Rony's Greatest Gig #Wattys2019 [COMPLETED]

ThurdyToo

TW mental health

I sit next to Devin in silence as we wait together in his ER room.

And by room I mean his stretcher in the hallway with a nice outlet next to it.

Devin is just blank staring into space as I text my mom. Sorry, wish I had a more juicy subject to share. But no, I'm not telling her anything about Dev right now. I don't need anyone going haywire over this.

Oh, but I do tell Billy because he should probably know why I'm out right now.

I guess I didn't put much thought into this text and quickly scrambled something because I just write: "In ER. Not for me, it's my best friend. His soccer teammates poisoned him. They're attempted murderers. Talk soon."

But kind of feel chillish realizing that's actually exactly what happened.

Knock knock!

"Hi, I'm Angie, I'll be the nurse taking care of you. I'll need to ask some questions, is it ok if you're friend steps out?"

"NO!"

Oh my jeezles, I even jump at that!

"Sorry...I mean, can he please stay? I'm so anxious right now.."

Angie smiles politely and nods.

"I'm sorry! I just took one extra pill, that's it! I swear I did not take anymore than that!"

"Ok..what were you taking?" Angie asks, she sits down and pulls out a clipboard.

"Just...just paxil." A tear falls down Devin's face.
"I'm just starting college and this whole OCD thing with my intrusive thoughts sucks..."

Angie looks a bit confused.

"You're sure you didn't take anything else? You're not getting in trouble. We just need to know what you took."

Devin looks at me all confused.

"Nothing else! Why doesn't anyone listen to me and keep asking!?"

"it's just you had just overdosed on opiates."

"What? No!"

Oh my goodness what am I involved with right now..?!

"Devin, please, tell me if you've taken anything."

"I'm not! I'm not!" Dev keeps screaming and crying.

Oh my gosh...
I don't know if it's because I've got a pretty high IQ but I got this figured out cold.

"Dude. Y-y-youve been laced by the soccer guys."

"No..." Devin says to himself but not sounding convincing at all.
"No, they couldn't have.."

"Devin! Open your eyes, Man! They d-d-didn't call 911 when they found you passed out. They just came to fffind me and told me they just didn't want to get in trouble. I'm sssorry but they aren't your friends!"

I'm sorry I needed to lay it on thick, but Devin needs to know what's really up.

"Oh come on, Ro..are you just jealous I'm on the team?"

Should I tell him everything else they told me?

"Dev...look at me and llllook who else is h-here right now.."

Devin studies my face and looks around.

He nods as tears continue to stream his face.

"I wish I can come home.."

"I'm your best friend Dev and I will be here for you always." I whisper, which seems odd to say to someone who just low key insulted you..but I've known Devin almost my entire life. I know how stubborn he can be but it's just not in me to change my attitude toward our friendship just because he is angry. I know Dev will come around so I don't need to turn around too if I can just stay turned around beforehand.

Sorry that probably makes no sense... tdlr I don't need to act moody toward a friend just because my friend is toward me.

I just kinda hang back and keep texting Billy.
Billy can't believe the soccer team could be so cruel.

"Ro.." Dev breaks the ice.
I look up at him.

"Yeah, Bud?"

He has tears building in his eyes.

"I'm sorry I've been a dick to you lately. I don't want to make any excuses but I've really been struggling with my mental health."

I make eye contact with Dev and put my hand on his shoulder.
He kind of cringes but doesn't push me away.

I push myself off because I know he doesn't like being touched.

"I'm really sorry it's been s-so tough on you, Dude..." I shake my head.
"I appreciate the a-a-apology... you're ssstill always my day one and I'm here for you always."

Surprisingly, I've never had really serious mental health issues (even if I'm still plenty cuckoo).. but I can emphasize when people do because of what I've gone through.

"You know I've always had my mishaga.." Dev chuckles.

I smile. That's old Jewish talk for craziness, something our moms would say.

"And I finally got a diagnosis. I've had OCD, anxiety, and depression this whole time."

I can't say I'm surprised...but it still feels odd to me because Dev and I have never really talked about anything like this.

And it also makes total sense because it is Devin's legit medication that they laced.

"I'm proud of you, Man. You're fighting like a ch-champ. Those scum bags wwwwill pay.."