Excerpt: Faded

Alexis knocked on the door and Ryan opened it immediately. It was like he’d been standing there waiting for her. It made Alexis nervous. Ryan wrapped his arms around Alexis in a tight hug and whispered in her ear. “I love you, Lexi,” he said. “Just remember that.”
Alexis pulled back. She was confused, but she let Ryan lead her to the living room. The first thing she saw was Justin sitting on the couch. This was not good. The first thing Alexis could think of was to run. She tried to duck under Ryan’s arm, which was draped around her shoulder, but he wasn’t letting her go. Alexis wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but it made her uneasy. She didn’t know what to say.
Ryan forced her to sit down on the couch across from where Justin was. He sat down next to her.
Ryan took a deep breath and began. “I really don’t know how to begin this, Alexis.”
“Um, don’t,” she offered. She looked up at Justin. He had his hands clenched, his forearms resting on his knees. He was staring down at the carpet in front of him.
Ryan continued talking. “This is my fault, Lexi.” She suddenly didn’t like the way he was saying her name. “At first, it was fun, but it wasn’t supposed to go this far.”
She’d heard that before. She realized where he was going with this and didn’t like it. Alexis shook her head and stood up. “No,” she said. “I’m not listening to this.” She tried to walk away.
Ryan stood up and grabbed her by the shoulders. She faught him, but he wasn’t giving in.
“Just sit down, Alexis!” Justin yelled at her. “Just shut up and listen to us!”
Alexis was shocked. Justin had never raised his voice to her. She fell down on the couch. “Fine. Just get it over with.” Hse glared at the both of them.
“The drugs have to stop,” Justin blurted out.
“Yes, Justin, we all know your objection to this,” Alexis snapped back.
“This wasn’t his idea,” Ryan told her. His voice was soft.
“Oh, come on, Ryan. You can’t tell me that you came up with this all on your own.” Her voice was angry. “What? You think I need this shit? I’m not the addict, Ryan. You are! You are the one who needs help, not me.”
“You don’t get it,” Ryan answered, frustrated.
“Then, explain it to me, please,” Alexis yelled. “How is me taking your drugs any different from you taking them? Huh?!” She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back against the back of the couch. She stared at Ryan, who was silent for a long time.