Page 4 of Daddy Sees Snakes

"Fuck," I mumble, stumbling back inside.

"Viper?" Iris calls, waking up. "Are you okay?"

"Peachy," I hiss, trying not to stumble.

I make my way past her and into my office, but not before grabbing another bottle from the cabinet. My vision's swimming, and I can barely see.

"What are you doing?" she whispers, standing in the doorway.

"Mind your own business," I spit, falling back on my chair. She takes a few steps toward me.

"I don't need you," I hiss.

"Yes, you do," she whispers, and suddenly, she's kneeling between my legs. I want to push her away. I want to scream and shout.I want her to leave. But I don't. Because deep down, I know she's right.

"You can't fix me, Iris. No one can," I hiss, taking a sloppy swig from the bottle. My vision is blurring so much, and I can feel my mind going into overdrive.

"You can," she tells me. "You're strong."

"Am I? Or am I just a pathetic addict? A failure."

"You're not a failure," she whispers, cupping my cheek.

"Leave. Please." I groan and drink more. Anything to forget.

"Why?" she whispers.

"Because you can't be here. Not with me," I hiss.

"Do you really want me to go?" she asks.

"Yes. No. I don't know," I hiss, slamming the bottle down on the desk. Iris grabs it and sets it aside before placing her hands on my thighs, but I'm too far gone now.

I remember this part of addiction–I used to call it a bad trip. Nothing makes sense. I no longer recognize the woman before me.

No, not woman–she's a girl.

A young girl. My daughter?

"Get away from me, honey," I manage. "I don't know who you are."

"It's me, Mr. Beckett, you know me," she whispers.

"Don't care," I say, shaking my head. "Who the fuck are you?"

"Iris."

"Fuck off, Iris," I snap.

"No. Not until you stop this. You've had enough. You're drunk. You're scaring me." She does look scared, her big blue eyes swimming with fear.

"Go home. Please," I beg, running my fingers through her hair. I grab the bottle before she can stop me, and finish it off.

"I'm not leaving you alone," she says.

"I'm not asking," I snap, my tone getting harder.

"You can't stop me."

---