Page 126 of The Addict

Damian lectured me today. He asked if I was depressed.

He checked my drawers for drugs “just to be sure” he said. I was prepared. I had hidden my vape in the bathroom.

That wasn’t where I was getting my highs from anyhow. The pills. My mom had an entire store full of them. My own small assortment of colors and vials, each with unique effects. A few downers and uppers. Painkillers. A buffet.

I didn’t need crack or weed. I was a chameleon. I adapted to my surroundings. I was flexible.

The hunger returned today, like a gnawing within. I took two oxycodone for breakfast to suppress the feeling.

Thursday

Sickness.

My vape helped keep the vomit down.

I texted Delane.

Hey.

Hi Noah, how are you?

Tired.

Want to sit for lunch?

I didn’t go to school today.

Oh. Are you okay?

I will be.

I’m here to talk, if you need me?

I do need you

I want to talk to you about

Thanks Delane

Friday

It felt like every day was just the same. I should have known a change was bound to happen sooner or later.

That Friday afternoon, I walked into my house, setting my bag on the floor—a little routine of mine—and trudged slowly up to my room, where I knew a freshly made bed was waiting for me. As I turned the corner into the hallway, I nearly bumped into Kim, our maid. She was one of our younger workers, maybe my age, and I couldn’t help but notice the startled expression on her face. I mumbled my apologies and moved past her, trying to brush it off.

“M-Mr. Hansen?” she called out softly, and I felt a cringe wash over me. It felt only right to turn and acknowledge her. Ignoring her just didn’t sit well with me. I just hoped she wouldn’t linger for too long.

“Yes?”

Her eyes scanned the floor nervously.

“Last week…” She couldn’t meet my gaze. “There was so much…blood in your room...”

I said nothing. I was very aware of the blood, considering it was mine that was spilt. I was surprised to see that my father had sent Kim, the youngest and least experienced maid, to clean up after he attacked me. Did the man not think she would worry and speak up? Were I in his godforsaken shoes, I would’ve taken the liberty of sending one of the older housekeepers to clean. They were well adapted to his cruelty by now. They would have done their job without question or discussion.

I would think that would be what David wanted, anyhow. So, this threw me off.

“Are– Are you okay?” Kim stammered out, her hands fisting about her skirt nervously.