Speechless (ErrInk)

Chapter 6 - Need for Liquor

My friend was out buying groceries so I had some time to myself.

I sighed as I closed my sketchbook. Thinking about the drawing, it made sadness grew within me.

'If only.'

The door suddenly opened and Error walked in. I sat up, feeling a genuine smile appear. My hand slid my sketchbook under my pillow, hiding it from the one person that couldn't see it.

Error: I got ramen for later.

I lightly clapped, showing him my happiness. Ramen was the greatest food for college students. Quick to make and really cheap. Error placed the bags next to the cabinets that we had all of our food in it.

Error: You ready to go?

I hesitated before nodding, standing out of my bed in the process. My feet was switched to autopilot, trailing after my friend who was happy to be going somewhere.

On the way there, Error tried to talk to me about today but I kept conversation to a minimum.

Eventually we arrived to the dormitory for the women. Several people were there, enjoying the music and each other's company. I felt my anxiety begin to act up once realizing how many students were actually there. However, I had to stay strong.

'This is to make Error happy.'

We entered the building, my cheeks were soon tinted with rainbow blush. The fake smile on my face slightly changed because of my continuously growing anxiety.

The main lobby had the drinks, snacks, and the source of music. We found Martina talking with her friends. She noticed us which led her to face us.

Martina: Error, Ink! Welcome!

She yelled, approaching us with a fast pace. I looked at Error to see a smile on his face. A sad exhale escaped my mouth but no one heard me.

(Time Skip)

I watched Error happily talk with Martina while I stood in the corner of the room. My anxiety was reaching its limit, causing me to shake and want to cry.

Looking up, I stared at my crush. He always seemed to make me smile. However, he didn't like me back. A sad smile possessed my lips.

After turning away, I walked towards the door and left the building. Error didn't seem to notice my absence.

The night was chilly but wasn't cold. I walked to the male dormitory where I lived. My car was parked next to the building. I unlocked it and sat in the driver's seat. Then, I leaned my head against the wheel and let my tears out.

I cried for what seemed like forever but the inky tears eventually stopped. Whipping away my black tears, I turned on my car and pulled out of the parking space. I turned on my radio, listening to the music that played. I drove down the road with sense of where I actually wanted to go. My mind finally decided.

'I need something to drink.'

The trip was silent since I was alone in the car. Occasionally, a tear would roll down my ink stained cheek. I parked in the lot of the liquor store. Getting out of the car, I walked into the store.

A subtle calming feeling floated around the building. I walked down the aisle that was filled with wine bottles. I trailed my finger along the different brands. The cold feeling of bottle touched my palm as I grabbed it.

  The man behind the counter smiled as a greeting. He was a white cat, the tag on his shirt read "Taryn".

Taryn: How are you?

  His British voice was the first noticeable thing about him. I raised my hands to tell that I was mute.

Taryn: Oh.

  He started signing back to me. A smile appeared on my face.

Taryn: "How are you?"

Me: "I'm not having a good day."

Taryn: "I'm so sorry to hear that."

  He looked at something before turning to me again.

Taryn: "I was just fixing to close the store for the night. Do you want to talk about it?"

  I was silent before nodding.

Me: ...

"That would be nice."