In Another Life

Let's Get Wasted!

I took a step backward. Pressing my back on the wall. 

I saw Karl standing in front of his Math teacher.

"Last quarter you got 10 over 70, now you got 15 or 70. Karl, I know you're doing this intentionally. Retake the exam, score at least half." his teacher sounded desperate, almost pleading. "You're a graduating student, at least try to pass. Come here tomorrow and retake." she said before leaving the room.

I got my phone and pretended that I was busy with it. I heard his footsteps. It stopped in front of me. I put my phone back in my pocket and lifted my gaze.

"Did she scold you again?" I asked innocently.

He glared at me and ruffled my hair.

"Drop the act. I know you heard it." 

"I swear, I didn't hear anything." I said and gave him a genuine smile.

I know he isn't comfortable talking about his problems. We've been friends for almost 4 years but I don't want to make him feel that I'm obligated to know everything about him just because we're close to each other. I respect personal space and privacy. 

He put his arm on my shoulders and whispered on my ear, "Let's get wasted tonight." 

We drove to his condo and ordered all unhealthy foods we could. Boxes of pizzas, burgers, nachos, potato chips, beers and sodas. It's our idea of getting wasted.

Getting drunk and eating unhealthy foods—our parents will kill us if they found out. We follow a strict diet at home.

He played pop songs and dimmed the lights to set the mood. I sat on the opposite side of the table and counted the cans of beer on the table. It's 20.

"Hey, you usually get 15 cans, now it's 20. Am I missing something?" I placed my hands on the table and eyed him suspiciously.

"H-hey, it's nothing. I was on a hurry so I didn't count the cans. That's it." He didn't even look at me when he said those. He opened 2 beer cans and handed me one. "Let’s just drink." he said, still not throwing me a single glance. I accepted the can.

My fingers wrapped around the icy cold can. "Cheers?" I held out the drink in front of him.

He nodded and bumped his can into mine."Cheers." 

I took a sip from my drink and reached out for the nachos. I saw him opening his second can. It made me smirk. This guy has a problem. Maybe alcohol will make him talk.

I searched for the spicy chicken but found none. s**t I forgot to order. I picked up my phone and ordered.

I quickly put down my phone when he spoke. I want to make him feel that I’ll always listen to what he says. "Hey, I just found out that I’m a child out of wedlock." He laughed a little.

I stood up from my seat and occupied the space beside him. I put my hand on his shoulder and squeezed it gently.

"Karl, it’s me, your best friend. You don’t have to pretend that you’re okay. You don’t have to fake your laughters and tears." I lifted his chin and looked directly into his eyes, to show him how sincere I am with my words.

"And cry, when you feel like the pain is unbearable. Don’t hold back." I gave him a warm smile and stood up, but he held my hand and motioned for me to stay beside him.

I sat down and reached out for my drink. I was taking a sip when he put his head on my shoulder. "Why are you staying with me?" I was taken aback, not expecting such words from him. It must be the alcohol.

"What do you mean?" I said casually and devoured a handful of potato chips.

"I’m practically useless. I don’t excel at anything. My life is rotten. And I’m not a good company, I’m boring." I swallowed everything on my mouth and finished my beer before speaking.

"I can’t find someone who can deal with my mood swings better than you do." I chuckled with the thought.

"And...you’ve been there on my worst times. I’ll do the same, every single time." I said, handing him a newly opened can of beer.

"Don’t you think we’re soulmates?" he pulled his head away from my shoulder and stared at me with his drunk, bloodshot eyes.

"That we exist to mend each other’s broken hearts." I smiled at him.

"Maybe." he said before drinking and putting his head back on my shoulder.

I was finishing my pack of potato chips when the doorbell rang. I smiled. It must be my chicken!

I hurriedly pushed him aside and ran to the door.

My excitement turned into a frown when I saw the person outside the door. What the f**k is this girl doing here?

"H-hi" I forced a smile. 

"I wanna talk to Karl." she said while scrolling on her phone.

I was about to turn my back at her when the delivery man appeared.

"Ma’am here’s your order!" He said enthusiastically.

I gladly accepted it and thanked him.

The smell of the chicken was too enticing that I almost forgot about the unwanted visitor.

"Stay there." I said when she tried to step in.

I walked towards the table and happily opened my box of chicken.

"Your not-so-pretty ex girlfriend is there." I said at him pointing at the door.

He stood up and walked towards the door.

I happily ate my chicken, not minding their yelling voices at the background. That girl is quite annoying. I heard the loud sound of the door harshly being closed.

I saw him walking back to his seat like nothing happened.

"You used to chase her back then. Why dump her now?" I said smirking at him.

"That girl is a s**t. Her family’s going broke and now she’s planning to treat me like a f*****g ATM machine." He spat those words bitterly.

I know he still has feelings for her. And that thought gave me heartache.