she took my cigarettes.

I think Mad did. Last night Mad was upset. I can't fathom why she's turned to bullying me all of a sudden, unless it's some manifestation of a separation anxiety, in which case I'm giving her awful last memories of our times together, or she's always been like this and I'm only now deciding it's bullying. Regardless, I can't stand it, really. Can't stand the Chain, either, and I'm having a hard time with most of the people around me. Is it cabin fever? Lovely leaves in two weeks, she moves back in with her parents and it will probably be a matter of time before we've stopped seeing each other altogether. Mad goes away for six months, Beatrice has taken a permanent vacation from me despite the fact that, two nights ago and with him sitting up in bed listening to J-pop, my relationship with him is an increasing mental strain. Classes start next week, and if I can't get in touch with Dad I won't be on campus. Shame that four years of study have come to this, and as much as I want it to be over I should be working harder to fix my mistake. She took my cigarettes, I'm sure of it.

The Chain made a mess of itself at Cublett, our bar, this weekend. Mama is a regular and she gets her kicks for free, but general misunderstanding indeed left her and the rest in Dire Straights. A two-hundred fortysomeodd tab, to be specific, and after a scramble by the loiterers to get it covered there was only enough left for an eight dollar tip. Too many friends ordering expensive drinks that the bartender can't comp, too few of them dropping cash, either ignorantly or on purpose. Lovely and I sipped Long Island Iced Teas from three seats over and watched the great Tab Debacle of 2009 at a distance--even Mad threw in more than her share, though it was confirmed the next day that she was pounding them professionally. At work they'll be arguing over who owes who what for the next week, and the guys at Cublett won't forget the damage, either.

Get it in line. And for the rest of you, always remember to keep your own tab.