When I Come Around

Chapter 5

Andy stumbled into his apartment, and I followed him quietly. I had work in the morning so I decided not to go partying with him, but he did and got in another fight. I got a wet rag from the sink, wiping the blood from his nose. My friend called me to come get him at one in the morning.

"Don't you realise this is ridiculous?" I asked, looking towards him. I knew he was drunk and probably wouldn't even care what I said, but I didn't mind. He didn't listen to me, looking down at his phone. "I'm going home, do you need anything?" I asked, getting my bag from the counter.

"Please stay, just skip work tomorrow," he said, moving towards me, kissing my neck. I pushed him back.

"I can't skip it, I love this job, I don't want to get a bad reputation," I said.

"My mother got you that internship, I don't think it will matter," he said, holding me against him.

"Stop Andy," I groaned. He didn't listen to me, kissing my jaw. I hated when he was drunk and 'in the mood'. He wouldn't listen to anything I said, and just had himself in mind. You couldn't say no to him, because he wouldn't listen, so I just gave in to him.

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I stayed awake, listening as his breathing slowed and he fell asleep. I quickly stood, pulling my clothes on and quietly leaving. It was almost four in the morning when I arrived at my apartment, so I took a shower and decided to catch up on my work.

As I arrived at work later that morning, I was exhausted.

"Good morning, Ms. Kidd! Are you feeling alright?" The receptionist asked. I smiled slightly. I realised I probably didn't look my best, but was it that bad?

"Valerie," I reminded with a small smile. I hated to be called Ms. Kidd. "I'm fine, just really tired," I said.

"Mrs. Simmons may let you leave early if you would like," the receptionist said. I smiled, nodding.

"Thanks, Mandy! Have a nice day," I said as I went back to my office. I set my documents down, sighing. I barely got any sleep last night, and I wasn't looking forward to dinner tonight with El, Louis, and Harry.

"Valerie, how is it going with those documents?" Mrs. Simmons asked as she entered my office, a coffee cup in her hand.

"Great, I finished looking at them last night," I said with a smile.

"That's perfect, thank you," she said, smiling towards me, "how is Andy? I tried calling him this morning."

"He went out partying last night, he probably is still asleep," I said.

"I hate when he does that, partying never leads to anything good," she said disapprovingly. I can remember countless times my mom said the same thing to me. I hadn't known it at the time, but it was driving a wedge between our relationship, and now, I never speak to my mom.

"You never partied when you were younger?" I asked, smiling softly.

"Well, no. But I realise now why it isn't good, he should listen to me," she explained.

"He can learn that for himself," I said, and I saw her roll her eyes before leaving. I stayed quiet. I knew Mrs. Simmons definitely didn't approve of me, so it was a miracle I was able to be an intern for her company. Like most people I met, our personalities just clashed.