Smoke

Chapter Two: Deal

        The bed was uncomfortable underneath him. David stood up and placed the picture on the dresser. The back of his hand wiped both of his eyes as he began to regain his composure. Most days he had visitors come to his house, usually unannounced. Friends, family, and especially his own mother, would stop by wanting to make sure he was doing okay. Probably to make sure he hadn't done something drastic, such as end his own life. David thought about it from time to time, and had come close to it a time or to. He knew how much it hurt to lose someone though, and he wouldn't do it to his family.

        However, the nights would find him laying awake with tears streaming down his face. He spent those long moments remembering. It felt as though there was a pain in his stomach that wouldn't subside. He was restless, tossing and turning, hardly any sleep ever came to him. He remembered their honeymoon, the small arguments they had, and he remembered every detail of the night he lost her. 

        He walked slowly into the kitchen and grabbed a glass from the cabinet. He reached out and turned on the cold water before placing the glass underneath it. Lost in thought, David didn't realize that the cup was full until he felt the cold water run over and hit his hand. 

        "Damn." He whispered as he turned the faucet off. A hard knock on the door announced his first visitor of the day. He placed the glass on the counter, and dried his hands on the kitchen towel before making his way towards the front door. Whoever was on the other side of the door knocked again before David could reached the front hallway.

         "Okay, okay." He murmered before he reached the doorknob and turned it to reveal his best friend. 

Kent Jacobson stood at the door looking impatient.

        "Geez, what took so long man?" He teased. He knew that David was in an immense amount of pain after the loss of his wife. Kent was of the mindset that being able to return to normal conversation would help his friend heal, at least some. 

        "Good morning to you too." David replied as Kent stepped over the threshold and into the house. "What are you doing here so early? Most visitors don't start showing up until around noon." Kent started to walk towards the kitchen so David had no choice but to follow. "You want a drink?"

        "Yes, a drink would be great. Anything cold. It's not summer yet, but it's definitely getting hot outside. I think they said it's going to be in the 80s tomorrow." 

        "I am not ready for summer." David murmured. He knew that winter had been Noras favorite season, and he'd rather be snowed in than have to face the world again. He handed Kent a cold coke from the fridge, and grabbed one for himself. His water was left forgotten on the counter.

        "Thanks." Kent took a seat at the kitchen table, opened his can, and took a long drink before speaking again. "I have a proposition for you. I want you to listen to the whole thing before you say no to it." A look of understanding crossed Davids face. He knew exactly what his friend wanted because they'd had this conversation numerous times.

        "I don't want to Kent....." He started to say, but his friend cut him off.

        "I told you, just listen first before saying no. I need a wingman tonight." Davids audible groan made Kent stop for a second, but then he continued unperturbed by his friends obvious dismissal. "I know that you don't want to, and I understand. I need someone though, man, and you were always the best. Come on, I'm not trying to get you a date or anything. I understand that wound is much too fresh to heal right now. Just come to the bar tonight and have a drink or two with me. It's pathetic for a grown man to sit there by himself drinking. Gives off the creeper vibe, ya know? Please?" An audible sigh escaped Davids lips before he spoke.

        "I don't know....." He began, but after looking at Kent he decided to agree. "Okay, okay. I'll do it. I don't want to, but I will." 

        "Yes!" His friend cheered before taking another drink from his can. "I really thought you were going to say no again." Laughing, David opened his soft drink and took a small sip. He wasn't really looking forward to going out with his friend, but a few drinks of something much stronger might help him. In truth he had already blown through the liquor they had kept at the house. Although he didn't want to admit it to anyone, he was afraid that if he didn't get control of his life soon he'd be a raging alcoholic. Still.....

        "What day are we going?" David asked before taking another drink.

        "Is tomorrow too soon? I think this girl, Bridget is her name, anyway I think she'll be there tomorrow. I really just need you to occupy her friend that always tags along with her." After explaining the details Kent stood up from the kitchen table. 

        "Tomorrow is perfect." David said with a slight hint of sarcasm in his words. 

        "Awesome, I'll be here by 8 and we can take my car." Kent replied, ignoring his friends tone. "I am pumped. This is going to be better than '98!" He was referring to the time that the two of them, along with their other friends Steven and Alex, had stayed out all night bar hopping. None of the four guys had gone home with anyone, but it was one of those nights that cemented their friendship. 

        "I don't think anything could top that night, but I'd like to see you try." David said as he walked Kent towards the front door. 

        "Oh I will. Be prepared for anything!" He stopped for a moment before opening the door to leave and regarded his friend. David had already lost weight, and there were dark circles under his eyes as though the nights were keeping him awake. He was worried, and he hoped that maybe tomorrow night his friend would return to at least a shade of his former self, laughing and happy. "If you need anything at all man, just call me. Okay?" He turned the doorknob in his hand and pulled toward him. 

        "I will" David replied with a small smile. He knew he could count on his friends, but they didn't really understand that what he was going through he needed to do alone. "I'll see you tomorrow." 

        "Yes you will, be ready!" Kent waved as he left, jumping down the front steps instead of walking them. 

        David sighed and shut the door behind him. He wasn't sure what would happen tomorrow night, but he wasn't sure he was ready for it.