Pursuing Nirvana.

t e n

The sun peeked in from the small dirty window in Brayden's living room, illuminating my face and disturbing me from my peaceful slumber. I sat up slowly and gazed at the still sleeping Brayden that lie next to me. I couldn't help but grin at the look of pure bliss upon his face, he was so calm and undisturbed. So rare.

A small laugh escaped my lips as I realized that he would be the polar opposite when he wakes up. With the enormous amount of alcohol he consumed last night, he was sure to have one hell of a hangover. I decided to be the nice guy and spare him any extra misery by letting him sleep as long as he needed.

Unfortunately, today was Monday which meant I would have to go in to work. I let out a long disappointed sigh as I glanced at my phone, it was 6:35, meaning I still had plenty of time to get home and ready for work. Clambering to my feet, I searched for a pen and paper to leave a note for Brayden when he woke up.

Good morning, babe!
I wish I could've been here to take care of you when you woke up but I had to go to work :(
I realize today is probably gonna be a bit rough for you thanks to what happened last night. (aka you've got a killer hangover, bitch)
Anyway, if you need anything at all, you have my number and you know where to find me.
- Cecelia xo

I chuckled to myself at the bit of humor I'd put in the note. Finally satisfied with it, I placed it on the ground near where he slept. I found an empty bottle on the floor and weighed the note down with it so it wouldn't move.

With one last longing glance at the almond haired boy, I headed out his front door. I stepped out onto the worn down porch and filled my lungs with the cool morning air. It was quite a refreshing change from the filth inside Brayden's house, which I had just gotten used to inhaling overnight.

There was absolutely no movement in the outside world with the exception of a couple squirrels searching for food and some birds flying overhead. I walked down the broken steps, this time with comfort and ease. Smiling joyfully to myself, I headed down the street with my head held high. Today was a good day.

........

I had only been at work for an hour or so before my phone started ringing uncontrollably under the counter. The commotion caused a couple customers to shoot some confused looks my way, which was embarrassing. I knew exactly who was calling so I let the phone stop ringing and decided that I'd just call him back when no one was here.

........

The last couple in the shop ended up with a "Young the Giant" vinyl after a seemingly endless time deciding. As the door slammed shut behind them, my hand darted under the counter in search of my phone.

It was near closing time so the shop should be pretty empty for the most part now. I scrolled through the endless missed calls on my lock screen, all from Brayden, just as I thought. A feeling of nervousness began to rise in my chest, something must be very wrong in order for him to call me this many times. I know I told him he could call me if he needed anything in the note but I didn't imagine he would need me this desperately.

Biting my lip nervously, I dialed his number and pressed the phone to my ear with a shaky hand. No answer. My stomach tightened as I began to worry even more. I dialed his number again and I was met with no answer for the second time.

Maybe he just fell asleep or something, I thought to myself in attempt to reason with my worried state.

I took a huge breath and held it in as I dialed his number again. This time it only rang three times before he answered.

I clutched my hand to my heart, "Brayden, baby, are you okay?"

My words spilled into the phone so fast I wasn't sure if he understood what I said.