Zacky's Point of View

I looked at Brian and I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing. It had been a while since I had seen him up close with my own eyes and while Matt had told me he was looking rough I wasn't anywhere near prepared to see him.

“What happened to you?” I asked as I walked by him carefully almost as if he would just fall into pieces on the floor if I touched him.

“Nothing.“ Brian replied before walking over to the couch. I followed him and sat down on one of the chairs that were facing the couch.

“What the fuck are you doing here anyway?” Brian asked.

“Do you want me to give you the bullshit response or the truth?” I asked as my leg started to bounce up and down, which for those who don’t know me, means pissed off.

“You know what, rock me with the truth cause I’m getting real fucking tired of everyone’s bullshit.” He said.

“Alright, Matt called me and asked me to check on you ‘cause you weren't answering either of your phones.” I said.

“Figures.” Brian scoffed as he reached forward and grabbed a bottle of Whiskey out of the coffee table which has glass doors around and what else is a rock star gonna put there.

“What that someone’s worried about you?”

“No. That Matt gave orders and you followed.” Brian said before he took a gulp of the amber liquid.

“Man, what are you trying to do, kill yourself? ‘Cause that’s where you’re headed you know that right?” I pushed.

“You know what, Zack. Don’t come into my fucking house and try to tell me what’s going on in it. I’m more than aware of what’s happening.” He said taking another gulp.

“What about us? Your friends, people you call your brothers, we already lost Jimmy and now you are literally forcing us to watch you die! Fucking stop being so selfish!” I yelled no longer able to tame my anger.

“You think I’m not aware that Jimmy died?! I’m lost without him unlike the rest of you!”

“You think the rest of us aren't lost without him!”

“Apparently not, ‘because I’m the only one who hasn't forgotten about him and written him off!”

It wasn't until now that my eyes locked on his wrist where there were not only visible but fresh track marks. It was almost instant that my anger turned to sadness.

“Gates, have you looked at yourself lately?”

“Yeah, right before you came and stated screaming.”

“So, you know this is killing you?”

“What is killing me Zacky?”

“You know damn well what, asshole.” I stated.

“I seem to be the only one thought. So, I want you to acknowledge it.”

“Fine, all the drinking and shit.”

“What shit?” Brian asked.

Why does he want me to say it? Why can’t I say it? I’m well aware of the fact that Brian is doing cocaine.

“The drugs.” I stated, lowly. Why is it so hard for me to say that he’s a drug addict?

“See, that wasn't so hard.” Brian said with another gulp.

I was about to ask why he started using in the first place but the doorbell rang before I could.
Brian groaned as he got up and walked to the door and pulled it open.

“Hey, Cole.” Brian said, with a smile. I’m sure it wasn't her it was what she bore in her pocket. This bitch just won’t go away.

“Brian, can I come in?” She asked.

“Yeah, just don’t get comfortable. I have company.” He said as he walked away and started towards his laundry room, most likely in search of money.

Cole walked inside and sat on the couch before turning her attention to me.