Chapter Text
“Happy anniversary!” says Grace, both hands behind his back. “I’ve got a surprise!”
I put down the book I’m reading and smile. He’s so thoughtful to remember.
From behind his back he pulls out two medical-looking bags with clear liquid inside. “What’s this?” I ask.
“This is Eridian vodka! Rocky worked with the scientists on it. I tasted it…it’s strong!”
Oh boy. I’ve never had vodka, or been drunk for that matter. “I dunno,” I say.
“Oh come on, it’ll be fun! Let’s go sit on the beach and watch the sunset,” he says, putting one bag in the crook of his arm and offering me his hand. What the hell. I can’t say no when he’s looking at me with those blue eyes.
“Ok,” I say, taking his hand. I give him a peck on the cheek. “Happy anniversary,” I say.
My misgivings melt away after I take the first sip. It burns like nothing I’ve experienced before. Not even the rubbing alcohol I drank that one time. I feel pleasantly warm inside. I cuddle up to my angel, letting a light feeling wash over me. We “cheers” our bags and sip some more as we watch the sunset.
I wake up in the morning…is it morning? All I know is that it’s incredibly bright. I squeeze my eyes shut. “Ugh,” I say. I don’t remember getting in bed, yet somehow I’m here. I press my hand to my pounding head. My mouth is dry. Why is the room spinning?
I see through my narrowly slitted eyes my angel walking into the bedroom with a tray. “Hey sleepyhead,” he says, setting the tray down on the bedside table. “Have fun last night?”
“Mmm,” is all I manage to get out.
“Yeah, you got pretty wasted. Never took you for a lightweight! But don’t worry, nothing’s better after a night of drinking than a nice greasy breakfast,” he says.
That, plus the smell of the food, makes my stomach lurch. I sit up, clasping my hand over my mouth. “Oh no,” says Grace, racing across the room for a trash can. He gets back to me right in time for me to hurl. My angel holds back my hair until I’m finished heaving and rubs circles on my back.
“Hey, it’s ok,” he says. “I’ve got you. Guess last night was a bit much.”
“I’m never drinking again,” I say.
“Sounds like a good idea,” he says, kissing me on the temple. “I’m gonna go clean this up, then we can stay in bed and watch movies, ok?”
I just nod my head. He comes back with some water and a couple of pills. I don’t even ask what they are, I just take them. He sits beside me, brushing his fingers through my hair and puts on a movie called “Grease.” I fall back asleep. It was an ok anniversary after all.