I stared down at the cigarette in my hand. I don't know if I should try it or not. I'm outside at the park where my mother would never catch me. Also, I've heard that it makes you feel happy.
I shakily grabbed the lighter and held the cigarette to my lips. I lit the end and inhaled. I coughed and gagged at the smoke that filled my lungs. I looked back down at the cigarette and wondered if I should try it again. Being the rebel I am, I tried again.
This time wasn't so bad. After the third or fourth time, it was more enjoyable. I smoked it until it was all gone.
And for once, I smiled. That smile turned into uncontrollable laughter. What's so funny? EVERYTHING.
I spent the next hour, laughing my ass off at nothing in particular. When my mind began to function properly, I walked back home.
When I walked through the door, my mother quickly walked over to me. "You smell like weed. What were you doing?"
I needed to come up with something believable quickly. Its easier to make a non believable story though.
"I was out at the park and a guy was smoking weed nearby. The scent must have stuck to me." Nice.
She nodded. "Go upstairs and take a shower and wash your clothes please!"
I walked upstairs and took off my clothes and stepped into the shower. I need to get more of that stuff. I need to see Derek again.
When it was bed time, I sat in my bed, awake. No way I'm going to go to sleep with those nightmares.
I looked over at Link who was fast asleep. No one can wake that guy up. I looked back at the clock. 2:30 am. Maybe if I take the weed before I fall asleep, then I won't have those nightmares.
I quickly texted Derek and asked him to bring more of the weed to the park. He replied and said that he'd meet me there.
I tip toed out the door and sprinted to the park we meet at. I saw Derek behind the tree and I met up with him.
"How much?" I asked.
"Twenty dollars. Good money am I right?" He held out his hand.
I nodded and handed him the twenty dollars. In return, he handed me a bag with 10 cigarettes.
I thanked him and headed back home.
There are woods behind my house where I can hide for now. I took off my clothes and put them back inside. No need to let my mom know.
I went back outside and into the woods. I lit the cigarette and began to smoke it. After it was all gone, I quickly went inside and put my clothes back on. I hid my bag in the broken vent in my closet.
I snuck back in my bed and quickly went to sleep.
***
I woke up with a smile on my face. No nightmares. It worked.
For the next few days, it has been working.
I got ready for the day and went downstairs to eat a bagel. I went out the door and went to school.
When I got to school, I put my combination in my locker and put all my stuff in there.
Vailly came up to me and kissed my cheek. "Can I go to your house?" She asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, sure."
She giggled and ran off to her next class.
***
After school, Vailly came home with me. When we got inside, we went upstairs and played a game where we creep each other out.
I went first.
I smiled the Overly Attached Girlfriend smile and she got a little creeped out.
Next, it was her turn. She hid in the closet and peeked out a little bit. "Hello children!" She said in a Herbert the Pervert voice.
I began to laugh and she did too. Then she stopped. She quickly got out and stared at me.
"W-what?" She was tearing up.
What did I do?!
She held up a familiar little baggy. Shit.
"I found it in the vent when I saw something white," she said.
"I-I can explain!" I said.
"Oh yeah? Please do!" Tears ran down her flawless face.
"They take away my nightmares!"
"And I bet you didn't know that until you tried it!"
I opened my mouth, but quickly shut it, knowing that she would win anyways.
"We're done, Ben..." She threw the baggy at me and ran downstairs.
I stood there staring at the baggy.
Chase after her you idiot!
She won't want me anyways.
I hid the baggy back in the vent and laid down on the closet floor.
***
The next day, I went to school with my head hung low and went to Mr. Monroe's class early.
I sat down in my seat and laid my head down on the table. Mr. Monroe came over and slapped a paper down on my desk.
I sat up and looked at the paper. A progress report.
"You're almost failing my class, Ben."
"So?" I mumbled.
"So, you won't be able to pass this class. You will have to redo this class again."
"Please, just leave me alone..." I put my head back down.
Luckily, he left and Jane came in furious. She pulled me by my arm and led me to the cafeteria.
"What the hell Ben?! You smoke?!" She whisper yelled.
I slowly nodded. "It helps with my nightmares."
Her frowned turned a little softer. "You still broke Vailly's heart!"
"I didn't want her to know! I knew that it would hurt her!"
"Look, promise me that you won't do it again!" She said.
I nodded with crossed fingers behind my back.
