What about everything else?

Chapter Four

The sun came up quicker than it should've and I was the only person awake. El and Trina were both snoring softly in their slumber and just like I had thought, the rest of the people in the living room were as well.

I quietly snuck over to my purse that was hanging on the back of a dining room chair and dug out my headphones. They fit perfectly into my ears and I softly smiled. Somehow in this moment, I felt absolutely at home.

Red plastic cups and empty cans littered the entire house, even the bathroom. Empty cigarette packs and smoked butts were everywhere and I decided to just start in the kitchen.

The dishes were stacked in the sink which caused a sigh to escape me. I unlocked my phone and picked a random LoFi song to listen to while trying to manage the impossible. Clean the house.

Once the dishes were hand washed and set out to dry, I grabbed my first garbage bag. Setting off around the house, I managed to tidy up the place without waking a single soul.

I stopped and looked around. There wasn't any more trash laying around and aside from all of the sleeping people on the couches and floor, the house didn't look too bad.

The time was  ten 0'clock and a cigarette was calling my name. I grabbed my pack and stepped outside. Maria and Sav's car were gone. They must've left once Trina, El and I went in for the night.

I plopped myself down on the front steps and lit my cigarette. Taking a deep inhale, I felt the nicotine calming my always anxious nerves. El's suggestion of moving in with them circled my mind.

It would help them out with rent and utilities and I would be out from under my parents for the first time. Surely it would be better to start out on my own with friends.

Trina and El already had a roommate but from what they've told me, she's never around. I made up my decision to talk to them about it once they woke up and started putting in job applications on my phone.

Once I heard movement in the house, I had put in ten applications. From retail to factories to banks. My experience was limited but it didn't stop me from applying anyways.

The front door behind me banged open and a half asleep guy barreled out of the house with multiple people following quickly behind.

"Shit! I'm sorry! Late for work!" He called over his shoulder, racing to his car. This caused me to throw my head back in laughter.

The others offered no explanation and I didn't bother to ask. I didn't even know their names.

"Trina! Make me some damn coffee! My head is THROBBING." I knew that was my cue to head back inside. Hungover El was not a happy El.

"Hey there El. Feeling alright? Need an Advil?" She gave me a thumbs up somehow with her head in her hands and a cigarette hanging from her lips.

I patted her back as I walked by, headed towards the bathroom. Trina and I reached her at the same time suppling her coffee and pain meds.

"Thanks guys." El looked up at both of us and frowned when her eyes landed on me.

"How are you not dying right now?" My mind started reeling.

Would Maria be mad if I explained the entire coke situation? I mean El is my best friend and I hated lying to her.

I pulled out the dining room chair and sat beside her.

"Yeahhh.. I've actually got something to tell you about last night."

Both Trina and El looked at me with confusion. I sighed and explained the whole thing. El nodded her head with a slight frown but she didn't seem too mad.