Chapter 6
I dropped Emily off at home, and was home not too long after that. I walked in the door, put my camera bag on the table, then crashed onto the couch. I had so much on my mind, that just thinking was exhausting.

I never thought anything like this would happen when I first went to visit Emily. I visited because I hoped five years had been long enough for us to put the past behind us and try to move on. But now, the past might as well not exist.

I grabbed my laptop off the coffee table, and opened it, loading up Skype.

When Emily told me about her memory loss, what was I supposed to do?

“Oh, well I’m Mason. I’m that guy who beat the s*** out of your cheating boyfriend five years ago, that you said you never want to see again. We haven’t talked since then. But otherwise, how’re you doing?”

I guess I wanted to give her a bit of time before I told her the truth, just to adjust to her life, and to see me as more than just a perfect stranger. And I told myself I was going to do it soon. But now after what happened with Aaron, things will be even worse if I tell her now. So when?

I opened my contact list and saw Aperture was online. Within a few seconds, I got a message from them.

“How’s things with her?”

I grabbed a beer before replying, opening it and replacing the empty six pack in the fridge with two fresh ones.

“Things just got a whole lot more confusing.” I sent.

“How so?”

“The other night I let her look through her old Facebook profile from my account. She accidentally found her cheating, ex-boyfriends account.” I typed, “She accidentally bumped into him today, and he tried to take advantage of her memory loss. Pretended that they were close friends and tried to get back into her life.”

“He didn't tell her anything did he?”

“No. But she is really angry with him for doing that. Like, she hates him.” I replied, “I wanted to tell her the truth soon, but if I tell her now, she will hate me.”

“You know the longer you wait to let her know, the angrier she’ll be.”

“No s***.” I typed back, “Seriously everything was going fine until she ran into him! I would have told her when the time is right and explained myself. But now if I tell her the truth she’ll think I’m just as bad as him.”

“What even happened between you guys?” Aperture asked, “Last time I asked you were pretty drunk, and said some vague s*** about loving her.”

I had just gotten back from the fridge with another beer as I read it. This was my third for the night, and by my standards it was only the start.

“I made a promise I wasn't able to keep.”




“Parties aren't my thing. I don’t do big groups of people.” I said, as I sat on my bed, not looking up from my camera, “Emily knows that and she is fine with it.”

“It doesn't matter if parties aren't YOUR thing.” Mum said, sounding somewhat disappointed, “She is your best friend and it’d mean the world to her.”

“So what, I am expected to drop my own opinions towards parties for her, but she doesn't have to do the same with the regards to me being there?” I asked, “Mum seriously, Emily understands how I feel. She is fine with it, since she ropes me into things I don’t want to do all the time.”

“Why are you being so stubborn?” Mum scolded, “Look I won't say anything more than this. Emily would move Heaven and Earth to do something nice for you.”

Mum walked out as I pretended to not take in what she said, and looked through photos. But the last bit echoed in my head over and over.

“F***ing hell!” I yelled to myself.

“Language!” Mum shouted, “Get dressed and I’ll drop you off.”

Tonight was Emily’s 17th birthday party. It had been about a month since that night at Blue Lake. School had finished for the year a few days earlier, so Emily decided to throw a birthday party now that everyone wasn’t stressing over the end of year assessments. One of the perks of having a birthday as late in the year as she has is that school doesn’t interfere with it.

I went to my cupboard and found my usual go-to party outfit. A button up shirt, a pair of skinny jeans and a clean pair of converses. I got dressed and made my way down to the garage where Mum was waiting in the car.

“You’re doing the right thing.” Mum began.

“I’m dressed and in the car. You can stop convincing me.” I muttered. Though I said yes, I was dreading the party. I was the social outcast of my cohort. Before Emily, I didn’t really have any friends, and I never really have been invited to a party. I have next to no idea of what to expect.

We arrived at Emily’s house, and Mum dropped me off out front.

“I’ll come get you at midnight.” Mum said. I remained silent as I made my way to the the open door. I walked in and was immediately met with the sound of loud music, as I looked around for Emily.

After I second I recognized somebody. Her brother, Tom. I walked over, as he noticed me.

“Mason, how’re you doing?” He shouted, barely audible over the sound of the music, “Emily said you couldn’t make it.”

“I’m good. And there was a change of plans.” I shouted back, “Is Emily around?”

“She’s out by the fire.”

I made my way to the backyard. As I walked out the door, and looked around for Emily, I was nearly tackled by someone somewhat smaller than myself launching into me to hug me.

“I thought you weren’t coming?” Emily asked, “You said you don’t do parties?”

“Well I’ll do this one. Happy Birthday.” I replied, “How’re you going?”

“I’m good!” Emily replied, “Just waiting for everyone to rock up. Trying to get away from all the noise.”

“Fair enough.” I replied awkwardly. This is part of the reason why I didn’t do parties. The expectation of small talk. Even with my best friend, it was hard. Suddenly Emily’s face turned to one of concern.

“S***!” she muttered to herself.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Don’t get mad, but you aren’t going to like this…” Emily said cautiously.

“What’s going on?”

“Well you know how as soon as I sent the invite, you told me how you felt about parties and that you weren’t going to come?” Emily asked.

“Yes…”

“Well my friend Melissa is kind of going out with Tristan, and asked if she could bring him as a plus-one.” Emily explained, “I figured that if you weren’t coming he wouldn’t be much trouble…”

“I can go.” I said, reaching for my phone. However before my hand even reached my pocket, Emily had grabbed my wrist and wasn’t letting go.

“Don’t.” Emily said, “I want you to be here. If he can’t leave you alone for a night, then he can just f*** right off.”

Emily let go of my wrist, and I didn’t get my phone out.

“Okay.” I replied, “I’ll stay. I’m gonna go grab a drink.”

“Before you go…” Emily started, seeming cautious, “Remember your 16th birthday?”

“Yeah, I remember.” I replied.

“You got the s*** kicked out of you because Tristan insulted me, so we made a deal. If I took less s*** from other people, you’d stop taking none for me.” Emily said, “I want you to promise me that no matter what he does, you won’t get into a fight. You’ve been so good since Tristan and those guys dropped out.”

I thought about what she said for a second, before replying.

“I… I care about you a lot… So when someone says the stuff he said, sometimes I just snap.” I said, “But I promise, I’ll try my hardest to bite my tongue.”

“Thank you.” Emily said with a smile, before hugging me, “Try and enjoy yourself okay? It means a lot that you came tonight.”

Emily rushed off to greet her guests, whilst I made my way to the drinks fridge and got a can of lemonade.

Whilst I did occasionally make small talk with a few of my classmates who approached me, I tended to keep to myself mostly. As I got changed, I made sure to sneak an SD card reader for my mobile phone, and the memory card from my camera into my pocket. Even when I was sitting alone, I was entertained, sorting through photos that I had taken the last couple of days.

That worked for an hour or two. Until he showed up. Tristan.

I had flashbacks to the years of torture the second I heard his voice. He had dropped out of school a year ago, and I thought that was the last I would see of him. Turns out I was wrong.

When he wasn’t looking, I slipped back into the house, and made my way towards the toilet, and sat in there for a minute, trying to stop myself from stressing. All I had to do was avoid him. Nice and simple.

I left the toilet, and made my way back into the main room, attempting to make conversation with people, just to blend into the crowd, and hopefully not be seen. However it wasn’t long before Tristan made his way into the house. As I noticed him walk in, I didn’t look away quick enough. We made eye contact for a second, and he smiled, but not in a good way. It wasn’t long before he made his way over.

“Figures I’d see you here.” He said coldly, offering his hand to shake. I took it as to not appear rude to everyone else, however regretted it instantly, as I felt his grip tighten. I kept a straight face, and looked him dead in the eye. I wasn’t taking any of his s*** tonight. I made a promise to Emily that I wouldn’t hit him, but I still wasn’t taking any of his s***.

“I could say the same about you.” I replied.

“So I’ve heard some interesting things about you Mason…” Tristan said with a smirk. My gaze didn’t waver for a second.

“Apparently you and Emily left school together one day, and rocked up the next day together, absolutely wrecked, to the point where you both fell asleep.”

“I didn’t realize that was any of your business.” I replied coldly, as the people I was chatting to before he showed up quickly walked away.

“You seem a little defensive.” Tristan said condescendingly. “Were you guys… You know…”

I stayed silent, as my hands clenched into fists. I made a promise to Emily, and that was the only thing holding me back right now.

“We’re just friends.” I muttered.

“I mean, her being involved doesn’t surprise me.” Tristan continued, “But you? I’m impressed.”

I took a step towards Tristan, much closer than I’d usually get into people’s personal space.

“Just remember what happened to you last time you spoke about her like that Tristan. And every other time I wasn’t in the mood for your s***.” I said coldly, “You got hit, and the only reason you didn’t get the s*** kicked out of you is because you had your little friends around. But they aren’t here. The only reason I haven’t dropped you is because Emily asked me not to, but f*** me, I am tempted…”

Tristan seemed shocked for a second, however composed himself, as Emily’s dad started speaking loudly to get everyone’s attention to do speeches. He gave the usual birthday speech, before Emily got up to speak.

“I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for coming and for a good night!” Emily said confidently, “I get it wasn’t easy for everyone to make it and be here tonight, and I just want to say that I really appreciate it.”

Emily made eye contact with me for a split second before continuing.

“There is still some time left, and plenty of food, so dig into that, and have a good time!”

Everyone began singing happy birthday, as whilst they were distracted, I snuck out the back door, and made my way around the side of the house. I leant against the wall, taking deep breaths trying to calm down. After a second, I realized my fists were still clenched.

I struggled to open my hands, from being held so tight for the last few minutes, and noticed red marks where my fingernails had dug in. They ached from the constant pressure.


Everyone began cheering as Emily blew out the candles on her cake, and after a minute or so the music began. I stood there for a few minutes, wishing time would pass quicker, until I heard footsteps. It was probably Tristan wanting to prove a point.

“For f***’s sake…” I muttered under my breath, as the footsteps got closer. After a few seconds, someone walked around the corner, but it wasn’t Tristan.

Emily.

She was silent for a second, before she wrapped her arms around me.

“Thank you.” she whispered, as I remained silent and unmoving, “I saw everything, and could tell what he was doing. I know he didn’t make it easy for you.”

“I’m gonna go home.” I said, “I’m sorry, but I don’t know how I will get through the night, if I that is going on the whole time.”

“You’ll stick with me. That’s how.” Emily replied, “I won’t leave your side, okay? And if he keeps it up, I’ll tell him to f*** off myself, so you don’t have to.”

“Okay…”

“Come on. Let’s go get some cake.”

Emily grabbed my wrist, and walked me out back to the party. However, just when things seemed like they were gonna be better, they took a turn for the worse. We had to walk past the fire and he was there. And naturally, he noticed us. He was silent until we were close enough that only we could hear him.

“A bit of birthday action, I see-” he began, before Emily spoke up.

“Listen, you creep. I only invited you because Melissa asked me to.” Emily said loudly, “If you’re gonna keep being a p****, you can just f*** right off. Got it?”

“Geez, chill out.” Tristan retorted, “No need to be such a b**** about it.”

Not even a second had passed between the final word leaving his mouth, and my fist hitting it.

“Mason, no!” Emily shouted, as I grabbed him, and threw him to the ground. Kicked him in the torso, before holding him down with my left hand, and punching him with my right. It wasn’t long before I was pulled off of him by Tom.

“Go around the side, and cool off.” Tom shouted at me.

“He-” I began, however was interrupted.

“I know what he f***ing did!” Tom shouted, as he pulled Tristan off the ground, “You think I wasn’t keeping an eye on this f***wit?! I’ll deal with him! Just go and get your s*** together!”

“F***ing hell.” I muttered as I walked back around the side of the house.

I broke my promise. Just when it seemed like I’d be able to survive the night, it all went to s***.

I stood against the house, resting my forehead on the brick wall, with my eyes closed. No matter how hard I tried, it seemed like the universe just wanted me to f*** everything up.

After a few minutes, Emily walked around the corner, carrying an old towel. I looked over and saw tears in her eyes.

“Here.” Emily said, handing me the towel, “For your hands.”

I took it, and looked down at my hands, only now realizing the were covered in blood.

“I don’t know what to say.” Emily said, “I don’t even think I can look at you.”

“Emily…” I began, however couldn’t find the words to say like she could.

“I asked one thing. One f***ing thing!” Emily exclaimed, “I shouldn’t have let Melissa bring Tristan along, but you promised me you’d keep a lid on it! And now look! Everyone’s leaving! Everyone’s going to remember my birthday as the one where the s*** hit the f***ing fan!”

“I’m so sorry for ruining your party.” I whispered.

“I’m not angry about the party!” Emily exclaimed, “Well I am, but that’s not the point! I’m angry because you lied to me. You told me back at the movies on your birthday that you’d stop. And you told me today that you wouldn’t do it! I don’t know how I will ever bring myself to trust anything you say anymore!”

I was silent. She had been a little annoyed at me before, but I had never seen her this angry. Granted, she had every right to be.

“You’re eighteen in six months! You can’t just go around punching people, even if they are an a**hole that deserves it anymore!” Emily shouted at me, “What are you going to do when I am a teacher and one of my students talks about me like that? Will you show up at the school and beat up a kid? Or what if someone says something and you hit them, then they pull a knife?! I swear to God, if you keep this up, you’ll end up in jail, or getting yourself f***ing killed!”

I tried to speak, to defend myself, but knew she was right.

“I can’t deal with this.” Emily said, “I can’t. I don’t think we should be spending so much time together, if you can’t get a hold of yourself.”

“Emily, please.” I pleaded.

“You think I want this?” Emily asked, “Mason, you’ve made it abundantly clear that you can’t help but punch people when they make stabs at me!”

“Emily, you’re my best friend okay?!” I exclaimed, “Before I met you, my life was s***. I hated waking up every morning, because I knew that every day was just going to be s***. But you changed that!”

Emily stood silently, trying to process this.

“It scares me to think where I’d be right now if I didn’t meet you. But I did, and now, I actually like getting up of a morning. I actually have some sort of goal to strive for, and that’s because of you. Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me.” I pleaded, “I know I don’t deserve it, but please, give me one more chance. Because, without you, Jesus, I don’t know what I have!”

Emily was shocked. I have never been one for heartfelt conversation, so this was all new to her. Finally she spoke.

“One more chance.” Emily said, “Against my better judgement, I’m trusting you. And if you break my trust again, then I don’t want to see you again. Us, this friendship, is done. Got it?”

“You won’t regret it.” I said to Emily, “I promise you, it won’t happen again.”


“Now’s your chance to prove it.” Emily said, “You’d better go. My dad wants to kill you. I’ll keep him distracted, while you go out the side gate.”

I nodded, and turned towards the gate.

“And Mason…”

I turned again to face Emily, who was forcing herself to smile.

“Thanks for saying what you said.” Emily said, “I wanted a reason to give you another chance, and you gave me one. So please, for both our sakes, don’t make regret it. Because I’d hate for all of this to f*** things up between us.”

I nodded, more so because I had no idea of how to respond, before making my way out the gate.




“Jesus, she forgave you?” Aperture asked.

“Eventually she did, but she never forgot that promise that I made her.” I replied, “That’s how I ruined it. A few years later, I broke that promise.”

“No wonder you were putting off telling her.” Aperture said, “That’s some heavy s***.”

I stumbled to the fridge to get another beer, however it was empty. I looked back where the computer was, and counted the empty bottles. Thirteen. It had been like this ever since the night I broke our promise for the final time. Every night I spent alone that I wasn’t working, I struggled to remember details the next morning.

“Exactly.” I replied, “And now a d*****bag ex is in the picture, making things even harder.”


That last sentence was barely readable. Over the course of the night, my messages took longer, and became more difficult to type. It was time for me to call it a night.

“I gotta crash. Talk again soon.”

I closed the laptop and made my way to my room where I stumbled into bed.

Jesus, Emily thinks she knows me now and she trusts me. Little does she know that deep down, I am just a pathetic alcoholic who is keeping secrets from her...