Problems Anonymous(complete)

Chapter 6

As much as we liked our adventures, life wasn't just fun and games. I still had to work. Austin still had to do whatever it was he does. Sometimes we'd go out week nights after I had finished slaving away at my shift at Denny's Diner. I hated working there, I hated it with a passion, but what was I going to do? It put food on the table. Saturdays were our definite free days-it was an absolute ritual to meet that day. Occasional Sunday afternoons went about the same way, too. Of course, this was after I dragged Austin to AA. With all the time I had been spending with him, it'd be a lie if I said he hadn't gotten a drink or two in me. And even though there was no real danger in that, I guess I made a point to go now more than ever because I was scared that my life could turn into one similar to Dot's. Or Charley's. Or any other real alcoholic that attended.

He tried to bribe me out of it. He reasoned we could go out with all this money he was magically getting from no where.But I wanted to make a point.I really wanted him to quit. I wanted to help him like he was helping me. And I was proud to say that it seemed like it was working, for the most part. Whenever we were together, he never got drunk, and he only had a drink if I had agreed to one. If he was succeeding in ridding me of my poisonous and pointless lifestyle, it was only right I got rid of his poison too.

But as much as I tried to push it out, sometimes the words he told me when we first met haunted my mind.

We're alcoholics, and no matter how hard the world tries, we always will be.There is no solving it.

I desperately wished it wasn't true. Because if it was, what stands to reason that all of this was just a big hoax? That even though Austin was giving me this big, new outlook on life, in the end, I'd still just be me? An unhappy Maisy. This bipolar feeling made me sick, that I could be so happy, and then quickly see all of it as a waste of time.

Worst of all, to the outside world, the 'grown ups' of the world, we had no worries. We were the crazy kids with no problems. Apparently all we knew was drinking and partying and making out; no consequences. If only it was that easy. If only they knew that all that glitters,  isn't gold.

***

"This doesn't make any sense, why is it cold?! It's the middle of July, for Christ's sake!", I walked, rubbing my shoulders, even though I was wearing a long sleeve and pants. I swear, sometimes I felt like I lived in Alaska.

It was Sunday afternoon, we had just gotten out of AA. We decided to chill and take a walk in the park. It had become our go to spot when we were too lazy to do anything extravagant or go out of our way. I didn't mind, I found it the time we were there equally as wonderful, and it was free.

Austin decided to bring a mitt and baseball, because he felt he hadn't done anything 'manly' in a while.

"Hello? Austin?", I nudged him.He was in a world of his own as he stared at the basketball courts; a game was taking place. He thoughtlessly rolled the ball between his fingers.

"Huh?"

I couldn't help but let out a giggle.

"Sorry.It's just that guy, he was really good. I wouldn't be surprised if one day I see him on TV in the NBA."

I peered over, and I had to say, he was impressive.He was an excellent point guard.

"On the Celtics team, of course."

Austin snorted.

"Psh ya, out of pity. But with his talent, he totally deserves to be on the Lakers, with Magic Johnson."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Larry Bird can devastate Magic and the Lakers any day."

"Please.Do you even know basketball? I don't think you're hearing yourself."