#alcoholism tw
you know what all those edgy teen dramas with drunk partying in them are missing? the trauma of learning for the first time that alcohol tastes bad.
no underage drinking scene will be complete unless a kid takes their first ever sip of wine and goes “what the fuck?”
What people who don’t listen to country think is wrong with country music: “This song is about my dog, my truck, Jesus, my ex-wife, and the rash on my inner thigh.”
What’s actually wrong with country music: every single guy in the songs copes with breakups through casual alcoholism?? and nobody talks about it??? seriously these poor men are going to get themselves hurt, none of them are talking about a rash, stop laughing about their trucks they need help
No. 20 - LOST & FOUND
Fao knew he’d fucked up. That much was infinitely obvious. He wished he’d not punched the kid, he knew you couldn’t go around just punching people. He wasn’t an idiot. But Harrison had been obviously drunk, refused to tell him what was going on, and then made to get into the house. Sure, he overreacted, but did he really deserve to be punished? He was an adult. Things were over with now, it would make more sense to just move on and get on with life.
But no. Whilst Fred and Sheila knew domestic chores were off limits as a punishments, he was expected to stay home for the week and look after Finn. He usually didn’t mind helping to look after his brother - he was sweet, always made Fao laugh, and was the little brother he’d always wanted - but getting him up and ready for school when he didn’t want to go was exhausting. Not to mention full on Uni days. It would be easier if he was in his flat, but apparently he wasn’t trusted on his own. He appreciated that Fred and Sheila looked out for him, but it was frustrating.
When he wasn’t looking after Finn or in lectures, Fao kept himself to himself. He made the excuse that he had work to do, but in truth he didn’t want to bump into Harrison, didn’t want to deal with Sheila’s somewhat pitying, somewhat irritated glances.
Sheila knew better than to push it with Fao, especially when he decided to confine himself to his room, but she couldn’t help worry about him. Finn was never easy, and telling him to be good? Almost a guarantee to do the opposite.
Harrison needed a place to crash, and after promising he’d be good, do better, the Daniels let him stay. It wasn’t the first time he’d had respite there, but it was a bit more urgent than normal. The authorities were notified, and days went on. Harrison was careful around the house, trying to only walk around with Sheila or Fred nearby. He was skittish at the best of times, but Fao had entirely pushed that over the top. And he was going through another withdrawal, which made everything so much worse.
Fao had been at uni for what felt like forever, stuck in a stuffy lecture hall trying to take in so much information it made his brain hurt. He was looking for a change of pace at rugby practice, before he realised Sheila had told him to come straight home - no practice. So he drove home in a mood, slammed the door on the way in, stormed into his room and stayed there, refusing to acknowledge any of them.
Fred let him cool off for a little while before he tried to speak to him. He knocked gently on the door. “Fao?”
Fao looked up from his notes. “What?”
“Good afternoon to you, too. I came to see how you were.”
“I’m fine. Got loads to do.”
“Looks like it.” Fred moved to stand inside. “You slammed the door pretty hard.”
He shrugged. “Wind caught it.”
“A lie if I’ve ever heard one.”
“It’s fine. I’m just busy.”
“So you’re staying in your room again?”
“Yeah. I’ve got work to do.”
“So that’s why you’ve been stuck in here for the past week?”
“I’ve got exams and stuff. And then placement coming up, I have to revise.”
“And this has nothing to do with Harrison? ”
“Like I give a shit about him.”
“He’s still in your space.”
“And? I’m stuck here anyway. Doesn’t matter where I spend my time. Can’t see my friends, or go to rugby. Might as well just study, I’ve got enough on over the next couple of weeks.”
“Alright, alright. Don’t shoot the messenger.”
“You asked.”
“I came to see if you were okay.”
“I’m fine. Would be better if you let me go back to my flat.”
“And how would you get Finn up in the morning?”
“He doesn’t fucking get up anyway.”
“Language. You know what he’s like.”
“Whatever.”
“Fao, we’re on your side.”
“I’m really not interested in having this conversation right now, Fred.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m tired and I’ve got a headache and I just want some peace and quiet and some space to myself!” He exclaimed, frustrated.
Fred sighed. “Alright.” He turned and left, shutting Fao’s door. He didn’t have the energy.
Fao was glad to be left alone, quiet settling over the room. He returned to his books, trying to concentrate on his work. He liked his space, he liked the quiet. Especially now, when the house felt wrong. It was better when he was alone. It always had been.
