Warm Undertones. ~ M.F

Too fucked up to Function.

Hours pass and I cannot shake this feeling from my body. It's like a constant "butterflies in my stomach" kind of feeling, you know?

It's around eight o'clock the next night when I hear a knock on my door. I push myself off of my couch and stretch my arms out, feeling the nerves creep up on me with each step I take.

Again, I squint my eyes and peer through the peephole. This time it's Tori. I sigh and my heartbeat slows as I open the door for her.

"Oh Tori thank God I thought-"

"Hey girl! Look who I picked up in the elevator!" Mark appears next to her, and gives a forced smile while he waves to me.

"Oh, hey Mark.. come on in." Tori puts her purse down and takes her shoes off as mark sits down on one of the couches perched in the living room, clearly looking awkward.

"So girl what did you end up doing while I was out?"

"Oh uhm, nothing too unusual.. I ordered Domino's and watched a scary movie."

"Scary movie? Michaela, last time we watched Nightmare Before Christmas you cried because Jack was "creepy."'

Mark hold back a giggle. "I was here, that's why."

"Oh that makes sens- Oh...OH.... Okay okay. I see." Tori says while giving me a side eye that screams "I'm suspicious."

"Tori." I state, firmly. She waves me off and walks down the hallway to her room.

"I'll be in here if you need me." She winks before closing her door, leaving it cracked so she could hear whatever was happening still.

Minutes go by without a sound. My heartbeat climbling up my body into my throat. I fumble with my phone to pass time. Finally, Mark speaks up.

"Hey... Are you okay?" He asks with a cautious tone.

"Oh.. uhm yes I'm okay. Why?"

"Well you haven't really been talking to me for the past twenty minutes and talking is really all you do so..."

"Wow gee, thanks. I'm fine. I'm just going through some personal stuff." I focus back on my phone.

"Do you want to come over and have some drinks? I don't really drink but... you seem like you could use one." I look up slowly.

"You know what.. yea. That would be nice."

We both get up and head out into the hallway. Since he lives next door its not long before I get to head inside his apartment. Boxes are still spewed everywhere about the house. The things that are set up are very stylish and sleek. Black leather couches are set up with a wide screen tv. An open kitchen with some bar stools by a counter top seal the whole "I'm from LA but I'm trying to keep it on the DL" mood into place.

I whistle. "Wow... Some place you've got here."

"It's really not that impressive. I wish I could have cleaned it up for you.." he trails off as he wanders to his kitchen to pull out some Jack Daniels, and two shot glasses.

"I thought you don't drink?" I say teasingly.

"Oh, one won't hurt." He winks and pours me a shot.

"So, wanna talk about what's bothering you?"

"I'd rather down this."

"Fair enough, fair enough." We clink glasses and take the shot clean. It leaves a warm burn in the back of my throat.

We chat the night away. Before I know it it's 3 am and 4 shots in. The world has a slight spin to it. My eyes struggle to focus on anything.

"Michaela, are you okay..? Mark has a concerned look on his face as he speaks.

"Pssssshhh yea, I'm fine." I wave him off. "I should rrreally get back to my house now. S-s-see ya later baby." I get up and stumble to the front door.

"No no no no, don't go not like that you'll hurt yourself. I know it's a short walk but just rest on my couch okay? You're too fucked up to function."

"Hic I'm not toooooo fucked up, I could go for another schot right about now."

"Michaela, sit. I'm going to go get you some blankets and pillows. Get comfy okay?"

"Ugh...Okay... Thanks Ma-BLUUUUEEEGH"

I throw up all over his wooden floors.

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