My Other Half (Avenged Sevenfold)

Untitled Part 7

I cracked my neck when my dad hung up with me. I want to shake the shit out of my brother. He has put all of us through so much hell for the last ten years. I can't tell you how many times he has overdosed. It's always the same shit, he's changed, he will get help. It's always short lived too.

I fished a cigarette out and lit it. I exhaled and tried to breathe and relax. Fucking asshole.

"Everything ok?" I heard Brian ask behind me.

I turned and gave him my best customer service smile. He rolled his eyes and grinned.

"You're bullshit fake smile doesn't work on us." He said.

"You guys FBI profilers in your spare time?" I asked curiously.

"No. But I know how to read people. Especially you. What's wrong?" He asked.

"My brother is in the hospital. And before you get worked up about it, no I'm not going to see him." I sighed.

"Why the hell not?" Brian asked angrily.

"Because he is a heroin addict. Has been for ten years. He doesn't want help." I said quietly.

Brian's demeanor changed quickly to remorse. He looked at me painfully and shook his head.

"I'm really sorry. That has to be so hard on you and your family." He said, hugging me.

"It is." I whispered, choking back tears.

"You alright? We can leave if you want." He offered.

"No, I'm fine. This keeps me from going to the hospital and kicking his ass." I said, looking up at him.

"I will mellow you out yet." Brian smiled at me.

We walked back over and joined everyone else. All of them suddenly having conversations when it had been quiet before. Brian rolled his eyes at them.

"Nosy motherfuckers." Brian told them.

"What? We were just talking amongst ourselves." Zack smiled.

"Everything ok?" Matt asked me.

"Yeah." I said quietly.

Matt's eyes kept meeting mine for half of the night. At one point, I found Brian and him glaring at each other. Brian cracked his knuckles. Figuring I'd give it a shot, I took his hand and rubbed circles on the top of it like he does to me.

Brian suddenly looked at me startled. I felt like I did something wrong for a moment until he smiled softly at me.

"We should go." Brian said quietly to me.

"If you want to." I whispered, his eyes fixed on mine.

"Yeah. We should." He whispered.

"We are heading out." Brian said, both of us standing.

"It's not even ten." Zack said confused.

"I'm aware of that." Brian smiled at them.

"It was nice meeting you ladies." I said to Gena and Lacy.

"You too!" They smiled at me.

"We will see you again soon. I'm positive of it." Johnny grinned at me.

"Real subtle, asshole." Zack glared at Johnny.

"Have fun." Matt glared at us.

"We will." Brian almost snarled.

What the hell is going on here? They were best friends the last time I saw them together. Not tonight. Brian held my hand as we left. He didn't say a word until we got in the car. I watched as he laid his head back against the seat. He closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh.