Sinking Ships

Chapter Three

Song: Coldplay-Paradise

“Fallon!” I turn around towards the street, juggling Tyson in one hand and a bag of groceries in the other. Who I see shocks me greatly. He pulls the car towards the curb and leans towards the open passenger window. “I thought that was you!”

Cautiously, I walk towards the car. Sure, Erik used to be my best friend. But he was also a drug-addict the last time I saw him, over four months ago.

“Hey Erik,” I smile, bending down so I can see through the open window. “What’s up?”

His hair is still short, and blonde. I remember him being skinny as hell, much like myself back then, but he looks like he’s cleaned up, just like I did.

“Just heading home from school. Where you heading? I can give you a lift.” Normally, with Tyson I would never get into his car. However seeing one of my old friends makes me grab the door handle regardless. I haven’t had friends since Tyson was born and Kelsey abandoned us.

“Drive slow,” I tell him as I hold Tyson safely on my lap. Surprisingly, Erik listens and drives way under the speed limit as we head to my house.

“How have you been?” He asks, his eyes barely wavering from the road. “It’s been a while.”

I talk for a few minutes about living on my own, taking care of Tyson, and trying to get Kelsey to start acting like his mother. By the short time I’m finished, we’re parked in my apartment parking lot.

“Want to come in for a bit?” I suggest, not wanting to have another long absence of my best friend’s presence. “You still need to tell me what you’ve been up to.”

Erik grins, and grabs the groceries. “As long as you still buy those chips I like.” I roll my eyes and laugh as Tyson and I climb out of the car.

“Nice place,” nods Erik, setting the bag on the counter. I shrug, and set Tyson on the floor with his toys. He giggles happily and starts playing while I grab a drink from the fridge. Erik finds the chips in the cupboard easily and laughs. “I still never can find this kind,” he shakes his head and takes a handful.

“What do you go to school for?” I ask curiously. I remember him saying he didn’t have any intention of getting a real job after high school or going to college after he graduated earlier this year.

“Police Foundations,” he says easily and I raise my eyebrows. “Nah, I’ve stopped the stuff, man,” he tells me, meeting my eyes. “That stuff-“ I know he’s about to swear, but he eyes Tyson while he stops himself. “Messes you up.”

“I know,” I nod, remembering the shaking, the sweating and the cravings.

“Kelsey still does it, doesn’t she?” When I nod slowly, not meeting his eyes, he continues. “It’s not your fault.”

I sigh, and take a sip of my drink. “Kind of is. I wish she would have stopped for Tyson when I did.”

“Me too,” nods Erik. “But it’s not something easily given up. Most users have to go get help for it because they’re not strong enough.” My hands clench into fists, remembering the withdrawal. By far, it was the worst experience I’ve ever had.

I’m about to respond when my cell phone rings. Sighing, I check the caller ID.

Kelsey.

What does she want now?

“Hello?” I sigh into the phone. Erik watches me with raised eyebrows while I turn around. Leaning against the counter, I watch Tyson.

“Fallon?” The voice is rushed, upset, and too deep to be Kelsey’s. “It’s Adam. You need to get here right now.” Normally, I’d be annoyed in the lack of manners. However Adam is not someone who I would assume to be upset in front of other people.