Hungover

I smiled low to myself before letting myself slip away out of consciences.

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...

I rolled over while keeping me eyes squeezed shut feeling as though I would throw up till tasting the lingering alcohol in my mouth. My head ached and tried to fall back asleep before I heard a slight deep giggle not too far away from me. I didn't react instead I stayed completely still in fear as I realised this wasn't the hotel bed. I opened my eyes slightly, my vison was blurry and I couldn't make out anything except I knew I was on a couch. I had no clue what happened last night or how I even ended up here. I started to blink hard and fast trying to regain eyesight as I slowly sat up. Where the hell was I?

I gazed around the room before seeing a figure standing by what I assumed was a kitchen. It was familiar. A sense of relief washed over me as I realized I was at Bree's house. Feeling more confident I stood up with a wobble and began to walk closer to the kitchen. Sitting down at the bench, I held my head up with my hand and tried to focus on the figure, but my vision was still blurry.

"Could you get me a glass of water? I can't see straight" I giggled looking at the unknown person Infront of me.

"Here's some pain killers as well. That should help with the hangover." A deep voice said coated  in a thick German accent. I immediately knew who it was. I rolled my eyes an reached for the water.

"Thanks" I replied bluntly. 

I sat with the glass in my hands as I slowly adjusted to the light. I didn't dare to take the medication or the water I didn't trust him. I watched as Tom walked out of the kitchen and away. I didn't feel put together. I still felt like I was in a drunken trance. There was no way I was just in the kitchen with Tom. There was no way my sister married Bill. I still hadn't processed any of this yet. I needed to get back to the hotel. I felt unsafe knowing Tom was just upstairs.

As I stumbled off the chair, a nauseating wave gripped my stomach. I was definitely going to be sick. I began to quickly walk around the house trying to find a bathroom. I finally swung the bathroom door open at the end of the hallway and ran in. I hovered over the toilet and began to throw up all the contents of my stomach. This was the consequence my body gave me, a reminder of why I never drank. I finished and straightened up and tucked my hair behind my ears.

I walked to the mirror and rubbed my hands over my face. The makeup from last night smeared down my face, streaks of mascara running like tears down my cheeks. I turned the water on an began to scrub the old makeup off. I stood back up and grabbed a towel by the mirror and began to pat my face dry. As I did this I realised I had no idea where any of my stuff was. I walked out of the bathroom and began to look around the house for my handbag and phone. I wondered around before I saw a small clock hung on the wall. It was around 9 and knowing Bree she was always slept in late. I rolled my eyes knowing I would have to wait until they woke up to find my stuff, so I decided to make my way to the couch. I sat down and grabbed the remote flicking to a random channel to pass time.

...

I slowly opened my eyes and held my aching head, it intensifying with each movement. With a heavy sigh I stood up an began to drag myself to the kitchen bench so I could get a cup of water. My gaze fell upon the untouched glass Tom had gotten me still sitting there, a silent reminder that I was in his presence. Without hesitation, I emptied the glass into the sink and filled it back up just to make sure. I started to drink the water before opening up a cupboard trying to find pain killers. There was none in sight, so I picked up the two from the bench an sighed.

"Oh well" I whispered to myself, titling my head back and swallowing the pills.

I slugged back to the couch and started to flick few channels before I heard someone's footsteps. I sat myself up in the couch and watched as Bree shuffled around the corner.

"Morning" she laughed rubbing her eyes in exhaustion.

"Afternoon to you too" I giggled turning off the TV.

"Thought you would have left already" she said walking closer to the kitchen.

"Yeah well I have no idea where my stuff is" I laughed as I stood up and dragged my feet following behind her.

"Oh sorry" she laughed. "It's in the car I'll go get it" she continued.

"It's fine I'll get it, you drink some water" I smiled. "Where's the keys?" I questioned.

"It should be unlocked. That door" she said as she pointed to a door.

"Okay" I said softly as I walked closer to the door.

I swung open the door as I shut it quietly behind me. I traced the wall until my fingers found the switch, flooding the room with light and my mouth dropping in awe. The garage was massive and fill with many of expensive and luxurious cars, each gleaming under the fluorescent glow of the light above. My eyes widened in disbelief as I took in the sight before me, a grin spreading uncontrollably across my face. I moved from car to car, my fingertips grazing over each hood. As I reached the end of the garage and I turned to the last car and my heart slowly dropped as trauma swarmed my mind. With hesitant steps, I circled the car, the ghostly remnants of my past events haunting its every crevice. The car was unlike the others, blood still stained into his carpet and seats. Feeling a sense of nausea, I tore myself away from the car, the memories too painful to confront.

I started to search through the windows of the other cars for my bag, having no idea what car I was brought here with. Finally, I spotted my bag nestled in the backseat of a sleek red car, relief washed over me as I opened the door and grabbed my bag. I slowly walked back inside and placed my bag on the bench as Bree rubbed her temples.

"You get lost?" she laughed sarcastically.

"No" I smiled taking a seat next to her. 

The silence weighed heavily between us, suffocating me in a blanket of uncertainty. I had no idea what to do or think or to feel. I knew I always had to have a happy face around Aubrey. I had no clue of what they might have done to her. Bill was kind but I couldn't shake the nagging fear of what Aubrey might have been through. I wanted to tell her everything, but I wanted to protect her. I thought I could protect her, but she married him, almost oblivious to the extents him and Tom can go to. I knew if I told her I would ruin everything between them. I needed to talk to Bill.

As I was caught up in my thoughts Bill startled me as he began to walk down the stairs. I plastered on a smile, masking the sick feeling churning within me, as Bree's face lit up at his approach. I watched as Bill kissed her on the cheek. His tender gesture, a moment of affection that momentarily banished the shadows looming over her fragile existence. Bill could have changed; he could have caught up with his brother. Until I knew he was still the same loving Bill I wouldn't let my guard down.

"Morning" he said as he stood next to the bench.

"Morning" we replied.

It was quiet for a moment before Bree stood up and said, "I'm going to go have a shower. I don't feel very well".

"Okay" Bill smiled.

She smiled and began to walk up the stairs. I snapped my head to Bill as I heard her shut a door.

"Bill please tell me you don't involve her with any of yours and Tom's shit" I said low hoping he would give me answers.

"Ash" he said softly as he came around the bench and sat next to me. "I try my best to protect her" he continued.

"What happened" I said quick with fear quivering in my stomach.

"No nothing. Nobody really knows about us, so she's not targeted" he replied back with a soft smile. "I only tell her things Ash she's never been around those type of things. I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to her" he continued slightly smiling. His words were soft and gentle, maybe he hadn't changed at all.

"So, she's safe and she's never had anything happen to her" I said in worry, feeling like he was lying.

"Ash I promise she will be safe. Ill will always continue to keep her from most things" he said holding forearm giving me comfort.

"I just feel like she can't be blinded from this much longer" I said looking at the floor. "What exactly does she think you do for work?" I added.

"I tell her just not to the extent. I couldn't lie to her" he said low and genuine.

"I just can't let anything happen to her Bill" I smiled looking back at him.

"I know and I couldn't either" he said low with a small smile.

"And you can never tell her about.." I started.

"I promise" Bill cut me off.

A feeling of relief washed over me, Bill hadn't changed at all. I felt genuinely happy knowing Bree was safe, but an uneasy feeling lingered within me what if he was lying? What if Bill's kindness was just a mask concealing darker intentions? What him and Tom had a plan? The thought sent shivers down my spine. I knew I was just overthinking. I needed to trust him, or I would drive myself crazy in my own thoughts.

"Let the boys know too. I don't want her knowing" I smiled as I picked up my glass.

"They already know not to" he replied sure.

I smiled and began to gaze outside as I sipped on my glass of water. My headache slowly faded away and I smiled low to myself. I thought I was going to be drugged by Tom.

"Are you okay after last night?" he broke the slince.

"Yeah?" I said quietly.

"Even after Tom?" he questioned.

"I don't really remember last night to be honest" I smiled.

"Oh" he let out a small laugh.

"I just don't know how to feel" I said looking away.

"I'm surprised he even helped you" he giggled. I raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh yeah you don't remember" he added.

"What do you mean he helped me?" I questioned anxious.

"He helped you to the bathroom and I lashed out in him" he said low.

"Ugh" I said getting goosebumps up my spine.

"Yeah I'm sorry I should have kept an eye on you" he replied softly.

"No, I just shouldn't of drank so much" I laughed before it fell silent again. Had he really helped me?

"Ashley can I ask you something?" he broke the silence.

"I guess" I said a little nervous.

"Would you want to com-" he started before I cut him off.

"Jai's flying back soon".

"Please come to the honeymoon. Well not a honeymoon more like a vacation. You can bring him" he pleaded.

"Really" I said with an eyebrow raised.

"Of course, we're all going. Bree is so happy that you are here, and I think you should stay a little longer. We've all missed you" he said with a pleading smile.

"But Tom won't he get ma-" he I started.

"He can deal with it" he simply said.

"I don't know" I said looking up at the celling.

"Please you know Bree will be so happy" he begged.

"Fin-" I started.

"Really?" he grinned.

"Fine but I will have to talk to Jai first" I said with a sigh. "Don't tell Bree till its confirmed" I added.

"Okay" he smiled as he got up from his seat. "Get an answer by at least 3" he added.

"I'll try" I smiled.

As Bill disappeared around the corner, I dropped my heavy shoulders, dragging me in further into thoughts of uncertainty. The events of the past 24 hours swirled chaotically in my mind, and I still hadn't fully processed it all yet. I rubbed my eyes ans pulled my fingers down my face exhaustion and stress bearing down on me. Who knows what would happen next. I knew I had to come up with an excuse. I couldn't. I just couldn't, none of this felt real.