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Sensory overload?

Last night, the section of the A8 between Hohenstadt and Merklingen was closed for several hours. A car crashed into the median barrier for reasons that are still unclear, causing it to roll over several times. All four occupants were killed instantly.
The police assume that excessive speed with the influence of alcohol was the cause of the accident. The four young men come from the surrounding towns.
I shook my head and turned down the radio. I just couldn't get on with my presentation, so I saved what I had written and closed the program. It was already a few minutes to seven, and I wanted to go out with the guys tonight.
I got out of my clothes and went into the bathroom. As I stood under the shower, there was a knock at the door. I turned off the water.
“Yes, what is it?” I called.
“Michael, we're leaving now, we'll see you tomorrow!”
“Okay, Mom, have fun and say hi to Aunt Elvira.”
“Yes, I'll tell her, have a nice evening.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
I turned the water back on because I was slowly getting cold. After I had finished showering and drying off, I went back to my room. Since my younger sister Katja was not there, I was able to do that naked.
I looked for the clothes that would be appropriate for the evening and got dressed. I shut down the PC and went back to the bathroom. I put a little gel in my hair, tousled it, and my hairdo was already sitting.
Should I put on some of my make-up? I looked at myself in the mirror. No, today I was going out like this. I turned off the light and left the bathroom. Since everything was closed downstairs, I grabbed my jacket and left the house.
I stopped briefly outside on the street and wondered where my car was. I remembered that I had parked it on the other side today because there was no more space. But I had to hurry, because Benni was probably already waiting for me.
“Where have you been?“ Benni greeted me when I arrived.
“I'm here, what are you getting so worked up about?” I asked and waited until he had buckled up.
“We want to go to the new nightclub at Brenslauer Platz today, don't we?”
“I know, we won't be too late,” I said and drove off.
“Where's your war paint?“ Benni asked.
I looked over at him and saw that he was grinning.
“You can't please everyone,” I said, continuing to concentrate on the traffic.
“Oh, is the little one being difficult again?” Benni said, stroking my cheek tenderly.
“Keep your hands to yourself, you know I like to bite!
“It doesn't matter, I've been vaccinated against tetanus.”
Now I had to laugh too. Benni and I had known each other for a long time, and he was also the first to find out that I was gay. Of course, I was head over heels in love with him back then, but unfortunately he only had girls on his mind.
I carefully maneuvered the car into the narrow space.
“You're getting better and better at this,” said Benni, unfastening his seat belt.
“I'm curious to see how you'll park when you finally get your driver's license!”
“If you give me your car then, I'll show you.”
“When you have friends like that, you don't need enemies anymore,“ I said, grinning as I got out.
“Ah, there you are at last,” Lukas called out to us. “What kept you?”
“He must have spent too long in front of the mirror again,” Benni said, poking me in the side.
The others started grinning.
“Why aren't you going in?“ I asked, noticing the line in front of the store.
“We don't know for sure, but apparently the owner has trouble with the police,” said Matthias.
“Now, but they've only been open a week!” Benni added.
“Yes, and too many underage drunks have been noticed during the week.”
They should be smart enough not to sell alcohol to them,” said Lukas.
I nodded and looked down the line. I would have thought most of them were my age, but when I looked more closely, I noticed that there were even some under sixteen here. Even guys who looked styled up were hard to judge.
“And already picked out a potential victim?“ Benni whispered from the side.
I looked over at him.
“How so?” “Just look at them! Can't you see the difference?” “They're dressed kind of gay, aren't they?” I asked.
The others naturally turned around and looked too.
Yes, the figure-hugging clothes are in and so are the jewelry. Why don't you dress like that, you're gay after all?“ Lukas asked.
“Because I don't like it that much and I don't always want to dress like that,” I replied dryly.
“A twink for you, we'll at least get something, right?“ Matthias asked.
“If not, I'll dance with him,” Benni said and put his arm around me, grinning.
It's really touching how you look after me, but now go and look for yourself, for example, at the group of girls who have been watching you the whole time, I said and broke free from the embrace.
They all turned around quickly and I heard a unanimous “Where?”
Michael, I think you'll have to dance alone, the way Benni is drooling next to you, Christian said, laughing.
Benni next to me blushed and I had to laugh too. Something was happening at the entrance now too; the lights got brighter and the doors opened. Two bouncers took up position on each side of the doors.
Slowly, the line started to move and we were getting closer to our goal. I noticed that not everyone was allowed in; some were turned away. Loudly protesting, they left.
“Do you have your IDs with you, they check your age?” Lukas shouted.
Everyone nodded and took out their wallets to have their IDs ready. The group of girls that had caught my eye all managed to get in. The louder the music got, the closer we got to the entrance.
As Lukas said, ID was checked and we were already inside. We gave our jackets and looked around first. You could either sit at the dance floor or there was a gallery upstairs.
“I'd go for the top, there's more space,” said Christian and had already gone up a few steps.
Closed, we followed him.
“There are girls up there, too,” came from Lukas, and he headed for the neighboring table.
I wasn't so thrilled, but I followed my friends. It was nice here. Round tables in the middle and round sofas set up around them. I just dropped down next to Benni.
I thought it was cool that almost everything up here was made of glass, so you could easily see onto the dance floor. Even the floor was equipped with several glass windows.
“Here you have a total overview,” Benni said, looking down between his legs to see what he meant.
Lukas was already halfway over the sofa, trying to make contact with the neighboring table. Apparently with success, as the girls got up and came over to us. Oh no. Everyone at the table knew that this meant I would have to come out again.
Benni seemed to read my thoughts and patted my shoulder.
It'll be alright, my little one,? he said and we moved closer together.
We introduced ourselves and quickly got into the conversation. We talked about school and training. Lukas grabbed Sophie and the two went downstairs to dance. I was rather quiet the whole time and listened to the conversations.
And you? Michael, right? What do you do?, the person sitting across from me asked.
“Yes, Michael. I'm at the design school for fashion and fabrics, in the new part of town,” I replied, ”and you are?”
She was about to answer when a young man approached the table and asked what we wanted to drink. I looked up and into his eyes. I didn't know how long he had been there, when suddenly I felt an elbow in my ribs.
“Stop staring like that,” Benni whispered in my ear, ”it's even more embarrassing than with Lukas.”
In front of me stood a magnificent specimen of a guy. The white, tight muscle shirt showed every muscle in his upper body. His black-dyed hair stood in all directions. Silver earrings, leather bands around his neck.
“Micha, stop it!”
Once again, it was Benni who poked me in the side.
I immediately succumbed to those ice-blue, shiny eyes and that smile when our eyes met, I could have melted away.
“And what would you like to drink?” he asked.
“Micha, what do you want to drink?“ Benni asked.
“Me? Oh, a Coke.”
“Large or small?” he asked.
“Large, very large.”
And with that he got moving, not without giving me another smile.
“Could it be that the guy standing opposite me is gay?” I heard someone say in the distance.
“It can't just be him, he definitely is.”
I wondered who Benni was talking to. I was still staring at the guy, who was now standing behind the bar again.
“Michael, would you come back to us, please?”
I jumped and suddenly saw a lot of grinning faces in front of me.
“What?“ I asked.
“Are you hungry?” the female across from me wanted to know.
“Me? Why?”
“The way you just devoured the guy?”
“Please?“ I looked at Benni in amazement, who just nodded at me.
“That bad?” I asked.
“Yes!” it sounded from all sides.
“Sorry, but come on!“ I fell into a dream again.
“Michael, pull yourself together, it's getting really embarrassing with you.” “Simone, he's not normally like that, I've never seen him like that before!” Benni said.
Then the dream guy came back, laden with a tray full of drinks. Benni didn't even try to address me, but took my coke for me. Everyone paid immediately, and I did too.
“Keep the change,“ I said, totally blown away.
“Michael!” Benni called, almost angry, “That's fifty euros.”
No problem, I wouldn't have kept it, said the dream man and gave me the money back, then he disappeared again.
I took the money and wanted to put it back, when a card fell down. Benni bent down and picked it up.
What is this? he asked.
I don't know and looked at it.
It was a business card from the disco here, with the usual information. I turned it over and saw a cell phone number and a name: Alex!
* * *
Have you called him yet?
Benni, what are you calling so early for, it's only half past eight, I said, annoyed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“Aren't you usually always up this early?” I heard Benni say.
“First of all, it's Saturday, and secondly, if I don't go to bed until three, how am I supposed to be awake then?”
I threw back the covers and sat up.
“And no, I haven't called him yet.”
“Why not?”
He might have been on duty a bit longer than we were, and he might still be asleep,? I replied.
?My God, is the gentleman grumpy this morning.?
If he had been standing in front of me, I would have torn his head off.
“Have you had breakfast yet?“ I asked, trying to sound friendly again.
“I thought you'd never ask,” I heard Benni laughing through the cell phone.
“But please bring rolls, I don't know if my parents have been shopping yet.”
Okay, see you in a bit!” And without waiting for a goodbye, he had already hung up.
So I got up and went to the bathroom. It was still quiet in the house, so everyone was still asleep. After I had showered, I tried to drag my tired body to the kitchen. A bit in a trance, I got the dishes out.
I poured the water into the coffee machine and switched it on.
“If you put coffee powder in it too, it's sure to make a wonderful coffee.”
I spun around to see my mom standing against the doorframe.
“Oh mom, you shouldn't always scare me like that.”
She laughed and took the coffee can out of the cupboard.
“You set the table, I'll do the rest, but wake Dad first, he should get rolls.”
“He doesn't need to, Benni will bring them.”
“How could I forget that the self-chosen Mr. Son provides us with rolls on Saturday mornings?” she said.
I just looked at her.
Michael, wake your father anyway and I'll make you a special mixture to bring you back from the dead.
Thanks, Mom, I replied and yawned heartily.
“But today!” she called after me.
I ran back up the stairs to my parents' bedroom. I went into the room and went to pull up the blinds, but something on the floor had escaped my attention.
So I tripped and fell with a loud scream right onto the bed, or rather onto Dad, who was lying on it. He was immediately wide awake and looked at me with a grin.
“Good morning, son, up and about already?” he asked me.
My mom was already standing in the room, attracted by the noise. She burst out laughing. I love the early mornings. My foot was tangled in the blanket my mom had dropped as she got up.
“I know you like it warm and cozy,” my father began, ”but would you be so kind as to get off me with your weight. The time when you liked to crawl into bed with me is probably over, isn't it?”
Somewhat embarrassed and under my mom's laughter, I crawled off my dad.
“If you're so tired, why didn't you sleep longer?“ she asked.
“Benni?” I grumbled, which I thought was a sufficient answer.
As if on command, the door bell went downstairs. My dad got up and put on his jogging clothes. I tried to free my foot from the blanket, but I realized that Mom had already opened the door for Benni.
“Morning, Astrid. I brought the rolls,“ I heard him say.
“And your parents on the road again?” my mom said.
“Were they even at home?” Benni asked.
You don't see each other very often, I see.
It doesn't bother me too much, I'm already used to it.
I almost tripped down the stairs and landed in Benni's arms.
Oh, so that's how it is, yesterday you were still chasing the most beautiful guy from Igopop and now you want to ingratiate yourself with me again.
I looked at Benni's face, which was covered with a broad grin. What an ass.
“Same to you,“ came from Benni, who could probably read minds.
“Benni, take him to the dining table before he hurts himself somewhere,” came from my mom.
“Very funny,“ I grumbled.
“Is he still out of his mind?” Benni asked.
Why?
Well, since he saw that mixture of Brad Pitt and Elliah Wood yesterday, he's been on cloud nine.
Michael hasn't told me anything about that yet! My mom said in amazement.
What did Michael want to say?
My dad had come into the dining room.
Morning Benni.
“Morning, Harald.” ‘What happened yesterday at the disco?’ Benni replied.
I sat at the table and stared at the three of them. Had the three of them made it their life's work to make my morning so sweet that I really wanted to crawl back into bed?
“Michael, tell us, what's his name, where does he come from?”
My mum, of course, was hooked from the word go.
“There's nothing to tell yet,“ I grumbled.
“His name is Alex and he gave him his cell phone number,” Benni piped up.
“Oh, interesting! Have you called him yet?” said mum.
“No, I didn't,“ I answered grumpily, rubbing my face.
“Before you continue with your interview, let Micha have a coffee first,” said Dad.
“At least someone takes my side,“ I said, taking the cup of coffee that my father handed me.
“Who is Elliah Wood?” my mom asked.
Oh mom, enough please?
I just wanted to know what Alex looks like.
Then go with me to Igopop tonight, then you can meet him yourself, I said and took a big gulp of coffee.
Do you even have anything to wear to the disco, Dad asked.
I must have drawn the short straw this morning.
? Morning, what are you talking about?
Oh God, now Katja too, I didn't need her. She sat down next to me and looked at me in bewilderment.?
Not getting enough sleep, Micha, why are you up already? she asked.
Everyone at the table started laughing and Katja looked even more confused, I even grumpier.
* * *
Later in my room, I collected the clothes from the night together.
“You really think I should call him?” I asked Benni.
“Of course, he was so taken with you.”
“We didn't even talk much.”
“But your eye contact was very intense!”
I don't even know where I put the card.
There it is on your keyboard, Benni said and handed it to me.
I looked at Benni.
Come on!
I took my cell phone and typed in the number.
Hello, this is Alex!
Man, he was wide awake.
Um, hello, this is Michael.
Michael?
Benni put a pillow over his mouth and began to giggle.
“Yes, the one you gave your number to yesterday?”
“Oh, Michael, the one who wanted to reward me with such a big tip yesterday?”
“Yes, the one!”
I blushed.
“And why are you calling?”
“Because you gave me your number?”
I couldn't have come up with a more stupid answer. Benni was already lying on the floor, doubled over with laughter.
“Are you all right, I can hear a whimpering sound in the background?
Oh, that's just my guinea pig, it's out of breath,” I said, giving Benni a gentle kick to make him stop.
Oh, I see. And do you want to meet up? Alex asked.
Um, yes, when?
It's best to do it right away, I have to go back to Igopop later when my shift starts again.
And where?
Maybe at the old cinema, do you know it?
Yes, sure, I'll be there in half an hour.
Okay, take your time, I still have to get dressed.
The thought that he was now standing naked in front of me, talking to me on the phone, woke up my lower region.
“Okay, see you in a bit!”
“Bye, Micha!”
“Bye, Alex!”
I hung up the phone.
“See, that went well,” said Benni, who was sitting on his chair again.
“I must be out of my mind to just call him there.”
Why do you think you get a number?
Yes, it's all right, now off with you, I have to get ready.
Okay, I'm gone. Will you pick me up again tonight?
Same time, same place, I said and pushed him out of my room.
Okay, see you then, he said and disappeared down the stairs.
I disappeared into the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. Who was that I saw in the mirror? I decided to wake this stranger up with a lot of cold water and held my face under the running water.
In no time I was wide awake. The coffee seemed to be working slowly. I went back to the room and picked out something flattering. After I had laboriously squeezed myself into my clothes, I went downstairs.
“I'm off then,“ I called.
“Where do you want to go?” Mom asked from the kitchen.
“To meet Alex!“ I said.
My mother's head appeared from the kitchen.
“In such a hurry?” “All reports, please send to this address.”
Yes, you will meet your son-in-law first.”
She paused briefly, probably because she hadn't expected that answer.
“Are you coming for lunch?” she asked.
“I don't know, I'll call you, okay?”
“Yes, sure, see you later.”
“See you later, Mom.”
I had already left the house. It took me less than five minutes by car to get to the old train station, so I decided to walk so as not to wait there for an eternity. When I arrived, I was of course too early.
But what was I doing here? Yesterday I had seen this breathtaking guy, fallen for him? fallen for his looks. What if he turns out to be a jerk? I stopped abruptly and was about to turn around.
“Michael?”
Too late, he was already there. I took my hands out of my jacket pockets and waved at him. He was standing on the other side of the street and tried to reach me, which was very difficult with all the traffic.
He spotted a small gap and sprinted across.
“Hi Michael, sorry I was held up,“ he said, when he arrived a little out of breath at my place.
“Doesn't matter, I just arrived too,” I said, but I would have liked to leave right away.
“Let's walk a bit in the park,“ he asked with the same look as the previous evening.
I already started to melt.
“Gladly,” I said.
Alex made an inviting gesture towards the park and we started walking. At the beginning it was quite quiet, only the noise of the moving cars could be heard. Somehow I didn't dare to look at him now.
I looked stiffly ahead.
“Hey, I wanted to tell you, it's not normally my style to give someone my cell phone number?”
I looked at him briefly, but remained silent.
“Do you feel uncomfortable too?“ he started again.
I stopped and looked at him.
“Yesterday at noon I didn't even know you existed. Last night, when I saw you, I blacked out, and now I'm walking here in the park with you,” I said quietly.
“Does that mean something good?” Alex asked.
I don't know myself, yes, and I feel kind of uncomfortable. What am I doing here anyway?
Getting to know me?
And again that adorable smile. I couldn't help it, I took a step forward and kissed him briefly on the mouth. Somehow I was expecting a slap, I must have seen too many movies, but nothing happened.
Slowly, I opened my eyes. He was standing in front of me, staring at me.
“At first I thought I was being too forward, because I gave you my number, but you? Wow!”
He slowly stroked his lips, where mine had been just a few seconds ago.
Sorry, I'm not usually like this either, but you? I broke off mid-sentence because I was lost in those eyes.
What? He pointed to a bench where we were supposed to sit down.
I don't know how to explain this to you, but something about you really fascinates me.
And what about me fascinates you?
'Just everything,' I breathed.
'Could you have a little crush on me?' Alex asked.
I didn't know what I was saying anymore, I was totally hooked on this guy. I just managed a grin. He said something, but I didn't understand him. His lips moved, but no sound came out.
Suddenly I felt a sharp pain on my forehead, I reached for it.
“Bloody hell,” I shouted loudly.
I sat on the floor and looked around. Now I realized what had happened: I had been dreaming and had run straight into a lamppost. So, no Alex in the vicinity, no fleeting kiss.
I got up again and looked around for Alex, but there was no sign of him. So there I was, in front of the old train station. The dream was totally embarrassing, if this was really happening.
I looked at my watch again, but there was no sign of Alex.
* * *
Hey Michael, you're already home. That was fast. How did it go? My mom asked as I entered the house.
I can't tell you, I said and hung up my jacket.
So intimate?
She grinned again.
No, he didn't come at all.
Oh?
Yes, oh, I said and ran up to my room.
While I was digging through my pockets, my cell phone started to ring. A text message! I opened it, even though I didn't recognize the number. Alex!
>>I'm sorry Michael, but something came up. Will you be at Igopop again tonight? Best, Alex<
So I sat down to write him a reply, but first I saved the number.
> Sure, I'll be back tonight, see you then? Micha<
I didn't have to wait long for an answer.
> Sure, I'll see you, I'm off early and have time for you then. Alex<
Time for me. I still had a bad feeling and wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing. My phone on the desk pulled me out of my thoughts.
> Michael here?
You're really at home!?
Benni!
Of course I'm at home, where else would I be?, I asked him, rubbing my forehead, which still hurt.
Hello! Didn't you have a date?, Benni asked.
Yes, a canceled one, he didn't show up.?
Oh!?
How did you know I was at home anyway? I asked.
Oh, Matthias saw you before he called me.
I guess I'm the talk of the town.
No, you're not that important.
I usually had answers ready, but now my forehead hurt.
Benni, I have to lie down, I have a headache.
Not enough sleep?
No, the eerie encounter with a lamppost.
Please?
I'll tell you tonight when I pick you up for the Igopop.
Okay, see you tonight!
Okay. Bye.
Bye.
* * *
As on the previous evening, I drove to Benni's to pick him up, only this time he wasn't waiting at the side of the road. So I parked the car and rang the doorbell. The buzzer went and I was able to push open the door.
Benni lived on the fifth floor, so I ran up the stairs. The apartment door was open.
“Benni??“ I called, but got no answer.
“Hello, is anyone home?” I called again.
Oh, hi Micha, Benni is still in the bathroom.”
Benni's mother stuck her head out of the kitchen.
“Do you want something to drink?” she asked me.
“No thanks, Renate.”
I went to her in the kitchen and leaned against one of the kitchen cabinets.
“Do you know what's wrong with Benni?” she suddenly asked.
“Why, on the phone earlier he sounded quite normal.”
“All I know is that he spoke to someone on the phone and after that he was pretty quiet and retired to his room.”
I heard the bathroom door.
“Benni? Michael is already there,” Renate called.
I just left the kitchen and went to Benni. He was just walking into his room. I had to smile because he only had a towel around his hips. Benni just looked hot, I couldn't describe him any other way.
His short blonde hair and stubby face gave him a cheeky look.
“Hi Benni,“ I said as I entered his room.
“Hi Micha,” came the quiet reply from Benni.
Oh dear, what was going on? I knew that tone of voice from Benni.
“Are you okay?“ I asked.
“Could we go somewhere else tonight or stay here?” he replied.
That didn't suit me at all.
“Why not?” ‘I want to meet Alex!”
Benni threw his towel on the bed and stood completely naked in front of me. I had to swallow, because, as I said, Benni was just really horny.
“Do you like me?’ Benni asked.
Of course I like you, what a stupid question.
Benni came up to me and took me in his arms. I felt a little strange, so close to Benni.
“Could you imagine having me as a boyfriend?” he whispered in my ear.
Now I've had enough, I pushed Benni away from me.
Can you tell me what's going on with you? Benni, you're my friend! Well, not like that, you know what I mean. I love you just as a friend, but what's with the fag stuff here, you like girls!?
Benni stood before me like a picture of misery. This time I took Benni in my arms.
“What's the matter with you?“ I asked quietly and gently stroked his back.
“Susanne called,” Benni began quietly.
“The one from last night? What did she want?”
He twisted and turned and I realized he was having trouble saying something.
“Yes, Susanne from last night, she called about you.”
Because of me? I let Benni go, confused.
I noticed that his part was no longer hanging limply to the ground, but was half-stiff.
Yes, she told me something about Alex, he interrupted and turned to the cupboard.
Alex? What does she have to do with Alex?
She has known him for a long time and she thought I should be warned about him?
May I please get to know Alex myself before others talk me into something?
Now I was a little annoyed.
And what was that act back there? I asked louder.
I thought I could, Benni didn't say any more and dropped onto his bed.
“Have you gone completely crazy?” I screamed. ‘Did you want to seduce me to get me away from Alex?”
Benni didn't answer me, just looked at the floor.
“So that's it, then?’ I shouted and left his room.
Renate came towards me because she had apparently realized that something was wrong.
“Bye, Renate, I'm leaving again,“ I said, and had already opened the apartment door.
“What's going on?” she asked.
“Ask your son,” I replied, and left the apartment, not without letting the door crash shut.
I was pretty angry behind the wheel and drove too fast through the city. How dare Benny think he could just meddle in my personal business like that.
I saw a parking lot in front of Igopop and accelerated even more. I came to a screeching halt, got out and ran to the entrance. I pushed to the front and the same doorman as yesterday recognized me and let me in immediately.
Once inside, I went straight up to the gallery where Alex had served us yesterday. At one table I recognized the girls from the night before, as well as Susanne. At first I wanted to give her a telling off, but I preferred to just give her angry looks
So I went straight to the bar and sat down on a bar stool. Alex didn't seem to be there, or serving anywhere. Another young man came up to me and asked what I would like to drink.
Without thinking too much about it, I ordered a beer. Suddenly someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned my head and saw those wonderful eyes again.
“Hi, Michael!”
“Hi, Alex!”
“Here alone?“ ‘Where are your friends?’ Alex asked and went behind the bar.
A smell of alcohol trailed behind him, but I didn't pay much attention to that.
“I came here alone, actually because of you, you know, because of the text message this afternoon,” I replied.
“Sorry again, but something really came up,“ said Alex, pouring two Cokes.
“No problem,” I replied.
“Wait!”
Alex came out from behind the counter with a tray full of drinks.
“I'm off in an hour, then I'll have all the time in the world for you,” said Alex, and ran off.
I took a big gulp of beer and looked around. The girls seemed to be talking about me, because Susanne and her friends kept looking at me. I didn't pay much attention to the four of them, because Alex came back.
“Do you want to order something else?” he asked me.
“Yes, I'll have another beer.”
I watched Alex as he tapped my beer and smiled every time he looked over at me. The music was blaring loudly from downstairs, but it didn't seem to be really picking up the mood yet.
But it was only nine o'clock, so the place was still filling up.
“Michael?”
I turned my head again and Susanne was standing in front of me.
“Can I talk to you?”
“If you're going to tell me the same old crap as Benni, then forget it, I don't want to hear it,” I said in a sour tone.
“Where's Benni?”
“At home, I didn't take him with me.”
Susanne stood reproachfully in front of me and whipped out her cell phone. She stood a little way away from me and started making a phone call. I continued to drink my new beer and didn't pay any further attention to her.
“You've done a great job of that, you're a nice boyfriend,” Susanne growled at me from the side.
I looked after her in amazement.
“Damn women!“ I said and drank my beer in one go.
“Problems?”
Alex approached me.
“No, none! I'm just happy that I'm gay and have nothing to do with that.”
I looked at Susanne disparagingly.
“Another one?” Alex asked me, lifting up my empty glass.
“Yes,“ I said and looked after him.
“And you don't have a boyfriend?” I asked him.
“No!” he replied curtly.
“I don't understand that at all. You're so good-looking and really sweet!”
The alcohol had loosened my tongue, because it was not normally my style to flirt like that.
“Thanks, you too,“ Alex said, putting my new beer in front of me.
He went to the edge of the bar and took a few sips from a bottle of soda. He grimaced briefly and then put the bottle back.
“Do you want to stay here later, or go somewhere else?” Alex asked.
“I don't know, I find it kind of boring here tonight.
On Saturdays, it doesn't start until around eleven.”
“And what would you suggest?”
“Are you here with a car?”
“Yes, but I think I'll have to leave it here, and I pulled hard on my beer.”
“That's good, because I live nearby. Do you want to come with me?” Alex asked.
“Gladly,“ I replied and couldn't get the smile off my face.
Two beers later, Alex handed over his area to a colleague. I paid and Alex came out of an adjoining door, holding a jacket in his hand.
“And can we?” he asked me.
“Of course,” I said, trying to get up.
The alcohol was taking full effect and I was staggering a bit. Under the disapproving glances of Susanne, I walked downstairs giggling next to Alex. But in the fresh air, it seemed to get better.
Alex took me by the hand and we walked down the street where I thought he might live. He stopped in front of an old building and unlocked the front door. I still couldn't stop giggling until we finally arrived at his apartment on the fifth floor.
I hadn't even entered the hallway yet when Alex grabbed me, pressed me against the wall and started kissing me wildly. I was a little startled, but it was incredibly beautiful. He pulled at the sleeves of my jacket, which soon fell to the ground.
We undressed each other with loud giggles. Without realizing it, we suddenly stood in front of his bed. Somehow I didn't care. I was naked and had a dreamlike boy in my arms who kissed me all over.
We fell onto his bed and pounced on each other.
* * *
I opened my eyes and had no idea where I was. My head was throbbing and I had a nasty taste in my mouth. I felt someone snuggled up against me and suddenly everything came back to me.
I was in bed with Alex and seemed to have had a great night with him.
“Already awake?“ I heard him grumble.
“Yes. Do you have an aspirin for me, my head is about to burst?”
“Go to the bathroom, there are some in the mirrored cabinet.”
Totally unwilling, I crawled out of bed.
“Where is the bathroom?” I asked.
“The door next to the apartment door.”
Alex hadn't even raised his head. He was lying naked on the blanket and I saw the tattoo that covered his left thigh. Cool, I thought, and set out to find the bathroom. Finally found, I immediately looked for the pills and found them too.
I quickly went to the toilet before going back to Alex, who was still lying there. I leaned forward and kissed his back before lying down next to him.
“Mmmmmmm,” Alex said, ‘I could get used to this.”
“What's stopping you?’ I asked, smiling.
'Because nobody ever wanted me,' Alex replied quietly, 'but once they got to know me better, I was suddenly nothing to them.
I leaned on my elbows and nibbled on his shoulder.
'I don't understand,' I said.
'What?' he asked.
'How no one wants you? I want you!'
Alex raised his head and turned around.
'Micha, you're an incredibly nice guy, but you don't know me at all,'
'Then give me the opportunity to get to know you,' I said and gave him a kiss.
'You're mean? When you're around I'm as soft as wax?' Alex said and pulled me towards him.
“And something else hard?“ I said and stroked his cock.
Alex groaned and pressed himself against me.
“Another round?” I asked, grinning.
Alex didn't answer, but gave me a long, passionate kiss.
* * *
I unlocked the door at home; it seemed quiet. Far from it, because my parents were sitting in the kitchen, having a cup of coffee.
“Ah, so the son is showing his face again,” my father said.
Oh, it sounds like there's trouble in the air. I stood silently in the doorway and looked at them both.
“You could have called, we were worried,“ my mother said reproachfully.
“Sorry, I drank too much,” I just said and wanted to leave the two alone.
“With Benni??, my dad asked.
“No,” I replied briefly and quite vehemently, and was about to go to my room.
“What happened between you and Benni yesterday?“ my mom asked.
I jerked my head back to the kitchen.
“Nothing, why?”
“That didn't sound right coming from Renate's mouth,” my mom said poisonously.
“Oh, he can kiss my ass,” I said angrily, ran to my room, and slammed the door behind me.
She didn't stay locked for long; my mother had already torn it open.
“Nothing happened? Then why did Renate have to call the doctor yesterday because Benni wouldn't calm down and just kept crying? He was sedated with an injection,” my mom shouted.
I angrily threw my jacket into a corner and shouted back just as loudly.
Because he interfered in my life in such a dirty way that it still makes me sick to my stomach.
All I felt now was that my cheek was glowing and aching. My mother had slapped me.
Not in that tone, young man, don't let me see you around here again, my mother shouted and left my room.
This time it was she who slammed my door. Stunned, I stood there and rubbed my cheek. Benni needed a doctor. Only now did I realize what she had said. He needed to be sedated with an injection.
My mother had never slapped me before. Was there something to what Benni wanted to teach me? What kind of guy was Alex? “Nobody wants me when they get to know me better,” he had said.
I grabbed my jacket and ran out of the apartment.
* * *
“Open up, I thought. I rang the bell at Alex's apartment again. There was a rumbling inside and a key was turned. The door opened slowly and Alex's head appeared.
“Yes? You? What's the matter, you only left an hour ago, so desperate for me?“ Alex asked.
He looked terrible. It smelled of booze, his breath was disgusting.
“What happened to you?” I asked, following him into the apartment.
“Me? Oh, I think I didn't tolerate the breakfast, had a schnapps to quell the stomach pain.”
“One?” He swayed as if he had drunk a whole keg. The kitchen looked disastrous. I hadn't been in there before, but there were dishes in the sink that hadn't seen water in a few days.
Alex dropped onto a chair and lit a cigarette.
“One too?“ he asked.
I shook my head and looked for something to sit on, but couldn't find any because stuff was everywhere.
“Why are you back?” Alex asked.
“I just felt like it,” I lied.
Alex got up and pushed the stuff that was lying on a chair, just down on the floor.
“Why don't you sit down? Do you want something to drink?” he asked.
“No, thanks.”
I couldn't imagine that he had something normal to drink, after I saw the bottle of liquor on the table in front of him. It was almost empty and a normal drinking glass was standing next to it.
“I wanted to ask if you would like to go for a walk with me?“ I resumed the conversation.
“Oh no, I'm going to hit the sack again soon, I still have to catch up on sleep.”
“All right, then I'll get out of your way,” I said and stood up.
He stood up as well and came towards me. He took me in his arms and hugged me.
“That was a wonderful night with you, could we repeat it tonight?“ he whispered in my ear.
“No, I have to go back to school tomorrow,” I replied, breaking away from him again, almost unable to bear his smell.
“I knew it, for you I'm just a one-night stand, right?” he suddenly snapped at me.
What are you talking about?, I asked in amazement.
Get out of my apartment before I lose my temper, he shouted now.
I turned around and quickly walked to the apartment door.
And don't you dare show your face here again, you asshole, he shouted after me.
And I was already outside. Inside, I heard glass shattering and Alex swearing loudly. Totally confused, I walked back down the stairs and then suddenly stood in front of the house. What was that now? I unlocked my car and got in.
I started the engine feeling totally insecure and drove off. I had to slam on the brakes because I hadn't seen the car coming up behind me. I slowly drove off again. When I finally came to a stop, I realized where I was.
I was standing in front of the house where Benni lived. Totally beside myself, I got up and walked to the front door. In a trance, I pressed the bell and waited for the buzzing sound. In a daze, I pushed open the door and ran to Benni's apartment door, where Renate was already standing.
“You've got a nerve showing up here,“ she said.
Tears were running down my face by now.
“Can I talk to him?” I asked in a heated tone.
“I don't know if he's responsive,” she said, but still let me into the apartment.
Quietly, I opened the door to Benni's room and entered. Benni himself was huddled in his bed. He couldn't see me because he was lying with his face towards the wall. Carefully, I sat down on the edge of the bed. I gently put my hand on his shoulder.
Benni? I whispered softly.
He jumped, and hid himself even further under the covers.
I'm sorry, Benni, that I did everything wrong and didn't take you seriously. I should have known better.
I heard a soft whimpering from under the blanket. It almost broke my heart. Shit, what had I done to Benni? Suddenly I felt his hand on mine. He turned slightly so that I could see his face.
I was a little shocked, because his eyes were deeply red from crying, while his face was deathly pale.
“You don't have to apologize, Micha. It was a stupid idea of mine to want to seduce you to keep you from Alex.”
“Well, now I'm not so sure if it was stupid,“ I said and lowered my gaze.
“Why?” Benni asked and sat up.
I think Alex is an alcoholic, I stammered and started to tremble because I saw his face again when he called me an asshole.
Susanne told me that too, Benni said quietly.
But he's such a nice guy, so incredibly affectionate when he's sober.
You've been together???
Yes, I slept with him.
Now I was ashamed of myself for it, because I was drunk and attacked Alex.
“Hey, it's not a big deal!“ Benni said.
“Yes it is, because I have a crush on him, he is different from the guys I've met so far, very different.”
“But he has a problem!” Benni said.
“It doesn't matter, he threw me out of his apartment earlier anyway, he was totally drunk.”
“How much of a crush do you have on him?“ Benni asked seriously.
“Why do you ask?” I said, looking at him in wonder.
“If you were to help him get off the stuff, don't you think you two would have a chance?”
I don't know, I'd have to talk to him first. Especially when he's sober again.”
“Will you try?”
“I really don't know.”
Benni took me in his arms.
“Friends again?“ he asked.
“Forever and ever!” I breathed and hugged him even tighter.
Hey, I can't breathe anymore!
I let go of him and noticed that he had more color in his face again. There was a knock at the door.
“Yes!“ said Benni.
The door opened and Renate looked in.
“And everything okay again?” she asked.
“Yes!“ we both said in unison.
“Was it worth it?” she asked further.
Benni and I both looked at each other.
“Well, that's what friendship is for,” said Benni, taking me in his arms again.
* * *
I unlocked the door to our apartment for the second time that day. I couldn't see anyone, So I quietly went into my room, this time not throwing my jacket in the corner but hanging it on the hanger on the closet.
I turned on the radio and booted up my PC. I still had to finish the presentation and wanted to switch off a bit while doing it. There was a knock at the door.
“Yes!” I called.
Katja came in, crawled onto my lap and snuggled up to me without saying a word.
“What's the matter with you?”
“Mom and Dad are in a bad mood today, nobody wants to play with me.”
I stroked her hair, which was probably my fault.
“Have you already tidied your room and prepared your things for school?” I asked.
“No,“ she disappointingly replied.
“How about I help you?”
“Would you?”
“What's a big brother for?”
A smile spread across her face. She jumped down from my lap and pulled me out of my room.
“All right, I'll come willingly,” I said.
So, I was busy helping Katja. The room was tidied up quite quickly, and her things were straightened, too. She proudly showed me her finished homework. I even had to check the math, but everything was correct.
“So, pajamas on and brush your teeth,” I said to my little one.
She hung her things over the chair and disappeared into the bathroom. I got up and wanted to go to my room, but my dad was standing at the door just looking at me.
“Everything's okay with Benni,” I said, wanting to push past him.
“And what about you?“ he asked.
“Never mind,” I said.
Dad held on to my arm, and I looked at him.
“Micha, if you have problems, please talk to us, okay?”
“Yeah, right!”
He let go of me and I went back to my room. I could forget the presentation. I turned off the PC and collapsed on my bed. I stared up at the ceiling for a long time, not realizing that my mom had entered the room.
“Micha?”
I looked at her.
“I'm sorry about this morning.”
“It's my own fault,“ I said.
“I shouldn't have come so far,” she said and sat down on my chair.
“Anyway, it's done, let's forget about it.”
What's the matter with you?
I remained silent and stared at the ceiling.
Does it have something to do with this Alex guy?
Yes, I said quietly.
That bad?
I think I've fallen in love with him, I continued quietly.
That's good, isn't it?
He drinks?
I felt tears welling up.
“Oh!“ was all I heard from my mom.
I really didn't know what to do. Should I try to help him, get him away from alcohol? The fact that he had shouted at me still stung.
“If there's anything I can do to help,” Mom said.
“I don't know what to do myself.”
“I think you're helping him.”
“What makes you so sure?”
I know my son well enough!”
* * *
I was lucky, the teacher was sick and my lecture was postponed. Now I sat there and had to somehow spice up this shirt. I had laid out various scraps of fabric and cut squares out of them.
A few darts and it looked like patchwork. Should I make the sleeves longer? I just started sewing and thought of Alex. Time flew and then eventually school was over for the day.
I ran out into the parking lot, where Daniel came towards me.
“Do you have a suitor?” he asked me.
“Why?”
Look at your car, he just said and walked on.
Now I walked a little faster to my car and stopped abruptly. On the windshield wiper was a red rose with an envelope hanging on it. I took the rose and smelled it. Wonderful! On the letter was written Micha.
I tore it open.
Hello Micha,
I've been sitting here for a long time now, trying to write these lines. I don't know how many times I've started.
I wanted to apologize to you. The way I behaved towards you was absolute crap. You're something special, I sensed that right from the start.
Will you give me another chance? I know I have a little problem with alcohol, but I'm sure I can get that under control.
Do you see a future for us? Please tell me if I still have a chance with you. You have grown very close to my heart in just a short time, because you are different from the others.
Please get in touch with me or come and see me. I look forward to your reply.
Alex
I took a deep breath. A small problem, then. But if he was serious, should I help him? Would that be okay? I threw my bag on the back seat and got in. I quickly left the school grounds and made my way to the city center.
It didn't take long for me to find a parking lot near Alex's house. With the rose in my hand, I ran to the house where he lived. I pressed the bell and a few seconds later I heard the buzzer.
I ran up the stairs and at the door stood Alex. Dressed up as if he was going out.
“Hello?“ I said quietly.
“Hi,” he replied with a smile when he saw the rose in my hand.
As I had done the last time, I followed him back into the apartment. But this time everything seemed different. It smelled fresh, no more trace of alcohol.
“Give me your rose so we can put it in water,” Alex said.
I was amazed when I saw the kitchen, polished to a high gloss and tidy. Not a trace of any bottles or empty glasses. All the dishes had been carefully put away on the shelves and in the cupboards.
I followed him into the living room. The same thing here too; I could even see a few new plants.
Alex stood in front of me and looked at me expectantly.
“What have you decided?” he asked quietly.
“Isn't it already clear from me coming to you?”
“You can also say no gently, and I would understand if you were to say it.”
“I didn't come here to say no, Alex, because you mean something to me, too.”
“But?
We have to get a grip on your little problem!
Alex lowered his gaze.
Alex, I'm happy to help you with this, but you have to really want it, otherwise I really don't see a future for us.
Speechless, he stood before me, I sensed how his mind was working.
What did you learn, I mean, what kind of job? I asked.
“Why do you ask?”
“Quite simply, I know you like the job at Igopop, but you can't stay there, you have gallons of alcohol in front of you every time.”
“You're right. I have training as a banker, but when I didn't get a job and wasn't taken on either, I got the job as a waiter.”
“Let's see what we can do, but I can't promise anything,” I said.
He looked at me questioningly.
“I don't want to get ahead of myself, so you won't be disappointed.”
He nodded, but I wasn't quite sure if he had understood.
“Where are all the bottles?”
Alex had become very restless and with this question, I had apparently caused him to break out into a sweat.
“Alex, don't worry, we'll get through this together,“ I said, taking him in my arms.
He trembled slightly and snuggled close to me.
“Thank you,” I heard him whisper.
I stroked his hair.
He took my hand and led me to a door behind which I didn't know what it was. The storeroom. I controlled myself to say something wrong, because here bottles and boxes piled up.
“I have my car with me and we'll both take it all away now, okay?”
Alex followed me like a little child and it took a while to stow the mountain of drinks in my car. I called home briefly to let them know I would be home late. I opened the door for Alex and let him get in.
I went around to the other side of the car and got in as well.
“So, where are the nearest bottle banks?” I asked.
I put my hand on Alex's knee and stroked it.
“Alex, we're doing this for you, you're doing this for you!
But?
No buts, it has to be, otherwise I see absolutely black with you.”
Alex looked at me pleadingly with glassy eyes.
“Come on, we'll manage it!”
He nodded at me. I started the car and let him explain the way. After we had disposed of all the loose bottles and also returned a few wine boxes to the liquor store, I had the feeling that Alex seemed to feel a little more comfortable.
“See you on Friday?” Alex asked me when I dropped him off in front of his apartment.
“Sure. Igopop, same place, same time!” I replied with a smile, ”and don't forget, we'll do it together!”
He gave me another kiss and I waited until he had disappeared in the front door. I drove off happily, but still had a bad feeling. A little later, I arrived home, parked my car and walked to our house.
Horror scenarios played out in my head. Could I trust him? Should I leave him alone? Lost in thought, I unlocked the door.
“Hello Michaaaaa?“ came the reply.
Katja jumped up and almost ran into me.
“Well my little one, how was school?” I asked and put my backpack on the floor.
“I got two stars for my math homework,“ she beamed, her cheeks glowing.
“Then you'll have to keep trying so you get lots more stars,” I said.
My mom was leaning against the kitchen door, smiling, and Katja disappeared back into the living room.
“You were still keen to go to school at that age too,“ she said.
“That was in a different life, hi mum,” I said.
“And everything okay with you?”
“Yes, so far everything is fine. Is Dad already there, I want to ask him something?”
“Sure, he's sitting in his office and still working.”
So I went to my dad, knocked on the door. There was no answer, so I quietly opened the door and looked inside. He was sitting at his desk and was on the phone. When he noticed me, he beckoned me to him. He was talking to a colleague, but the conversation seemed to be at an end.
He hung up and looked at me.
“Evening, Micha. What brings you here?”
“I have a question for you,” I began.
My dad leaned back and played with his pen.
“You said recently that you were still looking for someone for your youth program at the bank. Have you found someone yet?”
“No, we haven't. Why do you ask?”
I might have someone, but I have to finish something first, I answered myself rather than my dad.
Your mother told me something.
Yes, exactly this something, that's what it is.
You've obviously been hit hard?
Yes, I have, I said with a smile.
“Did your mom mention anything else?“ my dad asked cautiously.
“That's what I still have to take care of,” I said.
What a sentence, I had to grin.
“Generally, I don't mind if you bring us someone good, but he can't be an alcoholic,” Dad said, shutting down his PC.
Those were clear words.
“I'll work on it, I promise?”
He ruffled my hair and we left his office together.
* * *
The week was long and exhausting, but I was looking forward to Friday. Every day I visited Alex, also to check that he didn't buy something to drink again. He seemed to be keeping to it.
With Benni in tow, I went back to Igopop on Friday evening. It was great to be known, because the bouncer let us in straight away; we didn't even have to queue for long. As always, I went straight up to the gallery.
“Where's your sweetheart?” Benni asked me.
I looked around and couldn't see him. Only Andrea was standing at the bar, busy with an order. So I went up to him and asked where Alex was.
“He's gone, the boss fired him,“ Andrea answered.
“Why fired?” I asked in horror.
“He showed up for work drunk, and that's the third time,” he said.
Andrea took his drinks and disappeared into the crowd. I stood there, stunned.
“That doesn't sound good,“ said Benni next to me.
“I'll give him something to hear,” I said angrily.
How could I be so naive, once alcohol always alcohol. I left the Igopop angrily and ran to the house where Alex lived. I rang the doorbell and it took a while for the buzzer to go off.
I ran up the stairs and found the front door open. I kicked it and it slammed against the wall inside. Alex stood before me, the smell of alcohol hit me, his eyes seemed red and tear-stained.
“Can you maybe explain to me what the shit is?“ I shouted at him, without listening to any kind of reaction.
“I can't do it,” he stammered.
What? You don't want to do it, and I thought you cared about me, how could I be so stupid. Michael Kramer, the most naive thing on this planet, I shouted.
Terrified, Alex stood in front of me, tears running down his cheeks.
That's not true, I love you, he said in a broken voice.
Maybe, but you love your alcohol more? Alex, I've had enough, I don't want any more of this! I said and ran out of the apartment.
I sent a text message to Benni saying that the evening was over for me and that I was going home. I raced angrily through the city and was home faster than usual. Without saying anything, I went straight to my room.
I fell onto my bed and started to cry. Why do you have to drink so much shit? I didn't understand it, the week had started so well. I must have fallen asleep, because at some point someone gently woke me up.
I looked up and my mom and Benni were standing in front of me.
“What is it?” I hissed.
Benni stepped forward and went down on one knee in front of me.
“I don't know exactly what happened, but it seems that Alex followed you. He had a bad accident, and?“ Benni broke off.
Suddenly I was wide awake.
“Is he?” I couldn't finish the word.
“No, he's in intensive care.”
I jumped up and put on my shoes.
“I have to go there, damn it, what did I do to him?”
“Slow down, Micha, you're not driving in that state,“ my mom suddenly said.
“But I have to go to him, it's my fault he's in this accident!”
“We'll drive you there, I'll tell your dad,” she said, and left the room.
I put my head on the seat and started to cry.
“If he dies now, is it my fault?” I couldn't continue, my voice had failed me again.
Benni sat down next to me and took me in his arms.
“Hey, my big guy, take it easy, everything's going to be alright!”
* * *
I sat in my parents' car as if in a trance. Benni had come with me and held me in his arms the whole time. He didn't leave my side when we arrived at the hospital either.
“You were right to warn me about Alex, I could have saved myself all this,” I said quietly, trembling all over.
No Micha, it was wrong of me. Alex needs help and now even more than before.
My dad talked to a nurse and I was allowed to visit Alex briefly.
Five minutes, young man. Mr. Semper is not yet over the dam, the nurse said to me.
Equipped with a green coat and shoe covers, I entered. I was shocked. Alex was hooked up to various machines, with tubes and cables everywhere. I slowly approached his bed.
He seemed to be conscious, as his eyes were open. Tears were running down his face.
“Alex?” I breathed quietly, as I was unable to say more.
His eyes slowly wandered to me.
“Why?” I asked and took his hand in mine.
“I don't want to disappoint you.”
“Shh, stop talking!”
“Help me!”
I took a deep breath and stroked his forehead and hair.
“How can I help you if you don't want to, Alex?” I began to speak softly, ‘You have to want it, only then can you get away from the devil's stuff.”
“I want to, yes, can I?’ He couldn't get any further and closed his eyes.
A machine started to honk, and I looked at Alex in horror. The door was thrown open and a couple of nurses came in.
“Please leave the room,” I was asked and pushed out roughly.
A doctor came running and locked the door behind him. Stunned, I stood there, starting to tremble again. Loud voices could be heard from inside. My dad came and led me away from the door, which I was still staring at. I was paralyzed, I felt sick.
Oh God Micha, don't you faint on me now,' I heard my Dad call from afar.
My Mom ran to a nurse who immediately came with a glass of water. I swallowed a pill and poured water down. My Dad helped me sit up. With Benni on one side and Dad on the other, I slowly calmed down.
The door opened and the doctor came out. He had a serious look on his face. Tears were running down my face.
“Are you the boy's parents?“ he asked my parents.
“No, but my son is the friend,” my mom replied, “what about Alex?
He had a cardiac arrest, but we were able to bring him back, but he still remains in a critical condition, his alcohol level is very high.”
I took that calmly, only from a distance, but inside I collapsed. It was all my fault. As if Benni had read my thoughts, he held me even tighter.
Micha, it's not your fault! It's just the alcohol!
I stared at the floor but didn't answer. Benni had found out from Susanne how to reach Alex's parents, because a couple quickly came down the aisle. I looked up briefly and saw how much Alex resembled his mother.
They spoke with a nurse, who informed them about the condition of their son. I stood up and walked to them.
“I'm sorry that I left Alex and didn't help,“ I said.
Stunned, they both stood before me.
“Please?” the woman said.
My mother stepped next to me.
“Excuse me, my name is Kramer, my son Michael is a friend of your son,“ she said.
“Semper,” the woman said and shook my mom's hand, “can you tell me what happened?”
“You're still asking, that loser will have gotten drunk again, as always,” the man said.
Oh, so that's where the wind was blowing from, something clicked in me.
“Werner, be quiet, Alexander is not a failure!”
“Then why is he drinking all the time?“ the man asked angrily.
Alex's mother let go of him.
“You're a good example for him, aren't you?” the woman said a little more sharply.
The man turned around angrily and walked slowly down the hall.
“You'll have to excuse the behavior of Alex's stepfather, he's not usually like that,“ Alex's mother said.
“So he drinks too?” I said somewhat angrily.
“Micha!” my mom admonished me.
“It's all right, Mrs. Kramer, your son is right,” she said, looking down with concern.
My mother took Frau Semper in her arms and Benni pulled me back to the bench. The doctor came out again and went to Mum and Frau Semper. He said something and Frau Semper smiled painfully.
Mum spoke briefly with Dad, who then came to me.
“Alex is over the worst, he's stable again. The three of us are going home now and your mother is staying here with Ms. Semper.”
“I want to stay with Alex!“ I exclaimed.
“No, Micha, the last thing Alex needs is to see you in this state. Benni, will you sleep at our place tonight?”
“Yes, I don't want to leave Micha alone now,” Benni replied.
We got up together and said goodbye to Mrs. Semper and my mom and went home.
* * *
Three weeks later, I was sitting with Alex in the hospital park.
“And guess what, when you've finished your detox, I've even got a job for you,” I told Alex.
Alex looked at me with glassy eyes.
“Why are you doing all this for me, Micha?”
I looked at him for a long time before saying anything.
“Because I don't want to let you down again. You've been let down too much, as I found out from your mom. And I did the same.”
“But I don't want to get anything out of pity!”
“Do you really think I'm doing this out of pity?”
Alex looked at me intently and shook his head.
“Alex, I've fallen in love with you. I believe in you, I want to be with you.”
And what about the court hearing? I don't know how I'm going to manage all of this.
My dad has already looked into the matter of drunk driving and the property damage that was caused. These are all things that can be handled without any problems. Well, you'll lose your driver's license for a while.
Alex didn't know what to say. He just kept looking at me.
“We'll manage this together, okay? You're not alone anymore, so you have no reason to reach for the bottle.”
“Micha, do you think I can really do this?”
“Yes, you can do it, because you have become a 'we'!”