Tangled Strings

Chapter 3

He entered the kitchen. His eyes were as red as blood, his hair in a woven web, his stumbling feet, he kept on rubbing his nose which was as red as his eyes.

"Looks like everyone's up early?!" he said.

Father turned away. He went off. He didn't even say a word to Edward. He was fed up if him and his habits.

"Would you like some coffee?" I offered.

"Nah! I'd better go to bed. My eyes are watery. I need sleep from the night's dose!" he winked.

"I don't like it, Edward. Nor does, Dad. You have to stop getting drunk every night. Don't you care about us?"

"Shut it! Just shut it! I didn't come here to see that old man's face or to listen to your dramatic speech!" he scolded. He was rude. Very rude.

"I'm going to sleep. And don't even think about messing up with me again!" he said, seeing me silent.

Ladies and gentlemen, my Brother. He was a drug addict crap. I didn't want to use the word crap for him because I love him so much, but lately he was crossing his limits. He had been very supportive an caring back when Mom was alive. But, after Mom's death he had gotten into bad habits. He would be out all night, drink at random bars, go to clubs, buy drugs worth hundreds and return in the morning with his eyes swollen and he, totally drunk.

But still, he loves me. I know he does and I do too, Father also. But, he wants his son to be back to normal. He wants his previous son back. I want my brother back. So we are deciding to send him to a rehab centre. Of course Edward doesn't know about it, only we do.

I had to eat breakfast alone. Edward would be sleeping, and father had gone, angry, to work. I was left alone to eat the dry bread and drink coffee.

**********

The next time I glanced at the clock it was quarter past three. Time had passed by like an 800 horsepower car. Today I had to go to Bryan's. I was so excited. Not that I am going for the first time, but I always admired him for his sense of humour and his easiness in handling the most difficult situations. I liked him. He was my best friend. Or rather, it would be correct if I say we were best friends. Because it's different, you know.

I came down to eat my lunch when I saw Edward was up and was fumbling about something in the fridge.

"What is it, Ed?"I asked.

"Uh, I was just searching for some cheese to put on my bread. You know where it is?" he asked.

"What do you need bread and cheese for, when I'm making the lunch?"

"Alright." he sat down at the table.

I served out the lunch and sat with him to eat.

"I will be going to Bryan's, so if Dad asks, please tell him." I started a conversation.

"What for?"

"Nothing, just to help him out a little and discuss some important things."

"Okay."

"Tell him I'll be a little late, will you?"

"Yeah, okay. I will." he said and continued to eat like a hungry lion.

I washed the dishes after we had eaten. It was exactly four o'clock. I needed to hurry. I went to my room, opened the wardrobe and sat the bed staring at the clothes and thinking what to wear. When it was clothes, girls will never be satisfied with what they have. They want everything in their closet. From the torn jeans to 5-inch heels, from various shorts and skirts to pretty and funky tops. Everything. They craved for clothes and so do I. I love shopping like every other girl.

Wait. Running out of time. I picked a black polka-dotted dress to go with my black boots. My hair, the biggest problem, how to tie. A high pony will be okay, or maybe let them fall. Yeah, that's right. Now I'm ready. Grab the keys and let's go.

I know I had to call up Bryan, because he'd probably be sleeping  as he said. But I didn't. My mind had a wonderful idea. I parked in the driveway outside his house. A big dreamy house.

I rang the doorbell. Meghan saw me through the peeping hole and unlocked the door.

"You're here!" she exclaimed and jumped in my arms.

"Easy, dear!" she walked me in and we sat in the hall. The cream coloured sofa perfectly matched the brown velvety curtains which hung over the windows.

"Where's your brother? Probably sleeping?" I asked, knowing the answer.

"Yeah, he wakes up early to practice basketball, eats breakfast, studies a little bit, eats lunch and then goes off to sleep. Leaving me on my own." she said.

"I know, dear. But who said you're on your own. I'm here with you," I smiled, "what do you say if we have a little fun with your brother?"

"It'll be amazing!" she giggled.

After that, we went to Bryan's room. He was cuddled up in his blanket, not letting go even though he sweated.

"Okay, soldier. Bring me a jar of water." I ordered.

"Aye aye, captain." Meghan laughed noiselessly, mock-saluting.

A jar of water was brought. I sprinkled some water on Bryan's face. A little movement, though he did not wake up. I sprinkled some more. He turned sides, his back towards me. Okay, so you're not gonna wake up that easy.

"He's really stubborn sometimes. Actually, most of the times." Meghan said.

"Okay, so bring me some ice cubes, soldier." I ordered again.

"Yes, captain." and she ran off to the kitchen. While she was bringing ice I was looking at Bryan. He was muscularly built, brown hair, blue eyes, dimples on both cheeks. He was really handsome, and I was proud to have him as my best friend.

A bowl of ice. This was what I was planning on. I picked three ice cubes, leaned over Bryan a bit, pulled his grey T-shirt a bit and put those cubes inside.

"A patient wait, and then see the magic."I whispered.

It was a matter of 1-2 seconds when the heat from Bryan's body started melting the ice, giving a cooling sensation.

He woke up with a start, sat in an upright position and stared at us like we were some kind of aliens.

"Mission completed, captain!" Meghan saluted again. We both rolled in a guffaw.

"What are you doing here, Ash?" Bryan asked, confused.

"Oh you little...  You forgot our plan. Mom not home. Ashely comes. Oh come on, don't tell me you forgot!"

"Yeah I had forgotten. Sorry" he apologized.

"OK, now go and freshen up while Meghan will help me cook something." I smiled at them.

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A/N Back with another chapter... I hope it was worth the wait...

What do you think about Ashley now that you have read her point of view... Comments please...

Any ideas what will happen next??
Comment your ideas...

And don't forget to press that little star button on the bottom of your screen...  Thank you...

Dedication to the bestest friend anyone could have...Always eager to read further and waiting for every chapter update...!!

PS- What do you think about Ashley Benson as Ashley and Zac Efron as Bryan ??? Any suggestions for Ashley are welcome... but Bryan remains the same...

PSS- Zac Efron is bae... How many of you agree??😉

Love,
Anshara. ❤