Mental

Chapter 27- Heathens

I walked into the bar as dark, thick smoke hung in the air around me. Everyone was drunk and loud and the music was blaring from the speakers.

Don't these people know it's a thursday night?

I searched the bar for her. Knowing she would be here. 

Once I saw her blonde chopped hair I sighed in relief. She was slumped over in a booth, leaned up on some guy that was definitely too old for her.

I walked up, puffing out my chest trying to look as intimidating as possible.

"Can I help you?" The man scoffed, looping his arm around Madeline and pulling her body closer. She held a smirk on her face as she stared at me, her eyes barely open.

"Yeah, you can get your hands off that 17 year old girl before I call the cops. And your wife." I grinned smugly as his face fell. He looked down at Madeline before shoving her off of him and rushing out of the booth.

"Boo, you always ruin my fun." She pouted, struggling to stay up.

I leaned over and grabbed her, pulling her up out of the booth. I laced my arm around her and helped her out of the bar, my ears aching as they transitioned to the quiet street.

"Yeah, well you ruined my night." I helped her into my car before slamming the door harshly, running around to the other side. "You lied to me."

"Huh?" She muttered, leaned up against the window.

"You said you'd be home when I got back from the doctors, you weren't. I told you Madeline, I'm not your babysitter but I'm also not going to stand by and watch you destroy yourself."

After a few minutes of silence I looked over and saw she was passed out.

I rubbed my eyes as we stopped at a red light.

The past couple months have been one massive head ache.

Madeline goes out and I'm left to round her up and make sure she gets home safe.

By the time I got her up to bed I was completely exhausted. I've had to take on a completely different role.

I haven't drank or even had a smoke in nearly two months. I'm too goddamn busy taking care of her that I don't even have time for myself.

I stepped out onto the balcony and lit up a cigarette, in hailing deeply.

The nicotine calmed my nerves and made me relax.

I sat outside enjoying the silence, listening to the chirp of crickets before I heard the balcony door open.

"Hey." Her voice was low and raspy. I turned my head to see her standing there in just her underwear and bra, her thin frame leaned against the door frame.

"Go to bed." I grunted, turning back around, taking another drag.

"You ruined the fuck I was going to have tonight." She spat, stepping in front of me and leaning on the railing. She reached up and took my cigarette taking one deep drag before blowing the smoke back in my face.

"I was taking care of you, as usual." I rolled my eyes stanching the cig back from her petite hands.

"I could use some taking care of right now." She whispered, stepping closer to me. She placed her hands on my shoulders, pressing her body up against mine.

"You're drunk, go to bed." I muttered, backing up and sitting down in the chair.

"No, I'm not. C'mon Harry, I know you want to. I see the way you look at me. I know, I look hotter now." She smirked, ruffling up her short blonde hair. "I don't need you to look after me, give in. be my friend again, not my father."