CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO
(part two)

A man stood from a bunk on the right side of the room. Aden blinked. That’s Molly’s husband. Jacob’s bookkeeper Molly’s husband. Pete.

“Pete?” Aden asked. “What?”

“Hi Aden,” he said. “They told me they were putting us together. They thought since we knew each other, I wouldn’t be influenced by your fame.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Drugs,” they said together.

“I thought you kicked it,” Aden said. “You’ve been driving for us for a year. And I know they pee test you every time you step into a truck. Hair follicle test every three months.”

“Yeah, I had a year and three days,” Pete said. “Then… I don’t know what happens. I miss the life, I guess. Molly’s been working a lot for Jake. They’ve gotten really busy. She’s making great money.”

“Too much of a good thing?”

“Nah, I swear she and Jake have a thing.”

“Molly and Jake?” Aden shook his head. He sat down on the bunk across from Pete. “Have you seen Jake with Jill?”

“I was at the wedding reception. But otherwise, I haven’t.” Pete shook his head. “I went to high school with Jill. She and Trevor were always a thing. It’s hard to believe she could be with someone else. But Molly says I’m a fool to think that she’s with Jake. Anyway, I got pissed off and stupid jealous.”

“Started using again,” Aden said. “I’ve done that. Rewarded myself. I deserve a little….”

“Right, that’s exactly right,” Pete said. “Fuck this, I’m going out. I was gone for three days. When I got home, Molly was mad. I’ve never seen her that mad. We argued and the neighbors called the cops. I was angry, high, drunk, obnoxious, and on parole.”

“Revoked your parole?”

“Yeah,” Pete said. “I either get three years community corrections or three years in Cañon City. Depends on what they say here.”

“Wow, I guess that was worth it.”

Aden got up to review their space. Two bunks, sink and toilet. Nothing fancy. At least it was clean. Pete watched him look around.

“Why am I famous?” Aden asked then sat down again.

“You beat up that chester,” Pete said. “It’s not such a big deal here at DRDC, but in the general population, you’re a hero.”

“Lucky me.”

“I guess that was worth it,” Pete repeated what Aden has said.

“Not so much,” Aden said. “I haven’t done this in a while.”

“Don’t worry,” Pete said. “I’ll walk you through it. It’s pretty easy.”

“Thanks.”

“There’s something you could do for me,” Pete said. “In return. If you don’t mind.”

“What?”

“I have three kids. And Molly. I love them. And when I sit here, I know they’re the best thing in my life, the only thing that matters. Without them, I’m nothing.”

“But getting high takes all that away?”

“I love getting high,” Pete said. “I can’t have both. Molly says she’s done. I either get high or have a family. That’s what she said. And I believe her. I’ve put her and the kids through too much. She’s doesn’t deserve to have a drugged out husband.”

Aden nodded.

“Can you help me get straight?” Pete asked. “You did it. You’ve been sober for…”

“Five years in March. Six years off and on before that.”

“How did you do that?” Pete asked. “The longest I’ve been clean is a year and three days. I don’t think I can do it.”

“If I can, anyone can,” Aden said. “But the question isn’t how I got sober. The question is how are you going to get sober? What’s it going to take?”

The lights in the prison shut off. Hoping for some sleep induced oblivion, Aden got under the covers of his bunk. He lay staring at the ceiling.

“But you’ll help me, right?” Pete whispered.

“I’ll help you help yourself.”

“Good.”

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow….