Adventures of Youngsters

Chapter 4

Chapter 7

Days later, Júlia decided to question Arthur about the new drama that was already being commented in the school hall.

— What is this story about that you are dating Aurelia now?

— What do you have with this? I owe you no satisfaction.

— And you still talk to me like that after everything that happened? Did you know that in January I will move to Rio de Janeiro? Why don't you help me to relax in those two remaining months? Julia insisted

— Júlia, what happened was my mistake, but I will try to grow with all this, I think it is better we spend some time apart, I don´t want to confuse Aurélia, please, it is better you to avoid me, I have an owner now.

— As if you were a saint, come on. Júlia mocked.

— I´m not, but I´m experiencing sensations never experienced before and I don´t want to miss it, I feel happy as never.

—So, is that a goodbye?

— Interpret as you want.

Then Arthur reported what happened to Alex.

 —You mean my best friends became a couple and I'm the last one to know ?! Great friendship!

—Sorry, brother.We would tell, but it was everything so fast.

—I'm kidding Artur, relax. For me, the most important thing is that my friends are happy.

Then, the last biology class of professor Márcio began, and all the students were in an atmosphere of sad farewell.

— Dear students, I know this is our last meeting, however, I don´t want melancholy here, let's talk about what you want...

—I don't know what I want to study, professor. I am divided between civil engineering and environmental engineering. Arthur pondered

—Artur, as always, with this mania to answer before we finish the question.

—I'm sorry, I'm just a little restless.

—No problem, since that's what I was going to ask anyway. So, dear ones, have you already decided the major you are going to try in the entrance exam?

—I'm going to try law, I believe I identify a lot with legal issue. - Yasmim said.

—Now I'm going to try Physical Education and become a professional at swimming. - Patrick answered.

—To be a professional swimmer, there´s too much to be done. – Arthur teased.

—You two are arguing even on the last day of school!? — Professor Márcio fixed.

— As I think human behavior fascinating, I will try Psychology. – Julia answered.

—I've been really enjoying studying human food, I decided that I'm going to study Nutrition. —Reported Alex.

—For me, my great passion is to understand the anatomical structures of the brain,  study memory, attention, even though it is very busy and difficult... I will try Medicine, because I want to specialize in Neurology. — Aurélia argued.

— Maybe you can help that guy out, who lives in another planet. Patrick joked.

— That guy is my boyfriend! And it´s you who lives in another planet, you believe that you´ll become a Professional swimmer, but you can´t even do well in the school team.

—Oh, it´s painfull, rigth Patrício? —Artur joked.

— It is easy to judge the dreams of others, but it is difficult to respect that. Patrício has improved a lot in both 50 and 100 meters, see, dear? —  Yasmim said, who was now in a relationship with the athlete.

—He provoked Artur. —Aurélia said.

—Since the class just wants to fight, it is better to remember some concepts of ecology for the entrance exam. —Professor Márcio intervened.

January 8th, 2018.

After the traditional end-of-year parties, the day of the traditional high school graduation of  Recife School of         Youth and Knowledge arrived at the most famous club in Recife. The students were splendid, the girls in dresses and the boys in impeccable suits and ties, marsala red. In addition, the graduates paid tribute to dear professor Márcio.

To everyone's surprise, Aurélia had passed to the desired Medicine course at the most popular university in the state of Pernambuco. His colleagues were also approved in their respective courses. Artur decided to study Environmental Engineering at the same institution that Aurélia was approved, the protagonist was obsessed with issues related to biodiversity and Sustainable Development. A new stage began in the lives of these young people.

Chapter 8

January 25th, 2018.

While they anxiously were waiting to get into university life, a tragic and unexpected event occurred. Alex and Alessandra's sister had an accident and was hit by a driver who was drunk. He was arrested for manslaughter, and Aurélia and Artur went to visit their friend, with the intention of comforting him.

— Alex, my friend, I know how traumatic it is, but if I can help you with anything, don't hesitate to contact me. - Aurelia reported, tense with the context and sympathizing with Alex.

—Thanks friend, but you don´t have to.

—Brother, sometimes, we cannot understand what life brings us. I know that words will not console your pain and only time will relieve this pain, but I will always be by your side in any circumstance. — Artur said, trying to console him.

—Give me a hug, bro. — Pediu Alex.

Artur and Alex hugged each other and started to cry.

On the day of the funeral, a fact drew everyone's attention. Alex was completely drunk, with red eyes, because of whiskey that he had drunk the night before.

The deceased's brother was completely out of his mind, aggressive, nervous and started to quarrel.

— I want everyone here to know that this life sucks, while we have corrupt criminals and murderers living around us until the age of 70, my poor sister, a woman who never hurt anyone, was killed by an irresponsible person. Is the destination fair, my colleagues? Of course not, they talk too much about cultivating good values, virtues, helping the others, for what? To end up in a lifeless coffin, like Kátia's body! I cannot accept this tragedy! My God, why not me istead she ?! I wish it had happened to me. This crap life is meaningless. —He shouted while he threw his watch on the floor and broke it with intense anger.

— Stop it, Alex. Otherwise I´ll be forced to take you out of the funeral, respect your sister's memory. -  Josue declared, Alex's father.

-You can take me out, why are you looking at me strangely ?! The great truth is that no one has the courage to say everything they believe, I am disgusted! Is it fair? Corrupt businessmen walking in the Caribbean with fortunes in tax havens while I´m here? Is it fair? An alcoholic, who took her life, keep breathing? The young man shouted.

—Son, calm down! He's already been arrested, he'll pay for everything he did. — Sueli ratified, the victim's and Alex mother.

             —Mom,  you speak as if you didn´t know  how Brazilian justice is, full of loopholes to help the corrupt... This country is a mess, I bet that stupid will not spend even two years in tthe prison.

               —From here I can smell your beer, did you drink again?" I'm going to have to ask the security guards to expel you from here. — He threatened Josuel with a lot of anger.

              —Sir, is Alex drinking? —  Artur asked, surprised by the confusion.

               —Since Kátia passed away, he started to drink alcohol madly, Sueli and I try to keep him without it, but he always finds a way to buy that crap. Damn establishments that illegally sell alcohol to minors in this country! Josuel vented.

                —Alex, do you think your sister would be happy if she saw this? You're destroying yourself, alcoholic drinks can destroy you if you're not careful. Artur explained.

                —It is not going to destroy me, friend, I am already destroyed and who are you to say something? Remember last year? In that bar near the school we always drank a glass or another, after giving money to the owners of the bar. Alex remembered.

                 —We never crossed the line, where's my friend? You look like someone else, full of bitterness. —Arthur was surprised.

                  —Look, I know that nothing is going to bring her back. But  you cannot surrender to sadness. Alex, your sister wouldn't want that.  —Aurélia highlighted.

                 —The destiny  destroyed my life, I hate this hypocritical society, I hate anyone who tries to censor me, I'm sick of everything. —Alex was enraged, he started to vomit and was removed from the place by security guards.

               Hours later, arriving home, Gabriel and Isabel decide to comment with their son about what happened.

             Gabriel and Isabel, a few days before the accident, had noticed that their son was more mature. Artur had decided to follow the advice of his girlfriend Aurélia, established a routine, with the help of his beloved he bought an agenda and started to better organize his schedules and appointments, such as swimming training, he had also revealed his father's rudeness, who, upon realizing a greater maturity in the son, started to behave less harshly.

              —Son, today, I finally  understand how much you have matured. I want to apologize... On the way, I reflected how rude I was to you, I also know that trust does not regain easily, everything is a process. But if you want, we can try to understand each other better.

             —You finally recognized your mistakes, rigth, Gabriel? — Isabel said.

             —Dad, it was awful! My poor friend, I never thought I'd see him in that situation. I believe it was the trauma of losing his sister.

             —He should look for a treatment, I have colleagues who work in that area, when he is calmer, you can talk about it. Gabriel explained.

             —I really hope everything be resolved soon.  I am very afraid of him develop a heavier addiction, this is all very stressful. Can you, mom and dad, give me a hug?

—Of couse, son. We´ll always support you. — Isabel said. *

March 8th, 2018

Meanwhile, Sueli and Josuel argued with Alex about their destructive addiction.

— Look, boy. We are all distressed by this situation, but if you think alcohol will make you suffer less, you are terribly wrong. These nonsense act only destabilizes you.

—You are rigth, Josuel. —Sueli agreed.

— I'm lost, I need help. These two last months have been a torture for me, I even try to control myself. But I already lost control. When I see a bottle of beer, I start to drink thinking that it will be just one... Then comes the second bottle, the third... and when I realize it, I'm already sunk in my own addiction. Telling you the truth, before Kátia passed away I had already got drunk a few times, but everything got worse after the tragedy.

At this moment, Alex's other sister, Alessandra, a cute and sweet 12 years old little girl, left the room.

—I overheard the conversation, I'm cheering for you, little brother.

—Did you see? Even Alessandra feels the difference. Sueli concluded.

-Oh, my little ... I know I have done a lot of mess, but my love for this little princess here is sincere. I promise I will get away from those drinks. —Alex said, believing that he really would keep his promise. However, this compulsion is difficult to face.

During the conversation, Arthur called Alex.

—It's Arthur, I'll answer.

—Yes, friend. Alex said.

—Are you better?

—I´m trying.

—We need to talk about some complicated issue. Can you come to my apartament?

—Sure, I´m going.

—Where are you going? Josuel asked.

—I´m going to Artur´apartament, he wants to talk to me.

— All rigth, but don´t come late.

— Okay, Sir Josuel.

Alex got a taxi. However, when the taxi driver went to fill the car at a gas station near a bar, the young man was tempted.

—Sir, how much is this road?

—25, but weren't you going to that luxurious condominium here in Recife on the coast of Boa Viagem?

—I were, but there was a change of plans, you can keep the change.

— Okay.

When he arrived at the bar, Alex gave himself up again to his sickness,  the lie, he affirmed that he had forgotten his wallet and that he was 18 years old, which is when young people get the age of majority in Brazil. He started with a glass of beer, then another. While the hours passed, he got more and more drunk.

At that moment, Josuel was surprised by the delay of his son and called Arthur.

—Arthur, can you pass the celphone to Alex? I need to talk to him.

—Sir Josuel, I would pass to him, but he didn't come here, I thought he stayed at home, isn't he there?

—Oh, he left home about 4 hours ago, it is dark  already and he didn't come back, he said he would go to your penthouse, where is he then?

—Sir, I don't want to be pessimistic, but I believe he may be in a bar.

—Does it make sense? Will this hell ever end? Josuel despaired.

In the meantime, Alex was so drunk that he teased the other customers at the establishment.

—Hey, you there on purple clothes near to the cashier, did you know that your mother is a beauty? - The student provoked, when referring to a couple of lovers: Paulo and Clara.

—Besides being an alcoholic, you must be blind, because we're wearing white. —Clara Said.

— Don't talk to that delinquent , love. — Paulo oriented.

Delinquent, but I´m a player better than you! If this pretty woman wants to, I'll give her something that she won't even remember you, i***t. You are really pretty, right princess?

— Enough! I'll teach you a lesson, asshole. Paulo threatened, deeply stressed by Alex's teasing.

Paulo slapped twice Alex in his face, the security guard tried to contain him, but it was unsuccessful. Paulo pushed the security guard and continued to attack Alex, until he bleed.

— You don't need that, Paulo, you overreacted. — Clara said.

—These drunks deserve it, let's go. — Paulo ordered.

Minutes after the confrontation, Aurélia appeared.

Aurélia enjoyed going to that region, more precisely close to the charming neighborhood of Imbiribeira, she had gone there to enjoy a beer with her friends and for that reason, she came across this incident.

—Alex? Oh my God, are you here? Did you drink again? Aurélia was surprised.

— He got into a fight, I tried to stop it, but that guy was too strong. — The security reported.

—I'm going to get him out of here now, I'm glad I haven't had any alcohol yet, I'm going to take him to my house, make a dressing and inform his parents.

Arriving home, Aurélia fulfilled her promise, made a dressing and called Artur.

—His parents are desperate, they are even thinking about calling the police. — Arthur commented.

—Let them know that Alex is here at my home, he is very agitated, crying a lot. Aurelia revealed.

—Are you alone with him? Arthur worried.

—Yes, my parents went to Porto Alegre to visit my aunt and, as I have a second exam, I couldn't go.

—Take care, love. When he drinks, he gets out of control.

—I know, but it's going to be okay.

—Look, I'm going to talk to Sir. Josuel. In a few minutes he and his wife will be arriving there. – Arthur alerted.

25 minutes later, Josuel and Sueli arrived at Aurélia's residence.

              —Do we have to put him in a clinic? - Josuel asked, extremely tense and apprehensive, almost starting to cry.

           —One more time, you broke the trust we had on you. — Sueli lamented, very tense and in tears.

            —You only know how to criticize and humiliate me, I bet you would be happier if I hadn't been born.  Alex shouted, terribly enraged. 

           —Don't say that, Alex. They care about you, otherwise they wouldn't even have come here. - Aurélia said.

             —Nobody cares about me, they just say that I'm a drunk, an alcoholic, they don't want to help me.

         —Enough! Aurélia and Sueli, help me to get him in the car, I will take him back home. Josuel asked.

          Arriving at the place where he lived, Alex remained upset.

           —I wish I could have stayed in that bar, the drink relaxes me, takes me out of this cruel reality that I live in.

        —Brother, are you drinking again?" - Alessandra said in tears.

         —That's right. Your brother here is the drunk that everyone talks about.

           —Stop it now, don't you see that she's crying? — Sueli warned.

           —So I'm not going to play with you again. Alessandra claimed.

            —And do you think I want to participate these stupid games? — Alex had a attack and ended up hurting Alessandra's arm, if he hadn't been held by his father, the damage could have been even worse.

              —Are you going crazy ?! I'll teach you a lesson. Josuel warned.

Josuel locked his son in room, he pushed the door strong, but he still couldn't get out. *

         March 15th, 2018.

              The next day, Alex woke up with a hangover, he could barely remember the night before, but his mother confided everything that happened, he was deeply sorry and ashamed.

          —Mom, does Alex still wants to hit me?

          —No, little sister. I was out of my mind, I will stop drinking for you to trust me again. Alex said, intensely embarrassed and saddened by the context he lived in.

         —Sorry, Alex. I don't want to talk to you anymore, I'm going to my room.

       Alex had a crying crisis when he felt the rejection from that poor child's eyes.

       Minutes later, Aurélia and Artur decided to visit their friend.

— I'm a beast, right? I hurt my sister, the person I love most in life.

— It happens to many people when they are addicted to alcohol. — Aurélia reported.

— There are some of my father's colleagues who work with this, who knows if you have therapy, have a treatment." - Advised Arthur.

— That's what I have to do, otherwise the consequences can be even more devastating. Alex concluded.

March 18th, 2018.

Alex went to the first appointment with the psychologist Luana.

—Doctor, my name is Alex and I came to have your help because of my alcohol addiction. A few days ago I had a very bad discussion with my family and ended up disappointing them a lot.

—And when did you start drinking alcohol?

— It was when my sister died in a car accident, I couldn't deal with that pain, I thought that drinking would make me forget about this nightmare. Despite that, it only made my situation worse.

—Mourning processes are delicate and complex, anyway, it is good that you are aware of the risks of alcohol, for emotions and for your behavior. The psychologist explained.

— I know, doctor. Do you still have any hope on me? I was lucky that my Nutrition course is for the second semester. If I had started studying now, it would have been a disaster! Is there a safe treatment for alcoholism?

—Of course, there are already several forms of treatment, I recommend starting and maintaining therapy sessions and I will also refer you to a psychiatrist, who will prescribe some medications to help you contain your addiction.

— I hope God wants it worth. *

June 5th, 2018.

The therapy was progressing well, the medications also helped to stabilize Alex's condition. Artur and Aurélia were his great suport in this process. He had completed two months without drinking. Although he knew the challenge of being sober, he was quite happy with his small achievements. So, he decided to have a conversation with Alessandra.

— Little sister, I know that what I did was crazy, but I have been trying to correct myself, I have been 2 months without alcohol, I want to redeem myself, but I am still very sad because you are not talking to me... I dream about the day you will forgive me.

—Well, I have noticed that you have returned to be more attentive at home and you are happier, I will forgive you, but I want you to confirm, those bad days have passed or not?