To Catch a Sunset

Chapter 30

Mark

I felt the bed shift and a cold breeze brush my skin,  as Ally slipped out of bed. I pried one eye open, there was a faint light coming through the blinds. God I loved this girl, but why was she up so early? I'm not sure how early it is, but judging by the lack of sunlight it wasn't quite seven. I could tell she was trying to be quiet, but it wasn't working. Surrendering I turned over and was pleasantly surprised to see her topless. Granted she was shimming a bra on, but still I was pleased with my decision to roll over. She caught my gaze as she turned around. Her face fell.

"Shit babe, did I wake you?" She sat down on the bed and rubbed my arm. How could such an innocent act as an arm rub, turn me on so much. Well it was her, she could cluck like a chicken and I'd be turned on. The thought made me smile. "Why are you smiling? She crinkled her nose in confusion. I moved a strand of hair out of her face. Damn she was beautiful.

"At you, no you didn't wake me." She raised her eyebrows at me. "What? You didn't, your body leaving mine woke me, but not you." She shook her head in disgust.

"Sorry babe, I was trying my best not to wake you." Her soft lips met mine and I was suddenly wide awake. Who needs coffee, with her around. God I love this woman. Not just because her kisses set me on fire. It's more than physical, sure it doesn't hurt that she is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Or that when she smiles at me I feel my body come alive. No it was more than that, it was her soul, her inner beauty. This girl could be covered in mud and all she would have to do is smile. Instantly you see her beauty. She pulled away and smiled down at me. Seriously, what did I do to deserve her? "I really am sorry, I just want to get breakfast started before Cindy and the girls get here. Go back to sleep I'll come get you when it's time to eat."

"I'll try to sleep but it's gonna be mighty hard without you." I give her my best pout, she laughs. Not the reaction I was going for, but I couldn't help but laugh too.

"Nice try slick, but you and I both know if I get back in that bed, there will be no sleeping." Damn was she right. I pulled her down and gave her my best panty dropping kiss. She tugged away from me and swatted at my arms.

"Not gonna happen." She stood up and walked towards the bathroom.

"Fine, be that way." I said as I pulled the covers over my head. She laughed as she came back in the room.

"I'll see ya a little later babe." She pulled the covers back and kissed my cheek. I tried to grab her but she managed to slide away from me.

"Love ya." she sang as she sauntered out the door. Seriously, how did I deserve her? I flopped back down on the bed and tried to fall asleep.

After what seemed like endless feeble attempts, I gave up on sleep and made my way to the shower. As the hot water hit my skin I suddenly felt tired. Yesterday was by far the best day we have had since we've been here. It was still filled with drama. Drama, not something I do well. I have literally made it my mission to stay away from people as to avoid drama. I certainly wasn't good at handling stress. My thoughts go back to a darker time, a time when I thought leaving this world was the answer. I am suddenly back in my parents basement with a bottle of xanax in one hand and whiskey in the other. Staring at that bottle of whiskey, I knew it wasn't the answer. Then I turned to face the xanax, it was mine legally prescribed. Still it felt like I was doing something wrong, well I was about to. As I opened the whiskey thoughts of the accident play in my mind. The parts I can remember any way. The whiskey though, I can smell that on my breath as I struggle to help the lifeless girl next to me. It's these exact flashbacks that have brought me to this point. She's dead when it should have been me. I should have been the one driving. I'm the one who caused her to drive so carelessly. I shake my head trying to lose those thoughts. Getting back to the whiskey I can't bring it to my lips. So that's out and the thoughts of swallowing all those pills makes me physically sick. I rush to the bathroom and vomit what little stomach contents I have. The fact that I haven't eaten much in the last month is actually benefiting  me. I ran my face under the water and clean out my mouth. As I make my way back to the dusty corner that has become my sanctuary these days, I notice my mother scowling at the bottles on the small table. Her eyes jerk to mine and suddenly she goes into defense mode.

"Mark, honey I was thinking we could take a drive today. Maybe some fresh air could do you some good." She said as she started cleaning up my mess. She takes the two bottles and shoves them under her arm. She's sneaky for sure, but there is no way she is leaving those here for me. I shake my head.

"No, I'm not ready." I repeat the same words I have said each time she has asked me to leave the house. She nods and makes her way back up the stairs. Throwing her head over her shoulder she begins to speak.

"Just so you agree that you will leave this house again." She shakes her head as if to reset her thoughts. "You will live again, your life didn't end." She pauses as she makes eye contact with me. "Think about that, your not done, the universe isn't done with you. I know you think it is, but you lived, start acting like it!" She slammed the door and left me with utter silence. It was in that moment that I knew my back up plan wasn't going to happen either, I couldn't go through with this. She was right, I lived it's time I get out of this basement. I sent several emails to the right people at school later that afternoon. Getting back there will help, I have to get out of this damn town. I'm less likely to leave the house here. I had to keep living, even if I didn't want to.

As I stare at the razor sitting on the tub's edge. It's pink with raised flowers all over it. Ally. I'm suddenly back to reality, back to the house my love grew up in. Those words from my mother, those words that saved me all those years ago. Those words ring true now more than ever. The universe wasn't done with me, Ally was waiting for me. The thought of her makes me smile, hell it always does. I let the hot water wash the past away. I didn't need to keep going back there, my present was pretty damn good.

Authors Note: Sorry for the short chapter, its an important one. A look at Mark's struggles and his relationship with Nancy. Thanks for reading!!