Sugar and Alcohol *Solby

Chapter 4

COLBY 

I woke up to a pounding pain in my head and a queasy feeling in my stomach. The fire was long gone and in its place was nothing other than ash. Choking back a cough, I slowly sat myself up, running my fingers through my hair quickly. Everything hurt but I didn't mind, it only meant that the drinks did their job perfectly. Blurry eyed I surveyed the room to find that Sam was long gone, working in that cafe a few blocks away. The house to myself I slowly eased myself out of bed and went to search for an Advil. The house was eerily quiet as I passed the walls, my bare feet hitting the wooden floor softly. The house was filled with afternoon light which sent my pounding head into a frenzy, I ignored it the best I could.

Two Advil down and I felt the pain cease. I let my eyes scan my reflection as I stand in front of the bathroom mirror, I looked like shit. My eyes held deep bags underneath and my skin seemed unhealthily pale. My shirt hung off my body disgustingly and my chapped lips fell into a grimace, my body too tired and worn to smile.

A drink, that's what you need Brock. You need a little fire to start your day. My mind whispered quietly as I only shook my head. I couldn't drink yet, not this early in the morning- could I? Rubbing my hands over my face I headed out of the bathroom back to Sam and I's shared room. My body begged to feel something other than this. On my hands and knees, I swiped my arm underneath the bed finding another of my hidden alcohol bottle. The smoothness of it sending a delicious tingle down my spine, one that rivaled the tingle that Sam's fingers once caused. Sitting on the side of the bed with the bottle at hand I cracked it open, my mouth craving the taste like a man rescued from the desert wanting to taste the water. Slowly I bring the top to my lips to only have Sam's voice pop into my head, causing me to suppress a small groan,

Colby, you have a problem. You don't need the drink..." One fire filled gulp hushed my mind and Sam's voice as the ash was rekindled into a flame. I laid back into the bed, the bottle resting easily in my hand as my eyes drifted towards the digital clock that sat on my bedside table, it read in blaring red numbers: 12:30 pm. I had a couple more hours to drink and relax before my job.

The club I worked at opened at 3:30 and closed at around midnight, I worked as a bouncer and for that, I earned free drinks from the bar. It was my ideal job. It paid the bills and it allowed me to indulge in my habit, I loved it. Sam hated it. Just thinking about heading to work caused my stomach to greedily lurch at the thought of free shots and burning liquid. Eyes closed, I could see Sam standing before me, his lips turned into a frown,

"Colby, you have a problem and your job doesn't help. It's like sending a cocaine addict into a place where they can score free cocaine. It's dangerous. Can't you find another job?" He would ask, and I would only let out a sigh. My job was something a cherished, and I didn't have a problem. The concerned blonde's face filled my mind, causing my heart to slightly lurch. Sam Golbach was always too concerned for his own good. I loved him, I did but I refused to admit I have a problem. I don't.

Another swallow and another heavy breath escaped past my lips as I blinked my eyes opened. It was just me and my drink and I wouldn't have it any other way. Slowly but surely my thoughts melted into nothingness as the drink did its job, forcing me to forget Sam and my nonexistent problem.

3:30 came a lot faster than I wanted it to. My empty bottle sat on my bedside table as I stumbled about trying to get my work clothes on. It was a simple attire of a black polo, black skinny jeans, a black leather jacket, and black tennis shoes. Swiftly making sure I looked semi-presentable I headed out and walked the one block to get to the club.

Not many people came at the opening time, it wasn't until around 10 did people actually start to show up. For now, my bouncer partner Corey and I sat at the bar, drinking who knows what,

"We sure are lucky." Corey slurred as he downed the last of his beverage, I only nodded alone relishing in the way the drink sailed smoothly down my throat. The bartenders only nodded along, some of them nursing their own drinks,

"How many fights do you think we'll break up tonight Colby?" Corey asked grinning, it was the same conversation every night. The two bouncers would drink until they were busy and make bets on how many fights they might need to break up. I only smirked at the question, sending my signature shrug Corey's way,

"Who knows friend, how about another drink Corey?" It was a rehearsed reply that caused Corey to give me his same ole signature laugh,

"Of course Colby, another drink we shall have." The two shared another rehearsed laugh, the liquid they downed causing both of them to feel invincible and ready for the long night.