Don't make the same mistakes again

A new and better start

Dylan

It was half past twelve but I haven't slept a wink. I went on Instagram and found that Brayleigh had just been online two minutes ago. I wondered what she was doing and clicked on her profile. According to her status, she had been studying for the past two hours. So, I dropped a text to her. 

Why in the world are you studying? Go to bed.

She replied almost immediately and her reply brought a smile to my face.

Cute of you to mention, now may I ask you why you are awake?

Don't you come weaving into my business. 

Who are you to ask me to get to bed?!

Technically, I asked you to go to bed.

damn you and your grammar. Go to bed Dylan, I have an exam coming up. 

I almost forgot that she was graduating this year and her parents had announced their big and proud plans for their smart daughter. I sighed. I still had to catch up with the one month of study I missed, but I had no plans for college. I wanted to stay in Hawaii and maybe pick up singing and songwriting. Singing was easier said than done. I had friends who sang like they were summoning demons, on the other end of the spectrum I had friends who had voices like Brayleigh's. I should stop thinking about her! That sounded extremely depressing so I decided to head off to bed.

After a while, I gave up. I stood up abruptly scaring my dog, Poodle. The dog wasn't close to a poodle but dad had thought that name suited him well, so we went with it. 

I headed downstairs to make a cup of coffee and poodle was tagging along. Dad was lying on the couch mumbling to himself. I went closer to listen and I could merely hear him say, "I think I had s---" I covered my ears and hummed to block out his voice, but when I opened my ears, he said, "I need to make sure mum knows I still love her, make l---" He sees me glaring at him horrified, "Dad I think you're drunk, let's get you to the room." He was mumbling about not having more kids and he started tearing like a baby. I could smell his cologne and the whisky he had drunk. I shook my head in dismay. 

Ever since mum died from cancer two years ago, I can't ever remember the last time he was sober. 

As soon as I settled him on bed, there were two notifications from Brayleigh.

Hey you wanna come over and help me study?

Three minutes after that text she added. 

You okay? Are you asleep? 

Dylan? Why do I feel like everyone is hiding something from me all the time? Let alone ditch me......

I replied her. 

I'm fine, found my dad drunk at the couch.

Oh I see, so?

So, what? 

🤦‍♀️are you coming over?

Yes of course, be right down in a bit:)

I hurriedly put on a shirt and rushed out of the house in a pair of shorts and sneakers. 

Brayleigh