Free Look After Me by Elena Matthews Page A

‘like’ as if he was in the movie Clueless. “Um, yeah. I’ve served three tours in Afghanistan.” Just as I’m about to continue with my introduction to the circle, his words halt me in my steps.
    “Have you seen like, limbs being blown up and shit?”
    Oh wow, is this guy for real? Trying to disguise my irritation with a smirk, I answer, “I’ve witnessed more than you can ever dream to imagine.”
    “Yeah, but like, what kind of stuff?”
    I glance at Addison for a moment, watching the humor flit across her eyes. I decide to hit him with the hard stuff, just for being an insensitive jackass. “Have you ever seen Band of Brothers? ” He nods eagerly. “And have you ever watched Saw, all seven of them?” Again he nods, a little too eagerly. “Well, that’s kind of what you get, but with an added Resident Evil in the mix.” It’s brutal in Afghanistan; not fucking twisted, but I can’t resist adding the scare factor on. However, this guy must be as twisted as they come because he seems to lap my blood and guts right up.
    “Awesome! Where the fuck do I sign up? This is shit I need to witness!”
    Jesus, this guy must have some warped issues going on inside that head of his. Seriously, if this guy were ever to find himself in a war zone, he’d have himself killed within a day. Not that he’d ever pass the mental evaluation to become a soldier.
    Before I have a chance to lay into this dick for being the most insensitive asshole on this earth, Addison’s words beat me to it. “Um, I think that’s enough introducing for one day.” Addison’s eyes flicker from the jackass to me, the humor still apparent within her hazel eyes. “You can sit back down, Sebastian.” I sit, relieved Addison intervened when she did because I wouldn’t have had any qualms about my fist meeting his face, and that’s not the first impression I want to give at my first NA meeting.
    The rest of the session goes off without a hitch. After learning more about jackass and the amount of drugs he’s consumed over the years, it’s hardly surprising the guy has lost a few too many brain cells along the way. He’s definitely an eye opener though. Just looking at his dense face is enough to keep you on the straight and narrow.
    As everybody begins to leave, I notice him walking towards me. Immediately, I jump up and find my way over to Addison. She’s pouring herself a drink of water from the refreshments table and smiles when she notices me.
    “Hey. So how was your first session?”
    “Well, it started out awesome, ” I say, hooking my thumb over my shoulder into the direction of jackass, “but it improved.”
    “I’m really sorry about him. He obviously—”
    “Has a screw loose?”
    She laughs. “Not what I was going for but yeah, you could say that.” She takes a sip of water before focusing her attention back on me. “He’s harmless though. He just doesn’t think before he speaks. I like to think it’s the effect of the many years of drug abuse, but I have a feeling he’s always been a dick.”
    I laugh lightly. “Did you just swear in a house of God?”
    She slaps her hand over her mouth. “Oh God, shit. I mean crap. Crap, I just swore again. Shit. Oh God, I’m officially the most terrible person ever. Who swears in a church?”
    “You apparently, and let’s not forget taking the Lord’s name in vain.” I smirk, unable to help myself.
    She smacks me lightly on the arm. “I’m supposed to be the good influence! A good influence who doesn’t swear or takes the Lord’s name in vain!”
    Still smiling, I hold my hands up. “Hey, I’m not judging. Especially since I look like I’m attending a frigging funeral.”
    Her eyes trace my attire, a smile lifting at the corner of her lips. “If you don’t mind me asking, why are you dressed like that?”
    I shove my hands into my slack pockets. “An idiotic mistake on my part. You said church and I immediately thought Sunday school. You can imagine my