Cocaine Hearts

Chapter 14

"Damn it!" I exclaim in a panic, rummaging through my purse and the blankets scattered around the tent. "We've run out completely! No more coke left."

Brandon peeks his head in, offering his assistance. "Are you sure?" he asks, trying to be helpful.

I snap at him, frustration getting the best of me. "Yes, I'm sure! I'll call Jake and we'll go get more. I've got cash," I reply, conveniently leaving out the fact that I'll have to dip into my emergency funds.

"Are you sure that's a wise decision?" Brandon questions, concern etched on his face.

Ignoring his doubts, I retrieve my phone and hastily text Jake, informing him of our urgent need for a refill. His response leaves me infuriated. He refuses to provide any more today, citing his discomfort with selling me more. We've already gone through two eight balls in just a week, and now he's cutting us off.

Letting out a frustrated groan, I decide to reach out to the one person I know will come through for me – Dallas. It's not like I want to involve him, but desperate times call for desperate measures. True to form, Dallas responds almost instantly, offering his assistance. Reluctantly, I agree to meet him at the camping spot near Ashley's house.

"We're meeting him in the woods near Ashley's place, where we had our camping trip," I inform Brandon, conveniently Ignoring leaving out the fact that it's Dallas I've contacted.

We drive in uneasy silence, our hands trembling and tempers short due to the absence of drugs coursing through our veins. The weight of addiction hangs heavy in the air, consuming both Brandon and myself, leaving little room for any other thoughts. We haven't been sober in almost two weeks and it was taking a toll on us both.

Finally, Brandon breaks the silence, his voice filled with desperation. "I don't want to become a drug addict," he confesses. "I have dreams, aspirations in life, and right now, I'm failing at all of them. All I can think about is doing more cocaine with you."

Determined, I respond, "This is the last time, I promise. After this, we won't buy anymore."

Relief washes over him as he steers the car onto a dirt road leading into the woods behind Ashley's house. After a few minutes, we pull up behind Dallas's black truck. Dallas, already waiting in the open space, raises questions in Brandon's mind. "What is he doing here? Where is Jake? What the f**k is going on, Miya?"

"Jake couldn't get us anymore, so I reached out to Dallas. He assists his father in selling it, so I figured he was our best chance," I explain honestly, noticing the tension in his clenched jaw. "I don't want to see him either so I'll make this quick."

Exiting the car, I approach Dallas with cash in hand. He greets me with a flirtatious wink. "Hey beautiful, do you miss me yet?"

I respond with an eye roll. "Here's the money," I say, handing it to him. In return, he passes me the bag of cocaine, briefly grasping my hand.

"Once you're tired of playing with a good boy like him and want a real man, give me a call," he smirks, releasing my hand and walking towards his truck. I join Brandon in the car, attempting a smile, but his dissatisfaction with me is evident.

"I apologize, alright?" I mutter, squirming uncomfortably in my seat as I discreetly conceal the baggy in my bra. "We won't ever have to encounter him again, I just wanted to cherish these last few days with you before my father gets caught and we return to reality."

"I understand, Miya, and I'm not angry with you," he replies, catching me off guard.

"You're not? But you seem angry?"

"No. I'm slightly annoyed, but not mad. I simply prefer that you refrain from contacting your stalker ex-boyfriend or anyone else to purchase drugs once we finish this bag."

I nod in agreement. "That seems reasonable to me."

We drive back to our concealed campsite, making small talk but it was pleasant. He no longer seemed upset at me and we were both serious about this being the last time.

As we settled into the tent, I discreetly handed the substances to Brandon. My heart raced with a mix of anticipation and fear. We had been chasing a high that always seemed out of reach lately. The allure of what we were doing scared me, but I couldn't deny its hold on us.

Without a word, he arranged the powder on the small mirror. His hands trembled slightly, betraying his apprehension. He looked at me, searching for any sign of hesitation, as he passed me a rolled-up bill.

I took a deep breath and leaned in, inhaling the potent scent. The rush hit me instantly, numbing all my worries and fears. For a moment, I felt weightless, liberated from reality. I smiled at Brandon and giggled as he took his first line, then pulled me in for a passionate kiss. We passed the mirror back and forth, craving more.

Lost in my haze, I saw Brandon collapse onto the bed of pillows and sleeping bags. Panic surged through me and I realized something was wrong when he wasn't moving. I shook him, desperately trying to wake him up, but he remained unconscious and limp, his lips turning a terrifying shade of blue.