I woke up in an unfamiliar room, it was disorganized but not dirty. There were pink roses painted on the ceiling fading into vines then galaxies. I was wearing new clothes, sweats and a tanktops. My head was pounding. What happened last night? I walked down the stairs and found a neat living room. Alex was still asleep, on the couch. I approached her, she looked so serene in her sleep. I resisted the urge to plant a kiss on her forehead, I shook her awake. She opened her eyes, looking around.
"Piper?" she squinted at me, practically blind with out her glasses.
"Yeah that's me." She grabbed her glasses and put them on. "Let me get you some water," she leapt of the couch walking into the kitchen. I followed her nervous.
"What happened last night?" Had we…? No I wasn't gay. I couldn't be, so nothing had happened. I have— had, Larry. My chest tightened and I remembered why I'd been drinking in the first place. Alex shrugged, taking a glass out of the cupboard and filling it in the sink and hand it to me.
"When I found you, you were sad and hammered." My face burned, I'd let my walls fall temporarily.
"You don't--" she didn't allow me to finish.
"Yeah I do," she leaned to back against the counter. "You told me Pipes," I blushed deeper I had been so stupid.
"Are you gonna drink that or do you not drink tap water?" she raised an eyebrow. I took a sip of water in response. It made me feel a little better the pain my head dulled a bit.
"Thank you." She nodded and started making herself breakfast. "Thank you Alex, but I just wanted you to know, I'm not gay," I bit my lip, hoping she wouldn't be angry. She scoffed.
"A few hours ago, I never thought I'd hear those words out of you." she chuckled. Wait what? Asking her would be humiliating. I racked my brain, but only drew a blank. I mulled over my options. "I like your chapstick by the way." I face grew warm and I tripped over my words. "Shh… Piper, I won't tell anyone." I sighed, there was no point in pretending I let go of my pride, besides, for some reason I trusted her.
"So, what happened?" She smiled and handed me a plate.
"Well…"
I cried into her shoulder telling her the events of the night she was quiet. She'd half helped half carried me to my car. "Where do you live?" she asked.
"Oh no, no, I can't go home. Mom would kill me if the neighbors saw."
"So you brought me… to your house?" she nodded. Alex had showed me so much kindness even though I'd stood by when she could've used my help. "How'd you know about my chapstick?"
She pulled me out of the car, laughing at something I'd said. "C'mon Piper, lets get you inside." Her smile was warm, I'd never let myself acknowledge how beautiful she was before. I leaned forward closing my eyes, and planted a kiss on her lips. She smelled like cinnamon, her lips were soft and warm, everything about this felt right. She pulled away too soon, and carried me up the stairs to her house, still smiling.
I picked at the last piece of bacon my plate. Mother wouldn't want me to eat it. I took a bite, "Why'd you do it?" She raised her eyebrows.
"I couldn't leave you there," she replied matter of factly. "You could've gotten yourself hurt," Her words had inexplicably warmed me to the core. I, it couldn't be like this, were completely opposites.
"Well, I guess I should head out," She nodded and I grabbed my phone and keys quickly hurrying out the door. "See ya later Alex," I hopped in my car, I couldn't help but wonder if we'd be able to hang out again. I briskly walked to my car, trying to avoid the gaze of people wander the neighborhood. I quickly hopped in the car and drove home.
When I walked through the front door my parents swarmed me asking about the night before. I told them that I'd fallen asleep at Polly's house. They seemed satisfied and let me go up to my room. I flopped down on the bed letting my mind wander, occasionally it would drift to Alex. I decided to check my phone.
The screen was filled with texts and missed calls from Larry and Polly, apologies and excuses,I ignored them. I also had one follow request, from Alex Vause. She wanted to follow me? Why? What would she think of the basic picture and boring captions. I was overthinking this, I needed a shower. I peered out into the hallway, everyone had disappeared into separate rooms. I grabbed a towel from the closet and knocked on the bathroom door. No answer, I walked in and turned on the shower. It had been a weird day.
"She just up and left, it was weird." She was looking through her profile.
"Vause, it sure sounds like you are interested in this straight girl, you know what they say." I rolled my eyes.
"I helped her out once, and that means 'I'm interested?'" she snorted. "I must be real interested in you Nicky."
"I thought we already established that," she said smiling, I returned it grabbing her hand.
"Of course I am so devoted to you, and only you," I looked longingly into her eyes. She laughed handing me back my phone. "Wait, did you send a follow request?" she shrugged.
"Why not? From what I've heard she's into you, Worst she could say is 'no.'" I knew what'd she'd say next it was her mantra when it came to this stuff. "Low risk, high reward."
"I guess you're right, anyway," I was eager to change the subject. "Do you want some of this?" I got up walking towards the closet, I pulled a small baggie heroin out of its hiding place. Her eyes lit up.
"Perfect timing Vause," I tossed the baggie to her, I felt kind of guilty, but she'd been addicted long before I met her, besides it was only temporary. At least that's what I told myself. She passed me a couple bills I heard hurry down the steps. While she was gone I counted the money then pocketed it. She reappeared in the doorway.
"Just don't fucking spill it Nicky," I lit the candle and sat it next to her. Not looking at her.
"Gotcha Vause, do you want any?" I shook my head staring at the ceiling. It was tempting sometimes, Nicky looked like the world was lifted from her shoulders whenever she was high. I however couldn't risk getting addicted to anything, if I wanted to college I had to get scholarships. "More for me,"
"You don't share needles, do you?" I had to make sure she was being as safe as possible.
"Nope fresh out of the pack, always," she rolled her eyes. "Just like you always tell me Vause," I nodded, I had to get of this line of work.