"Okay seeing it's my first day, we can watch the movie and if you guys can keep a secret, I'll even go and get you some chips but you all need to stand up and state your name and pledge a promise from here on end you will behave for me.In return for your promise, I will Promise you that once a week we can watch any movie that you vote on.So who's with me?"When they all started replying together she put her finger on her lips to silence them."A show of hands."That worked.It looked like she would be able to handle these rascals after all.
***
Getting herself into a routine was good.Mariyah left the house around seven every weekday and would be home around four or five depending if she had afternoon duty.It was fine, she enjoyed being there, she enjoyed marking homework at home and setting up lessons for the following day.She didn't feel like she was just existing anymore she felt like she was living.Keeping a very low profile, Mariyah refused to go out of the evening.She would rather remain in the safety of her home.
Caleb was looking more and more on edge.Every Friday he would come home eat and sleep.Even on the weekends he was too preoccupied with his work.What was his problem?He refused to talk to her about it, she often asked him if everything was okay, if there were any problems at work, he would cut her short telling her he was too tired and didn't need to be hassled.
Having her night coffee alone while Caleb was in his room on his phone, Mariyah started to think about his work.What was he delivering anyway?Why was it so secretive?A wave of dread swept over her, could he be caught up in the wrong crowd?Could he be trafficking drugs?This was the last thing they needed, was he that desperate to do something like this to land him back in prison?So when Caleb came out of the room and took a seat on the sofa changing the channel Mariyah wanted to know.
"Caleb are you involved in drug trafficking?"He looked at her a little pissed.
"Mari, don't fucking talk like that."
"Tell me the truth, are you working for some dickhead who is making you sell drugs or whatever it is they do?"
"Enough Mari."
"I can't believe this, do you want to go back to prison?What in god's name is wrong with you?"She felt her hysteria rise
"Shut the fuck up!"
"Are you on drugs?She chanced a look in his eyes, they were red, she thought it was from driving all night, now it hit her that it had nothing to do with the driving, he was taking narcotics.
"Fuck off, I don't have time for your shit."
"Caleb listen to me, please you need to quit your job and find something else.I'll help you look for something, I'm working now so we can live off my wage..."
"I don't want you help Mariyah, you've done enough.You fucked up my entire world, you fucked up everything for me.Everything!Don't act like you want to help me now, I don't need your help!"He stood up and left.Mariyah looked at him as he stormed out of the house.Oh fuck if Caleb was caught up in this shit, she needed to do something and she needed to do it fast.His words hurt her, they sliced through her heart, this was the way he really felt about her.
Promising herself that once she cleaned him up she would find herself a place to live and let him be free from all her drama.
***
Months passed by and Caleb was still at the same job, he hardly ever spoke to Mariyah anymore, she knew he was in some sort of trouble, he looked edgy all the time.Mariyah had no way of helping him.What could she do?Who could she turn to?She tried to talk to him a few times and he would cut her off short.He was getting worse every week.He didn't even hide the fact that he was now snorting the shit.He would come out of his room with powder on his nose.Mariyah really felt like calling the police herself just to put an end to his ever growing addiction.
"Caleb, please hear me out, honey you’re only hurting yourself..."He slapped her across her face, she looked at him stunned, this was the first time in her life that he had ever struck her, it was nothing like when Zak had hit her but still it hurt a lot.He looked at her like he couldn't believe what he had just done.
"Shit Mari, I'm sorry baby..."Mariyah shrugged him away
"Stay away from me Caleb, you’re so far gone you don't know what the fuck you’re doing.You can't even walk straight anymore."
"Mari please, I didn't mean to hurt you."
"I mean it Caleb, stay the hell away from me.You need serious fucking help."
"I know...I know…" He sat down and put his head in his hands he was crying and her heart broke."I didn't mean to hurt you, I would never hurt you.You know that?"
"You need to get help.Caleb you’re an addict.Please let me take you to a rehabilitation center, they can help you.Please honey, I can take you now.This is the time to get help.Caleb please sign yourself in, I need you to get better."He nodded his agreement
"I'm fucked, I can't stop myself."
"Caleb give me whatever you have, I'll get rid of it, please honey."
"I don't have anymore, I was getting more tomorrow."
"Can I check your room?"
"Trust me Mari it's all gone."She chose to believe him.
