A Mistake from the Start

(SHORT STORY)

He pulled himself off the sticky, black, leathered couch, and left the house where the owners had just thrown a raging party. He headed for the door leading to the pool house and sat under the canopy. As he stared into the water, he heard a girl ask if he wanted any, as she held up a needle full of brown liquid. Joseph looked around deep into thought, as he stared out from the patio at his car just parked 10 yards away. He debated with his mind, to forget her for a little while or just drive home. He thought about everything he did, all of what he gave up, and looked to the girl one last time. He reached to pull up his sleeve and tie the elastic tightly like the girl had. He reflected if this is the path he wanted to take, but it was far too late to undo any mistakes he made. The girl slipped the needle in his skin, letting the substance spread throughout his body. Joseph laid back, and looked at the sky. He momentarily closed and opened his eyes seeing Marie; she stared back and smiled. He saw her jumping into the washer reaching for the clothes at the very bottom of it, and just barely able to get out. He laughed and watched her as the memory faded to another, laying in his shirt holding her stuffed teddy. He saw her crying and breaking down alone... he began crying, looked into her eyes and said, "I really mean it. I love you, I made a mistake, and you've moved on... I don't hate you for it." He closed his eyes and said, "I am sorry." Marie looked at him, and gave him a kiss as she faded away into the cold of the night. Everything they ever created together was disappearing, as he slowly succumbed to the darkness his heart desired.