Tea Boy: A Deacury Fic

Chapter 45: Maturity in The Mind

-Roger's POV-

We finally made it back to our picnic spot, Brian was just sitting there playing that ol' Red guitar he loved, but no better than me. Strumming away some ideal keys that could be used for our actual first single. "There you all are. Down at Tilly's yeah?", he said approaching us. "Yes, it was intense. But John apparently stopped whoever started it. He said that the scene was brutal. Blood on the floor, glass shattered everywhere, just terrible!", I rambled. Bri shook his head. "I'm just relieved he didn't get hurt.", he sighed. He then pulled me close for a comforting hold.

"You know what really impressed me though? His outstanding bravery and his incredible maturity." Freddie implemented. "What do you mean by that, Fred?", questioned Brian.

"After explaining what happened at Tilly's, he said he stepped in because it felt like the right thing to do. Not long after, an employee approached him with a coupon book good for anything at the bar. But what made me really proud was that he turned it down and stood firm in his sobriety-he even passed it along to someone else. As we were heading out, the cravings naturally kicked in, which caught both Roger and me off guard. But when we told him no, he didn't argue, lash out, or break down. He just shrugged and said, "Fine," with no sign of frustration or anger on his face. It was a quiet moment of growth-and a big one, too..." Freddie turned to John and pulled him closer. "So proud of you, baby..." he whispered and kissed his cheek, "I'm so glad you've become mature..."

Mature, the word that silenced John, leaving us waiting for his words. He stood still, emotionless. I can't fathom if he's scared, sad...or maybe he's lost.

"Uhm, John...you there? Didn't you hear what Freddie said about you being mature-" It made him click and he shuttered, "I don't feel that I have maturity in the mind; that's just my perspective. If you have a different opinion, I welcome the discussion." "Of course you do, you have our full respect with your maturity. You've proven it.", Brian reassured. "How? How did I just prove myself?", Deaky questioned, his voice trembling.

"Well for one, you're resisting the urge to be tempted by alcohol just by declining it and saying no. Two, you've been committed to sobriety for so long. You've proven yourself trust worthy. What I mean is, if we did put that sinister liquid in front of you, we know you'll deny it almost immediately.", I explained.

Freddie kissed his cheek. "I'm so proud of you, John. Always. Because you're so strong. We're all so glad you've overcame so far, we're still right behind you in this journey, babe."

-John's POV-

I completely ignored everyone and isolated again, but in my own mind. I'd rather hear this instead:

Maturity in the mind does not exist.

Maturity in the mind does not exist.

Maturity in the mind does not exist.

Maturity in the mind does not exist.

"He's doing that thing again!", Roger pointed out. "You know what, let's just go home, I'll pack up the blanket. Roger, get the basket and make sure we didn't leave anything.", Brian huffed. "Lambkin? Are you alright?", I heard Freddie ask me.

Maturity in the mind does not exist.

Maturity in the mind does not exist.

"Freddie, please. There's no need for you guys to feel proud of me.", I sighed. "Of course there is, doll. There's always need for us to be proud of you, in fact, you should really be impressed and proud of yourself.", he replied. Those words, especially that last bit about needing to be proud of myself, really stung and brought me to tears. "My love, it's okay... no need for tears.", Freddie cooed, but it was already too late. I gradually became a sobbing mess.

"Hush now. There's no reason to be upset. Tears don't suit you, darling-come here, everything's alright." I felt Freddie rub my back in a soothing motion as he brought me closer. "I'm not as mature as you think I am!", I croaked. "But you truly are mature! All the signs are just bursting with proof, my dear! From your two-month adventure at that facility to graciously passing on that well-deserved reward at Tilly's, it's all there for everyone to see!", he elaborated.

I was completely overwhelmed. I found myself letting go of Freddie and letting out a rather loud, emotional scream. It startled the nearby birds, causing them to fly away, and drew the attention of others around us. Was I embarrassed? Not a bit! I could see that Freddie and the other couple were quite taken aback. As crazy as I was, I just started running. "John! Come back!", I heard my lover yell as he was of course chasing me. I picked up the pace, no looking back. I was headed in the direction back home, no shortcuts, until eventually....BLAM! I tripped and fell on the pavement face first. I laid there heavily breathing due to being out of breath. Then it came back in my mind:

Maturity in the mind does not exist. Maturity in the mind does not exist. Maturity in the mind does not exist. Maturity in the mind does not exist.

It looped over and over until I started feeling drowsy. I didn't want to get up. I felt numb. I eventually just fell asleep.

Maybe those fools would find me and I can prove it to them:

Maturity in the mind does not exist.