Max proceeded to storm out of the library and head home. Dusk was beginning to set into the sky; an blood orange sunset swallowed whole by the horizon.
Max was currently feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, both metaphorically and literally.
He swore the entire earth's mass was within his backpack. Yes, he did contemplate how a celestial body could fit into a small backpack, considering he was only a speck of dust in the cold void of the universe, but thoughts like that screamed 'existential crisis'. Max needed to think about some more relevant things, such as his exams. He wasn't exactly the kind of guy who would obsess over their studies, but still paid the right amount of attention. He really did try his best, but academics can't be everyone's strength, can they?
Max walked the hushed streets of Medlock alone. It was generally a very desolate road at this hour, so Max did not rush home. His place was not far from the library, and lied down the end of the lane. Max would have to walk a fair bit, but he didn't mind, as the wildlife's chatter accompanying his stroll made his trip much more pleasant.
He trudged awkwardly over the overgrown bushes and unkept weeds littering the front yard of his house. Paying no attention to his surroundings, he marched straight into his room and hurled his bag into it's designated corner. Finally, solitude at last. It felt like he wasn't getting enough of that, so he made sure to enjoy that quality time well.
He proceeded to head to the kitchen, and grab a can of beer from the fridge. Ever since he'd turned 18, beer was all he ever consumed. He thanked the Lord that he didn't have to wait until 21 like the Americans did, as George told him about his many ventures to the US.
He walked outside to his front yard, and plopped down onto the front step. He gulped down more of his beer. Personally, he preferred cider, but this would do fine too. Feeling for his pockets, he grabbed for his lighter and took a cigarette from his pack. Putting it to his lips, he casually inhaled and exhaled, revealing swirling smoke dancing in the air. Max liked to watch smoke, it's graceful form twirling away into the warm breeze of the Australian summer. The brightness of his phone startled him, as he didn't realise how dark it really was. But it was nice, and had a special vibe that spoke to him. Crickets would chirp and harmonize in unison, singing lullabies to the creatures of the bush.
Max unlocked his phone and scrolled mindlessly through his social media feed. He then came across an image of his girlfriend, Catherine. How beautiful she looked in that denim jacket, and her dark, waist-length waves that swayed and swished like a fox's tail. And her glossy eyes, like richly blended coffee, they were like no other-
"Woah, she's got a hell of a keister!" Ian huffed, suddenly emerging from behind. Max jumped at his voice and then laughed. He was a bit loopy at times, but Max knew he meant well. Ian collapsed onto the step next to Max and laughed heartily.
"Now where have you been this whole time?" Max asked. He hadn't seen Ian inside the house, so where could he have ducked off to?
"Wow, and I'm the one who needs glasses 24/7." He said, pinching the corners of his glasses' frames. "I was sleeping in the lounge." Ian sloppily asked, alcohol staining his breath and permeating into Max's nose. That's strange, Ian never drinks alcohol. As rowdy and outgoing Max's friendship circle was, Ian would never drink. Something must be up.
"Ian, have you been drinking?"
He belched rather loudly. "No... why?"
"You have, idiot. What the hell, dude? You probably finished my last slab of VB! Why?" Max was genuinely confused, as Ian has never pulled a stunt like this before. Generally Ian was more of the sober one out of the three. Ian remained silent, and stared out into the shadows of the night. Max turned his body to face him and lowered his voice.
"Ian," he coaxed. "Mate, what's up?" He didn't want to startle him, as, with a personality like Max's, they wouldn't be getting anywhere. Ian didn't say anything back. Instead he glanced at Max's drink and snatched it from him.
"Hey! Give me my drink, bloody yankee!" Max instinctively bellowed, attempting to snatch it back. Ian ran out onto the lawn and began to ungracefully prance around and tease him with the can. He proceeded to empty the entire can into his mouth, splashing the rims of his lopsided glasses and cascading all over his clothes. 'What an absolute bastard.' Max seethed. But he had to stay calm, or he'd only make it worse. Rising to his feet, he crossed his arms authoritatively and tapped his foot impatiently. It was like he was a fatigued single father watching a hyperactive toddler. Ian met his glare and stopped.
"Relax dude, it was only a small swig!" He said, holding up his fingers indicating the 'small' amount he had, and squinting at it. "Why're you so angry?" Ian's voice wobbled, his words slurring and stringing together.
"You destroyed my vibe, dude." Max said. 'You know, y'all have been really pushing me today. You and George." So, with a shallow huff, Max turned his heel and simply strode back inside. He didn't bother to respond to Ian's drunken hollering outside.
Suddenly, Max could hear alarmed screeching, and a panic-stricken Ian bolting inside. He kept tripping and staggering frantically, all the way until he was out of Max's view. 'The hell sort of psychedelic drugs went into this?' Max wondered, picking up the crushed can that had somehow found its way inside and had rolled to his feet. He peeked outside and saw nothing but a lonely streetlight towering above and illuminating the road. Max presumed it must have been his neighbour or something, possibly taking out the bins.
Ian was merely imagining things.
Wasn't he?
ns 172.70.130.147da2
and then Add to home screen.