Pleasure Before Pain

Daniel Sims?

You got to be kidding me.

The Daniel Sims that just happened to give me A's on almost all my algebra tests?

Not even because I was remotely good, because trust me I was not. Math is not my strong suit.

I prefer English or even physics. 

I do good in academics but I am not a genius. Just a normal teenage guy trying to figure out life like everybody else.

"Say something, Quincy, you have been sitting there without saying a word and it’s making me anxious." She says in a sad tone while tapping her shoes on the ground causing a slow but steady rhythm.

Anxious? Is she kidding me right now?

Does she know the storm of emotions in my head right now?

No, she don't get to be sad.

I can feel the anger building up in me.

She freaking faked her death so she could screw a guy. It could have been any guy and she chose annoying Mr. Sims?

That creep?

"No, no, no, no!" I stand up and yell at her. She visibly jerks.

"You don't get to do this. This is the reason you left me? So you could screw my math teacher?! What about dad?!" I can feel my eyes swelling up but I would rather die than to her the pleasure of seeing me cry.

I don't wait for her to respond. I race towards the door. I hear the sharp clicks of her shoes on the hardwood floor. She is following close behind but I don't give her the chance to reach me.

I open the door quickly and shut it.

I race towards the elevator which happens to be open. I step inside and as it closes I catch a quick glance of her gray blouse.

Well damn her for forsaking her family.

For forsaking me.

For making me spend so many days battling depression and anxiety.

When she was gone, everyday was a test of my strength.

Some days my mind couldn't face the pain and I would cry until no tears came.

And when the days came that I could face it, I would just be numb.

My dad took me to a few therapists but they were of no avail.

I didn't say a word to them. I did not need to say anything. They couldn't bring her back. No matter how many pills or encouraging words they shot at me, it couldn't quench the fire that burned in my heart. Burning all my control, peace, joy and hope. 

Being so caught up in my thoughts about what just happened. I notice that I am not alone in the elevator.

A beautiful brown haired girl with the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen is staring at me.

"Oh..uhmm, hi?" I say dumbly.

Why do I act so awkward around girls?

She smiles brightly. Her smile is the most beautiful thing I have seen all day.

For a moment I forget about what just happened between my mother and I.

The girl is wearing black Nike sneakers that matches her long tight black jeans. Her gray sweater seems a little big for her but looks amazing nevertheless.

Her hair looks like silk and her lips are rosy pink. She has milky white skin. She simply looks like an angel.

She giggles loudly.

"What?" I ask with a smile.

"You are staring." She flips her hair behind her shoulders. She seems shy but yet bold.

I laugh.

"I guess I am. Daniels, Quincy Daniels. But you can call me Quincy. Gosh I'm being so formal." I laugh nervously.

"Oh no, its cool. I like formal." She says trying to help me before I embarrass myself even more.

The elevator stops and the door opens.

She walks out first and I follow closely behind.

She has a pink sling bag on her shoulder that I didn't notice before and she is now checking inside.

She brings her phone out after a minute and hands it to me. I look at her confused.

"Your number, idiot." She says with humor.

I laugh lightly.

I tap my number into her phone and save it. I then call my phone so I could get hers. My phone rings shortly and I hand hers back. She glances at the phone in a quick motion and smiles.

"Okay, bye Quincy. I have to be on my way now. It’s much colder at night in New York and there are creeps in almost every alley." She says casually.

I chuckle lightly.

I didn't even know it was night now. I look at my watch and it shows that its past nine.

"Bye." I say grinning.

She walks towards the door and George opens it for her. He says something to her and she laughs. She looks at me once before she exits the building.

I sigh in satisfaction. At least today was not a total bust.

My phone vibrates in my hand. I look at it, a new text message from an unknown but familiar number.

Gosh, I didn't even ask her for her name.

 The text reads : Party at Ginger's at 12am. Be there idiot. I need a date. Davina

I smile brightly. "Ginger's" is a club not too far from our building. It opens all days or should I say nights of the week.

It's one of the most trending clubs now. I heard DJ Khalid went there once.

I tap on my phone's keyboard swiftly.

My text reads: Lol, well since you need a hot date. I will be the man. What should I wear?

I press send and then put a name to the unknown number.

Davina: Clothes, duh?

Me: You know what I meant, smart mouth.

Davina: Okay, okay. Let me teach you how to dress okay? Don't sweat it, just wear something that isn't too costly. You could get a few drinks spilled on you by accident. Most of all, wear you.

Me: Aww, look at you being all wise.

Don't worry honey, I never take off me. Okay, that sounded weird but you know what I meant.

Davina: Stop annoying me with your charm. I'm getting ready and my phone buzzing is not helping.

Me: Who do you want to look good for? I'm secretly thinking you are a stripper and you want to use me for one of your shows tonight.

Davina: lol..you are weird Quincy. And no, tonight is not my night to dance on stage.

Me: you're kidding, right? And how come you’re getting ready when you left just thirty minutes ago?

Davina: lol..nope....chill I'm kidding. Now stop texting me and let me get ready. We turning up tonight, and that's because I live just a block away from your building.

I laugh to myself and then place my phone in my pocket. I then head to my floor using the elevator. After a few minutes I am in my room walking towards the closet.

I open the beige colored door of the closet. Clothes appear in sight. Most of them are formal and a few are casual.

I push aside a few, causing the iron hang-ups to make a screeching sound.

My eyes spot a dark blue sweater and I take it out and throw it on the bed. It is cold tonight so I will need it. I pick a black jeans to go with it, throwing it on the bed too.

I then take a quick shower and get ready for the party.

After getting ready, I look in the standing designed mirror on the wall and my reflection looks fairly good.

I grab my phone that was on charge and leave the apartment, locking the door.

Ten minutes later, I'm walking the streets of New York. The street lights makes it look as if it was day. I push my hair back slightly as I anticipate how this party thing will turn out.

A few minutes pass and I can now see the club. The words "Ginger's" sits on top of the building with lights dancing on each letter. I can already see the crowd. Don't people sleep in this city?

When I reach the crowd, I search everywhere for my mystery girl that I met in the elevator.

Davina better be here, I could be reading a good book with a coffee in my hand by now. Gosh, I’m so boring.

A sudden tap on my shoulder startles me. I turn to see my angel. Why am I calling her mine?

A huge smile plays on her lips and she looks gorgeous.

Her hair is held back in a pony tail and her lips are now a deep shade of red. The white crop top she's wearing shows her flat smooth stomach.

She's wearing an unbuttoned denim jacket and blue jeans. Her black star sneakers compliments her simple but yet drawing outfit.

Only she can wear something this simple and look like a Victoria's Secret model.

"Earth to Quincy." She waves her hand in front of my face.

"We got to go, tonight I don't want to see that pained and tortured guy I saw in the elevator. I want to see the cute guy that says dumb things and smiles a little too much when he's with me." She grabs my hand, pulling me towards the long cue.

"So it's pleasure before pain tonight, huh?" I ask while grinning.

She stops in her tracks and stares at me with her head tilted slightly. A goofy grin plays on her lips.

"Yeah..pleasure before pain."