Page 23 of Retribution

I snarl into his ear, “Stay the fuck away from me, and my family,” his eyes grow wide with fear as he stares back at me.

Releasing his shirt, I close my briefcase, not even caring to look back at my brother before me.

I need to escape; I don’t need a reminder of any other fucked up situations in my life. Taking my briefcase, I leave through my office doors, employee eyes burning a hole into the back of my head.

I walk through the door to our– my home, leaving my shoes and bag in the corridor.

I feel numb.

Willow is spending the night at a friend’s house, she has dance practice in the morning and one of the other moms offered to take her.

Nothing can prepare you for this moment. Even the thought of her name makes me want to climb inside my head and rip it out of my brain.

Charging straight towards the cabinet that holds the alcohol, most of it remains untouched, I pull the door open.

I stare at the numerous bottles of liquor, positioned perfectly.

Taking in a sharp breath, I read over the different brands, the options.

Reed, don’t do it.

Everything else is a mess right now, you need to be strong for Lo.

Squeezing my eyes tightly shut, I find my grip on the first bottle my hand met with.

Removing the cap, I prop it onto the counter-top, sitting on the stool in front of it.

I lower myself to its level like I’m having a staring contest, but we both already know who’s going to win.

Count to ten, Reed.

Do, as you practiced.

One…

Two…

Three…

Four…

Five…

Six…

Before I could reach seven, Allie’s face flashes across my mind.

Strong, burning liquid gushes down my throat. I gulp and gulp. Allie’s face flashes with disappointment and I don’t stop.

Gulp.

Gulp.

Gulp.

Everything begins to subside, the pain, the guilt, her.

Allie.

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