If Only

For Aaron

I looked at the door, "The fuck did you call me?".

She smirked, "It's a joke, Sarah".

I looked back at my book, "Ben"

"Why you sitting in the back all alone?".

"Because I prefer it that way".

"Why though? Didn't wanna make friends in the course.

"No," I finished my smoke, "Not really".

She laughed a little, "I find that hard to believe. But you also look like the guy who drinks coffee to keep himself alive every day".

"Not coffee, but you were close".

Sarah walked beside me, "You can come sit with me and my friends".

"I like my space. I'm not a people person".

"Why? You depressed or something?" Sarah asked.

I looked at her, "Yeah, actually. Thanks for digging in my personal info. Now, if you could kindly fuck off".

"I'm onto you Bennett" Sarah left.

I lit another smoke and tried finishing it quick. I grabbed everything I needed for my project, then got on the bus home. Everyone stared at me. A big piece of paper, and a bunch of art supplies. I looked like the village idiot.

But eventually I was home, to our quaint little townhouse. I walked in and kicked off my shoes. Lylah didn't seem to be home. She's been going to school still, and working a part time job.

Even with the house alone, I left to my art room upstairs.

It was messy with art supplies, and projects everywhere. I put my paper down on the table and got to sketching everything out. I put on music, sketched, and danced around. My drink was still here from last night.

I drank the rest, and got a new one.

Ty

We got to the hospital eventually, and there was an extremely long line to see him.

"I knew I recognized that name when I saw it".

I looked up, "Rachel?".

Rachel smiled, "The one and only. Well, Dr Getty is ready to see you. I came to bring you up"

I got up, "sounds good".

"I'll be here" Celeste added.

I nodded, then followed Rachel.

"So, what have I missed in Tyler's life?" Rachel asked.

I shrugged, "Life was good for a bit. Ben didn't start taking his meds, and he's been quickly deteriorating. Me though... I've been weird the last couple weeks. Beginning of December is when it started. Aaron and his dad Bruce invited me to Bruce's birthday, and so I went. Aaron ended up rebelling and kissing me. Bruce tried to kill him, and Aaron started experiencing what I thought was PTSD".