✔Vengeful Valentine

Twenty Six: Adam

I felt like death warmed over. I knew the side effects of the PEP drugs wouldn't be pleasant, but I didn't expect the knife jab-like pains in the pit of my stomach. Sleeping helped a little bit, but fuck it hurt so much.

Taking a second to stand up, I got out of bed and made my way back down into the living room. Only Archie was sprawled out on the couch.

"Where's momma and Everly?" I asked him.

"They went out to feed the animals," Archie replied. "You good?"

"Do I fucking look good to you?" I grumbled. "Stupid meds are messing with my stomach. Dammit."

"Jeez. I don't know how Everly puts up with your bitchy ass," Archie muttered.

"Everly's much sweeter than you. Smells better too." I wrinkled my nose.

"Whatever." Archie disgustingly raised his arm, sniffed, and shrugged.

I heard addicts sometimes lost their sense of smell from snorting drugs. It was how they easily fell behind on their hygiene. The stench didn't bother me much since I'd smelled worse, but it broke my heart how my brother let himself go. The worst part was that he didn't even seem to care. He had a horrible case of meth mouth, but he tried to keep his breath tolerable by excessively chewing on cheap gum.

"You're never gonna get anywhere in life if you stay stuck in New Syracuse," I told him. "That place is a breeding ground for addicts. Temptation is on almost every street corner."

"You don't have to worry about me, Adam. I got a plan. I'll be just fine and dandy."

Had I not needed to rush to the bathroom to puke my guts out, I would've questioned him more about his plan. I damn near puked all over my fucking self. I sat on the floor hugging the toilet until the vomit finally stopped. It reminded me of the time I sneaked out as a young teenager with some friends to a bonfire in the woods with alcohol. I would've gotten away with it too back then had Archie not snitched on me to Momma, who found me puking my guts out at such an ungodly hour.

My throat burned, and the bitter taste of my vomit lingered in my mouth. And to think I had a month left of the hell to endure. I stood uneasily, gripping tightly to the bathroom sink counter for support. I used some mouth wash to rinse out the disgusting taste and splashed some water on my face to keep myself awake. I looked like hell, but I wouldn't let my family see that. I didn't need them worrying. Especially not Everly. She had enough worries without me adding to the pile.

I groaned at the sudden knock on the door. That blabber-mouth, Archie, probably told Momma I was feeling like shit. Bet he thought it would steer away from his own drug issues. Clever, annoying bastard.

When I opened the door, my mother stood there giving me that look. The same one that used to mean I was about to get my ass whooped as a kid. Everly stood beside her worriedly with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Honey, why didn't you tell me what happened to you in that terrible town?" Momma asked. Worry lines creased in her forehead. "You don't hide something like that from me ever again. You could've died, Adam. I would've driven out there to take care of you and teach that boy who hurt you a lesson."

I sighed. "Which is exactly why I didn't tell you. I didn't wanna worry you or get you down in New Syracuse threatening the asshole. We arrested the little shit. It's okay now."

Momma scoffed. "I would've done a lot more than threaten him."

"I know you would've, Momma."

She gave me a pitiful smile. "Honey, you need to lie down and rest. Adrian should be home for supper tonight."

"I came here to visit you. Not sleep all day," I told her.