The Captains

Chapter 15

It's been a week since we found out about Grayson's dad getting married. A week since my eyes were opened up. Grayson left to tour in Alabama for two days after we talked. School was school. But my mind was everywhere.

The warmness hit my cheeks as I ran down the stairs at midnight with my head pounding. I went into the kitchen to grab my keys as I saw my mom drinking tea in the kitchen.

"Aspen what's wrong?"She asked putting down her mug "Are you drunk? Did you go through the liquor cabinet."

"I've might of had a half a pack of Corona or somethinglikethat." I slurred

I grabbed my keys off of the island "Don't worry about me! I just need to go."

My mom yanked my keys from my hand "It's midnight. You're drunk and crying. What's the paper and letters in your hands?"

"Mom just let me go!" I shouted as I felt the tears hit my cheek as she gripped my wrist

"No Aspen!" She yelled back

I broke out of her grip and still clutched the papers. I ran out the front door and let my bare feet hit the cold pavement. Me being drunk I stumbled a bit and cut my the heel of my foot on a sharp rock. But I kept running in the all so familiar direction I would usually drive in. I cried as I ran as fast as my legs could take me. After about two minutes I reached the front door of the house I'd been looking for. I lifted the fake flower from the flower pot and grabbed the key that was hidden. Trying to be quiet I carefully unlocked the door. I placed the key back into the flower pot.

I walked up the stairs quietly, after all, I didn't want Catherine to know I was tipsy or in her house at midnight. After I got up the stairs I opened the closed bedroom door. I closed the door quietly behind me.

"Aspen?" Grayson questioned getting up from his bed "What's wrong?"

My hands were shaking like crazy and I couldn't speak. "I opened them."

"Are you drunk? Trust me, drinking is not the right way to go. I'd know." He comforted me as he hugged me

I hugged him back as let the tears fall from my eyes. "I drank like four beers and some vodka. I'm gonna be fine. I'm used to feeling like trash anyways. Can I please sit down?"

He nodded as he pulled away from the hug. We sat down on his bed.

"You're bleeding," Grayson stated, touching my foot

"I'm fine," I replied laying down on my back

Grayson sighed and got up "I'm going to get a band aid."

"Please don't wake your mom up I'm already wasted," I begged turning my head to him

He walked into his ensuite bathroom and dug in the cabinet and grabbed a box. Grayson walked back out of the bathroom and open the box. He carefully placed Ninja Turtle band aid on my foot.

"Donatello, my favorite." I smiled as I handed him the first, the second, and the third letter.

Letter #1
Dear Aspen,
My dear daughter. The day finally came and your mother took you and your sister away. She'd been talking about it for a few months but I didn't think she'd do it. She knows everything I tell you within these next few letters so does Drew... My sweet girl, I love you to pieces, but your mom doesn't want me to talk to you ever again. Thanks to Andrew I have your address to send you letters. I hope you write me back... If not I understand.
Love,
dad

Letter #2
Dearest Aspen,
You're going to a new school this year with boys. A dad's worst nightmare. But I have advice for you.
Date a boy who makes you happy, and only if he makes you happy. Don't wait around for some boy who is hopeless. Be with someone who makes life fun, but can also take responsibility. Life is too short to be unhappy, be happy with the right person. 
All the love,
dad