It was another long day, like they all are. And all I wanted to do was go see Alex, I had a lot to fix. He never seems to understand me. I needed to make him understand, once and for all, because once I have Alex in my arms, I plan to never let go. He’s all I need and more. Alex is convinced that I’ll never love him, that I am completely straight, I’m not sure why. Who wouldn't fall in love with him?

~

I rush out of the hospital directly after my shift, Justine waved as I ran past her desk, but I didn’t bother to wave back. She understands, this might be my one chance to talk Alex, and to convince him that my feelings are real. I end up at my car in record time and spend way too much time searching for my keys in my seemingly endless pockets. I grab them, start the car, and start on my way home to him.

When I finally arrive home, I’m greeted by silence, which isn’t uncommon. Alex normally doesn't immediately rush out to greet me, but he should be home. I set down my bag and walk through the house to his room, I knock, but nobody answers. “Alex?” I call out, before pushing the door open and stepping inside. The room was dark, musty, depressing, just so hopeless. I realize that I should have done more to help Alex, but I thought I could take my time, I could help him by myself. I could see the signs everywhere, he had relapsed, I already knew, but it was so much more real now. I sighed, and stepped out of his room, shutting the door behind me. I wander back to the kitchen to fix myself something to eat, but without Alex being here, I had no need for anything nice. Leftovers it is. I throw some pasta in the microwave, pour a glass of water, and sit down at the table to eat… alone.

I finished eating quickly, leaving my dishes in the sink for later, lazy, I know. Before I can leave the kitchen, I notice a small piece of paper on the counter and sit down to read it.

‘Nate,

I’m going out with someone, Luka, maybe you know him.

We’ll be at the Hazel Blossom Cafe.

I’ll be back later tonight, around 10.

Alex.’

My phone rings, the harsh tone snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Hello?” I answer quickly.

“Nate? Help me, please, help!” I hear shakily from the other end, Alex. Fuck, it’s Alex.

“Okay, okay, hold on. Where are you?” I scramble to my feet, grabbing my car keys, and racing to the door.

“I don’t know, just hurry.” Alex curses, and ends the call. This is messed up. If you work at the hospital, you know Luka. He’s one absolute son of a bitch, known for being a creep. No one steps forward against him though. I’ve spent my career at the hospital avoiding him, but now he’s got Alex. And it’s midnight. I have to go find him.

~

I run up to the doors of the cafe, locked. Although, it only takes a few minutes of incessant banging on the doors for a disgruntled employee to walk out.

“Look man, we’re closed.” She leans against the frame, popping a bright blue bubble of gum as she stares me down.

“I know. But have you seen my friend,” I stammer, leaning forward to read her name tag, “Nadia?” I pull a photo up on my phone, holding it up to her.

“Yeah, actually, he was here earlier tonight. Why?”

“Nothing, I’m just worried about him.” My voice cracks, tears threatening to spill free.

“Fuck, dude, you about to cry?” Nadia looks concerned, “He was here with some other guy, I’m pretty sure they left together. What’s the big deal?”

“It’s nothing, thank you though.” I smile weakly and step away.

She stops me, grabbing my arm, and stares into my eyes, “No way in hell are you okay. Come inside for a minute.” I try to protest, but she drags me inside anyways.

“Here, sit.” She pulls two chairs up. “Listen, I’ve seen that dickwad before, he always leaves with someone new. I don’t exactly think that he’s kind to those he leaves with. He orders them the same drink every time, he leaves with them every time. My manager says it’s not a big deal, and I fucking trusted him. But if this kid is missing, and it’s partially my fault, I don’t give a fuck what he says.” I just sit, stunned, unsure where this is headed, and unsure how she ended up realizing what Luka was doing. “I can help you find him. He gave me his phone number today ago, I just had to smile, one of those cons of being a waitress. I’ll text him, ask for his address, okay?” I nod my approval. This has got to be the most observant person I’ve ever met.

Nadia pulls her phone out, a bright bubblegum shade of blue, and stabs at the screen aggressively. She turns the screen around, revealing that Luka had responded immediately, asking her to come over the next day, and had sent his address as well. I jumped up, quickly turning to the door. “Hey, hey, slow down there. Give me your phone number so I can send the address to you. Plus you probably can’t call the cops without probable cause, so you better be careful, okay?”

“Yeah, of course, right.” I pull out a small notepad, and scribble my number down. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I rush away, straight to my car, peeling away from the cafe.

~

Luka’s house, I’m here. I step out of my car, gingerly, as if I’m afraid that one wrong move means death, which it probably could. I stalk slowly up the pathway, reaching the door before I’m truly ready to. Now’s the time to be brave, for Alex. I grab the handle, locked, unsurprisingly. I never thought I would do this again, but it’s for Alex, this is all for Alex. I pull a small box from my coat pocket, carrying it is simply a force of habit at this point. A lock picking set. The lock is a simple pin and tumbler lock, no big deal. I grab a small tool from the box, wiggling it into the lock. It’s a feeling that I’ve felt a thousand times, the clicking of the pins, and the satisfaction when the bolt finally slides out of the door. I push the door open slowly, entering the dark room in front of me.