I walked into my favorite bar for a drink. It was a tradition. After a long day of work, I got to treat myself and be able to wine down after a long shift. I work as a nurse at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago, Illinois. If anyone knows of it, it's one of the best hospitals in the Chicago area. And also the busiest. But, that's not the point. I thought it would be the same old routine until I saw him.

Michael was on his ninth glass of whiskey, and managed to drink it down as easy as the last eight. He's finally starting to feel the effects of the alcohol, and thanks god. He doesn't want to feel this pain anymore. He should have stayed away from Sara. He should' ve never involved her in his whole escape plan, and fell in love with her. She would still be alive. The company wouldn't have her on their radar. It seems like everything he touches get destroyed and he was tired of it.

I haven't seen Micheal since we broke up about four years ago. It was my fault. I was cheating on him with another co-worker. It's my biggest regret. It's not that I didn't love him. I did. But, he started obsessing about his brother's conviction, he acted like I didn't exist anymore. So, that's what drove me to cheat. I wanted to get back at him. That's fucked up, I know. I guess Anger can make you do surprising things.

I debated whether or not to go over and talk to him. What was I going to say? Congratulations on you and your brother's exoneration? How was life on the run for over three years? Are you with anyone? I mean, seriously, how do you ever talk to an ex, and not have it be awkward?

You know what, screw it. I got my feet to start walking to Michael, who was sitting on the other side of the bar. His head was down on the oak wood bar turning his empty glass. I reached him, and touched his arm.

"Michael? Michael, you okay?"

Michael adverted his eyes to the very familiar voice. Lisa. The girl he would've married if she didn't screw her co-worker. She was the last person he wanted to see right now. he turned his head, facing down onto the bar.

"Michael, how much did you have to drink?"

He knew she wasn't going away that easily. He sat up fully and looked at her through his beautiful tear filled eyes.

"Enough, " he managed to get out, yet the word was very slurred. He tried getting off the bar stool, but stumbled back. Lisa caught him with both hands.

My heart broke for him. What happened that Michael is crying like this, and drowning his sorrows in alcohol? It didn't matter at the moment. I needed to get him home, and into his bed.

I grabbed one of his arms and wrapped it around mine. I used my other hand to support his weight, and they headed outside into the cold November streets.

"Where do you live? I can take you home."

"Lis, I haven't had a home in over three years."

She looked up at him, seeing his broken expression hasn't changed.

"Okay, I'll take you home back to my apartment."

Michael and I went around the block where my car was. I let go of his hand that was around my shoulder and reached into my coat pocket. I unlocked the car doors and gently helped Michael into my car.

Michael automatically leaned his head against the window, shutting his eyes.

I drove as fast I can to my apartment, trying not to break any street laws. I parked the car in front of my apartment, and got out. I first ran up to my home door to unlock it, since it's going to take me a minute to get him inside. I opened the door and went back to Michael. I opened the passenger door, and Michael grabbed the car door, so he didn't fall flat on his face. He automatically wrapped his arm around my shoulder, knowing I was trying to help him.

After I finally got him inside, I kicked the door closed. Michael looked around my apartment and spoke once more. The alcohol on his breath hitting my face.

"Nice apartment."

I never seen him drunk before in my life. And I never want to again.

"Thanks."

I brought him to my bedroom and placed him on the bed as easily as possible. He rolled over onto his stomach and a tear came down his face, and landed onto the pillow.

"Sara.."

Who was Sara? My curiosity was kicked on, but I can ask questions tomorrow when he's sober.

I pulled the blankets over him, and grabbed the bathroom garbage basket and put it next to my bed. The last thing I want is him puking on himself and all over my bed. I leaned down and kissed him lightly on the side of his head.

"I'm sorry, Michael."

I went into the hall closet and took out extra blankets and a pillow and set myself up on the pullout couch.

I would've never thought I would see him again. Life can have some serious curve-balls sometimes.