The Other Jareau

Chapter 40

"Finally." I said walking into our apartment and collapsing on the couch
"Its a two hour flight Miss Dramatic." Tyler laughed sitting next to me and pulling my legs onto his lap
"It was a terrible flight." I groaned
"We sat in first class and you slept the whole time." He laughed
"Whatever." I said rolling my eyes
"You go back to work tomorrow?" He asked and I nodded
"What time?" He said starting to take my shoes off
"I think 6. I should have the mid morning shift." I said relaxing into his touch as he started to rub my feet
"Tuesday?" He questioned
"Same." I said closing my eyes
"We meet with the lawyers right after you get off. I will drop you off and pick you up to take you." He said trying to be stern
"Yes sir" I said saluting him with my eyes still closed
"Keep them closed. I got something for you that I ordered a month ago. Its meant to be your Christmas present but I cant wait any longer to give it to you." He said getting up and going to the first hall closet as I sat up keeping my eyes closed
"Ok." He said setting a box on my lap
"Tyler stop with the gifts." I said looking up at him
"No. I like spoiling you and besides this one will be useful." He said smiling like a little kid
"Well just wait until I spoil you for Christmas and your birthday." I said undoing the bow and opening up the box
"Tyler." I said looking into the box and seeing a denim jacket with his last name and number on the back
"A lot of the wives and girlfriends have been getting them and I thought it would be perfect for you." He said smiling
"I love it babe." I said pulling it out and turning it to the front to see the capitals logo on the right side of the buttons and a Canada flag on the left
"I knew you would." He said sitting down and pulling me into him
"Can I wear it Tuesday?"
I asked already planning an outfit to wear with it
"Yes." He laughed
"I need to pee." I said getting up and going to our bathroom as he just laughed at my sudden burst of energy

I get into the bathroom and lock the door behind me to keep him out as I looked through a makeup bag I leave here.
I finally found an extra bag of cocaine that I even forgot I hid in here for when I went home.
"Just keep it hidden from Tyler and JJ." I whispered to myself as I put some on my hand mirror and snorted it before I flushed the toilet
"Hey babe I was thinking of getting indian food from that place in Noma you like so much." Tyler said once I walked out of the bathroom
"Thats fine babe." I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck
"I like this you. Does it mean you forgive me fo what I said at the hospital?" He asked a little hesitantly
"Yes." I said knowing he didnt mean it and that it was out of character for him
"Good." He said kissing my forehead and pushing me onto the bed
"Sex before or after dinner?" He asked with a raised eyebrow
"Both?" I questioned watching him quickly take his shirt off

"Charlotte we need to talk." Betty said as soon as I walked into the shop
"Its about to be bust we open in 30 mins Betty." I said confused
"I know but it is important." She said sternly confusing me as I followed her upstairs to her office
"Close the door." She said as I listened
"Im not fired am I?" I questioned knowing JJ would lose her shit if I did
"No your not. We just need to talk." She said still confusing me
"Ok?" I questioned
"How long have you been clean?" She asked
"Three months before my ex shot me up." I said disappointed in myself for letting it happen
"Have you used drugs since then?" She asked
"I smoked weed with Tylers mom and sister to calm my nerves." I said half lying
"No cocaine?" She asked as I slowly shook my head lying again
"I want to promote you." She said taking me by surprise
"Why?" I questioned
"Because you have shown improvement and O feel like you would be a great training manager." She said with a smile
"Betty that is very nice of you but what about Carter or Skylar? They have been here longer." I stated still shocked
"I know Carter is still using drugs and Skylar is still heavily drinking. They are rich kids and will always be able to get their hands on it. You have shown improvement. You have Tyler who loves and supports you. As well as a sister who wants you to be who you are suppose to be. You have earned it for staying clean for three months." She said with a smile
"Thank you Betty." I said trying to hold back tears
"Now go. I hired a nineteen year old who was addicted to cocaine like you who needs training." She said with a smile and letting me go

I stopped in the bathroom downstairs and quickly locked the door before digging around in my purse for my cocaine
Dont do it. I heard in my head over and over again while another voice told me to do it but louder.
My voices fought between themselves as I looked in the mirror with tears falling down my face.
"One hit." I whispered as I snorted the fine white allowing the demon to win
"Char new girl is here for training." Skylar said knocking on the door
"I will be right out. Get her an apron and a white mocha." I yelled back

"Hi I am Charlotte." I said introducing myself to the young girl sitting at a table alone and scared
"Grace." She said quietly as she shook my hand
"Well Grace lets use today as a get to know you day." I smiled wanting her to feel welcomed as she nodded
"What are you here for?" I asked taking her for a twist already
"Im addicted to cocaine." She said quietly
"Alright how long have you been using?" I asked
"Since I was sixteen." She said now embarrassed
"Tell me the first time." I said knowing it will prove something
The day went on and after talking to Grace I needed another hit. Her addiction fueled my addiction to wanting more. At my break I took a hit and everything was calmed down again. Grace opened up about herself today and I found that important for her for when she starts work and really training tomorrow.
I thought about my day on the way home and deciding if I should get fully clean again or keep my drug use a secret.