupid! I can't do this anymore Let. I really can't and if you're gonna keep it up you're gonna have to find a new Chauffeur!" she yells.

"I.... I.. I am sorry about Curt, I really am Ames if... If I would have known that you were there tonight I wouldn't have called you...  I-" I am about to tell her how sorry I am when she interrupts me.

"That doesn't change the fact that you were out there drunk even if you wouldn't have called me. It doesn't make it okay does it Let?" 

No. it doesn't.

"I am sorry Ames. I know I am difficult and that I have many, many flaws but I beg you please give me this last chance and if I mess up, even once, you can end our friendship. Just please.... I've had many people give up on me... just don't give up on me yet please... Please." I can"t believe I'm on the verge of tears but I can't have her give up on me.

"okay. okay, But listen here Lettum Noven this is your last chance. Don't screw it up okay? Screw it up and thats it I'm done."

"I know." Is all I say.

By the time she drops me off at my house I'm a bit sober and finally thinking a little clearly. I make a mental note to go to the store tomorrow before work and buy Curt donuts and bring him some to the hospital. I got the room that he was staying in from Ames, I still can't believe she threaten to end our friendship but at the same time I can. I've put her through a lot of crap and I owe it to her to try to be a better friend. I know enough that tonight was close and that I can't keep asking her to come pick me up from my problems.  Starting tomorrow I'm looking for a car right after work. 

When I walk through the house door I am immediately on high alert. I know He is here to talk to me. And I know I'm in big trouble.