The Miles Between

An Impromptu Visit

Another morning just like all the others rolled around. I lay in bed, tossing and turning, trying to figure out any possible excuse not to accomplish anything once again. What I used to consider lunch time passed uneventfully, as I curled up under the covers and tried hard as ever to drown out my own existence.

Sometime in the afternoon, my phone buzzed. I jolted up.

"Sly?" I asked to the nothingness around me.

I stumbled over to the bathroom, falling multiple times in my frenetic hurry, and grabbed my phone.

1 New Message
Aleks

My excitement fell away with a nearly audible thunk. I set my phone down and began to wander back towards my bed, but my own, rattling thoughts stopped me short.

He is the only person who's tried to talk to me in weeks. I suppose I could at least read the message.

I sighed and unlocked my phone, lazily tapped the Messages icon and read the message.

We are worried about you dude. I'm coming over today. Actually I'm on my way right now. I don't care if you look like shit we have to talk. No excuses this time.

I groaned inwardly. I don't want to talk to anyone. I don't want to see anyone. I don't need people anymore. I need something better - someone better.

I need Eddie and absolutely no one else.

DING!

The doorbell boomed throughout the quiet house. My phone buzzed again.

I'm here. Let me in.

A small jolt of panic shot through me. He cannot see me like this. I dashed to the closet and pulled on a sweatshirt, the long sleeves stinging against my fresh cuts. I picked up some pajama pants off of the floor and pulled them on as well, my thighs burning in protest to the minimally constricting fabric.

DING!

"Coming!" I hollered, scurrying towards my bathroom. I slammed the door shut; bloodied razor blades didn't seem like things that would make a good impression if he were to stumble upon them.

I turned and ran down the stairs, stumbling and tripping as I quickly made my way to the door.

"H-hey," I mumbled, panting as I pulled the door open.

"Oh, hey," Aleks chirped. "You been running around or something?" he asked noting my heavy breathing.

"A little," I said, my words still choppy.

"Alright," Aleks said, "Just take it easy now, okay? You seem pretty tired."

I nodded. "Can do, Aleks."

He stepped into my house and put a hand on my shoulder. "Come on. We need to talk."

I swallowed hard. "A-alright. What about?"

"I think you know, Seamus," he said, raising his eyebrows. I hung my head in embarrassment. "Now come on, let's sit and chat." He grabbed my hand gently and lead me over to the couch. He motioned for me to sit, and, after I was seated, he sat next to me.

"What's been happening with you?" he asked. I stayed quiet. "Why haven't you been around much?" I stayed quiet once again. He put his hand on my knee. "You don't answer calls or texts. You haven't posted anything... I'm just..." He locked his eyes onto mine, his gaze dripping with concern and a slight sorrow. "I'm worried about you." I stayed quiet, this time merely because of lack of words. "What's wrong, Seamus?"