The Struggle •Unedited•

Chapter 3

The weekend came quickly and Niall was already out of the hospital. There was nothing to do as I relaxed on the couch with Mason's little body sitting a few feet away from the small TV screen. Not a moment went by where my phone wasn't blowing up with text messages from Niall, who was bugging me about going out. Just when I thought the messages stopped, a few seconds flew by when I heard and felt the sudden vibration of my phone on my lap. Wrapping my cold fingers around the object, I clicked on the screen and saw, of course, many message from the man himself.

**So are we on for tonight?**

I let out an irritated sigh and replied. My fingers quickly punch the touch-screen keyboard.

**Can't. No one to watch Mason. Rain check??**

A very short amount of time passed while I watched this kiddie television show that my son was watching until I again heard the vibration.

**Bring the munchkin, along. I don't plan on going anywhere 'exotic' tonight, ha. Maybe to some restaurant. C'mon, mate. You need some time to relax and let lose. Live a little.**

There it was. Live a little. I hated hearing it, and I got that a lot from everyone of my close acquaintances. Who are they to talk? I have a kid, they don't. His life is dependent on me, and if I go out and get wasted every fucking night, I am no better than his mother. I will basically be abandoning him as well. The stupid phrase irritated the fuck out of me. In the spur of the moment, the aggravation washed away. I'm completely lying. I know the saying bothers me, but it's not that I don't have someone to watch Mason, because I would have brought him along either way. The issue is the money. I can't afford to even buy a pizza for my own son, little less go out have a few drinks for myself and maybe buy Mason a soda. Finally, I got the nerve to reply.

**I don't know, lad...**

Not even a millisecond traveled on, when Niall replied. He really was a fast typer and the urge to go out was greatly reflecting off of him.

**Please. I'm begging you. It's the least you could do for a friend who just got out of the hospital. :( **

Chuckling at his lame attempt of a guilt-trip, I thought about how to tell him about the money thing. I didn't want to say anything, but I figured it was the only way for him to leave me alone. My cellphone violently vibrated off my lap and interrupted my thoughts.

**If this is about money. I can pay for you, mate. And Mason, too. It's not big deal. I've got a pretty secure job. You know the job at the store is only for spending money...you there?**                       

How does he do that? He always knows what's going on. I guess that's why I considered him my best friend. Somehow, we always had that instant connection. Sounds gay, but it's true. Best friends have that sort of thing, don't they? Finally, my mind snapped back into reality when I realized I hadn't responded to his last text message.

**Sure...why not? I'll pay you back. Promise.**

Of course,  Niall replied quite quickly.

**Don't worry about it. We'll take my car. Pick you and the squirt up at 7. See ya later. :)**

I didn't bother to reply. I felt guilty for doing this to Niall. I didn't want him to think I was using him, but he seemed okay with it, so I guess that's okay.

7 p.m. came rapidly and I was in a rush to get Mason and I ready. When Niall says 7 p.m., he means 7 p.m. As soon as I got my child in many layers of clothes, I swift on my everyday blue jean jacket. Buzz,Buzz. I knew it was too good to be true. There was no way I could've been done before he even got here. I grabbed my cell out of the side pocket of my jacket and the screen flashed on.