Sorry guys...It's a short one. More soon...
It had been over a month since Leo started drinking. He had a serious problem. We both knew it. But only one of us cared.
I drove him home without another word. I helped him into bed and closed the door of the bedroom behind me. Maybe he would sleep this one off, and learn his lesson. Maybe he would stop drinking. Maybe...
I didn't have time to shower before I had to pick Paige up from school. "Where've you been hanging out? Coyote Ugly? Jeez you smell like beer and cigarettes," she said as she got in the car.
Paige wasn't one to sugarcoat anything.
"Had to pick Leo up from another bar," I sighed. "He's sleeping it off at home."
"Surprise, surprise," she said.
"I'm sorry, Paige," I sighed.
"Don't be sorry. Do something about it," she snapped angrily. She looked at me and sighed. "You deserve better."
I nodded. "Maybe so. But what can I do?"
I took Paige to her friend's house and then did some shopping. Leo was still asleep when I got home that night.
I sighed. It was now or never.
"Leo," I gently shook his shoulder. "Leo wake up."
He groaned.
"Wake up. We have to talk."
"What?" he grunted.
"Leo, you have a problem," I whispered.
"Piper, don't start this," he muttered, rubbing his head as he sat up.
"I'm not starting this," I said. I felt strong. "I'm ending it." I took a deep breath. "Stop drinking or leave."
He looked confused for a second.
"What?"
"You heard me. It's me...or the alcohol."
"You're kicking me out?" he asked, looking angry.
I sighed. "Leo, I'm done. I'm...I'm just done."
He hesitated.
Oh my God.
He hesitated. What was I doing?
This was supposed to be a wake-up call. He was supposed to be scared of losing me, enough to stop drinking.
My strength had vanished. I felt weak, vulnerable.
What if he didn't choose me? My mind raced.
I had never been so scared of anything in my whole life. His foggy eyes frightened me. I was terrified by his unsure expression.
Stop, I thought. I have to stop. I was just joking. Leo, you can stay! Drink all you want! Just don't leave me!
He said nothing. He looked away from me for a moment.
Should I take it all back? Did I prefer the drinking to being alone? I felt sick to my stomach.
No. This is how it has to be, I reassured myself.
He looked back at me for a moment. Hope flickered inside me. Maybe...
He got up suddenly. He stormed away angrily and left.
The slam of the door confirmed my worst fear.
