The Bucket List ; LRH

7. Get Blackout Drunk

I was woken up by the screaming of my parents. I was confused because my parents never fight. Well, they haven't for a while now. They used to when I was younger, maybe when I was about twelve or so. I remember running down the street to Caroline's and crying to her about how my parents are fighting and the screaming and throwing of glass was too scary to be around. She would wrap her arms around me and tell me it was all going to be okay soon. She was right. They went to couples therapy and the fighting subsided until now. I stayed in bed all day listening to them scream at each other. First it was about money. Then about how my mom is convinced my father is cheating on her. And lastly, about how the kids ruined their young love they always promised they would have.

"I told you having kids would ruin our marriage! For Christ's sake, Maria. You promised me young love forever but that started to died right when you popped Kevin out. And it completely died when Erin was born! It's dead just like your mother, just like my father, and just like Caroline!" I have never heard my dad speak such harsh and cruel words to anyone, so that's what hurt the most.

At about eight PM I dragged myself out of my bed and got into the shower, letting the scalding hot water cascade down my bare back. I let a few tears out. Tears for Caroline and tears for my parents. I didn't want them to start fighting again, but what could I do about it? My brother and I were one of the many reasons they were. Nothing I could do or say would make it any better. Once the hot water started getting cold I decided that I have overstayed my welcome in my shower and turned the water off, wrapping a towel around myself. I got dressed in a cute outfit and did my hair and makeup. I wasn't sure where I was going, all I knew was that I needed to get out of this house for a little while. I picked up my purse and phone after putting my gladiator sandals on and slowly walked down the chairs. My mother was sitting at the island, her head in her hands, and a drink in front of her. "Hi mom," I said quietly, not wanting to startle her.

Her head slowly raised from her hands and I could tell by her red and puffy eyes that she had been crying. "Where are you going?" She asked, eyeing me up and down. I never get dolled up, so by my outfit she could tell I wouldn't be staying in the house tonight.

"I'm not sure yet," She nodded her head and waved me off like my whereabouts weren't important enough for her to worry about. I sighed before telling her goodbye and I love you, which she ignored and gulped back the rest of her vodka. I slammed the door shut behind me and looked across the street at the Hood household. I could see through the large kitchen window that they were all gathered around the table, laughing, drinking, and happily playing cards. I didn't want to go over there and disturb their nice time, so I walked to the nearest gas station.

"How can I help you?" I heard a familiar voice ask me. I looked up from my wallet and saw my old best guy friend, Tyler. Tyler and I were inseparable a few summers ago. I haven't seen him since last year. He looked up from the cash register and his jaw dropped when he saw me. "Erin Marie Roberts! Holy shit!" I leaned across the counter and pulled him into a long overdue hug.

"How have you been Tyler?"

"I've been okay," he shrugged. "My parents forced me to get a job this summer because they couldn't stand my constant partying last summer." Tyler chuckled and I watched as what looked to be the manager walk out from the back room. He apologized, telling me he has to be professional now. "What can I get you?"

"A pack of Marlboro 27s, please," I hoped he wouldn't judge me for smoking cigarettes, I knew he wouldn't, Tyler is the least judgemental person there is.

He looked at my ID even though he already knew my age and I handed him a twenty dollar bill, telling him to keep the change for himself. He handed me the pack of cigarettes and smiled at me. His manager had left so he could return to being unprofessional. "Are you going to the annual summer party tonight at Sabrina's?"