With a New Face of Failure

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P.O.V. of Roger

I sit in the car, crossing my arms as I looked out the window, not daring to look at him. The music played lightly, trying to get rid of the awkward and angry silence that bounced around in the car. Every stop seemed to last for an hour. I watched as everything passed by quickly, I never realized how short life is until is slapped me.

 “You know we want you in the band still.” He said.

“Mhm.” I say, unsure of what else to say.

“I didn’t mean most of the things I said.”

I smile a little. “Are you trying to apologize or something?”

“I guess.” We stopped at light, another hour. Why did leaving seem longer than going there? “What is different than before?”

“What?”

“What changed you to become…. like this?”

“What does that mean?” I turn to him.

“I mean, besides the whole cancer thing, why did you start drinking?”

“I don’t want to talk about this.” I turn away and start looking out the window.

“We have to, you have to let it out-”

“You already know that I have cancer. It made me realize that my life had no meaning, it never did. So what else am I suppose to do?” I hiss, still not looking at him, afraid to see what his reaction is.

“You didn’t have to start drinking and smoking, you know that kills you even more… Maybe you don’t see what you have right now, but what we see and always saw, was how amazing and kind you were. You were always there for us when we needed it. You were always the one who kept our happiness up and high. Without you, were just another band.” 

My heart dropped, I never heard him say anything like that.

“Look, I’m sorry that Dorine didn’t have you’re baby. I am… but I made a mistake and should have stuck with my gut and stayed home. Just that one night, but at the same time I’m grateful that she came into my life, because she changed me. I use to be a complete asshole and addict. I was addicted to sex, drugs, and alcohol, but she made me realize that times are different now, and I just started a family.” He gripped the steering wheel causing the rubber to squeak quietly. “I know things are bad right now and it looks it has a bad outcome, but come on. I know you better than this Roger. Kyle knows you better than this. Oliver knows you better than this. You know you’re better than this.” We arrive at his house. We unhooked out seat belts, but sat in the car, staring at the garage. “I’m glad I met you.” He said and went inside, leaving me in the car.

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P.O.V. of Oliver

I open my eyes and Galina’s cleaning. I groan and face her, still not fully awake. “Why are you cleaning?”

“I don’t want Kyle and Clemine coming over to our dirty condo.” She said as she scrubbed the dresser.

“I don’t think they’ll be coming in here.”

“You never know.” She said.

“Do you want me to help with something?” I stretch my arms, now becoming more sober.

“I don’t know.” She got up and wiped her forehead. “I cleaned just about everything. I should have done this last night.” She looked around and put her hand on her hips. “That should do.”