Friendly Goodbye

Chapter 4: You Look ... Perfect

Sauli

Adam looked awful … I could now see what Tye had been talking about. He looked a hot mess. I went in the kitchen to get a glass of water and that’s when I saw the liquor at least 2 dozen empty bottles. I had turned around and Adam stood right in front of me.

Adam: What do you think you’re doing?!?

Me: I was getting a drink of water.

Adam: Don’t act like you didn’t see it. Go ahead tell a tabloid that I’m a raging alcoholic … that I’m using drugs again. Go ahead I don’t … care.

Me: You seriously think I’d do that to you?

He didn’t answer me just leaned up against the wall sliding down it, tears smudging the fresh makeup on his eyes. I couldn’t help it, I grabbed a napkin and knelt down next to him.

Me: Come on now … stop. Let’s get you all cleaned up.

He allowed me to dab the runny makeup away from his eyes. Then I looked at him gently patting his arm.

Me: There … perfect.

He looked at me and then proceeded to puke next to him passing out afterward. I somehow managed to get him situated in bed knowing he wasn’t in any condition to go anywhere. I soaked a rag in ice cold water and gently placed it on his forehead. Then I walked out in the living room and cleaned up the puke scrubbing the carpet with some random cleaner I found under the bathroom sink. He managed to sleep straight thru the night. I slept on the couch … I felt like I couldn’t abandon him. I had checked his iPhone calendar and noticed that his meeting started at 10am. So I set my phone’s alarm for 7am. Then I got up to make him a small breakfast with ran to the store to buy him some fresh squeezed orange juice. I walked into the bedroom to see that he was stirring. He opened his eyes and let out a grunt closing them. I could tell he didn’t see me so I walked over to the side of the bed. He could smell the food and I could see his face express confusion as he slowly reopened his eyes.

Me: Come on now it’s getting late … it’s already 8:15am. Here’s a couple pills and some orange juice. I made you an egg white omelet if you think you can keep it down.

Adam: What happened … last night? Did we go out to dinner?

Me: No you got sick on the floor and passed out.

Adam: You put me in bed?!?

Me: Well I wasn’t very well going to leave you on the floor was I?

Adam popped the pills in his mouth and gulped down the orange juice. He took a couple bites but he started dry heaving and turned ghost white.

Me: Lie down Adam … you look awful.

I helped him lie down and went and took his temperature. I noticed that it was 102.5 and sighed. He looked sick as a dog. He used to partake in drinks and party with me but he never looked THIS sick afterward.

Me: Do you HAVE to go to this meeting?

Adam: Yes … I’ve cancelled it once … already.

He was so weak he could barely keep his arms up. I slowly and gently sat him on the edge of the bed and got out his hair and makeup supplies. I knew exactly the way he wore everything and I wanted to make him look as presentable as possible. After I finished I looked into his eyes and noticed exactly how broken he was.

Me: Need help getting changed?

Adam: Yeah … I’ll just wear what I wore yesterday … where is it anyway?

Me: I hung it up last night after I put sweats on you.

I retrieved the clothes and helped him change. As he slid off his sweats he was very shy and reserved … definitely not himself. He definitely was uncomfortable having my eyes on him that intimately. After he was dressed I semi smiled at him.

Adam: I look alright?

Me: You look … perfect. I can drive you over to your meeting if you want. I got my license a few months ago. Just don’t have a car that I can drive unless Tye loans me his.

He nodded and I helped him up holding onto his shaky body. I hated seeing him like this. I got him out to the car and helped him sit in the passenger seat. He gave me directions and we started the 45 minute drive out to the office. When we got there he got himself out of the car and turned toward me. It was obvious he was feeling better.

Me: Text me when you’re done ok? Unless you feel you’ll be able to drive. I can always get a taxi or something …

Adam: No … I wouldn’t strand you I’ll drive you home. So I’ll text you alright?

Me: Ok …

He walked toward the building before turning toward me.

Adam: Hey Sauli?

Me: Yeah?

Adam: Thanks …

Me: Anytime Addy …