Sativa.

17. Hooter

Blaine's memory is like a spider-web. Her mind intricate, and tangled, and confusing; a beautiful wrapping of delicate silk reduced to nothing at the slightest disturbance.

It isn't that her life or relationship with Travis is all unpleasant darkness. Both of them have complex pasts and dysfunctional families. Factors that cause rifts on into their adulthood. Some events are as devastating as earthquakes while others are mini after-shocks.

They have their issues. She's habitually stubborn and independent. He, meanwhile, caters a darkly cryptic and jealous side. Whenever she's unpredictable he grows withdrawn or moody.

In many ways, Blaine is the only person able to understand Travis. The funny charming side shown to acquaintances and strangers alike. The insightful side as he reveals how big his dreams really are or how complex given his unique past. Then a passionate side where he's secretive yet strong. Each part of his personality nurtures her.

Unfortunately, their relationship also resembles a glass of water constantly having ink poured into the cup. Pure but stained.

At first, Blaine was bitter toward Travis's indifference about the car getting impounded fiasco. Even after all his assurances she continued to argue such serious charges needed to be treated as such. But, a week later, the car is back in their possession and Blaine still hasn't visited the Doctor about her head condition. That leaves them at a stalemate.

Life continues somewhat normally. With him working construction and her decorating. Despite his obvious concern for her health, Travis seems more content with trying to make her happy. Preferable to sleeping on opposite ends of the bed every night.

They go to the Misfits bar again. Even if he doesn't have the money to spare. He takes her on his trips to sell buds, like they used to when they first got together. It was normal until it wasn't anymore.

Colorado weather never follows the norm for climate. It's mid-April and they wait in the car to take Serenity to the store. Spring is around the corner but snow flurries fall from the sky gradually dusting the ground white.

Fifteen minutes ago his sister texted she'd be on her way out with Brittney. They'd passed the time making funny videos on her phone with a voice altering app. Blaine never thought it could be so hysterical watching Travis scream and complain about wanting chicken nuggets while sounding like a jabbering chipmunk on crack.

They lose track of time until the phone dies. He glances at the clock. "She's taking forever, maybe we should go in."

Since the disastrous first visit, Blaine has seen Serenity only a couple other times. Hardly interacting with her beyond what days they would babysit Brittney. Regardless of how friendly Blaine tried to be, Serenity remained as aloof as ever. So, eventually, she stopped trying.

Having to go into the house kills the mood and she pockets her phone, frowning. "Should I wait in the car?"

"It's freezing outside, crazy."

Rather than arguing, she pulls his hoodie on for a cold walk across the yard. The noisy gate is even harder to push open against the snow. Travis kicks it twice until it swings back.

A lot has changed in the past two months since she last ventured past the threshold. Worsened. All the counter space is overwhelmed by dirty dishes swarming with flies and trash litters the floor. The stench of smoke is overwhelming, encouraging a headache that strengthens with each breath of the toxic air.

"What is she doing here?" Serenity asks spitefully before Blaine can walk two steps into the house. Distaste is familiar but she hasn't ever flat-out said she's unwelcome before today.