Stephen and Sharpies ~ Watty Awards 2012

Chapter Twenty-Three

-Alec

    Do you remember all the parties that you invited me to? I never went to any of them, I was too much of a outcast. If I had ever gone to one I would be completely ignored. I would be offered beer and I would refuse. People would get high and totally hammered. I would probably be the only sober and responsible person there. You would see me and smile, but never say a word to me. Games involving alcohol and dares would be involved. I of course would stay away from everyone. I know because I went to a party. Funny that you didn’t even realize.

    In one of my earlier letters I mentioned the party after your huge football game, well it wasn’t that one. It was the one before that. You guys had played our huge rivals that night and there was a huge party for the win. As soon as the game had ended everyone headed to their cars. I followed your hummer all the way to the house of Alley Cornwall. She always hosted the parties and always had a lot of beer and food. Anyways as we reached her street I could see all of the cars, lining the street. I kept following you and you pulled into the driveway, boyfriend privileges. I continued on and parked at the end of the block. I walked to the house passing guys who were already drunk.

    I got into the house and suddenly had the urge to plug my ears. The music was loud and the rooms were hazy, full of smoke. I looked for you and found you by Alley’s side. I tried to walk past you and get your attention, but you only smiled at me. I many times as I tried to get you to notice me and talk, you just never caught on. So instead I made my own fun. I walked away and laughed at the drunk idiots in our grade. I took a few pictures with my cell and kept them for a good laugh. I accidentally walked in on a few couples, trying to find the bathroom. I got shoes and some other disturbing things thrown at me during that party.

    The night was coming to an end and morning was arriving. It was close to three kin the morning and many had past out. There was of course still some guys pressing their luck and girls taking their first drink all night. I can’t remember who, but some chick offered me a half filled cup of beer. I took it with all intentions to set it down somewhere else. I walked around looking for a free spot and then decided I could just tip it and let the contents spill. I was about to do it when you walked by and I realized how stupid I was being.

    Without thinking I brought the cup to my lips and sipped the intoxicating drink. With one drink I took another and another until it was gone. I let the cup fall from my hands and head back to the table for another cup. I had the second cup in my hand and the rim inches from my mouth when I came to. I wasn’t sure what had overcame me. I took a moment and tipped the cup and let the beer stain the carpet. I headed for the door and bumped into you. I didn’t stop. I went outside and made my way to my car. I got it and drove home leaving the party in the past.

    I hate parties and that’s why I never wanted to go. I didn’t want to drink. I couldn’t become my mother. I was different, I’m supposed to save Abigail from a horrible life. Abigail is supposed to have a hero and I am supposed to be that hero. I took a drink, I finished off half of a cup of alcohol. I’m scared that I am going to be a drunk like my mother and then I can’t be everything everyone needs.

    Stephen you won’t be like your mother. It was just a few drinks not more. She stopped there was nothing wrong with tasting the alcohol on her lips.

    I haven’t taken another drink since and I vow to never take another drink. Never. I messed up once and I won’t ever again, I can’t risk it. It doesn’t even taste good. I have to resist any urge for another drink. I am one with that.