Chapter 12
Dave woke up with a splitting headache. From the sea of bottles on the ground he knew he had, had way too much to drink last night. He could feel himself ready to vomit and rushed to the bathroom as quick as he could. Luckily his dad had already left for work because he didn't have time to turn the music on. It seemed to go on forever, by the time he was finished he whole body was shaking. He was seriously contemplating not going to school today, just so he could get some rest. He knew he looked like shit, even worse than usual, and he didn't want to face the world like that.
He also had a lot of thinking to do. Though his head was foggy from the alcohol, but he vaguely recalled what happened. He remembered what he had come to terms with, and what he couldn't. He needed to sort out his thoughts, get everything straightened out.
He was feeling horrible about himself, he wanted to have another drink but he knew that was a bad idea. His stomach was empty and he was starving but he knew anything that went into his stomach would end up where the beer had gone. He was stuck. He didn't want to go to school.
In spite of all this he got up, went back to his room, and got changed. He picked a green and brown striped shirt, blue jeans, and his letterman jacket. Overall not very stylish, he smiled despite his general horrible feeling. He couldn't be playing for the other team, he was a horrible dresser.
He got his backpack, his keys, and a coffee for the road. He also grabbed some sunglasses so that hopefully no one could see that his eyes looked blood shot and weary. He didn't want to get sent to the principal's office, or worse the guidance office. Dave jumped in his car, started it up, and hit the road.
The fresh air from the outside made his head feel a little clearer, but only a little. He had so much on his mind he thought his head would explode. He couldn't shake the thoughts from last night, no matter what he did. As he drove closer to the school he started to panic, like he did when he started thinking about this subject. What if people know? What if people find out? No, no I'm not. What if people assume? I look like shit. What if people make fun of me for looking like this? What if people make fun of me for not having a girlfriend? What if a girl asks me out? No, no girl would ever ask you out. Do I want a girl to ask me out? I need to work out more. I need to work out less. My socks don't match my shirt. My eyes are too close together.
As he pulled into a spot in the school parking lot Dave took a deep breath and let it out slowly. There was nothing he could do now but face the people at his school, and hope that if anything happened he would be able to handle it with a little bit of dignity.
He walked into the school with his head held high, his backpack hanging against one shoulder. He allowed himself to become the guy that people knew, the tough, mean guy that no one messed with. His face was a wall; he pushed some of the freshman out of his way as he walked to his locker.
"What's up with you Horatio Cane" laughed Azimio beside him as he opened his locker. "What are you going for the 'I'm so cool I wear sunglasses at night' kind of look, because if so...I don't think it works on you man."
"Very funny, I just didn't get a lot of sleep last night."
"Yeah, I'm sure. You're going to be fine for practice tonight right? We ain't gonna have to kick you to get you to move are we?" Dave laughed and shook his head, though to be honest he was worried about how he would perform today, he felt sick and confused.
"You okay man?"
"I'm fine man; I told you I just didn't get enough sleep. I'll be okay after I sleep through English" Dave lied, laughing and hitting Azimio's shoulder lightly. The boys laughed and walked towards their classrooms. For a moment he felt better about himself. He was on top of the school, hanging with the cool crowd. He didn't have anything to fear, Azimio would stand by him no matter what.
As they started to go their separate ways, Dave thought about telling him all that was going on in his head. All the worries and the ideas that made him want to disappear. He turned to Azimio to talk to him, opening his mouth to speak when his friend said.
"Seriously though man, you look kind of faggy with those on. I would take them off if I were you. That tired look is kind of rugged you know." Dave walked into his classroom, ripping the glasses from his face.
