Chapter 11

Mel 

I threw the keys on the table in the hallway, kicked off my shoes and sank down on the sofa. Stupid shit, but at least everything was set for the exhibition. It was only two weeks away, but everything should be ready to go.

I glanced at the phone. She hadn’t texted me back since that evening a few days ago. Should I text her? I didn’t want to intrude on her life. She had my number if she wanted to stay in touch. I resisted the urge to pick up the phone and instead walked out to the kitchen to warm up a pizza.

Maybe I should just leave it. She probably already had her friends, and the only reason she’d continued texting was out of politeness. I should just forget about it. It was stupid anyway to think that anything could change.

I took the pizza out of the microwave and instantly dropped the hot plate. Dammit it. It smashed to the floor, sending shards flying everywhere. Stupid shit. I turned on the tap and held my hand under the cold water. It was probably better to just leave Nina alone. It’s not like my track record of relationships was anything to boast about. This wouldn’t be any different.

I turned off the tap, took the broom and cleaned up the broken plate and pizza. I had my mates, and I could always just share the night with one of them when things got too bad. It had worked so far. I dumped the broken plate and pizza in the bin and walked out to the living room. Dammit. I should just be happy with what I got instead. I never followed family tradition, just like I promised myself. I had a flat, a career and something called a life. Not overdoses and living on the street. Which wasn’t something I could say for my mates from home. I didn’t even know if half of them were alive by now. Stupid shit.

I picked up the phone and ordered a pizza. I hadn’t turned into my brother… Dammit. I turned on the TV, turning the volume up until I could no longer hear my thoughts. I wouldn’t go there, not tonight. I got up, picked the box of weed from the shelf and rolled myself a spliff.