The house was still dark when AJ parked the car on the curb, disappointment, dejection, and lonliness one as he cut the engine and stared up at the empty house. Doubting that Lori was home, he wondered what he was going to do for the while until his Mom came home. He didn’t feel like staying out, he didn’t feel like staying home; and driving was the last thing he wanted to do. He was restless; impatience had taken over on the drive here. Damn, this wasn’t what he wanted to be doing. This wasn’t why he had come to Florida, he didn’t want to waste his time alone and waiting constantly for his mother to acknowledge his presence. He came back to patch whatever brides he had burned and it all seemed to be backfiring. Too many of his relationships here in Florida had fallen apart for him to kill some time and hang out with former friends. He felt like such a fake when he was here, he didn’t belong here anymore. Old neighbors and family members looked upon his as some ‘famous celebrity’ who had forgotten his roots and left behind his past on his ride to fame. Forget trying to get to know him better, they made unfair judgements and left him alone but he didn’t have that luxury. That was exactly what his mom had done to Samantha; she didn’t look past the exterior when she judged her. The sudden rumbling of thunder brought him back to reality. It was still raining hard, the sky filled with black clouds that informed them that it was going to be storming all day. AJ got out of the car and walked up to the front door, using his set of keys to let himself in. His mother’s cat sat on the chair in the front foyer, purring quietly to herself she lifted her eyes when he shut the door. “ Lori?” He called, not expecting an answer. He tossed his keys on the small table next to the chair and kicked off his shoes. He hated how he was drenched but the house was dry. AJ quickly changed his clothes and went back to the kitchen. “ I’ve got no appetite,” He found himself musing to himself and managed a weak laugh which died almost as soon as it came out. Too quiet. He hated silences, he had too much room to think when there was no music or conversation going on. The rain beat on the windows as the wind changed speed. He cast a weary eye at the backyard where the bushes and tree branches danced wildly in the wind. Returning to peer in the refrigerator, he rolled his eyes and pulled out a container of yogurt. He grabbed a spoon and went over to the living room where he sat, contemplating over the need for the T.V to be on. The container of yogurt and the television sat forgotten when he turned his attention over to the various framed pictures lining up the mantel...
***** He knocked on the bathroom door sleepily, his head hammering from the previous night’s alcohol. “ Sammy?” He called, knocking louder, really needing to use the bathroom. He gave a sigh, realizing the shower was running. “Samantha, I’m coming in, ok?” He still got no reply but he pushed the door open anyways. “ Shit,” He muttered, seeing his girlfriend on the ground in front of the toilet, asleep or passed out, last night’s clothes still on and makeup caked. There was a large amount of water gathered on the tiles from the shower running, soaking her. He shook his head before he shut off the water, and bent down to wake Samanatha. “ Sammy, get up...Come on, go sleep in the bed,” He murmered, trying to rouse her from the slumber she had fallen into. “ Samantha, baby, come on,” His gaze fell onto the toilet, seeing it full with...results of her drinking. He finally managed to get her half awake. “ Go sleep in the bed,” He told her again, grasping her arm to lead her up. “ Why am I wet?” She murmered groggily. “ Did they leave, J? Did you hear what Jessie was saying?” He ignored her senseless rambling, instead managed to lead her to the bedroom. “ Baby, get out of that dress, you’re gonna get sick,” He said, preventing her from climbing into the bed. “ Sshhh, I’m tired,” She said, her eyes closing. “ Samantha, take off your clothes,” She let out a shrill giggle. “ I’m not in the mood to, AJ,” He rolled his eyes with impatience-
“ Alex? Wake up, sweetheart,” He jumped and his eyes opened quickly, his heart beating rapidly. His mom stood in front of him, a look of amusement yet slight concern on her face. “ I’m sorry, did I scare you?” She asked as he tried to slow his heartbeat again. “ No, no...I was just,” He gave a shrug and forced a smile. “ You guys back?” He questioned, hearing the others coming into the house. “ Yes, we brought you some dinner, I tried calling but you were probably asleep so I didn’t get an answer.” “ Dinner? Is it that late already?” He looked out the window and saw the moonless night. “ Damn, I was asleep for a while,” “ Well, we were all going to watch the wedding tape down in the den, did you want to sleep or do you want to watch with us?” “ Ummm...I’ve gotta go out for a little while but I should be back soon,” “ Didn’t you want some dinner first?” “ I’ll just eat when I get back...” Ok...Then we’ll see you a little later?” “ Yeah,” He nodded and she got up to follow everyone else downstairs. He sat and exhaled, needing to go somewhere to think...
