[Scars]

:: 01 ::

I rolled over in bed with a groan, trying to find my phone that was blaring loudly.

"Goddamn it!" I grumbled.

"Who is that baby?" My girlfriend Gena asked from next to me.

"I don't know. I'll get it babe. Go back to sleep." I said kissing her forehead.

She rolled back over, trying to ignore my phone.

I huffed loudly and rolled out of bed.

I glanced at the clock on my bedside table.

"Its four in the fucking morning! This better be good!" I grumbled to myself as I dug my phone out of my pocket.

"Yeah?" I said, clearly irritated.

"Sorry to wake you up Zacky." My friend Jake said.

I sighed, already knowing what this was about.

"Its cool man. What happened?" I asked, trying to rub the sleep from my eyes.

"Well, you told me to call you first if anything happened, so I am." Jake stuttered.

"What happened?" I asked again, pulling my jeans in.

"Got brought in again. Possession with intent to sell." He said quietly.

"Fuck!" I said forcefully.

"I really am sorry Zack." Jake said again.

"No man, I'm glad you called me." I told him.

I pulled my shirt over my head and grabbed a hoodie, my wallet and keys.

I grabbed my shoes and tip toed out of my room, closing the door behind me.

"I'll be there in ten." I told him.

"Alright man. I'll see you then." Jake said before hanging up.

I ended the call and sighed.

You'd think after almost two years I'd be used to all of these late night phone calls.

Used to getting dragged out of bed at all hours of the night.

And this was not the way I had imagined my life.

But it is what it is.

I don't turn my back on my friends.

Not even when their habits can hurt them, or worse, get them killed.

I got in my car and drove off.

I pulled up to Huntington Police Department and parked in the visitors spot.

I waved at a few of the cops lounging around outside.

Being here so much, I knew alot of the guys pretty well.

"Another late night Zack?" Sam asked.

"You know me. Love waking up before the sun." I said, trying to keep my tone light.

They chuckled and I went inside.

Jake was waiting for me and buzzed me through the door that led back to the holding cells.

"Hey Zack." Jake said, shaking my hand.

"What's up dude." I said.

"Back here." He said, even though it wasn't necessary.

I knew the way by heart.

We were buzzed in past the other gate and we walked back to the holding cells.

There, scrunched up in a tight ball and rocking back and forth, was Chris.

Her clothes were all dirty and she looked disheveled.

Her hair that used to shine and glimmer in the sun was now grimy and a shade darker than its original color.

She looked up at the sound of our footsteps and her face was smeared with dirt and God knows what else.

Her eyes, which were once her best and my favorite asset because they were filled with such light and hope, were now dull and lifeless.

Life has a way of sneaking up on you sometimes.

And that's exactly what happened to Chris.

I tried not to let the sorrow shoe on my face as Jake stepped forward to unlock the cell.

Chris squirmed and scooted back against the wall, pressing her back flat against it.

"No, no, no, no." Chris murmured.

Jake stepped forward and she started to yell.

Jake backed out slowly and turned to me.

"You're gonna have to get her out again ZV." Jake said.

Every time I come and pick Chris up, she won't let anyone but me touch her.

I stepped in slowly, not wanting to scare her.

She looked up suddenly, her eyes wide.

I smiled softly and stepped closer.

"Hey Chris." I said gently, taking small steps.

She looked at me with narrowed eyes for a minute.

"Za-Zacky?" Chris murmured.

I nodded and realization washed over her face.

She jumped up quickly which seriously surprised me.

"Yeah Chris. It's me Zacky." I said.

A small smile came across her face and she jumped into my arms.

She hugged me tightly and I wound my arms around her.

I didn't want to pull away from her, but she smelled absolutely awful.

"Let's get you home, Chrissy." I murmured, putting my arm around her shoulders and leading her out of the cell.

She stuck her tongue out at Jake and I chuckled.

"I'll see you later Jake." I said, smacking my fist against his.

"Try and keep her out of trouble." He replied.

I nodded knowing full well that the task was easier said than done.

I helped Chris into the car and buckled her seat belt.

I couldn't help but stare down at her arms that were filled with track lines.

Scars that were months old, and newer ones that were just starting to scab over.

I got in the car silently, occasionally looking over at Chris who was now passed out.

The sadness that consumed me was overwhelming.

One of my best friends is a junkie whose life is spinning out of control.

With so many things against her, she turned to drugs thinking it was her only way out.

I just wish I could've been there the day she hit rock bottom.

I could've helped her through all of this.

I looked at her again.

But it's too late for that.

I can't change the past.

The only thing I can do is try and help her through the future.

I just hope that it will be enough.

Only time will tell.

And with that thought, we made our way home.