Page 42 of Revealing Mark

“In the morning you’ll thank me for this,” I murmured, knowing his emotions were probably heightened by the alcohol.

I left his room and took a shaky breath outside after I closed the door. My heart wanted to go back into the room and let it happen, but my mind knew better.

I didn’t want to linger on what could have been, so I went to clean up the mess he’d made. First I picked up the pieces I could and then I found a vacuum. After I was done, there was no sign of what had happened, except the missing vase. Then I went to tidy up the rest of his apartment, throwing away some empty beers and a couple of bottles of whiskey. It looked like he’d been drinking for a while. I studied the one bottle and wondered what could have happened to send the most controlled and in charge person I knew over the edge. Nothing rattled him. It was probably the best trait he could have doing the type of job he did.

Knowing I wouldn’t get anything out of Mark, I decided to call my brother again. It was worth a try.

“Hey,” he answered. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. He’s passed out on the bed.” I dropped the bottle I had been holding in the trashcan. “It looks like he has been having a party for one for the last couple of days.”

“Maybe I should come back early.” I could hear the indecision in his voice.

“Don’t do that. I can handle him until you’re back,” I offered,knowing this trip with Sarah was something important to both of them. They had been through so much and needed some time alone together.

“I’ve never seen him like this, Matty.” I didn’t want him to worry but I hoped he would open up a little about his friend so I could try to understand what was going on. “Do you know what happened?”

He let out a heavy sigh. “No, but it’s got to be bad for him to act like this.”

Matthew didn’t know anything more than I did about what was going on, so there went that idea.

“He doesn’t have any photos of anyone in his apartment,” I voiced, unsure of what response I would get from my brother. “No pictures of his parents or anyone else.”

“He had a complicated childhood.”

Complicated. What the hell did that mean? Was that the only explanation I was going to get? I was frustrated that no one was telling me more than a few cryptic descriptions.

“Is there anything you can tell me that might make it easier to help him through this?” I ventured, knowing there was a good chance he would shut me down.

“Maybe I should come back,” he replied.

“No…it’s fine. If he gets worse, I’ll call you.”

I held my breath.

“Okay. Fine. Make sure you check on him and call me if it gets worse.”

“I will.”

“Love you.”

“Ditto.”

For a few moments I stared down at my phone, wondering what could have happened to Mark to make him the way he was. What could have been so bad that he didn’t want any reminders of his family?

My imagination could come up with a few scenarios butthere was no point in speculating. I couldn’t figure out someone who wasn’t prepared to share anything about themselves. I was very grateful for the loving parents and siblings I had. I couldn’t imagine my life without them.

Once I’d finished cleaning up, I found myself in front of Mark’s bedroom door. I wanted to check on him but I was nervous. I needed to take control of this situation because Mark was too drunk to care about anything.

As quietly as I could, I opened the door slowly.

The lights were still on and he was still lying in the same position I had left him. I walked over to him. I wasn’t an expert on this type of situation but I was pretty sure I had read somewhere it was better for them to sleep on their side than their back, so I firmly pushed him onto his side and pulled the comforter over him. He looked peaceful and free from the sadness that had afflicted him when he was awake. I reached out and touched his hair gently.

I wanted to take away his pain but I couldn’t. He had to work his way through it even if it did take a few bottles of whiskey.

Being around him sucked me into the feelings I harbored for him. It wasn’t good for me if I wanted to move on, but I promised myself once he was better or Matthew was here to take over, I would mission through it. I stayed and watched him for a little while before I switched off the light and left him.

By the time I settled into bed in the guest bedroom, I was so tired. I could barely keep my eyelids open but as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was wide awake.