He couldnât tell if what he felt was guilt, or something completely different. Chris smiled, though, sloppy and sarcastic - as he pressed himself into the couch, arms spread out at either side, legs wide open. Stop? Why would he stop? It was the only thing that took away the pain. When he told Ashley that he was through with line after line, of course he was lying to her.
   Thatâs just what addicts did. Theyâd say anything to make it seem like they were perfectly normal - well, when they had control of it. Did Chris have control of his addiction? He thought so, but - Chris should have thought about it a little harder. Ashley wasnât stupid, and he knew that she might find out eventually - which, she did. She absolutely did.
    âHow cliche would it be to tell you that you donât understand?â
    Ashley paced back and forth as she contemplated just what was going on with Chris. She had found out about him doing this just about over three months ago. Now whenever she had stumbled upon it in his back pack, she felt hurt. âI thought we were friends. I couldâve even helped you stop, if thatâs what you wanted.â, she was upset and avoided even glancing at his eyes. It wasnât like she was disappointed in him, more so than she was disappointed in herself.
     When he said that she didnât understand, she finally acknowledged his eyes. âI donât understand, because you wonât tell me anything.â, Ashley sat on the coffee table in front of him while letting a sigh fall from her lips. âPlease, Chris, just please let me help you. I donât want to lose my friend.â, her words came out pleadingly.