Part 96
Howie and Sarah woke early in the morning to the all too familiar sounds emanating from the room next door. They had been the unlucky ones to get the room next to AJ this time around and had been woken by AJ’s partying each night in Boston.
Sleepily, Sarah said, "Sounds like an argument."
"Mmmm….I saw Ali with him after the show. She’s probably said something to him that’s pissed him off."
"I thought Ali would be good for him," sighed Sarah. "I’m glad we don’t fight like that."
Howie thought back to the times when they were having a rough time and how he’d just about torn up the bar. "Believe me, I’ve done my fair share but I’ll NEVER do it again."
The two snuggled together listening to the angry, muffled voices next door.
"D, maybe you should go check on Ali. I mean, if he’s mad and wasted, there’s no telling what he’ll do."
"He won’t hurt her."
"We didn’t think he’d hurt me either," said Sarah softly.
Before Howie could get up though, they heard the door slam and then glass breaking. A second later, there was a knock at their door. They both got up to answer it
"Guys, I’m sorry for waking you," said Ali as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Howie took her hand and pulled her into the room. "You didn’t wake us. What’s up?"
"It’s AJ…as usual. I can’t take it anymore, Howie."
Sarah hugged Ali as they sat down on the couch. "Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?"
Ali shook her head as she wiped the tears away. "No…not physically. God, Sarah, he told me what he’d done to you and he threatened to do the same to me if I didn’t stay with him tonight. He was so drunk."
Howie had taken a seat behind Sarah and putting his hands on her shoulders, he said, "Ali, you have to know that Kevin and I have both talked to AJ about getting help. You need to stick around and support him. I know it’s hard and he’s betrayed you….he’s betrayed ALL of us with his crap but he NEEDS us more than ever now."
"I know all that and you’re right, he does need our support but I CAN NOT do it anymore. It’s tearing me apart to see him like this, Howie. He’s so wonderful when he’s clean but he’s such an asshole when…."
"Yeah, we know," chorused Howie and Sarah.
"I was gonna try and get a flight back to Orlando in the morning. I need some time to think. Until I leave, I’ll stay with Denise. That’s where I’ve been all along anyway."
Sarah said, "I wish you’d stay but I understand where you’re coming from."
"I love him with all my heart, guys…that’s why it’s tearing me apart like this. Can one of you explain to him why I had to leave?"
Howie nodded, "When he’s sober, I’ll talk to him."
None of the three sitting there at that moment had any notion of what was about to unfold in just a few short hours.
****
Looking at his watch for the hundredth time in less than ten minutes, Kevin decided it was time to do something about AJ to make sure he was ready for their day on time. There was no show Sunday but all five guys were expected to throw out the first pitch at the Red Sox game for Kid’s Day. There was no way AJ was going to screw this up.
At his door, Kevin knocked hard to make sure AJ heard him but got no response. Kevin began to pound on the door drawing Marcus’ attention from across the hall.
Sticking his head out, Marcus asked, "What’s up Kev?"
"I need to get AJ up. We’ve got an appearance to make this afternoon. You got the key?"
Marcus handed Kevin the key card and Kevin slid it through. He still wasn’t able to get in because AJ had put the security latch on the door as well.
"Damnit!" growled Kevin. Then louder, "AJ….GET YOUR ASS UP!"
That got no response and Marcus said, "It’s no use, Kev. He was pretty trashed."
"Who’s room has the connecting door?"
"Howie’s. Why?"
"Go get THAT key. Make up some excuse but get the damn key. I’ll be in Howie’s room waiting."
Howie had been working on some music for Sarah when Kevin knocked on the door. He greeted Kevin with a warm but tired smile. "Whaz up?"
Kevin looked like a thundercloud as he moved through the room. He dropped into the chair heavily and ran his hands through his hair. "This whole mess with AJ is beginning to wear thin."
Howie shook his head as he closed the door. "I agree but we can’t give up on him. Ali’s headed home because of it."
"I can’t say I blame her. What about Sarah? How’s she holding up?"
"She’s doing okay. She’s agreed to talk to AJ’s counselor to help deal with it."
Kevin looked around the room. "Where is she anyway?"
"Asleep. AJ woke us kinda early and then Ali came by to talk to us. Plus, she tossed breakfast."
Kevin eyed Howie suspiciously. This wasn’t sounding good for Sarah and Howie seemed to have a nonchalant attitude about the whole thing. AJ’s situation was JUST the kind of thing that would set Sarah off. And she was looking extremely pale lately along with a noticeable loss of weight. Hesitantly, Kevin asked, "Howie, is Sarah okay? I mean….all this…it’s gotta be tough….has it….?"
Howie realized what Kevin was getting at and said, "No…she’s just got the flu or something and yeah, the stress is keeping her down but other than that, she’s FINE. Believe me, I thought the same thing at first too until I watched her turn green after a meal one day."
Kevin breathed a sigh of relief. "This mess with AJ would be just the thing to set her back."
"Yeah, I know."
There was a knock at the door and then Raoul came in followed by Marcus. The key was handed to Kevin and he headed for the bedroom.
"Whoa! Sarah’s in there."
"Yeah, so? I’m just going to go through. I’m not gonna wake her."
"But she may not…"
Kevin laughed, "D…I’m not gonna look. Besides…"
"Don’t go there. Let me go make sure she’s covered."
Kevin gave Howie time to make sure Sarah was covered and then he followed him into the room. He glanced over at Sarah sleeping peacefully and couldn’t help thinking how beautiful she looked. Kevin smiled, "You’re a lucky man, D."
It took Kevin’s eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness of AJ’s room. The stench of liquor was strong so Kevin moved to the balcony to open the door. Opening the curtains revealed the havoc AJ had played the night before. Kevin surveyed the scene. There were pieces of broken glass everywhere along with empty bottles and clothes strewn about the room. AJ himself was spread eagle on the bed still wearing the clothes he’d worn at the concert and an empty bottle in his hand.
Kevin knew there was no easy way to handle this so he kicked the bed and growled, "Get your ass up, Bone. We’ve got work to do."
AJ attempted to open his eyes but was blinded by the light coming through the door. Grumbling, "Close the fuckin’ curtains! Today’s our day off," and he pulled the covers over his eyes.
Kevin grabbed them. "GET UP, ALEX!"
"Leave me the fuck alone, Richardson! Today’s our day off and I intend to sleep!"
"No, we have an appearance to make for Kid’s Day at the Red Sox game. We’re throwing out the first pitch."
"Screw it!"
Kevin grabbed AJ and pulled him up. Through clenched teeth, Kevin spat, "You’re gonna get your sorry ass up, take a shower, and get ready."
AJ, still feeling the effects of the alcohol, attempted to push Kevin off. "I’m SICK OF YOU! Leave me the hell alone."
"And I’m sick of covering for your sorry ass. Be in my room at noon or I’m calling management. I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let you destroy ALL of our dreams."
Kevin stormed out the room slamming the door behind him.