Room 138

Chapter 8

How would you feel if your entire world came crashing down at your feet? You went to bed and everything was good. You wake up and almost everyone you've ever cared for is gone. Welcome to my life. 

I never thought this kind of thing would ever happen to me. Never thought I'd have to plan the funerals of my four best friends. But, here I am. 

I sighed as I stepped inside Andy's house. Nothing has changed. It still looks the same as it always does. 

The last time I was here was with the guys. I shake my head, trying to get the images out of my head. I don't want to break down again. Not now. 

Andy shut the door once we were all inside and locked the door behind us. 

I took a seat on the couch next to Jake, resting my head against the back of the couch. "I still have to make the announcement..." I said softly. 

"You don't have to do that now," Ashley started, taking a seat on the other side of Jake. "You worry about you right now. And just know we're here for you. Whatever you need, okay?" 

I nodded, taking in a shaky breath. "I know. I appreciate it." I said. And I did. I don't think being alone was an option right now. Hell, I wasn't sure being alone would ever be an option again.

"Do you need anything?" Jinxx asked.

I shook my head. "I'm good, thanks." I replied. 

Andy sighed and shot up from his seat, darting toward the bathroom. 

I wasn't sure what was going on, but I was beginning to worry.

"Andy?" Ashley said as he watched the younger man run past him. "I'll be back." He said as he got up off the couch and headed toward the bathroom. 

Andy was having a hard time with this. I knew he was. Hell, I knew all of us were dealing with, or trying too deal with this the best way we knew how. 

The bathroom door opened and Ashley stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. 

I let my eyes close for a moment before opening them once more. My eyes scanned the room, "There were pictures of everyone all over the walls. Andy always said we were his family, and you were supposed to keep pictures of family on your walls. 

After a few minutes passed the bathroom door came open and Ashley and Andy came out. Ashley looked toward the living room. "I'm going to go lay with him for a bit. I'll be back." He said as they headed into Andy's room, closing the door behind them. 

I took a breath and let my eyes close once more. I was exhausted. Both physically and mentally. But, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to sleep. At least not without some assistance. 

Two hours had passed now, and one by one the guys were dropping like flies. Both CC and Jinxx had passed out in the chairs littering the living room. Now, Jake and I were the only two left awake out here. 

Ashley still hadn't come back, and we weren't sure if he was still talking to Andy or if they'd both fallen asleep.

"James?" Jake began softly "I'm so sorry you had to go through this." He shook his head "I don't know how you got through it...I don't know that I could have," 

I shrugged "Honestly, if you guys hadn't shown up when you did, I might not be here right now. Actually, I know I wouldn't. I would have found a way to end my life. A way to be with them." I admitted. 

"Well, I'm glad we got there then." He turned to look at me "I don't think I could have handled losing you too.." He said, his voice trailing off. 

I offered a small smile and covered my mouth to hide the yawn that was trying to slip out.

"Tired?" 

I nodded. "I'm exhausted, but I don't know if I can sleep." I admitted. 

Jake nodded. "Well, if you can, you should really try and get some sleep." 

I knew he was right, but I was scared. "Come lay with me?" I started "At least until I fall asleep. Then you can leave or do whatever you want." 

Jake nodded and got up from the couch. "Sure." He said, stopping in front of Andy's door. He opened it slowly and I couldn't help but laugh when I heard Andy's snoring coming from inside the room. We glanced inside, Ashley fast asleep, resting his head against Andy's chest.

Jake sighed and shook his head, shutting the door behind him. "Well, now we know what was taking him so long." 

We headed to the guest room and I wasted no time toeing off my shoes and climbing onto the bed. I had to admit it, this was one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in. I can't tell you the amount of times we stayed in this room because we were too drunk to make it home. 

I sighed softly, turning on my side to face Jake. He was upset, and I just realized I hadn't asked him how he was doing yet. Some friend I turned out to be. 

"Hey, you doing okay?" I asked.

Jake shrugged "I guess. I mean I know I don't have as much right to be upset as you do..." 

"Don't say that" I interrupted, you cared about them just as much I did. We've been friends for a long ass time." 

He nodded "I just keeping thinking this is a nightmare and I'm going to wake up from it sooner or later and Danny is going to start teasing me and everyone else for being little pussies." He said. 

He was right, that would be just the thing Danny would do. 

"I know, I felt the same way for awhile. Then, I realized that was only driving me crazy...and I didn't need to go down that road. I need to get through this. I need to be strong." 

Jake nodded, turning over on his side to look at me. "Sleep. I'm not going to leave you. I promise." He assured me.

I swallowed hard "Please don't." I added. 

Jake leaned in, stopping inches from my face. He licked across his lips slowly before closing the gap, pressing his lips against mine. 

I was a little shocked at first, but I didn't fight it. Instead, I parted my lips and let my tongue slip past his lips, covering every inch of his mouth. 

After a few minutes, Jake pulled away and looked at me. "I'm sorry, I've wanted to do that for awhile now. Just never found the right time."

I smiled softly, bringing my hand up to cup his cheek "I wish you would have told me...then we wouldn't have had to be lonely all this time." I said. 

He mirrored the smile and grabbed me, pulling me closer. He pressed a kiss to the top of my head "Sleep" He said softly.

I nodded, letting my eyes fall closed as I kept my arms wrapped around Jake. The sound of his soft breathing and the beating of his heart was enough to lull me to sleep.