Chapter 18

Patton's POV

I sat at Lime Rickey's that night, drinking alone. I sighed and looked at the several bottles on the bench. I placed my chin down on my hands and stared at a certain spot for what seemed like ages. I heard voices, and saw Hoagie come and lean on the bench beside me.

"What you doing here?" He asked, gesturing to me. "Shouldn't you be at work?"

"Nah, I got a little break." I said with a slur. "Good thing too."

"Hnn." He replied. "What'd you do to your hand?"

"It's a long story." I said, sitting up uneasily. "I punched my mirror and then this happened."

Hoagie's eyes narrowed, and looked around for a few seconds. "Why'd you break your mirror? Must've been pretty bad."

"Yeah well, you would too if your girlfriend used you in that department." I said a little louder, and I noticed vaguely that a few people had turned to look at us. Hoagie shifted uncomfortably, slightly embarrassed by my sudden out burst.

"I think I need to take you home. At least to the Tree House." He said in a low tone, grabbing my arm. I happily got up with him, and stumbled slightly as we headed out back. Hoagie pulled my arm over his shoulder, and I felt the pop kicking in hard.

My vision was getting blurry, and my coordination had just gone out the door. I tripped over, and Hoagie was pulled down with me. Guess he was caught off guard. He fell on top of me, and all I could do was laugh.

"Didn't know you felt that way about me." I said stupidly as he got off me and hoisted me up by my jacket.

"Sure man, whatever you believe." He rolled his eyes, and stabled me again.

It took a while, but he got me to Sector V-T. I could see Abby sitting on a tree branch near her room. She looked at us, and swung down immediately.

"What's with him?" She asked Hoagie as she reached us, pointing at me.

"He's had a rough night." He explained, letting me go by accident. I hit the floor, and he and Abby both bent down in shock.

"Well, we'd better get him up in the tree house so he won't hurt himself." She said, taking my right arm and putting around her shoulder. Hoagie followed suit with the other arm, and they uneasily dragged my intoxicated body to the elevator. We reached the lounge some seconds later, and they dumped me on the couch.

"Well, he can stay here until he sobers up." Abby stated, heading out of the room. "I'll just grab some blankets and stuff."

I saw Hoagie leave to call someone; I assumed Rachel, and my eyelids drooped over my vision. And after a few seconds of heavy breathing, I was out like a light.

"Hey man, get up."

I slowly woke up, and saw Hoagie leaning over me. It must've been late, as the sun was bright and warm. I sat up, and got a head rush. I placed a hand to my head, and winced until it stopped.

"Someone's here to see you." He said before leaving the room. I looked up, and a flustered Rachel was standing a little away, arms folded tightly.

"So, you sober or still an idiot?" She asked flatly.

I merely frowned and looked at her attentively. "Why'd you come if you're gonna be a bitch about it?"

"I didn't want to come." She spat quietly. "I only came because everyone else wouldn't do it."

"Who put a bee in your undies this morning?" I retorted snidely, getting up and walking to size her down. "Or is that just PMS?"

She fumed. "Try losing a friend after she kisses my now ex-boyfriend!"

I looked in shock and confusion at that remark. "What? Where'd this come from? I didn't kiss anyone."

Hoagie poked his head through the door and frowned. "No, but you DID try to kiss me last night after you went to sleep. Though you thought I was Rachel."

He left, and she huffed. "I'm talking about Fanny. She went to your house yesterday, and you kissed her!"

"Wait, I didn't…"

"STOP LYING TO ME DRILOVSKY!" She cried, making me feel about as large as my fingernail. She burst into tears, and went to leave. "I don't know why I even came in the first place."

"Rachel, don't go." I said, grabbing her arm and pulling her back to me. She pulled away, and shook her head.

"Don't touch me." She stated. "And don't bother coming to the headquarters in future. Because I don't want to see you ever!"

She ran off, and I fell to my knees.

It was over, and it was my fault.