Standing In The Rain (mxb) | ✔ |

Chapter Nine

~

I'm sitting in the office, quietly reading a book. The rain is pouring again, but there's no thunder. Fenrick still isn't back. Where has he even gone? He obviously isn't at the meeting anymore. Where has he stayed then?

Suddenly, the door to the office slams open and a large figure stumbles through. In the dim light, I can faintly make out Fenrick's face. I rush over, pushing away wet strands of hair to get a better look at him. His nose is bleeding and he reeks of alcohol.

"Where were you?"

"..."

I help him up the stairs and set him on the couch. I take off his coat and his shirt to check for other wounds. A few scratches and deep bruises bloom along his torso. I grab warm water and clothes, dabbing away dirt and rainwater. I hang the soiled clothes in the bathtub and grab bandages. I try my best to wrap the bruises and cuts. I make tea and give him a mug and a blanket. He takes it, sobering up a little bit to gather his surroundings.

"Now will you tell me where you were this entire week?"

"..."

"Fine, keep your secrets. I'm just going to assume you went back to the mafia."

I leave him upstairs and go back downstairs when I hear the telephone ring.

"Hello?"

'Hey, Evan. With the bad weather, we're going to be leaving tomorrow morning. If you still want to come along, our offer is still open."

"...yes, I'll go."

"Great! Then we'll see you in the morning. Don't forget your umbrella."

She hangs up and I put the telephone down. I walk back upstairs and find Fenrick in the kitchen area with a bottle of wine.

"Hey, hey!"

"What?"

I grab the bottle out of his hands.

"You're drunk. Stop it. Go lay down."

He just stares at me. I point to the cushions,but he just rolls his eyes and grabs another bottle from the cupboards.

"Want a glass?"

"No, and how many bottles are you planning to finish tonight?"

"..."

"Just..."

I take the bottle out of his hands and place it on the counter.

"...please. Don't destroy yourself. I don't know what's going on in your head right now, but if it isn't good, at least don't make the situation worse."

He sits on the lounge and puts his head in his hands. I sit next to him quietly, letting him take his time sorting his thoughts.

"...it was just a dumb bar fight I got into. I would never go back to the mafia."

"Oh..."

I don't think I should bring it up, but I think I have to.

"What about the other day?...With the...you know..."

"...I'm sorry about that. I forced you into the kiss without your consent..."

"I-..."

I can't seem to find the courage to say the words.

"...it's okay."

He gives me back the blanket and walks to his room, closing the door behind him. I curl up into his scent still lingering on the blanket. Lavender and wine.

Huh...

~

__________

- Alex.