◈A D R I A N◈

I stood in the small living area and looked down at the broken man before me. Broken and wasted, Logan had finally passed out on the couch after a session of emotional purging and drinking.

It was for the best, I thought.

I supposed the pain was too much to be contained within him like an overblown balloon. He might pop without any release and I happened to be a convenient tree hole for him to vent.

After having barely moved the unconscious man to a more comfortable position on the sofa, I sank down to the floor feeling slightly flustered. The man was a dead weight and my arms were as helpful as limp spaghetti. A couple of minutes of tugging and pulling, I finally had Logan rested somewhat comfortably on his back.

I was able to roll him over so that he laid on his back and not on his side trapping his poor left arm under his heavy body. Thanks to me, his head was propped up against the armrest properly and he wouldn't wake up with a dead arm.

Groaning, I stretched the kinks off my limbs and drew my legs closer to my body. I hugged them and rested my cheeks on my knees, staring at Logan. His brows were still furrowed even in his sleep and his lips were pulled into a stern line.

I felt lower than shit. All I could do was stand there like a mannequin looking at Logan downing cans after cans of alcohol like a lost man in a desert. My arms wouldn't work the way I wanted them to and comforting words evaporated before they could leave my lips.

What could I do? That was completely uncharted territory for me. I've never gotten close to someone enough to offer some comfort. Fuck, nobody had shown a shred of compassion for me. You can't kick someone and ask them to be nice to others. That just isn't how the world spins!

The night wind howled in a distance and came rushing in through the window that was left open earlier to eliminate the stench of booze. Empty cans got caught in the wind and toppled down from the side table, clanking loudly against the hard floor.

Shit!

Logan groaned and turned in his sleep. Alarmed, I leapt from the floor and hurriedly gathered those empty cans in my arms before they could roll away and make more noises. I chanced a glance over my shoulder and let out a huge breath when I saw Logan was still asleep.

Carefully, I got up to my feet and made way to the kitchen to dispose of the cans. As I was carefully putting them down on the countertop, my eyes caught sight of more beer cans that Logan had missed when he aimed for the waste bin earlier. Grumbling under my breath. I trudged back to the TV cabinet and collected the remaining cans littered around the waste bin.

Evening had left the stage, replaced by night with its glittering performance of starlight. I didn't realize it was that late already. The temperature in the room has dropped significantly with the chilly air blowing into the room. I shuddered and my eyes flicked to the sleeping form.

I better get him covered before he caught a cold, I mused absentmindedly. My feet padded lightly on the floorboards as I slowly made my way to his room after I took care of the trash. I couldn't help but feel guilty for barging into someone's room uninvited when the door creaked open.

I'm only getting the blankets, I reasoned with my conscience. The room was exactly like how I remembered except for the higher mound of dirty laundry occupying the timber chair.

A tiny smile formed on my lips as I was reminded of my failed attempt at dirtying his sheets. It felt like years ago. Shaking my head, I cleared my thoughts and began to roll his blankets into a tight bundle and hugged it against my chest.

I took my time to look around his room and take in all the details. His room was pretty neat and bare even with a few clutter of junk. I surmised that Logan was an organised slob after noticing a pattern. He had all the junks pushed to one side to keep the rest of the place neat.

I shook my head with amusement and moved to the narrow table by the window that was pushed up against the wall. A couple of loose change and double A batteries littered at a corner.

My fingers trailed along the edge of the table as I checked out a stack of books piled on it. There was a photograph peeping out from one of the economics books. I pulled the picture out carefully and frowned in bitter distaste when I realized it was Logan's and Kara's wedding photo.

Young Logan was wearing a classic three piece suit. His smile was wide and bright. He looked truly happy. What was I thinking? Of course he was! He thought he had a family back then. A wife and a baby. A complete happy family.

But Kara ruined it all!

The picture crinkled under my palm as I balled it in my fist and shoved it into my pockets. I took a deep breath to calm myself before heading out with the blanket tucked under my arm.

Logan was still out like a light but he was far from feeling peaceful. He was being tormented even in his sleep. A flash of anger was rising up quickly in my chest again.

She didn't have the right to hurt him!

I took a few calming breaths again, my hands trembled as I unrolled the blankets and flapped it out. I pulled the fabric over him and covered his body up to his stubbly chin. Once I was satisfied that he was all covered, I went down on my knees beside the couch and gingerly touched his face.

A sudden beep from his phone made me jumped and I pulled my hand back regretfully. The screen lit up the space in blue light, causing my curiosity to pique. I took a glance at Logan before picking up his phone. He had fifteen messages and thirteen calls. All of them were from Kara.

My fingers tightened around the phone. No doubt she was crying crocodile tears and plotting a sob story begging for forgiveness.

My thumb hovered over the inbox. I was tempted to read what she has to say. How she planned to lie her way through. I sneaked a glance behind me again and tapped on the first message.

Logan, we need to talk. Please. I know this is hard for you but I just need to see you. I owe you an explanation.

I scrolled through the rest of the messages. Most of them spoke the same words. Same old same old. I scoffed. She didn't even try to be creative with her apologies. However, the last message caught my eye.

I'll be waiting at the O'briens tomorrow at ten. I won't leave until you show up.

I almost fling the phone across the room. How could someone sound so condescending when she was the one in the wrong?!

Gritting my teeth, I pressed the reply button and typed. My fingers shaking with barely contained anger.

Fine. I'll listen to what you have to say.

With that, I quickly hit send before I have a chance to hesitate. Blood was rushing to my ears as I long press on the message and tapped on the trash bin icon. The system prompted a message for confirmation and I quickly tap on the yes option.

Placing the phone back on the table, I slumped back against the couch. Adrenaline was still pumping in my bloodstream. I never expected the opportunity to present itself so soon. I smiled.

This is perfect. All I need now is a plan.

I twisted my body around to gaze at Logan. "I'll make her pay," I whispered softly. My clammy hand gently smoothed his worried brows and caressed his cold cheeks. "I promise."

✈

Author's note

Hey guys, so sorry for being inactive here.

I have a little announcement to make. Update schedule will be changed from weekly to once every two weeks. I supposed this is the most comfortable schedule for me to work with without feeling rushed or pressured. I apologise for the inconvenience caused 🙏

Don't forget to vote and share :)

{Song: Kill For You by Skylar Grey feat. Eminem}