The Addict's Effect

CHAPTER 2

"BRIING-BRIING"

That damn alarm. Every morning, same routine. I lay there for a second contemplating my existence. Once I finally muster up the energy, I crawl out of bed. Opening my closet to find what outfit to wear today. Oh wait, I wear the same thing everyday.

Jeans and my work shirt. Like I said, nothing ever changes around here. I get dressed and head for the bathroom. I do the usual, brush my hair and throw it up into a bun. Brush my teeth and put deodorant on. Once finished I walk down the hall and give my brothers door a light knock before entering.

There he is. So peaceful looking. I hate having to wake him up every morning but it's what needs to be done.

"Hey buddy, good morning, it's time to get up." I say sitting on his bed rubbing his back. He groans softly and rolls over to look at me.

"I know, I know, but I have to go to work." I say as he looks at me with barely open eyes. "Plus you have to be used to getting up early since school will be starting here soon."

He sighs and starts to sit up.

"I'll let you get dressed." I say standing up and walking out of his room. I go into the kitchen to whip something together quickly for me to take to work. I guess I'll just put some of that spaghetti in a container to take with me. It's either that or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I grab my cup and fill it with water to take with me as well. I don't pack my brother anything to go with him to the neighbors. They take good care of him.

I'm so grateful to have Lisa and Rob as my neighbors. Gosh, I don't know what I'd do without them. They are this lovely elderly couple, probably in their sixty's pushing seventy. They see the things that are put on me and they do anything they can to help. Truly some of the only good genuine people in my life.

"You ready?" I say knocking on his door.

"Yeah..." I hear faintly through the still closed door.

"Okay, come out and get your shoes on." I say walking back into my room to grab my purse and cell phone.

Twenty-one notifications. I'll check them later. I walk out into the hall to be met with my brother standing there with his little bookbag on. He likes to take some games and whatever else with him to keep him occupied while he's there. We walk into the living room and there she is, sitting on the couch, slumped over on herself. I don't even want to deal with that right now. So we quietly put our shoes on and head out the door.

"Why do I always have to go over here?" Jacob asks me as we're walking towards the neighbors house. I don't know if I ever even mentioned, but my baby brothers name is Jacob. I usually just call him bud or bubba though.

"Because I have to go to work and I don't trust mom to watch you." I say frustrated. I don't mean to be it's just I hate that this poor kid can't even be left alone with his own mother.

He just keeps walking. "I'm sorry bud. I know that this sucks and one day you won't have to do this. Just for right now, it's how it has to be." I say looking down at my feet.

I pause. He turned around and looked at me with those eyes that make your heart melt. "I love you." He says as he hugs me. I hug back, thinking about how brave and empathetic he is.

"I love you more." I say as we continue to walk. We reach their porch and Lisa's already sitting outside waiting on him.

"Always on time." Lisa says with a little chuckle.

"Like clock work." I say smirking. "Alright bud, I'll be back around three to pick you up. Have a good day, i love you."

"Love you too." He says as he sits next to her on their hanging porch swing.