New Chains, Same Shackles|| Book II

Chapter 2: Rag Round My Skull

The sound of glass shattering jolts me wide awake. I gasp for breath as I frantically sit up from my bed looking at my surroundings. I let out a deep breath of relief seeing it was only a broken bottle of Jack Daniels on the floor.

I hang my head low realizing I must've drunkenly fallen to sleep with it in my hands, doing what I do best and drowning my sorrows in alcohol once again. It's something I haven't done since things have gotten really rough.

I've gotten better, don't get me wrong I've fought like hell to try and change my life around, but as soon as things get the least bit tough I always fall right back into old habits. Last night was a perfect example.

I rub the sleep from my heavy bloodshot eyes, the sun shines through the bars on my bedroom window brightly. I yawn, just as I'm about to lay back down I hear my phone vibrate from on top of the nightstand. I groan and weakly pick it up with a limp wrist.

The screen lights up with multiple text messages and missed calls from Red. I groan and throw my head back down on the pillow deciding to ignore her and scroll through the rest of my messages instead. I see a few people asking if I can meet them for a fix so I quickly text back knowing I needed the money.

I had a feeling I wouldn't be getting another paycheck from Melvin's. My bare feet kiss the dirty carpet as I stand up. I felt like shit and my knees feel as if they were about to give out right from under me. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and roll my eyes at my own distressed reflection before sloppily throwing some clothes on and heading out the door.

I keep my head down as I spark up a cigarette that's when I hear the sound of a car door slam shut. I lift my gaze from my scuffed up boots to see a figure standing right outside the chain-link fence out front. I almost choke on the smoke of my cigarette in shock. The all too familiar person looks back at me with a wide smirk.

"The fuck are ya doin' here?" I say jokingly while making my way closer to him, a rare smile beginning to creep up on my face.

"Damn," Eric chuckles running a hand through his now half black and silver hair, "—missed ya too shawty," He says sarcastically before hunching over and resting his forearms on the fence.

I grin foolishly, "Thought ya still had anotha three months left on tour?"

Eric shrugs, "I may have added a show or two in New Orleans to the list, figured I'd surprise ya," he says with a cheeky grin, "I gotta get goin' now, but y'know ya always got a place backstage," Eric says more of a question than a statement as he looks back at me for an answer with a hopeful look.

I give him a sad smile, "Can't, I work tonight 'n I really need the money," I sigh.

"S'fine, I knew ya would say sum like that—" he shrugs lowering his head, "—least come to the after-party, y'know...like old times," he whispers the last part reminiscent while peering back at me with a soft smile.

"I-ion know, y'know that ain't me no more," I say to him in a knowing tone while exhaling smoke.

Eric rolls his eyes and plucks the cigarette from between my fingers stealing a drag, "Come on I ain't change my tour round for ya to ditch ma ass."

I look around avoiding his gaze, my arms still folded tightly over my chest, "Ight—" I sigh, a wide grin forms on his lips but I quickly cut in, "—I'll think bout it," I finally say looking at Eric while trying to stop the growing smile on my face.