Nyctophilia

Chapter 2: " A Wrecked mess"

I turn to face the clock on my bedside table while downing the last swig of vodka. 

"Better get some sleep," I mumble as I place the empty bottle under my bed and flick the light switch, which was luckily right next to my bed. Pulling my duvet over my shoulders, I stared at the ceiling; thinking. Wondering... 

How did I end up here? Working in a diner... decent grades... Loving family... well the rest of my family.

I mean my dad's in jail, that's bad enough, it also doesn't help that the reason why he's in there is all because he killed my mum. So me and my sister, who was only 12 when it happened, had to learn a whole new language and move in with a woman who we had only met once. I know It could be worse. I could be watching my life pass me while waiting for a disease to take me. I could be drinking dirty water, knowing that It will eventually kill me. But for some reason, I felt that my life fit into that sort of category... The one where you know you're going to die. I couldn't explain it. It was just a feeling. 

Little did I know, that my life could get worse... And it would. 

3:00 AM

I open my eyes; my chest breathing heavily. As I immediately switch on mt Trying to slow down my breathing. 

"In... and out," I mumble as I place my hand on my chest. 

I carry on doing that for roughly a minute and then grab my water bottle that was on my bedside table. 

I take a sip, cleaning the old vodka left in my throat from before. 

I sigh while pulling my duvet over me again. I turn on my side and look at my closet. Soon enough, my eyes close and I drift back to sleep.  

8:00 AM London, November 6th. 

I slam my hand on my alarm clock that was buzzing loudly and disrupting me from my precious sleep. The scent of freshly cut grass spread in through my window and into my room. I sigh while limping out of my bed and walking over to my window. The sky was a light blue colour. No clouds and no sights of birds. An old couple were walking down the street while a family of three were walking a Dalmatian down the opposite street. I smiled. 

I shut my blinds as I get changed into some clean clothes. A pair of skinny black jeans and a plain white t-shirt fitted decently onto my pale ass body. I look over at my desk chair and see my grey hoodie that said 'No thanks' printed on it. I stare at it and decide to wear it. I'm surprised It still fit since I purchased it roughly four years ago. 

After I open my blinds, I grab my phone and leave my room. As I walk down the staircase, I read a text message from Rose.

Rose: Hey, don't forget to speak to Mr Nolewood today. 

Okay, I'll go after breakfast. I'm starving. 

Luckily, I didn't have work today which meant I could go out. It would be nice to catch up with Scarlet since I haven't seen her for a while due to my laziness... I mean my busy schedule... I come to the end of the stairs and walk into the kitchen. Isabell gathers up her personal belongings and stuffs them into her bag ready for work. 

"Laura dear, I'm going to work so I'll see you later." She says while hugging me but quickly backs away. A sigh leaves her mouth. 

Merde, What have I done now?

"You stink of alcohol... Were you drinking last night?" 

I hesitate to answer. I hate it when I disappoint Isabell but saying nothing would be the best thing for now. The level of tension in the room grew quickly. She shakes her head and pats me on the shoulder. 

"I'm going to be late if I don't leave any time now."  She explains while pushing past me to get to the door. I could tell she was annoyed and frustrated and not only with dealing with my 'drinking issues' but also with the fact that she's going to work. She hates it there but she has to go because she has to look out for me and Rose. I try my best to help. I work so that I can pay rent. She insists that I don't but I still do. It's the least I can do after all that she's done.    

I grab a bowl from the kitchen cupboard and pour some cereal into it. Weakly, I place the Frosties back into their original pace while getting some milk out of the fridge. I nudge the door shut with my foot and walk back to the counter while making sure I don't drop anything.  As I do the last thing stopping me from starving, I leave the milk on the side and eagerly eat. I'm starving. That vodka last night was not good. It left my throat really dry but luckily my hangover isn't as bad as ones I've had in the past. I'd like to say... I'm now experienced with my booze and I usually know what's good for me and what's going to make me vomit chunks. Unfortunately, last night I decided to go for the big guns. 

I finish eating and chuck my bowl and spoon into the dishwasher. Grabbing my phone from out of my pocket I check the time. 

"Okay, 10:00 am. I'll meet Rose's teacher later but maybe I can meet Scarlet?" I ask myself. 

I send her a text asking her if she wants to meet and now I await her reply. Scarlet has been a long-time friend to me. We met when I started school here in London. Originally, there was a group of us however, we all had arguments and us just split-up. It was only a few days after the big split where me and Scarlet re-connected. Ever since then, she's always been a friend I can talk to. 

I put the milk in the fridge and as soon as I close the door, I hear a 'ping' from my phone. I smile and read the text message. 

Scarlet Kyle: Yeah! I'm down for a meetup. Where at? 

I reply quickly.

Me: Perhaps, the cafe? The one on near yours?

I await her reply impatiently. It'd be good to see her again. Ever since I started work, we haven't had as much time as we used to. 

'Ping!'

Scarlet Kyle: Sure thing. See you in 10, 'Mon Cherie' lol.

I giggle and pop my phone into my back pocket.

{TRANSLATION: Mon Cherie means 'my close friend.'} 

I grab my car keys, coat and bag. I open the front door and step outside. As I lock the door, I unlock my car and hop in. Jamming my keys into the ignition, I turn up the radio and start singing along to an early 2000 song.