Broken

Olivia.

The nightclub was bustling, it seemed like everyone here had nothing to worry about except me. From the minute I got here my mood had only gone from bad to worse, making it difficult for me to pay any attention to the music that blared from every corner, or the color-changing led light that traveled overhead, or the people that were dancing in high spirits. I was completely drained and broken, and all I could manage was hold myself together in the chair so I wouldn't fall apart. I had thought coming to this nightclub could take my mind away from the humiliation and torture I went through within the last few hours, but here I was, feeling the pains all over again. I gripped the next bottle of whiskey on my table and uncorked it, feeling its chill spread across my fragile palm.

“Jane” I called my sister's name as though she were near. “How could you do this to me and render me homeless?” My question was left unanswered when I downed a mouthful of drink, and then another. After I finished the last drink on my table I stood up and headed to the bar. I knew I couldn't bring myself to speak loud enough through the music, so I gestured to the bartender and pointed at the drink I wanted.

“I got you,” Said the bartender.

I pulled out the last bucks I had on me and paid him, then turned away.

Returning to my table, I mindlessly craned my neck sideways and caught the sight of three men whose gazes were fiercely fixed on me. They were sitting on the table a few inches away, whispering and passing awkward looks at me. Even without being told I was dead sure that they had my talk on their lips, but what care could I give? Perhaps it was their first time seeing a girl in a nightclub, looking homeless and somewhat sick in the face, or maybe it was the cheap whiskey I had on my table that drew their attention.

“You are 24 years old but nearly useless.” I recalled the last statement Jane had said to me before she threw my box out of the house and shut the door on my face. I felt a new wave of hurt wash down my spine as I thought about it again. I quickly grabbed the bottle and uncorked it when I felt an urge to cry. Gulping the drink with so much haste and desperation, I felt a grip on my wrist out of nowhere, but I was too light headed to register it at first, until a masculine voice spoke.

“You are getting yourself drunk,” Said the voice. “I think you should stop drinking already.”

The audacity of this stranger who had just spoken to me and even held my wrist, stunned me, so I willed myself to yank his hand away, but my senses instantly registered the nice scent of his masculine perfume. When I looked up, his beautiful blue eyes were enough to deflate my anger, so I spoke calmly.

“What business of yours is it if I am getting drunk?”

“I am worried for you.” His face contorted in a soft grin. “I mean no harm.”

A thick lump lodged itself in my throat, making it difficult for me to speak, so I loosened my hold from the bottle and let him take it from my hand. It was when he sat next to me that I noticed he was one of the three men who I had earlier noticed. The one that wore a gray colored pants and a white fitted shirt.

“Where are your gossip partners?” I blurted, turning my head sideways.

His brows gathered in surprise and he smirked. “What do you mean?”

“I could see you and your friends passing looks on me earlier. Maybe because I look disorganized and somewhat poor, huh?” I said, and before I could tell him the reasons behind my state of my being he began to speak.

“It's obvious you are troubled, but I am here to help you.”

Awkward silence settled between us for a while until he asked, “Do you mind if I give you a ride back home? No way can I let you drive in this state.”

I ripped my face away from his gaze before I told him the ultimate truth. “Never mind. I don't have a home, and I am not a car owner.”

“You are kidding, right? .” His voice elevated with care. “Please, tell me you are kidding.”

He enquired further, and as shameful as it felt for me to reveal my financial troubles to a total stranger, I did it anyway, without leaving any detail out.

“Oh, I wish your sister was a bit considerate.” He lifted his gaze to meet mine. “I think I could help.” He added.

A slight hope crept inside me. “Really?”

"Yeah,” He affirmed. “I have some bucks saved up for incidentals, so it won't hurt helping a beautiful damsel like you in dire need.” His face lit up with a snug smile.

I expressed my gratitude to him, bearing all my emotions.

“It's alright,” He said, and dipped his hand inside his side pocket. “Here is ten thousand dollars. Have it.”

I was spellbound for a moment and all I could do was shift my gaze between the money and his face. For a moment I thought I was dreaming, until I forced myself to speak.

“You are unbelievable ... .no way. Wait, are you serious right now?” My voice trailed off.

He smirked in a way I found charming, yet powerful. “I am serious.”

I was lost in thoughts, revering the moment, flapping my hand in the air to chase away imaginary heat, and when I heard him clear his throat and made a face as if to pout, my heart raced with anticipation.

“I think it's rather safe if you tag along with me in my hotel room tonight so I can source an apartment for you by tomorrow?”

How many minutes passed before I could finally bring myself to speak again. “But, I barely know you, man.”

His eyes scanned my face as though the answer to my question were written there. “My name is Andrew, and you?”

“You can call me Olivia.”