The Trouble with Twenty-Eight Days (LoveTheWayYouLie & DontxBlinkk)

The sun was shining brightly on this warm June afternoon in northern California, and the trees were passing by the car window quickly. It was a prefect day for a drive to go antiquing, or check out the small little shops in the less populated towns tucked back in the less traveled places. But that wasn't what this little car ride was for. Not even close.

The wedding seemed like a distant memory really. Only slight remembrances of the party, the laughter....and well, the flashing police lights that happened after....

Nicholas was leaning back in the passengers seat of his brothers newly renovated Camaro. The thing was nice, with a new paint job and it purred like a kitten. They had spent many hours fixing her up, as well as his own car. That was still sitting in his drive way and would remain there for a month. That in itself was a depressing thought.....so why in the hell wasn't it raining? It couldn't be such a beautiful and cheery day when something as sad as this was going on.

Reaching up, Nicholas ran his fingers through his shaggy blonde hair and sighed. He just couldn't seem to wrap his head around why he agreed to go to rehab. But of course, he knew why. His family had touched his heart strings, even Sarah had come to talk to him and brought Abby. His sweet little Abby Girl. Where he had been overly happy to see his daughter it didn't stay that way, it wasn't the best time of his life. It had been one of his worst days, and honestly.....he wasn't aware of it yet, but it wasn't going to be the worst day he was going to have.

Where he couldn't really recall what got him here, he did remember his intervention very well. He might have been hung over during it, but he did remember. He would rather not remember, seeing as there had been so much crying and begging that it gave him a headache to even try and remember everything that happened and was said.

"It wont be that long, and just think about how better you'll feel once its over" Jason said as he drove them along the nicely paved country road. His brother looked similar to Nicholas, dirty blond hair and light eyes. Both fit and handsome young men. Where Jason was four years older than Nicholas it wasn't even noticeable. Jason's comments only got a scuff from Nicholas as he sneered and looked out the window to watch the trees pass by. "Nicky...." Jason pressed.

"Why the fuck is this place in the middle of no where? You aren't leaving me in some red neck shit hole are you?" Nicholas jabbed as his brother tried to used kid names with him. Causing Jason to roll his eyes.

"No Nicholas, its this far out to distance yourself from your addiction. Thats why." Jason looked at Nicholas with a sad glance before he turned back to the road. ".....please give this a try ok....because I don't think I can really deal with this shit anymore...and you know that." Jason muttered. Jason was married to a darling woman named Kimmy, and they were planning to start a family soon. Jason knew Nicholas needed to get clean now, or what had already gotten worse would only spiral out of control. And kill him like it did mom.

"Yea. I know, thanks for reminding me of the stone above my head." Nicholas said through gritted teeth. He knew very well what anyone said to him a few weeks ago.

Turning onto a gravel drive way they made their way down the twists and turns of the drive. Before coming back onto pavement and opening into a parking lot, the main building ahead of them, while a system of smaller buildings ran along the back side and foot of the mountain. Jason smiled as he saw the building before them. He had taken alot time and money to this faculty for his brother. It was one of the best in the area, and really, his hopes were high for Nicholas's recovery.


Pulling up to the front doors, Nicholas started to feel a pang of anxiety. This was it, he was going to be left here and it was going to be a whole new experience....one that he really didn't want to take. There wasn't going to be anymore drinking, no more nights of wild clubbing and bar hopping. None of that, it was all over because some people saw it was "damaging". But Nicholas didn't show this new found worry. He kept his disgruntle face and unamused temperament as Jason turned to him with a smile. "We're here, looks like a nice place"

Nicholas scoffed and sighed. "Lets just get this over with...please." He got out of the car. Jason popped the trunk and got out of the car just as a larger sized and friendly woman came out to meet them. Waving sweetly, as Jason, and Jason only, smiled back at her.

"Hey there! Welcome to Blooming Rose; I'm Mary!" She said kindly as he came up to the two young men. "Checking in?"

"Duh" Came Nicholas's answer before Jason nudged him to shut up.

"Yes Ma'am, I'm Jason Cross and this is my brother Nicholas Cross" He said, pulling out a bag and gesturing to Nicholas, who was pulling out his large trunk and setting it on the ground. Closing the trunk. The woman was far to friendly for the sour mood Nicholas was in, but seeing her being so welcoming and cheery helped the young man relax into a less bitchy state. So, he remained quiet.

"Well! Its wonderful to meet you boys! Lets get you inside and get everything ready." She said as the two of them followed her into the main building. It was set up slightly like a hotel, as there was a main room with sitting and a fire place, along with a large front desk. Huge really. Once they got the papers filed and everything was in order, Mary handed the paper work off and smiled to the two men. "Jason dear, this is where you say good bye." She said, as Jason sighed and looked at his brother, who was looking less upset.

"Bye Nicholas....I'll miss you....and I'll call you." He said and opened his arms for a hug. For a moment Nicholas didn't move. It was Jason's fault he was here anyway! But, with a sigh, he allowed Jason to hug him good bye and lightly hugged him back. Patting him to get out of the short and not as loving hug.

"Bye Jason. Talk to you later bro..." He muttered just above a whisper. Mary looked on sadly at the parting, it was always like this.

Jason left and Nichols looked down at his boots, not making conversation with Mary. But, she went on her way with him in tow. "Alright, grab your things and lets go. I'll give you a tour and take you to your room." She said, walking him through the main facility. They passed by a room that looked medical, "This is where are patients get their prescribed medications at their directed times. We watch you take them, and you can go. This is also the nurse wing, so if there is any issues of need for medical attention this is where you will come."

Nicholas just carried his heavy bags and was quiet. Allowing the woman to talk, he wasn't feeling much like talking anyway.....

Passing a large sitting area with tables, chairs, couches, and a TV. "This is where, if you have a visitor, you will come to talk to them. Across from this room" She pointed over, was a room similar to the other "That is when you want to come relax, that is the game and common room" Then they walked by a dinning room, and he knew that was the place they got their meals and snacks. He couldnt help but feel he was a kid again in eating in a large room reminded him of school.

They passed by a few more rooms, there was four of them. Each labeled, 'Room A, B,C,D" And inside was a circle of plush chairs, as well as inspirational pictures all over the walls. Wow, Nicholas knew it, that was therapy rooms. Before it even came out of her mouth. "These are group therapy rooms. You will have group three days a week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Your group will always be the same and it all depends on what house you are in. One on one therapy is on Saturdays and Sundays."

"What if I don't want to do therapy" He said softly and she sighed.

"You don't have a choice" There was a smile she gave as they walked out the side door and on to the grounds.

Walking down a grave path, she pointed to the pool in the back of the main facility. "That is for therapy, and if you have good passes you can use them on the pool for free time and relaxation time" Then she pointed out a dirt path into the woods. "That way will lead you to many adventures here a blooming rose, I'm not going to tell you just what is in store, but it will be very fun!" Some how...Nicholas doubted that.

Walking up to the little grouping of houses she smiled, and looked down at the paper she was carrying. "You are in Snap Dragon house" She turned and looked at Nicholas. "Thats a good house! Lots of recovery happens there, I'd say its good luck!" She was just to damn cheery!

"Luck isn't real" He said once more, just above a whisper. Mary looked down at the paper and sighed.

"It was pretty lucky you hit an empty house instead of one with people in it." She answered back and Nicholas just stared at her with a fierce gaze. Ok, maybe Ms. Mary was more of a bitch than she let on. She gave a little twitch of a laugh and went on her way with Nicholas following.

There was four houses, two on the left and two on the right. They were white and nicely sized houses. With front and back porches. They were really just little apartments that two people shared, but this made it seem more cozy. Outside one house was bushes of Petunia's, another had Lily's, another have Violet bushes, and the last had bright orange Snap Dragons. "The other houses are named after their flowers. Petunia, Lily, Violet and Snap Dragon" Mary told him as they walked towards Snap Dragon house. The sounds of soft talking or some light music was filling the air, seeming as the other houses were full. "You're the last person to take their room, all the others are here"

Walking them up the the door on the left side of Snap Dragon house, Mary looks down at the paper. "Alright, you're room mates with Adrianne. Your other two house mates on the right side are Marcus, and Luke." Knocking on the door first, she then opened it and walked inside.

"Adrianne dear, your room mate is here!" She beamed with her overly happy voice once again. Strolling into the room like she owned the place. Nicholas, hesitantly walking in as well. Walking in, there was the bed room. Two full sized beds on either side of the room. They were clean, and nicely made. Both sides of the room had dressers to put their clothing and night stands with lamps. To his left was an arch way that lead into a sitting area with books and a small fire place. Then just beyond that abit and to the left was the bath room. A glass door was on the other side of the room, that lead to the back porch and the wood land view.


He couldn't lie, it was rather nice. Small, but nice. Tossing his things on the bed closest to the front door he sighed and sat down on the bed. Mary smiled and patted his head. "You two be nice!" She handed Nicholas a packet of papers. "Meals are served three times a day, but you can get snacks at all times of the day. Feel free to read over the packet, but here is a run down of the rules." Mary had gone from cheery to boss in two seconds flat. "No drugs, No Alcohol, No addictions of any kind. If you are caught you will be removed from the program. No physical attacks on staff or others, or yourself. Actions will be taken to correct this behavior. No sexual intercourse with staff or other patients. You have signed an agreement to come to every therapy session, may that be group, one on one, or physical. You will accompany your house on team events at all times."

Nicholas just stared at her, slightly thrown off by the change in personality. "Do you understand?" She asked as Nicholas just nodded slowly. A big smile came to her red lip sticked face. "Good!" She pat his head and turned. "Dinners at six sharp! See you there! Get nice and comfortable Mr. Cross. Today if the start of the rest of your life!" She said and left.

Slightly thrown off over what just all happened, he sat on the bed for a moment and took a deep breath. He really was here right now...this wasn't a dream. He was in rehab....the crashing realization was almost enough to choke him up. Of course he kept all that down and buried all the insecurities he was having at the moment, opening his trunk slowly. Wait....he wasn't alone. He had a room mate.........

Blue eyes lifted to the room.

This wasn't how his summer was meant to go. Adrianne was planning on having the best months of the year to himself, to do as he pleased and celebrate his few free months with what friends he had left. His boyfriend had plans set up, a whole list of clubs and other pleasurable activities for the pair to do. Not to mention, Adrianne could spend time with his sister, Charlotte. She was coming home from her boarding school today... In the silence of the country side, Adrianne could swear he heard the whistle of the train calling out to him, tormenting him with the fact that he couldn't have his sister with him. It had been over a year since he last saw her and he missed her more than anything in the world. There was no way she could possibly want to see him now though. When she left, he had just left rehab for the second time and it seemed as if his life was going to be on track again. He'd say on the right path, away from drugs and out of the reach of the dark streets. Clearly that didn't work.

Just two days ago, he was in his own family vehicle, driving up the drive way and into the familiar parking lot with his mother in the driver's seat. Unlike the last three times, Adrianne and his mother were on their own. His father was no longer supporting her decision to try and help their son, demanding that he wasn't going to spend another cent on that 'wilted daisy crap'. Instead, his mother sold off what she could and begged his grandmother for a loan so she could send her only son to get the help he needed.

It wasn't that Adrianne wasn't trying to get better... he always did. He always came back in a better condition than he left in and it lasted for several months. In the beginning, after his run in with alcohol, he lasted several months. But as time went by, the root of all of his problems returned and lured him back into the depths of the world he had tried so hard to leave behind. The second time was cut short by his birthday party and the offer of a brand new experience at a club. The drug user didn't hesitate to try it and quickly regretted it when he felt his body grow addicted to ecstasy.

Heroin was his next trap and that royally fucked him up. There was no other way to put it and no one could deny it. If there was one thing good about Adrianne's problem, it was that he admitted that he was addicted to several substances. Unlike others in the facility, there was no argument when it came to an intervention. In fact, the first time around, he was more than willing to go and get the help he needed. As time went on though, he grew more frustrated with himself and less enthused to go. Rehab hadn't solved the issue, but his heart was refusing to let him separate himself from the real issue.

And so, back to the great Blooming Rose. Each time he had been there, he was place in a different house. Being in Snap Dragon house meant this was his last strike. No matter how much money was spent on him, if he couldn't get better after being place in Snap Dragon meant there was a good chance the facility wouldn't want him back. Or so he thought. So many people left from his house and turned their lives completely around, giving everyone else hope. The fact that he was finally placed there told him those in charge wanted to give him the chance to get better, and were possibly trying to tell him that he deserved it.

But despite what house he was in, Adrianne always enjoyed spending time on he back porch, allowing the sunlight to warm his gaunt form. Not only had the drugs messed up his social life, but his physical health was severely lacking as well. Not that he was always in the best of shape, but this had made things so much worse. The sun was a large help in lifting his spirits, along with the guitar currently resting on his knee. Between those two things, Adrianne's day was made just slightly better.

His dull green eyes lifted as he heard the door to the small apartment open. Mary's voice carried quite well and instantly, the man perked up. Mary may have been a bitch to some, but he thoroughly enjoyed her being around, if for no other reason than she was just that. Her snappy remarks and hidden cruelty entertained Adrianne and as long as he was polite to her, they never had a problem. She had been there to greet him on his first visit and had been through many of his withdraws. Her motherly behaviour was welcomed by the younger man and he loved her like an aunt. Hell, by the amount of times he was in there, she might as well have been one.

A room mate. About time he got one. Marcus and Luke were all fine to talk too, but having someone in the room with him was always a supportive addition to his experience. Watching other people have melt downs were always a way to make himself feel better about what he was going through. He waited until Mary had left, rolling his eyes to her final comment about their lives, before bothering to stand up and slip inside the building. There he stopped, black hair a mess, as his eyes trailed over the stranger inside. His room mate was larger than he was, which wasn't surprising in the slightest, but he looked to be quite attractive, which was a surprise. His issue must not have been too bad, if he looked the way he did. No sign of large withdraws or too big a fight of going there. Over all, it looked like he had a peaceful trip there. Mr. Cross... hm...

"Adrainne Lyons," he greeted, setting his guitar on the end of his bed, eyes still held on the blonde stranger. "Nice to meet you." He lifted a hand, waving towards the front door that Mary had left through. "She means well, really. Just a bit... fed up at times."