Longing For My Rejected Luna novel Chapter 24

*****Erika's POV*****

I downed the alcohol, drinking it like a camel.

I wanted more, more of this stuff that would help me sleep.

I wanted to forget and it would help me forget too.

"Go easy on the drink, Rika" Paula tried to pry the glass off my fingers but I just tightened my grip instead.

"Why? Why should I?" My words were beginning to get slurred, a sign I was on my way to being overwhelmed by this drink. And I had no regrets.

"Because we don’t need you puking all over this floor and messing up the bed" Kat added.

"Have I ever done that?" I grabbed the bottle and poured myself another glass.

"Maybe she needs it, Paula. She does look like she needs it" Kat said, studying me as I threw my head back a little to gulp half of the drink I had poured for myself.

"And us. She needs us more importantly." Paula supported, putting in her own quota.

"Yes, I do need you girls and I am glad you both came" I attempted to hug my two best friends, it was loose and awkward, but I didn't care.

"I think you've had enough" Kat tried to take the glass but I refused letting go. "How is your grip still strong even after you’re intoxicated?"

I giggled. "Because I am stronger"

"When was the last time we’ve been this drunk?" I asked them.

"It’s been awhile." Kat agreed, already understanding what I meant.

"I see your point now" Paula too agreed.

"You need to be careful with the drink, Paula" Kat adviced.

"Why?" She asked, gulping the remaining content in the glass.

"You’ll be going back home. We can't risk you driving home drunk"

"I’m not going home, not today at least" She said.

"You’re staying?" Kat looked at me to confirm what Paula had said. I nodded my confirmation.

"Yes, I am"Paula responded.

"For how long?" Kat probed further.

"Until she feels better" She gestured towards me using her wine glass. "And you? Are you leaving today?"

"Nope, I had no plans to. I only didn't bring clothes because I have Rika’s wardrobe to raid" Kat confidently said.

"I brought some clothes" Paula pointed towards her bag that was at the bedside table, where she had left it.

My heart filled with gratitude at the sacrifices my friends were making to be here with me.

They had left their daily activities and personal lives to come take care of me and to be by my side.

They had come to be the shoulder I needed to lean on, and the hands to hold me for comfort.