"It's my turn to be designated tonight," Kate said, smiling without a care. She could be designated or not, and she would be perfectly content.
"We can call a cab and pick up Kate's car later, that way we all go in one car." Joan suggested."Says the one with the rich husband! I'm broke. No cab," I grinned.Joan stuck out her tongue."Speaking of, how's that quarterback doing?"Racheal asked."He does me well enough, thank you.”"Jeez. How graphic," Kate chuckled.I was cracking up by the car, holding my purse to my chest as I all but shook."Thatta girl. I was kidding, by the way. We can split a cab so Kate isn't sidelined, but I'm not getting too crazy. We can't all be a mess at once.""Always the brain," Racheal winked, and Joan made a quick call to a cab as we waited.We were at the bar a half an hour later, each one of us nursing a different drink. I was content with a mojito for tonight, and limited myself to only two glasses.Racheal had downright terrified me with her news earlier tonight, and I needed my judgement clear if I was to tell her what was in my head.Later that night when she, Kate, and I were the only ones left in the car ride home, I looked at her.Smiled softly. It was hard to start speaking when I had no place to start.I cleared my throat and said the first thing that came to mind. "You're like my sister, Racheal.""Same here, girlie.""That's why I need you to be careful. People like Fred, they can be unstable,and convincing. Just don't let yourself feel trapped. And don't let him change you. If even for one second you feel something, you know I'm here. Just pick up the damn phone. Call any of us and I know we'll run to you. If he's changed, then I'll personally apologize to you for doubting him."She nodded, trying to seem lighthearted with a feigned smile.I tried my hardest to open the door quietly when I made it to the front porch, but the lights had been on and everyone in the house was wide awake, nestled in front of the television as they watched a movie.The smell of sweetness lingered around me, so I followed it to the kitchen. It seemed my brother had gotten creative and baked a batch chocolate chip cookies, from which I took two of the largest.There were footsteps approaching, so I turned around to find my dad scoping the refrigerator."Guess who I got to have a good chat with today," he spoke. "Nearly an hour, too. Nice to talk to an old friend every now and then.""Who?" I asked, knowing all too well."James.""You talk to him all the time, dad," I said, smiling."How are they up there?""Well enough. Better than that, I'm guessing.Leon really brought up the company since he took charge.""He's always been a good businessman," I murmured, my tongue suddenly heavy. "They're a good team.”"I wouldn't say team. Leon’s been taking in the reins, and in his mid 2os!" My dad roared, laughing. Then he sobered up, seeming to be thinking of something, and shrugged. "James is kind of beat up lately, it's good that Leon’s taking on a bigger position.”I listened, just a little uncomfortable. But my face gave nothing away."I'm thinking of looking at an apartment soon," I began. "It's small, but clean and affordable. I think-“"You should focus on your studies. Just two more years and you'll have the master's. You can stop there or keep going if you want. You're never a bother to us here, just as long as you're making your future, Emilia. We don't mind.""I know, dad. I just want to be out of your hair. I'm twenty years old and I think maybe it's a better idea if I become more independent, not have to lean on you for support."He shook his head, adamant. "We're family. That's what we do. Support. But if an apartment is what you want, we can go looking for some. We'll help you get on your feet until you're good on your own.And if you need to come back you know where we.”I smiled, gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, dad. You're the very best.""Go on up and rest.""That rhymed," I winked.And left my dad laughing, taking the stairs carefully, quickly, until I was alone again.***I had been moody all day, and I couldn't find a reason for it, yet I wasn't about to let it ruin my performance at the lounge tonight. Not when working was so important to me, and the only way in which I would earn enough money to find my own apartment.So I went downstairs for a good cup of coffee and returned only to prepare myself, showering and waving my hair accordingly. I painted my lips a cold red and perfected my face as much as I could.My dress was black, classic, and it hung just above my knees, clinging tastefully to my curves. The heels I chose matched my mouth, and my earrings were simple cubic studs.I was set. Old glamor and professionalism, the makings of any troubled singer.Laughing at myself I retrieved my clutch, walking out of the house within minutes. Once I arrived I parked my car in the employees section, and felt the fluttering of waves rooted deep inside my stomach as I saw the influx of cars, the people, felt the air. Saturdays were always the busiest as people came to relieve their weekdays with great food, a few drinks, and a good live performance.They came, and for once, they saw me sing. They saw me at my weakest, at my most vulnerable. It was terrifying and thrilling all at once, and I felt as if I were walking above air. It never quite lost feeling.I walked through the back doors and into the backstage area, quickly coming into contact with Justin who came to me and smiled."They're here for you, Emily. I hope you know that."I grinned and rolled my eyes. "I'm just background noise. They like it when they eat. "He gave me a look over, then settled straight into my eyes with those pretty blue ones. "You're the reason this club has lifted,
I was done with classes at four in the afternoon today and decided to stay at the university an extra hour to study for an upcoming test. I sat under the shade and had a small coffee in hand, my rented textbook, and my laptop. Everything I needed to help me prepare.I was set. All I had to do was open the book and actually read it, while of course, retaining the information.But the task of reading and retaining was exceedingly difficult at the moment, and I found my mind heavy. My thoughts would wander off into nothing so that I would have to go back and read the passage again, and again. And it wasn't for lack of interest. The science of mental disorders and psychotherapy was intriguing; I wanted to learn.Yet a pair of green eyes would sneakily slither into my consciousness when I was least aware of it, and I would catch myself remembering him for minutes at a time.Taking a sip of coffee, I let myself stop trying. I put the book to a side and let my thoughts run. They were forcefu
"You bet, be careful out there." My dad turned to me and spoke, "Emily, mind leaving your car and its keys here? Mine's been acting up lately and I need to buy food. Your mom is working later than usual tonight."Oh god."Yeah, why not. Here," I said, depositing them in his hand.Without another word I looked toward the door, and Leon was already there with the knob in hand, opening it for me.Once outside of the house he closed the door behind me. I took in a deliberate lungful of air, feeling the warmth fill my chest.Jesus Christ. I had no idea what to do. I was angered beyond myself at him showing up at my house and weaving around his wand as if he owned the city now that he was a hotshot CEO. My blood simply boiled at him for having ruined my night and my concentration even further, at having him come to me simply out of a sick sort of sadism.That was it. He was bored upon his return and he liked to see me suffer.In the moment I told myself to find composure, to not let him see
I don't know why I felt a looming heaviness over my body the entirety of the time I stood by the bar, but it seemed to be getting stronger. I watched Daniel prepare my drink to give my mind something to focus on."I'll have whatever she's having.”That's why.I turned my head to the left and found him walking toward me, appearing darkly.I didn't look away."Why don't you sit? Celebrate your performance."He asked.I thought of telling him to shove it, but I just sat, knowing it would be easier to relax without having to stand."Two rum and cokes. Dark." Daniel placed the glasses down in front of us and moved to the other end of the bar, tending to other customers.I took my first sip and set it down, running circles along the rim with a red fingernail."You're still below the legal drinking age," he commented, his voice somewhat of a challenge.I just smiled, knowing he could see it, and looked into the dark amber inside my glass."T have my ways in here.""I know," he said. "VIP park
"You're going to focus, Emilia. No pair of green eyes are breaking your stride today. And you will not think of him." I dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom, splashing some cold water onto my face before brushing my teeth.If yesterday Leon had tapped into my weaknesses and left me feeling a mess, it would be the last time he did so, because I was not going to let him do it again. It had been much too long since I had loved him, and now I was determined to feel nothing.Nothing but aggravation.Downstairs I poured and creamed a decently sized cup of coffee as much needed fuel, and I walked back up the stairs again carefully, knowing I was more susceptible to tripping when I had something fragile in my hands.Twenty minutes later I was ready and walking out of the house, when I realized, that it would be alright today. I turned the volume up louder so that the thoughts in my mind became a soothing blur.I would pay attention in my classes and I would study without breaking m
I had never felt such disappointment and pure heartache as I did now, staring at his empty space, knowing the chances I would see him again were close to nothing. And I had tried so hard not to break then.But I had only to see my best friend Racheal's concerned face, and I started to cry. Silent, wrecking sobs that tore at my chest.And I heard her say, almost as if from a distance,"Emily, what's wrong?"She put her arms around me and pulled me closer."He didn't come, did he?"1 shook my head, and she just let me cry there until I couldn't anymore.When the world seemed to calm down, and no one was around me to see, I sat down with my back to my bedroom wall. My knees were bent at my chest, and I cradled my face in the space between them.I thought about him, for so long at a time that I couldn't separate the memories.His green eyes were narrowing at me, that white smile flashing. He was teasing me again, telling me how much he needed me. And then he was jealous, angry that I wasn
If I could possibly evaporate someone with just a look, I would evaporate this person. "Sir, could you possibly move yourself from the pathway? And your other hundred belongings?"He gave me a look, didn't move a thing, and looked away again."Fine." I walked over one pricey looking luggage and flung my bag over carelessly, possibly knocking into his buttocks in the process."Hey!""Learn some manners!" I called out. And walked my irritated way out of gate B.Determined to make it home I walked quickly forward and to the glass gate, picking up the phone to make a call."Dad," I started. "I hate airports. I hate flying. Why are people so stupid, huh? What's with them?Okay, I'm going to drive back. My car's at the lot, hopefully in one piece.""Emilia?""Yeah?""Don't kill yourself, okay? Drive safely. I mean it."I laughed softly, rolling my eyes. "I know. I'll dump the anxiety soon as I sit in something that I own.Hi, by the way."With that our conversation was over. Once at the pa
1 laughed at her, and she joined in. We took our food to a table by the glass windows and sat across from each other on small cushioned seats."So," I asked. "Has he called?""It's been two days, and he still hasn't gotten the nerve to ask."I bit into a raspberry macaron. "Well, why don't you ask him?"She looked at me as if I had grown two heads."What? It's not that easy. I mean, we've only gone out once before and I don't want to seem pushy."I shook my head at her condescendingly. “Rachael Willams,You're a strong and independent woman,Take charge, Do what you want and screw what it seems like. Our university is so damn big you'll find a way to avoid him if it comes to that."She scrunched up her nose, appearing to be giving it another thought. "Yeah, no. Not going to happen.""Whatever, Racheal. Be that way.""I will!" She laughed, drinking her coffee. "By the way, will you be starting your master's in psyche this year, or in English?""This year, yes, in psyche."Before you're
"You're going to focus, Emilia. No pair of green eyes are breaking your stride today. And you will not think of him." I dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom, splashing some cold water onto my face before brushing my teeth.If yesterday Leon had tapped into my weaknesses and left me feeling a mess, it would be the last time he did so, because I was not going to let him do it again. It had been much too long since I had loved him, and now I was determined to feel nothing.Nothing but aggravation.Downstairs I poured and creamed a decently sized cup of coffee as much needed fuel, and I walked back up the stairs again carefully, knowing I was more susceptible to tripping when I had something fragile in my hands.Twenty minutes later I was ready and walking out of the house, when I realized, that it would be alright today. I turned the volume up louder so that the thoughts in my mind became a soothing blur.I would pay attention in my classes and I would study without breaking m
I don't know why I felt a looming heaviness over my body the entirety of the time I stood by the bar, but it seemed to be getting stronger. I watched Daniel prepare my drink to give my mind something to focus on."I'll have whatever she's having.”That's why.I turned my head to the left and found him walking toward me, appearing darkly.I didn't look away."Why don't you sit? Celebrate your performance."He asked.I thought of telling him to shove it, but I just sat, knowing it would be easier to relax without having to stand."Two rum and cokes. Dark." Daniel placed the glasses down in front of us and moved to the other end of the bar, tending to other customers.I took my first sip and set it down, running circles along the rim with a red fingernail."You're still below the legal drinking age," he commented, his voice somewhat of a challenge.I just smiled, knowing he could see it, and looked into the dark amber inside my glass."T have my ways in here.""I know," he said. "VIP park
"You bet, be careful out there." My dad turned to me and spoke, "Emily, mind leaving your car and its keys here? Mine's been acting up lately and I need to buy food. Your mom is working later than usual tonight."Oh god."Yeah, why not. Here," I said, depositing them in his hand.Without another word I looked toward the door, and Leon was already there with the knob in hand, opening it for me.Once outside of the house he closed the door behind me. I took in a deliberate lungful of air, feeling the warmth fill my chest.Jesus Christ. I had no idea what to do. I was angered beyond myself at him showing up at my house and weaving around his wand as if he owned the city now that he was a hotshot CEO. My blood simply boiled at him for having ruined my night and my concentration even further, at having him come to me simply out of a sick sort of sadism.That was it. He was bored upon his return and he liked to see me suffer.In the moment I told myself to find composure, to not let him see
I was done with classes at four in the afternoon today and decided to stay at the university an extra hour to study for an upcoming test. I sat under the shade and had a small coffee in hand, my rented textbook, and my laptop. Everything I needed to help me prepare.I was set. All I had to do was open the book and actually read it, while of course, retaining the information.But the task of reading and retaining was exceedingly difficult at the moment, and I found my mind heavy. My thoughts would wander off into nothing so that I would have to go back and read the passage again, and again. And it wasn't for lack of interest. The science of mental disorders and psychotherapy was intriguing; I wanted to learn.Yet a pair of green eyes would sneakily slither into my consciousness when I was least aware of it, and I would catch myself remembering him for minutes at a time.Taking a sip of coffee, I let myself stop trying. I put the book to a side and let my thoughts run. They were forcefu
Laughing at myself I retrieved my clutch, walking out of the house within minutes. Once I arrived I parked my car in the employees section, and felt the fluttering of waves rooted deep inside my stomach as I saw the influx of cars, the people, felt the air. Saturdays were always the busiest as people came to relieve their weekdays with great food, a few drinks, and a good live performance.They came, and for once, they saw me sing. They saw me at my weakest, at my most vulnerable. It was terrifying and thrilling all at once, and I felt as if I were walking above air. It never quite lost feeling.I walked through the back doors and into the backstage area, quickly coming into contact with Justin who came to me and smiled."They're here for you, Emily. I hope you know that."I grinned and rolled my eyes. "I'm just background noise. They like it when they eat. "He gave me a look over, then settled straight into my eyes with those pretty blue ones. "You're the reason this club has lifted,
"It's my turn to be designated tonight," Kate said, smiling without a care. She could be designated or not, and she would be perfectly content."We can call a cab and pick up Kate's car later, that way we all go in one car." Joan suggested."Says the one with the rich husband! I'm broke. No cab," I grinned.Joan stuck out her tongue."Speaking of, how's that quarterback doing?"Racheal asked."He does me well enough, thank you.”"Jeez. How graphic," Kate chuckled.I was cracking up by the car, holding my purse to my chest as I all but shook."Thatta girl. I was kidding, by the way. We can split a cab so Kate isn't sidelined, but I'm not getting too crazy. We can't all be a mess at once.""Always the brain," Racheal winked, and Joan made a quick call to a cab as we waited.We were at the bar a half an hour later, each one of us nursing a different drink. I was content with a mojito for tonight, and limited myself to only two glasses.Racheal had downright terrified me with her news ear
The night was especially humid, but the air was so still that it felt heavy on my face after having left the cool interior of the bar and lounge. I had worked for three hours, singing a couple of tunes for the audience as they ate and drank and chatted. They all seemed so at ease.My legs felt nearly languid from having stood so long, but I was good. I was saturated from the singing, from the music, and the audience had been especially welcoming tonight. Even though it was only Thursday.The moment I was in the car my phone started to ring. It was Racheal, and she called to tell me the girls wanted to hang out over dinner and drinkstomorrow.It made me smile, and I drove through the beach strip, careful with pedestrians and trying, even as a native, not to look pointedly at the Art Deco lights.Something distracted me as I was driving, and I missed my ramp with a curse. I knew I would just have to keep driving until the next light and make a u-turn, and that would have been fine, bu
1 laughed at her, and she joined in. We took our food to a table by the glass windows and sat across from each other on small cushioned seats."So," I asked. "Has he called?""It's been two days, and he still hasn't gotten the nerve to ask."I bit into a raspberry macaron. "Well, why don't you ask him?"She looked at me as if I had grown two heads."What? It's not that easy. I mean, we've only gone out once before and I don't want to seem pushy."I shook my head at her condescendingly. “Rachael Willams,You're a strong and independent woman,Take charge, Do what you want and screw what it seems like. Our university is so damn big you'll find a way to avoid him if it comes to that."She scrunched up her nose, appearing to be giving it another thought. "Yeah, no. Not going to happen.""Whatever, Racheal. Be that way.""I will!" She laughed, drinking her coffee. "By the way, will you be starting your master's in psyche this year, or in English?""This year, yes, in psyche."Before you're
If I could possibly evaporate someone with just a look, I would evaporate this person. "Sir, could you possibly move yourself from the pathway? And your other hundred belongings?"He gave me a look, didn't move a thing, and looked away again."Fine." I walked over one pricey looking luggage and flung my bag over carelessly, possibly knocking into his buttocks in the process."Hey!""Learn some manners!" I called out. And walked my irritated way out of gate B.Determined to make it home I walked quickly forward and to the glass gate, picking up the phone to make a call."Dad," I started. "I hate airports. I hate flying. Why are people so stupid, huh? What's with them?Okay, I'm going to drive back. My car's at the lot, hopefully in one piece.""Emilia?""Yeah?""Don't kill yourself, okay? Drive safely. I mean it."I laughed softly, rolling my eyes. "I know. I'll dump the anxiety soon as I sit in something that I own.Hi, by the way."With that our conversation was over. Once at the pa