Ch. 1..5: Until I Met You Chapter 1-5

Chapter 1

I lean against the confession booth and sob silently. I hate my life , I hate everything. Do you know that feeling of wanting something badly and then your best friend took it away? I felt useless for letting it happen in the first place.

” What is it my child?” The priest’s voice comes out through the window.

I sniffle and sob. I don’t even know where to start from. I remembered my tiny little self and my family. But where are they? They turned their backs on me.

.

Few days earlier…

.

” I’m really happy for you Ariel for finally being a sister in church.” Leslie said from beside me. We were at the dinning room eating cause dad decided to make a family dinner to celebrate my success. I’ve been called into the convent to be a nun. That’s been my dream since highschool.

It’s normal for me. Naturally I’m an introvert and possibly I love my simple life. I’m not really the type who wanna get involved with friends or even the media. Father hated it. He’s a deacon in our parish and he’s really respected. We’ve lived our life in truth and fear of God. I think that’s one of the reasons my parents hated social gathering. I’d never had a boyfriend and I’m really grateful because I’ve always wanted to be a nun.

Weird part is no boy ever asked me out. I’m this crazy nerd back then in highschool but I care not. Leslie was a little normal , because she sort of had admirers. I dress normal. Like every normal Christian daughter who’s a Deacon’s daughter.

” My baby is gonna be the first sister in this house. I’m glad you kept your virginity.” Mom chuckled with a wide smile.

“Virginity doesn’t decide if you can qualify being a sister.” Leslie said.

“That doesn’t matter. She took a good step and I’m happy she’s finally taking her vows.” Mom giggles.

” When are you going back?” Alexa asked. She’s my cousin and too naughty. She likes boys and always wanna dress fancy. Dad sees her as a bad egg and hated seeing her around our apartment. Nobody dares to make hell in our house.

” Tomorrow.” I replied her. The rest of the evening was really exciting because my parents spend the entire evening advising me.

.

The following day I left the house for my new home. The convent. I met the mother superior who announced I’ll be taking my vows the following day. I’ve spent almost two and a half months here and it was better than I thought. I guess that’s what nerds deserve.

” Hey Freddie.” I said on the phone. Freddie’s my best friend. We’ve been friends since elementary school and finally till we left highschool.

” Sup Ariel.”

” I’m fine. How are you?”

He sighed.” I’m good. I sort of missed my best friend. What are you doing?”

” Nothing. I met the mother superior and she said I’m taking my vows tomorrow. Hope you’re good?” I asked him on the phone.

” Yeah. I really haven’t seen you since prom night. Truth is I’m really glad you’re finally becoming a sister in church.” I smiled and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My parents are not even aware I have a male best friend. I’m sure they would have gotten rid of him.

” Are you back from Florida?”

” Yeah. I’m in the states now.”

” Okay. I’m gonna drive to your house and possibly spend few hours before returning back to the convent.”

” That’ll be nice of you.” I nodded to nothing and hung up.

I remembered when we were in highschool close to prom. Freddie’s the first person who ever told me I’m really beautiful and I believed that. I once had a crush on him in junior year but i made sure I didn’t tell him. We were always together and we both won homecoming. I love that night , that was the night he told me i was beautiful. Afterwards I hoped he was gonna tell me he liked me but then he told me he had a huge crush on Aida. Then she was school’s most popular girl.

I hated her , I’ve always hated her. She was a bully , always made me feel inferior like I was nothing. Making jest of my looks and everything about me. And when Freddie told me he liked her , i hated her more. I cried that day at school’s bathroom and cursed her endlessly. She took what I’ve always wanted. Sadly they dated and Freddie was really happy. I’ve never seen him that happy before.

I moved on. Looked at my reflection and decided to take back everything. Maybe that was when I discovered I was supposed to be a sister , not getting angry at my best friend because he didn’t have feelings for me. Unluckily they broke up. Aida dumped Freddie for school’s new hottie.

” Ariel…” Freddie smiled and hugged me once I reached his apartment. I’ve been here once and since then it’s void.

” Wow. Look at you Freddie. How long have i seen you?”

” A year ago.” I chuckled and smile.

” Please sit.” He offered and I nodded before sitting.

” What should I get you?”

” Maybe water.”

” I’ll be right back.” I watched Freddie turn to a corner which I assume it’s the kitchen. My eyes glanced at the TV set and everything around his apartment. I forgot to mention , Freddie’s parents are sort of rich though.

” There you go…” he motioned to me giving me a glass of water.

” Thank you.” I told him and gently take a sip.

” You’re welcome. How’s it been with you? Look at you, you look more beautiful Ariel. It hurts a little that you’re now in the convent.” Oh really?

” It’s what I’ve always wanted.” I defend.

” Really? I remembered when we were in highschool, you’ve always wanted to go to college and then major in clinical psychology or maybe business.”

” Psst.” I scoff and stare blankly at him. Where’s he trying to dive to? I think we all have our own rights to make our own choices , right?

” Freddie are you okay?” I asked him and drop the glass of water on the table.

” Of course I am.” He smiled.” Are you done drinking?” He motioned to the water.

” Not really.” I blinked and took a sip again. I felt a bit dizzy. I drop back the water and rub my already sweaty palm on my habit.

” Are you okay?”

” Yeah. I just feel a little dizzy. I’m good.” No I’m not good. My head’s pounding and I felt weak.

Freddie smiled at me and his frequent smiles are giving me creeps. What is happening to me? He stood up from his chair and sat close to me. I wanted to move a little but I trusted him , he’s my best friend.

” Are you sure you’re okay, Ariel?” He asked with a smirk touching my thighs.

” Freddy what are you doing?” I wanted to yell at him but my voice sneak out like a whisper.

” Nothing. I just can’t stop admiring you. I really wish you can stop this nun madness and let me love you Ariel.” What! I wanted to move far away from him but something is wrong. I felt weak like I was drugged. Wait! He drug the water?

” Freddie , what did you put in the water?”

” Something that’s gonna make you weak. Let me love you Ariel.” He smirked touching my lap through my habit. I wanted to remove his hand but nothing is working. I feel powerless.

He continued touching me and I couldn’t help but plead.

” Fred , don’t do this. You’re my best friend and we’ve been friends since childhood. You can’t take advantage of me , I’m taking my vows tomorrow in church.”

” Fuck the church.” he yelled and that made me flinched.

” I want you Ariel and I’m having you.” With anger laced in his voice he lift me off the ground and kissed me roughly. I fought , I cried , I pleaded but nothing makes any sense to Freddie. He was different , all I could see is lust in his eyes.

” Freddie don’t do this.” I pleaded. Freddie hissed and slapped me. He aggressively pushed me against the couch and fondled every of my parts.

I kicked but he was stronger. He removed every of my clothing and have his way with me. I couldn’t move. I lay still on the couch and cried , but that wouldn’t change anything. My best friend just stole my innocence.

” You should wear this.” he said stretching some clothings at me. I turn to look at him and sob. Why his he acting like it’s nothing. Like he did nothing.

” I don’t hate you Ariel. I want to be your boyfriend.” He’s not okay. He needs to go to rehab.

I wiped my tears and shamelessly got up from the couch to pick up the remains of my habit which he successfully tore when having his way with me.

” I hope God forgives you , Freddie.” A stronger part of me wanted to yell at him , cursed him, hit him, but I wasn’t that strong woman. I was this nerdy girl who was raised differently.

” Ariel , it’s no big deal. I’m not leaving you. I want to be with you.”

” You’re not okay. You’re acting like it’s nothing. Freddie you stole my virginity. You raped me. Abused me and took advantage of our friendship. God’s gonna judge you and I’m sure he will.” My eyes met in contact with the blood on the chair.

I sniffled and ran out of the house to my car. I hated myself for everything. Why did I pay him a visit in the first place. Of course it’s because I trusted him. I tapped my wheel endlessly and cried. What’s my life gonna be like. With tears still in my eyes, I ignite the engine and drive out of his house. I barely could see but I hold back my pain till I’m close to my house. I climb down from my car only to find my mom and dad talking outside.

” Mom” I sob and collapsed on the floor.

I blinked my eyes several times and open it. I could see faces smiling at me. I sit up at once but someone quickly grab my arm and lay me back.

” Ariel.” Mom cooed beside me stroking my hair.

” Mom…” I resume crying again.

” Baby calm down okay. Talk to us, what happened? You’ve been sleeping since yesterday and mother superior had been worried. You’re supposed to take your vows today right?”

I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping since. So I’m supposed to tell them I got raped. What will they see me as? That I’m no longer a virgin.

” I got raped.” I burst out. The smile on my mom’s face disappeared. Including dad’s and Leslie’s.

” Raped?” Leslie asked. I couldn’t bring myself to explain. I feel like a looser and a worthless person.

” Ariel , who raped you?” Mom yelled and her anger already crowded the house?

” Ariel we’re talking to you. Who raped you?” Dad scolded.

” Freddie.”

” Who’s Freddie?”

That’s the issue , who’s Freddie ?

” Freddie is my best friend. We’ve been friends since highschool.”

” What! You’ve been keeping a male friend since highschool and we’re not even aware?” Mom roared.

” How are we even sure he’s not your boyfriend? Your dirty little boyfriend that you’ve been hiding , huh?” Dad asked glaring at me.

” Daddy no… it’s just…”

” It’s just what? You sneaked out of the convent to visit your boyfriend and then have sex with him , you’re here telling us nonsense. What type of daughter are you? Why can’t you be like Leslie?” Dad fired.

I couldn’t believe my ears. They are always comparing me to Leslie. She’s the good girl. Always the family’s favorite. I remembered it was when I told my parents I wanted to be a nun after highschool they started making me feel special. How could they accuse me after I told them the truth?

” You’re a disgrace Ariel. You’ve always been a disgrace and I regretted having you. Get ready to explain to the church how come you were raped when you’re about taking your vows.” Mom scoffed, obviously irritated by me.

” I hope God forgives your sins you dirty little whore.” Dad cursed. What!

” Dad…”

” Shut up. Don’t ever call me your dad.”

That was it. I watched them walk out of my room in disgust. I hated myself. I hated Freddie more. He changed everything but I wasn’t ready to take it to heart. I stood before the Pope and i really couldn’t say anything. The story doesn’t make any sense to them . I drove out of the convent to visit my male best friend and I got raped.

” You have to leave the convent Ariel. You comitted fornication and you lied that you were raped. You’re expelled from the convent. I hope your sins are forgiven.”

” You should leave…”

Chapter 2

Things didn’t go my way after that terrible experience with Freddie. He was always calling even after I deleted his number. I sit opposite the therapist as she tells me about motivational stories. But as long as I’m breathing that didn’t change a thing.

After that rape incident , I suffered from depression. I almost took my life too thinking Freddie left with everything. The therapist was nice. She talks about a lot of good stuff and gives me a book to read. I was on dosage and always visiting the therapist for check up. For some awkward reasons I’m always indoors. I’m broken and my parents really didn’t help matters.

Every single mistake I make , they are always referring to me as a whore and that made me cry and I had to be best friends with my room .

” We’re moving out.” Dad announces after dinner.

He lost his deacon position in our church and since then he hated me more. Maybe they don’t hate me , maybe they are just annoyed and hurt that my one bad move ended and stole everything away from them. Mom also lost her position too in our parish. The church withdrew the money they normally pay us and mom is always flaring up , using me as an example. Always comparing me to Leslie.

” Moving out?” Leslie asks, tucking back her braids in her tight bun.

” Yes. Georgia has nothing for us since your sister Ariel spoiled everything. The church already dropped us from our positions and I won’t stand being just an ordinary member in our parish.” He says. He has always loved God. We were raised in fear of God.

I remembered when we were in highschool. Mom made rules for us.

• don’t date boys , they will break your heart.

• don’t date boys , God hates it.

• no sex before marriage or you’ll perish in hell.

I really didn’t get to remember all their rules because it was useless. I was this nerdy girl in glasses. I don’t even have a boyfriend or an admirer. I was always bullied and insulted. Most times I body shamed myself , thinking I wasn’t perfect. Freddie gave me light in homecoming when he told me I was beautiful. I stood opposite the mirror that night and I knew I was pretty. Maybe I wasn’t noticed yet but I didn’t care anymore after he told me he had a crush on the school ‘s most popular girl. What about me?

I gave up college and chose to go to nun school. Afraid of being bullied again. And now I’m a rape victim , so pathetic.

” We’re moving to Buffalo.” Mom adds glaring at me under her black eyeliner and mascara. It’s so weird that she wears that after advising us not to apply make up.

” New York.” Leslie exclaims.

” Something wrong?”

” No… I mean…” she stutters. New York’s her big dream city. Most times I think she secretly has a boyfriend. She’s always fond of so many social media celebrities and musicians. I’m not really a fan. It’s weird because it’s what our parents want. Leslie is always secretly gawking over many douche celebrity scumbags.

” New York is fun.” She squeals. I don’t say a word since my speech is not always considered. I’m the bad egg.

” Yeah. Because of Alexa?” Mom asks and furrows her brows at Leslie.

” No mom. Alexa is an ass.”

” Language.” Dad snaps at Leslie.

” I’m sorry.”

” I don’t really wanna see you hanging around Alexa. She likes boys too much . I even heard she had three boyfriends.” I secretly roll my eyes and fiddle my chopsticks on my ramen.

” I heard Doreen caught her watching porn on her laptop. What a child. So sinful. I’m really happy my Leslie isn’t one of these wild kids. Just like some people who sneak to have sex with their boyfriend when they are supposed to be a nun in a convent.” Mom fantasize and that hurt me.

She’s always talking about my bad fate. I bite my lip to hold back the pending tear but it luckily slips out. I hate my life. I get up from the table with my ramen and turn to leave.

” And where are you going?” Dad asks through clench teeth.

” I’m going to my room. I need to take my medicine.”

” Yeah. It’s really weird you’re not pregnant , you would have been in the streets by now.” Mom utters followed by an irritating scoff.

” I’m just gonna leave.” I say and stomp out to my room.

I shut the door and lean against the door crying my eyes out. Most times I advised myself that it’s not worth crying about but , they keep on saying painful words. After about a few hours of sitting close to the door I stand on my feet and look at my face in the mirror. I sit on the chair opposite the mirror and pull my knees to my chest staring right back at my reflection. I can’t even remember when I last smiled.

” Ariel.” My sister’s voice woke me up the following morning.

I rub my eyes and my eyelids feel heavy under my touch. My door spring opens as Leslie walks in smirking at me with her arms crossed. I hated that she’s my older sister.

” Good morning.” I greet her.

” Morning. You should get ready. Our flights leave in one hour. New York.”

I scoff and watch her turn her back to leave . New York yeah? Leslie is in college and I’m about to resume college once we arrive in Buffalo. What’s it gonna look like?

The plane ride was terrible. I sit close to the window and glue my eyes to my book. A book given to me by the therapist and it’s to build me. She says it’s gonna strengthen me. and for the look of things it was helping. After about a few hours of terrible plane rides , we walked out of the plane. I pull my bag close to me as I take in the view. I’ve not been to New York before.

” Yess…” Leslie squeals and takes a selfie of herself.

” You mind taking pictures of me?” She asks handing me her phone. I take it and wait for her to pose before taking pictures.

She poses several poses and I dare not complain. Mom and dad will definitely take sides with her. We entered our waiting car and I’m seated at the front with Leslie who couldn’t stop gawking at every single passing thing. I wasn’t bothered or thrilled. I’m still gonna be bullied by my own parents. The car stops at our new house and it’s almost the same as the previous one.

I follow suit behind with my bags. I stare at the neighborhood and it’s beyond peaceful and beautiful. The trip past the stairs was awful because of my bags. I don’t complain but drag it alongside me. I walk into my new room and exhale. It needs a lot of work.

I began cleaning and in less than a few hours I was done arranging things accordingly. It’s evening already and I heard the chatter of teenagers maybe. I step out of my room and stand on the balcony breathing in new air. Because of my bad fate , we’re in New York. Obviously I hope it’s gonna be better. I wanna be better. I’m far from Freddie and Georgia.

.

A week after , dad brought back my car. The car I used to drive in Georgia. I’m still wondering how it got here. That didn’t change them. They keep on reminding me of my mistakes and it’s hurtful. I drummed my fingers on the counter after drinking coffee that morning. Leslie was online. It’s obvious because her phone won’t stop beeping and she won’t stop smiling.

” Having fun in New York?” She asks me not to look away from her phone.

” Yes.” I reply to her when it’s obvious I’m lying. Ever since we moved in , I haven’t stepped out of the house. I’m always indoors , taking my medicine and possibly reading. There wasn’t much to do around here and I’m not in any social media community like Leslie.

” It’s nice. I can’t wait to resume college.” I roll my eyes and continue tapping absently on the counter.

” Ariel , what are you doing?” Mom asks standing right at the kitchen door.

” Nothing.” I reply flatly.

” Have you been taking your medications?” She asks like she cared. Maybe she cares about the money she paid the therapist.

” Yes.”

” Yes? And yet your pills still occupy this bottle.” She yells, raising the bottle. For once Leslie looked up from her phone and turned to look at mom.

” I…” I stutter. I’ve been skipping that one. The nurse says it depresses my brain tumor and I hate to think I have one.

” I what? What’s wrong with you? You went out there and slept with your boyfriend and then you started faking illness. Are you even aware I spent a lot of money on you after the nonsense you did. We’re skipping therapy in New York cause you don’t deserve it.”

” Mom.”

” Shut up. Dirty little whore.” That’s it. Without another word , I’m already crying.

” Yeah go on and cry. I hope you don’t mess around in New York.” She scoffs and throws my pills at me before departing the kitchen.

” Ooops.” Leslie scoffs and looks down on her phone.

I lift myself off the chair and walk out of the kitchen still crying. I continuously cried and smacked the wall like it’s behind every of my pain. Without thinking twice , I slip out of my sweat pants and put on black jeans and baggy sweaters. It’s a bit cold out there. I pick my car key from the nightstand and storm out of the room.

I ignite the engine and drive onto the main road. I don’t even know where I’m going , I don’t care cause I wanna be far from my parents. I didn’t check the time so I really didn’t know how long I’ve been driving. For once I stop driving and halt beside a road. It’s empty and peaceful just like my neighborhood. I lean against the seat and decide not to cry again. I can never be happy again. Freddie took it away the day he took advantage of me.

A cold air jolts me out of my thoughts as I turn to my side. A stranger is seated right next to me in my car as he shuts the door. It’s a guy , not just a guy but a really tempting man. Wait, did I just call someone tempting.

” What are you doing? Who are you?” I stutter.

” What! I just need a ride . You won’t turn a stranger down right?” He asks with a smirk.

” I’m sorry , you should leave my car.”

” Car?” He asks and I’m startled.

” Yes, my car.”

He blinks his eyes and looks around my car. Dad gifted this to me when I was 17.

” I only see a box.” He scoffs and fastens his seat belt.

” I’m gonna call the cops if you don’t leave my car.” I yell at this stranger.

He surprisingly stretches his phone to me with his cute smirk? Wait cute? God Ariel.

” You might wanna use my phone to call the cops. Maybe yours is down.” What a prick.

I blink my eyes as my mouth gapes at his figure. What type of man oppressed a girl because he’s… At that minute, I took him in. He’s cute , yes I said cute. His grey eyes were out of explanation , they were taunting and taming. I noticed his jawline and a little Arabic neck tattoo. Oh he has tattoos. My eyes scanned his face to his arm and I could see his inked arm from the sleeves of his black hoodie. He has tattoos there too. He’s like a God. But seriously , was I really checking him out? One minute ago I was depressed and now I’m stuck with a total breathtaking stranger in my car. I’m not usually the girl who has time to admire people especially when I’m from a Christian family.

” Stop checking me out and please drive , Tinkerbell.”

I couldn’t make out words and this wasn’t likely me. My eyes were already fixed on his. It travels down his face and his rubby lips twitch as he smirks. Knowing fully well I was just checking him out.

Whoa, Ariel breathe!

I can do this without embarrassing myself with just his sight. Words can’t describe him but I’m sure he’s illegal and bad news.

I’m never making heaven again.

…..

Chapter 3

” Stop checking me out and please drive , Tinkerbell.” He says with so much sarcasm and a really cute British accent.

” I can’t drive a total stranger. I don’t even know who you’re.”

” Snow White please drive.” he whines tiredly.

He’s bad without being told. I mean he has tattoos and he looks really bad in a cute way though. What if he has something bad in store for me. Hell no , I’m the driver and I’m in charge of the wheel. But he’s a man and he can easily oppress me. I look at him and his eyes meet mine. I gulp , scared to death and look away. I hope I don’t go to hell because of this stranger.

” Ariel stop talking and drive this cute stranger.” That’s my subconsciousness. She’s really different from me.

I heave a deep breath and take the wheel. I don’t even know where he’s going and he didn’t bother to tell me. I decided to ask.

” Where am I supposed to take you to?” He doesn’t reply but looks at me with his index finger on his lips. Alright he’s intimidating.

” What are you doing?” He asks after the long silence. This time it is an American accent. Why’s he changing his accent? I swear it’s disturbing.

” What am I doing?”

” I’m asking.”

” I’m driving Mr. Stranger.” I sigh and for once I regret that I’m not this type of girl who’s aggressive and stubborn.

” Pull over.” He says with so much order.

” What!”

” Tinkerbell, can you please pull over?”

” Why should I do that? I thought…” Without completing the word , my passenger already pulls the brake. I breathe in and out and look at him. Did he want to kill me?

” Let’s swap seats. I’m driving this time.” He says with his grey eyes not leaving mine. Wait , did I talk about his hair? Uhh…

” I can’t let you drive my car.” I fire. He undid his seatbelt and looked at me.

” I’m waiting.”

” I won’t let you drive my car.”

” This is not even a car. It’s a box.” He says with his British accent and I hated that it carries sarcasm.

” Don’t insult my car. It’s not like you have one , if not you won’t be stuck in my car.” I tell him as his brows furrow.

He snorts out a chuckle and reaches out to lift me off my seat.

” What are you doing?” I exclaim. He doesn’t answer but successfully creeps underneath me to take the wheel. My butt had to gently touch his lower body and I felt humiliated, maybe because I felt weird with that contact.

I stumble to my passenger seat and tuck back my scattered hair.

” What’s the meaning of that?” I ask him, trying so hard to swallow whatever thing he just did.

He starts the car and changes gear. The speed was terrible and I hopelessly slammed my head against the headrest. I turned to look at him and I could see a smirk at the corner of his lips. I think he just came out of rehab. I quickly fasten my seatbelt before I die of hypertension.

” What type of speed is this?” I ask him with a high pitched voice.

” That’s how you drive a fuckin car.” He scoffs. How dare he curse in my car. Now I feel unholy. How am I supposed to make heaven with such a man in my car?

” Stop cussing in my car.” I say and sigh.” I don’t like it.”

He chuckles, not even sparing me a glance.” You’re seriously fuckin with me right now , Tinkerbell.”

” You did it again. You don’t curse in my car and secondly I’m not Tinkerbell.”

” Alright Snow White.” He says and glances at me. My heart almost froze at his smirk. He rolls his eyes and glances back at the road still in speed.

He’s weird.

” You’re weird. It’s obvious you’re just getting out of rehab.” I utter slowly.

He doesn’t reply and I watch how he handles my wheel.

” I’m too cute for that , Snow White.” Great! From Tinkerbell to Snow White and then Ariel.

” So what’s a naive Christian doing on this side of town?” He asks and stares at me , still wearing that smirk.

” I’m not a naive Christian . And what I’m doing on this side of town it’s not your business.”

” You’re naive. At least this could tell.” He says and points to the rosary hanging on the rearview mirror.

” Don’t mock my faith.”

” Why would I do that?”

” You called me naive.”

” It’s the truth. This isn’t 2003 and now I think I’m living backwards.” He scoffs.” I feel like traveling to Mars.” He says with his British accent again.

” Why are you swapping accents? British accent and then American. What’s with you?”

” I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Great , this time he spoke in his obvious American accent. Why is he faking a British accent.

” You know I feel like I’m gonna burn in hell for accepting to give you a ride.”

” It’s really weird you’ll definitely burn in hell.” He says and stops for a red light. We’re at the main side of town and I don’t see my house.

” Stop judging me.” I scoff and look out the window.

I feel his eyes stare at me before he continues driving again.

” You’re too pretty to be this naive.” My heart beat froze again. He called me pretty. But then I remembered Freddie said the same words and took advantage of me at the end.

My mood changed and I was forced to bite my thumb. For some reason I’m glad I’m away from home. Away from torment and this total stranger just made me forget I’ve been through a lot of shit. My head began pounding a bit and I already forgot I had to take my medicine. I reach for the bottle of water in the backseat. I pull out a capsule and throw it inside my mouth before gulping down the water. I feel my driver’s eyes on me. I just hope he doesn’t ask what it’s meant for.

Still holding the water, I wipe my forehead and look out the window. The sudden silence was really weird for me. I don’t know about him , but he looks like a jerk. He barely cares about anything. I think that’s what bad people are.

” Ariel , don’t be quick to judge.” My inner woman snaps at me. I turn to look at this stranger and his grey eyes meet mine. He shakes his head slightly and focuses back on the road.

” Do you have a direction? It’s Almost late and I need to be at home.”

” Your mommy is gonna beat you right?” He turns to look at me and furrows his brows.

How can he be awkwardly perfect and weird too?

” I don’t know what you’re talking about. And just stop talking about my religion. You don’t even look like a believer.”

He scoffs and stays silent. I roll my eyes and look out the window. I don’t even know where we are or where we’re going . We’re far from town and I’m really scared. Is he trying to sell me or probably rape me?

” Where are we going? Where are we? I don’t even see my house.” I whine.

He doesn’t reply but just stares at me and looks away. Luckily he halts the car and I’m grateful I’m driving my car back to my house. Surprisingly he pulls the key out of the ignition and gets out of my car. I sigh and come out too. Of course I can’t fight him. I’m this nerdy weak girl.

” Stranger , what are you doing?”

” I won’t stay long. You can stay there if you want.” I look in his direction and it’s a coffee shop.

I pursue suit hopelessly and follow him inside this shop. It’s not that crowded , just a few customers, maybe five. The average man behind the counter seems to shriek at the sight of this perfect tatted figure. I guess that’s the Cafe owner.

” Where the fuck is my shit?” My car partner yells.

” I…” The Cafe owner stutters and it’s clearly obvious he’s scared of him. Yeah me too , we’re not alone.

” I what? You douche ass prick got my package and you couldn’t pay up. Dude, where’s my shit?” How can someone cuss freely and he’s still comfortable.

The guy tries to speak up but tatted stranger slams his head on the counter. I felt his pain cause I jolt in my position. This isn’t the guy I drove with. This one is super aggressive. The customers in the coffee shop couldn’t interfere. Are they scared of him? They just stare in awe.

The coffee man gives him a bundle of money with a red face.

” I’m sorry man.” He says after this weirdo collects the money and thrusts it in his pocket.

” Fuck you.” He cusses and turns to look at me with his super cute smirk. He’s insane. With no one ready to talk back, they returned to their businesses and I was forced to freeze on my spot.

” You’re ready to go snow white? I’m sorry Tinkerbell.” I try to talk but his hands hold my arm and pull me out of the shop. I dare not restrain myself with what I saw out there. Without saying a word, I slipped inside the passenger’s seat and buckle my seatbelt.

” Are you okay?” Why does he care all of a sudden?

” Yes. Thank you.” I tell him as he continues driving.

The silence was crazy and I was forced to turn the radio on. Luckily a pastor is preaching. Stranger scoffs and tunes the radio endlessly. He finally stops when he hears a pop song pop out of the radio. I wanted to ask him why he changed the radio but my mind drifted to the weirdo I saw at the coffee shop. Of course just a little snap and my ankles would be broken.

” That wasn’t fair.” I decided to say. He rolls his eyes and nods his head to the music. I don’t listen to this type of music since I’m living with a semi pastor. I really hate myself that my dad had to be demoted because of me.

” Are you always that aggressive?” Why do I even care? He’s a stranger and we’re never gonna meet again. Just like I picture , he doesn’t reply. I sigh and slump back on the seat.

“You just moved in right?” He asks. Thought he has gone automatically dumb.

“Why do you care?”

“You’re too pretty to be around this side of town.” I sigh and cross my arms.

I don’t reply but just watch how he handles my wheel. He relaxes a bit and runs his hand down his messy hair. The sides of his hair and back are a bit low as curly strands are everywhere. His eyes snap me out of my trespassing as he raises his brows with a heart melting smirk.

“What?” I ask him.

“Stop checking me out like you wanna eat me. It’s rude to stare.” I huff and bite the inside of my cheek. Now he’s gonna think I’m interested in him.

“What makes you think I was checking you out?” I raise my brows and lean against my window to look at him properly.

“It’s fine. I was checking you out too. Nice sweaters.” What an asshole.

I glue my face to the window to hide my blush.

I’m tired at the same time I’m not tired. My house is filled with ranting parents. Parents who find joy in making you look useless. The car stops as this stranger gets out. He didn’t pull the key out this time. I got out and surprisingly I saw two cars. Not just any type of car . I might be a nerd but I can easily tell if I spot an expensive car. One is a red Lamborghini and the other a Bentley.

I watch the stranger strides to the Bentley as one of the men on black suits gives him a champagne bottle.

” Seriously…” I say.

He turns around and smirks at me.

” You’re okay?” He asked me.

” Is that your thank you?” I ask not even remembering the men in suits who stand beside the two expensive cars. I feel like hiding my car in my pants pocket.

He rolls his eyes as one of the guys opens the back door of the Bentley as he enters inside. The suit man shuts the door and I watch the car drive away.

What type of man is that?

Chapter 4

Today’s the weirdest day of my life. Driving a total cute stranger who ended up entering such an expensive car.

I blink my eyes in bafflement and drive back home. It’s almost evening and I’m really sure a lot awaits me once I get home. I halt the car in the garage and get out ready to face my parents’ uneasy troubles.

” And where are you coming from?” Dad asks once I enter the living room.

I stuck both my hands in my back pocket and looked at both of them intensely. What am I supposed to tell them?

” Ariel.” Mom glares snapping at me.

” I took a ride around the city.”

” A stupid ride? Or you’ve successfully gotten yourself a boyfriend Ariel.”

” Dad , please stop.”

” Did you just cut me off?” My dad yell.

” What did we do to deserve you in the first place? You keep on acting like we hate you but your attitude is not even pleasing. Your bad luck brought us to New York, did you forget that?”

I blink my eyes not to cry in front of them. Why are they acting so annoying and not tolerating?

” I’m sorry.” I say looking at Leslie who is sitting in the dining room.

” You’re sorry? For what, lying? Where did you go?”

” I took a ride.”

” You’re still lying? Ariel I’m gonna hit you if you don’t tell the truth.” Mom points her finger at me shooting daggers at me.

My eyes meet Leslie’s. She barely help matters. She acts like she enjoys my torture. I look back at my parents, their eyes not leaving my figure.

” I…” I stutter blinking. My eyes are already crowded and I’m crying again.

” I took a ride because I was tired of being treated like shit. You don’t even trust me.”

” Why should we trust you? You aren’t supposed to be in this house, you’re supposed to be in nun school serving as a nun, but you spoiled everything. Ariel you disgraced us, you committed a stupid sin and that brought us to New York.”

” Really? It has always been you guys. You don’t even care about me. You started being nice because I chose to go to nun school. Nobody cares about my feelings. Your pressures made me choose to be a sister , because you wanted to boost your ego.” And that’s it. My mom slaps me.

I blink several times but the tears are just flowing down. I wipe my tears and turn to walk to my room.

” Ariel , come back here.” Dad calls after me.

I ignore them and storm to my room. I lock the door and fall on my bed crying non-stop. I hate my life. Why can’t I be like Leslie? They don’t yell at Leslie and mom will never raise her hand to hit Leslie. I can’t believe my mom had to hit me because of her reasons. My head starts to pound. I helplessly stand up and reach for my bottle of water and pills. I can’t wait to stop taking pills. My parents already succeeded in stopping my therapy visit.

Swallowing the pills, I look at my face in my mirror. My reflection stares back at me. I look broken and done with. Even if I never had a perfect life , it was awesome before Freddie took advantage of me. I blink my eyes and undress myself to have a warm bath. I stay inside the bathtub massaging my scar. I angrily cut my wrist because I was depressed.

I rest my head on the rim of the bathtub and think about college. What is it gonna be like? I feared bullies. They were part of the reasons I chose to go to nun school. I was scared of being judged. That awkward moment nobody cares about you. Leslie is like a lucky star. I think everybody likes her and sometimes I’m always jealous.

My mind drifts to that weird tattooed stranger. He made me forget about my pain at least for the few minutes we drove in the same car. It’s fruitless , I don’t like people and we’re never gonna see each other again. His grey eyes are the first thing I noticed each time I looked at him in that crazy ride. The steam on my bathtub lessened and I wasn’t even ready to get out of the water. I wasn’t counting the minutes and hours I stayed in that water, but I think it’s been eternity. I get out and clean myself.

I dart my eyes to my ringing phone and it’s a private number. I press the answer icon and press the phone on my ear.

” Ariel.” The voice makes me freeze at once. Why’s he calling me? I blocked his number. What does he want from me? To hurt me again?

” Freddie, what do you want?” I ask and I can’t believe I’m about to cry.

” Ariel , I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I want you okay. I’ve always liked you. Forget the fact that I dated Aida in highschool , I was blind and I really didn’t want to hurt you. I thought I wasn’t perfect…”

” What do you want?” I yell with heavy eyes.

” I want you , Ariel.”

” I hate you. I mean God forgive my soul , you destroyed me Freddie. I don’t want to ever see you again. Don’t ever call me , I don’t want you. You’re a monster. Who takes advantage of their best friend because of their selfish needs? Just leave me alone.” I sniffle, wiping my nose and eyes.

” Ariel.”

” Go to hell Freddie. You’ll burn.” I flare and hang up, throwing my phone on my bed with myself.

How dare he call? Reminding me what happened? Is he trying to mock my weakness? I stayed till almost midnight and surprisingly nobody called me for dinner. I lay on my bed and go through the pages of the book the therapist gave me. For some silly reasons , I keep on remembering that weirdo stranger.

I toss my book aside and close my eyes to sleep. It’s morning again and I’m awake . My life’s boring. Obviously I’m the one who’s bored since there’s not much to do here. They’ve never been much. I need a job.

” Ariel.” Oh God , please not her.

” Ariel…” she calls again, knocking endlessly on my door.

I carried my feet off the bed and a glimpse of my reflection made me halt. I had bags underneath my eyes. I shake my head slightly and open the door to witness Alexa.

” Have you been crying?” She asks, walking into my room.

” I’m fine. When did you arrive?” I ask, arranging my sheets.

” This morning. I’m here to spend the weekend. You look pale.” She states reaching to touch my messy hair.

” Thanks , Alex.” I politely dodge her kind gestures and reach for my toothbrush.

Leslie walks in singing to a song coming out of her phone.

” What’s up sis.” Leslie asks with a grin.

It’s weird. Leslie doesn’t care about me. She would pick our cousin Alexa over me countless times. I’m not like them. Leslie is a secret party freak , she likes boys but I’m yet to prove that since she’s my nice sweet older sister. Alexa is worse , she doesn’t hide anything and she barely cares that my parents care. She has a tattoo on her waist and back and it’s weird her parents don’t care. My parents hated the fact that Alexa had to be our cousin. They see her as a bad egg. A really bad egg. I sort of like her a little though. She’s pretty with a pierced nose.

” We’re partying tonight, you wanna come?” Alexa asks.

” Party?”

” Yes party.” Alexa squeals. I turn to look at Leslie who acts like she doesn’t care.

” What about mom and dad? They hate parties too, remember?”

” Ditch that. I will handle that.”

” What are you gonna tell them?” Leslie asks.

” That I have church service this evening and we won’t be back till 10.”

” Mass doesn’t take place at night.” I press.

” Ariel, why are you so boring? When was the last time you partied? Have you ever partied at all? It’s gonna be fun. Plenty of booze and boys from all over New York and college.” Alexa says.

Leslie seems to be interested cause her eyebrows lifts with a grin.

I’m still not interested. I mean even if I decide to go with them , I’m still gonna be the goat. Mom finds joy in ordering me around and making life unbearable for me. And on second thought , I’ve been indoors and doing nothing. I’m tired of staying at home and doing nothing. I keep on remembering how broken i am.

” Okay fine. Don’t you think 10:pm is too late?”

” Ariel, live a little.” Alexa smirks, snapping her fingers.

” First we’re gonna go shopping for creative clothes. You’re not gonna dress like you’re going to a funeral.” Alex says, directing her word to me.

” What about mom?” I ask while Leslie listens.

” She won’t allow us to go out this morning to buy clothes.”

” They are not around, dummy.” Leslie snaps at me.

I shrug and breathe in. This is totally a bad idea and I’m grateful I’m not the only one risking it.

” Go brush your teeth, we’re getting dressed. And please dress normal.” Alexa smirks and leaves with Leslie who is swaying to the music on her playlist.

I heave a deep breath and rush to the bathroom to shower. I get dressed in just simple black jeans, and a t-shirt. I know I look normal even if not hot. I walk out of my room only to find Leslie and Alexa giggling. Alexa is a fashion model. She fits perfectly on her red short dress with straps and a black leather jacket hangs on her shoulders. Leslie is pretty and I regretted coming in the first place. Their stares made me feel that way.

“Let’s go.” Alexa smirks and leads the way with her nice stilettos clicking against our floorboards.

I feel like I’m sixteen. Alexa drives a real modern Ford car and it’s beautiful compared to my box. All thanks to that stranger. I sit at the back seat like a timid girl while Leslie and Alexa dance to the rap music. I really can’t tell who’s the artist. She stops by a boutique and without warning I know it’s out of my league. I can’t afford this type of designer clothes.

We’re not broke but my parents choose to live awkwardly, maybe because they both serve in a Catholic parish.

” Alex , these are expensive.” I mutter looking around at every wares and their tags inside the boutique. Givenchy , Louis Vuitton , Fendi and every classy label you could think of.

” I’m paying. Go on Les.”

” How can you afford all of this?” I ask once Leslie is out of sight.

” Ariel , I’m a model and I have a boyfriend.” She smiles and picks out a nearly no clothing type of dress.

” You should try that.” She throws the dress at me and the strap is not my thing and it’s short. I can’t wear a strap dress, it’s too revealing. It has a short split and I’m sure that split is for revealing a perfect toned thighs.

” Check me out boo.” Leslie walks out of the closet wearing a sleeveless blue dress. So short.

” You’re hot.”

” I’m keeping it.” Leslie smiles. Why would she wear that?

” Ariel , you’re keeping that.” Alexa says picking out a purple strap dress for herself too , but hers is laced and nearly see through.

After countless convincing they forced me to buy it with Alexa telling me it’s only for tonight.

♠♠♠

It’s 7pm and Alex is dressing me up . Leslie is through but busy straightening her eyeliner and lipstick. Alexa stretches my hair to make it longer. She decided to add a little makeup but I refused. I already look uncomfortable dressed in a short strap dress with a split and every normal person can see my thighs. According to some normal folks , they might think my clothing is normal but nothing is normal tonight.

Mom and dad visited Janell. Their new friend is from the same parish. The ride was awful to me cause Leslie and Alexa are always humming to the songs blaring through the stereo. It’s a club and I’ve never been to a club. I step out of Alexa’s car and I’m faced with this weird place. I’m gonna throw up.

” Let’s get wasted ladies.” Alexa leads the march and I naively followed. My soul isn’t here and as usual my inner woman is already scolding me to behave and have fun a little.

” Whoa…” Alexa and Leslie are drinking themselves to stupor even if they aren’t that drunk. I decide to take a sip of the liquor but I spit it back. So bitter.

” Alex.” A blonde haired guy calls with a smirk sitting close to Alex.

” What the fuck do you want?”

” Come on babe , I missed you.”

” The fuck dude! We just had sex and I’m done with you.” Alexa spits out with so much confidence.

The Blondie laughs stupidly even with the loud music.

” Boo, you missed this dick.”

” It’s too tiny. Piss off asshole. I’ve gotten a better one than yours.” Alexa replies and I feel really dizzy with their choice of foul language.

” That’s what’s up.” Leslie squeals and I assume she’s drunk. She shouldn’t be supporting such a vulgar act.

I excuse them to the bar to order something soft to drink. I can’t cope with alcohol or I’ll just gag to death. It smells awful. I stand beside the counter and the bartender seems busy. I sigh and look around this weird club. Almost every single person here looks drunk or maybe tipsy.

” Hey pretty.” A guy smirks at me.

I gulped to his bad stench of alcohol and I couldn’t help but move a bit far from him.

” You’re scared of me sweetheart?” He flirts, trying to touch me.

” Stay away from me.” I plea. it’s crazy nobody cares.

” Come on.”

” Leave me the hell alone.” I whimper.

“You’re too hot to avoid. Who the hell made you this beautiful.” He mutters trying to touch me. Again.

“Tinkerbell…” I heard that all too familiar voice. I turn to look behind this drunk asshole. And there he was , standing in all glory. Eyes all over my body as he walks to my figure.

“What do you want with my girl?” This grey-eyed stranger asks the other drunk fella.

“Nothing man. I didn’t know she’s yours.”

“Good. Now get your broke ass outta here.” I watch the drunk leave quickly. I can’t catch my breath. My eyes move slowly to look at his and just as expected, he smirks. I’ve obviously lost my breath just standing a few feet from him.

What’s he doing here? I thought I would never see him again. Funny part is he just called me his girl. What the hell!

 

Chapter 5

I nervously rub my already sweaty palms against my arms. I’m nervous as usual and the funny part is, he’s smoking a cancer stick. He Inhales the stick , purring out the smoke through his nostrils. I cough, giving him space since his cigarette is still stuck in his mouth.

” My bad.” He takes it out and throws the blunt on the floor before stepping on it , squeezing his shoe on it.

” We’re cool?” He asks and raises his brows.

I don’t reply but stare at his eyes. I already lost my breath. It’s so annoying he makes me nervous.

” You really don’t have to keep on checking me out.” He states. I look away embarrassed and face this bartender who is standing in front of us.

That’s really crazy. I’ve been standing here for minutes and the bartender didn’t even bother to look at me or ask what I needed. And this cute stranger showed up and he’s already here to take his orders.

” Tequila for me. Take the girl’s orders.” The bartender nods and then looks at me.

” Do you have any liquid that’s basically not alcohol?” I ask. Mr. Stranger looks at me weirdly, including the bartender. Did I just make a fool out of myself?

” Get her cocktail.” Stranger answers. The bartender nods and leaves to get what he ordered. I badly wanted to ask what’s a cocktail but I shamelessly sealed my mouth. All thanks to my parents.

” So what are you doing in a club?” He asks and looks at me taking in my figure. I know I look shamelessly different tonight.

” It shouldn’t be your business. Thanks for saving me by the way.” I sigh and tap endlessly on the counter trying to hide my nervousness.

” Alright.”

I stand impatiently close to this stranger and for some reasons best known to him, he’s always staring at me. Am I that horrible? The bartender returns with a bottle and I’m sure that’s tequila. He drops the bottle on the counter and three glasses of what I assume is a cocktail.

” It’s not really bitter, Snow White.” I roll my eyes and look at the bartender.

” How much?”

” Nevermind.” Stranger says and digs out his wallet to pay.

” Please don’t. I can pay my bills myself.” I don’t even know how much.

” It’s fine , Tinkerbell.” He pays the bartender.

” You don’t have to be annoying. You helped me out the other day and I really didn’t say thank you.” He says and smirks at me.

I open my mouth to say something but nothing comes out. He looks breathtaking and intimidating.

” You can join my table if you want.” He smirks and I really can’t speak.

I thought about Leslie and Alexa. They might be looking for me and on a second thought they are drunk and they wouldn’t care about me.

” I’m fine. Thanks for this.. cock…” I scoff.”… whatever.”

He nods and leaves with his tequila and a glass. I watch him walk back to the darkest part of the club. I carry my drink and head back to the girls. Just like I pictured they are both drunk.

” Sup Ariel. Having fun?” Leslie asks gulping a liquid which I assume is alcohol.

” Yeah.” I drop the cocktail on the table and sit down. I sip it and it tastes like mixed fruits. I smile to it’s taste and continue to sip.

” Hey babe.” A dark haired guy says kissing Alexa. I roll my eyes and slurp my cocktail. That must be her boyfriend.

” Hey babe” She giggles and playfully caresses his hair. He whispers something to her and she giggles again.

” Bye ladies.” Alexa says and leaves with this brunette. Just like that.

I roll my eyes, getting tired. Seriously, this place called club is boring. I wish I was at home , maybe reading my book. And then I think about my parents’ reactions tomorrow.

” Ariel , don’t think about it. Have fun.” My conscience whispers. I hate her.

” I’ll be back sis. I wanna dance.” With that said, I watch Leslie walk out too. Now I’m terribly bored.

I look around the club scared to get wooed again by some drunk aggressive man. I already consumed a glass of cocktail and I’m in my second glass.

” You shouldn’t get used to that. It’s like poison.” I heard that familiar voice.

I looked up and his amazing grey eyes greeted me before his smirk. He sits on the opposite chair and drops his bottle of tequila that’s already half consumed.

” You look tipsy.” I don’t reply but stare far from his eyes. Continuous staring at those eyes and I’ll be humiliated. I barely could make out words when I’m with him.

” What are you doing here?”

” Your friends abandoned you to fuck some random boy.” Great. How can he be so comfortable talking so rough?

” I hate cursing.” I tell him and it burst out like a whisper.

” I noticed.” He mutters and gulps his alcohol.

His eyes stare at me and land on my figure in front of him. His eyes are all over my body and I’m scared. He’s unpredictable and not readable.

” You club?” He asks, as his eyes meet mine.

” No.”

” Then what are you doing here? Dressed like that?”

My hands leave my half consumed cocktail and sneak beneath the table as I fiddle with them. I know i look stupid. Like some random girl and I hate feeling that way. Stranger scoffs and shakes his head sideways before gulping his drink.

” I don’t even know you.”

” I think it’s better that way.” He states and sits back his drink on the table. I take out the straw and empty the remaining cocktail with just one gulp. I feel different again, like I’m a bit drunk.

I rub my temple and raise my eyes to meet this tatted stranger looking right back at me.

” What are you doing here?” I ask him.

” To party and get laid.” He replies flatly.

” Getting laid?” I find myself touching my hair and that’s not likely me.

” Yeah. Why?”

I giggle. Great , when did I start giggling?

” Every random hot girl would wanna lay with you.” I bite my lip and sip my third cocktail in a really sexy way. This isn’t good. I’m drunk and I can’t stop myself.

” You’re hot.” I tell him and slowly touch his hand that’s resting on the table.

His stare is dark and not leaving my eyes. I withdraw my hand from his hand and shift on my chair. I’m sweating and that’s really weird.

” You’re drunk.”

” I’m not…” I giggle.

” You like to play?” I touch his hand and his gaze isn’t leaving mine.

” You wanna play? I bite hard.” He flirts and I think my heart skips a beat.

Being drunk is stupid.

” How hard do you bite?” I flirt back and twist my hair again before sipping my third glass of cocktail.

” Really hard.” I smirk and it’s crazy I want someone.

” What’s your name?” I ask him.

He doesn’t reply but looks at me with those breathtaking eyes. He’s making me hot in every uncensored part of me. He glares at me and drinks his tequila till it’s empty. He stands up and grabs my arm leading me outside. I giggle stupidly and follow him behind.

” Why don’t you want me? Am I ugly?” I whine behind him.

He stays quiet and continues to walk on the concrete floor outside the club.

” You’re too mean and cute.” I laugh Insanely.

” Enough of your nuisance.” He spits but that makes me giggle again.

” Why do you have tattoos? Why do you cuss?” He stops and pushes me gently against a car.

” Meany cutie.” I giggle and poke his cheek.

” Stop talking.” He snap.

” Why? Do you hate me now? You’ve been staring at my body back there.” I whine . I reach out to touch his chest but he grabs my arm and leans closer to me. I’m losing my mind.

” Don’t make me touch you. You’re gonna get addicted. Now stay here and don’t move.”

” Promise.” I seal my mouth and laugh. ” I won’t move my ground off the feet , I mean I won’t move my feet off the sheet. Whatever that means.” I giggle and watch him turn to leave.

” Where are you going? Are you leaving me?” I call out to him but he ignores me.

I touch my neck and smile. I begin humming to whatever song that sneaks Into my head.

” Sup pretty.” A guy says from the dark. He walks forward and smirks at me, rubbing his palm together and licking his lips.

” You look like Jack , that Nanny’s mad dog in Georgia.” I giggle.

” That mad dog wanna lick you all over, sweetness.” He licks his lips and proceeds to touch my booty.

A hand grip him from behind and slams his head on the car.

” You fuckin’ prick.” My cute stranger rescues me. Again. Alright , I’m going insane.

This other guy groans and rubs his bleeding nose.

” I’m sorry man.”

” Piss off, fuck boy.” Stranger yells as the other guy runs away.

” Aww.”

” Punk , drink this.” He scowls and pushes a bottle of water on my chest.

” Why are you being mean?”

” Get in the car.” He orders and opens the door of his black car. A wing door Mercedes. Is he that rich?

” Can you be…” He cuts me short by gently pushing me inside.

” Don’t ever take alcohol. Annoying church girl.” He mutters and drives out of the car park.

” How rich are you?” I ask, still holding the bottle of water.

He doesn’t bother to look at me but stares at the road. I watch the way he handles the wheel , he’s so hot.

” Meany.” I whine and throw the water away.

” And what did you do that for?” He snaps at me.

” You don’t care about me anymore. You don’t even give me attention.” I whine.

” Fuck me.”

” Say that again.” I whisper and climb on his lap touching his well built body.

He glares at me and that makes me giggle. He groans silently and lifts me off his lap to sit back on the passenger seat. Strapping the seatbelt, he gives me a death glare and sighs fully frustrated by my stunt.

” Where do you live?” He asks me through clench teeth.

” I don’t even remember.” I say as a matter of fact.

” Just keep on driving , babe.”

Did I just say Babe?

♠♠♠

I yawn and stretch myself on my bed. It’s morning and I’m really exhausted. I can’t really remember what happened yesterday but I remembered I was drunk. My body aches and I am not ready to wake up. I’ve never been drunk or even visited a club before, so I basically don’t know what it feels like to have a hangover. It’s terrible with a severe headache. God, remind me never to listen to Alexa again.

I groan to my ringing phone and touch every space in my bed with my eyes still closed. I grab my phone and answer the call and slightly press it to my ear with my eyes still closed.

” Ariel.”

” Who’s this?”

” Jesus , you didn’t save my number? It’s Alex.”

” Oh. Hey , hi.”

” Where are you?”

” I’m at home.” I reply with a sleepy voice.

” Home? Which home?” Is she kidding me? How many homes do I have?

I groan and reply.” I’m in my room, Alex.”

” For goodness sake , what are you talking about? I’m in your room and we’re worried. Where are you?” I blink my eyes and slowly open them.

What’s she saying? I looked at the wall and the stainless white walls greeted me first. I look to the right and a fancy glass door closet is right there. This isn’t my room, I don’t have a glass door closet. That’s a lot of money. Whose room is this? I sit up at once and look around. The dresser , nightstand curtains aren’t mine. This is not my room.

It can’t be. I push the blanket aside and hop out of the bed. Where are my clothes? I’m wearing an oversized black T-shirt and grey oversized sweatpants.

” These are not my clothes.” My mind drifts to one person. That stranger.

I look up at the door and there he is, standing shirtless beside the door with his grey eyes prying all over my body on his bed and in his clothes. My eyes scan his godlike figure and I can’t breathe thinking the unthinkable. Did he take advantage of my drunk state?

Oh no it’s not true.