We sit like this for a while before Mac’s quiet voice echoes in the room, “I’m scared.”
“I know, it’ll be okay. I promise.” I reassure him. This is almost verbatim the conversation we used to have when hewas little.
“You won’t leave me?” His voice is so small it breaks my heart.
“No, baby brother, I won’t. Go to sleep. I’ll be right here.”
It doesn’t take long before his breathing evens out. Good, he needs to sleep while he can. I’ve researched all about withdrawals, and his life is about to be hell in approximately six to ten hours. I know I should also sleep while I can, but instead of doing that, I pull out my phone and see an onslaught of texts. First I pull up the new group chat with my brothers for this week. All of us and the wives, except Mac. He doesn’t need to go back and read what we say about this shit.
Kieran: How is he?
Clara: I talked to Rowan when he left, said Mac was irritated, but fine. He’ll be okay Kie.
Kieran: This is partially my fault. He said he had a grip on it and I believed him. I’m sorry.
Flynn: Then it’s just as much our fault because we’ve known he’s been drinking regularly since he was like fifteen and we didn’t say anything.
Sully: Yeah, we didn’t say anything either.
Pigeon: This isn’t anyone’s fault. But I’m a creature of curiosity so I have to ask… Why didn’t you say anything?
Sully: We’re the lower three, we keep each other’s secrets.
Kieran: Wow that makes me feel great as his best fucking friend who had no idea.
We aren’t playing pity party today, and it’s clear Roe is still driving. It takes over an hour and a half to get back home.
Declan: All of you fucking stop. This was Mac’s decision. It isn’t anyone’s fault, but we’re here nowand we’re going to deal with it. He’s asleep for now. I suggest you all try to do the same. I’ll let you know when something changes.
Moving out of that thread, I make my way over to the unknown number that texted me.
Unknown: How is he?
Declan: You must have the wrong number.
Unknown: Don’t be a dick. I was told we’d keep each other updated through this.
Declan: I don’t know who you are or whatthisis but you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Unknown: No, you’re fucking with me. We were best friends for like thirteen years and you’ve deleted my fucking number? I see the petty is still strong within you, Dec.
Fucking Jakob.
Declan: Yeah, well when someone does me as fucking dirty as you did me it tends tobringout my most petty side.
Unknown: I’m not doing this shit with you. Can we not just call a fucking truce? Please!
Declan: Fine, but once I leave this cabin the truce is off.
Unknown number: I’d expect nothing less from you. Lelonie is still sleeping, there’s no other update. I’ll let you know what’s up in the morning.
Declan: Tell her Mac’s asleep too. Thanks for the update. Worried about her.
Unknown: Yeah, same to you. Worried about him too.
Deciding to drop some of the pettiness, I save his number again. I mean, I save him as Mortal Enemy, but that’s beside the point. I have one more text thread to open before I cantry to sleep while Mac does.
Natasha: Hey, baby. You around?
