I began to second guess myself for separating myself from Pattie but, I needed to deal with this alone. Charlie had set up a really sick joke. A little too sick on his part.
When there was a more private area found, I started to confront the ginger in front of me. "Who set you up for this?" I say quickly.
The eyebrows of the ginger burrowed together in confusion. "What do you mean 'who set this up'? This isn't a setup? Where did you get that idea?" The kid replied. The confusion he had was almost real enough for me to play.
"Wow, a lot of convincing must have been made for you to get dedicated. You're really nailing the role and acting. Are you a method actor? I've dealt with some really messed up shit but, this is just a new level of cruel on Charlie's behalf. What, did he make you follow me or something? I will say he did a hell of a job finding someone to look like an older version..." I interrogated. Not falling for the cruel game that Charlie has set.
"A game! Why the hell would my brother have anything to do with sending me to find you? Especially as a joke? I know we haven't been on the best of terms and it's been a long time but, saying that it's a cruel joke? That's a bit far fetched wouldn't you think? And what's this tension between you and Charlie? I'm also as real as it comes. In case you forget I am and always have been Aiden Thomas Marlins. Charlie's half brother." The imposter scrambled with his questions.
I also physically cringed hearing the full name of Aiden for the first time. In a long time. I referred to him in my journal as Aiden was my best friend and the only person I could spill all my thoughts too. It was a coping mechanism I suppose. Hearing his name out loud pained me.
I almost scoffed at the full announcement this imposter placed. Trying hard to not let down his acting. "I really do think to believe that but, whatever you say Aiden. The dedication is strong. I'm impressed." I say sarcastically.
'Aiden' looked mad that I wasn't falling for his act. "Why is it so hard for you to believe that I'm not imposing as a fake version of myself!? That's fucking stupid!" He yelled.
This kid didn't get informed from Charlie why he was failing at this mind game. Which I think was a plot hole in Charlie's agenda but, he was touchy about the topic of Aiden. I guess he didn't want to spill the whole story about his brother.
My throat went dry as I became weaker in control of my emotions. I loathed talking about this subject as it wasn't one I talked to people about. It stayed between the Love family and me. Or maybe a few of Charlie's close friends. Or even my ex, who was once close with him.
"Why? I guess Charlie never informed you. But, guess what? I'll do you a favor and inform you why it's a sick joke that you are imposing as his brother. Because the real Aiden Marlins is dead. Long gone and dead!" I croaked.
The look on his face was almost believable. He was hurt. I will say he did look a lot like the real Aiden. Even his expressions stung a bit even if it was an actor. Though I think the kid didn't catch on to what I meant by dead. He probably thought Aiden was dead to me and I wanted nothing to do with him as a person.
I looked away and pinched the bridge of my nose. Holding myself together a little longer. I turned back to look at the faker.
"Dead as in 6 feet under the ground. No longer breathing and walking around?" I stated sternly.
Those brown eyes almost popped out of his skull. I couldn't deny that, that was a genuine reaction. Saying this kid was shocked was an understatement. No words could describe it.
"That's why this mind game Charlie has brought on isn't going to work on me because I know the truth. That's fucking evil. I don't know how he was ballsy enough to do that knowing how torn up he was. It does feel like a slap in the face having to be reminded and seeing what could have been. I guess part of his wicked plan worked. Congrats to him on that because that fucking worked. I will never be deceived into believing what I know isn't real. At least not anymore. I hope you tell him your acting was really good but, I'm not stupid enough to fall for this stunt. Let him know how much of a punch he just landed too. I'm sure he'll enjoy that." I explained coldly.
Without hesitation I walked away, not wanting to look at the person claiming to be Aiden. He could have been an identical twin to Aiden if he was still around and my age. I was angry and hurting in so many ways I wished to never feel again. It felt as if that horrid day had just happened recently.
My heart became heavy and my eyes matched that sensation. My eyes were blurry with tears that stung. I made my way out of the mall. Away from people. I was across town, away from my house. It was somewhat late out. Not dark yet so walking wasn't going to be an issue. It was only dark because of the dark clouds. Coincidentally a perfect setting as today I went from happy to miserable. I didn't have my bike today either.
Hot tears streamed down my cheeks as I walked down the street. I wasn't sure what I was going to do myself. Going home right away wasn't an option. It would also take me about a half an hour walk. Eventually I decided to just wander around the town for a while. My parents knew I stayed out late. Sometimes I didn't return until the morning. They trusted me enough that I didn't do anything illegal and would take care of myself. At least now they did.
I've also stayed out during the night because I've had accidental encounters with Charlie outside of school. They always escalated in bullying. Pattie had no idea the extent it had gotten when it wasn't during school. She didn't know about the few nighttime encounters. I didn't really feel the need to tell her. We both knew the seriousness of the bullying I faced was severe enough. Where Charlie could get into a lot for trouble. It's assault, not bullying at this point.
My thoughts were clouded by many emotions and memories. I walked for what some would feel like forever. I didn't realize how long I was lost in thought as I walked that it had gotten darker out.
Of course I was on the slightly more sketchy side of town. I was burdened by my memories even more than what I've gotten used to since I've met Pattie. I was close to alleyways and all sorts of dark areas in the town. As I walked I heard sniffling. It was clear someone was crying. I looked to see a girl close to my age was sitting on the stairs of an apartment complex. Smoking something. She had a big paper bag. Her eyes were black because of the mascara that smeared as she sobbed.
I didn't want to get involved with other people's business. I usually didn't care, but I decided not to be a bystander. Despite dealing with my own crap. I walked over to her, to make sure nothing serious happened. Like domestic abuse or anything.
"Hey, are you alright?" I asked loud enough for her to whip her long and extremely curly blonde covered head towards me.
Even with makeup smeared and messy, I could tell she was a fairly attractive girl with pretty brown eyes. She looked at me confused that someone decided to speak to her. During a hot mess stage.
"No, I'm not. But, that doesn't concern you." She snapped a little. I decided to back off right away. She clearly didn't want human interaction. I clearly didn't want any either.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to upset you. Just wanted to see if you were okay as not many others would bother. Hope things clear out for you." I replied. Emotionless and began to turn and walk off.
Before she responded quickly. "I'm sorry! I can tell you were just trying to be decent. I've just come out of a rough break up and I'm not exactly my best self right now." She apologized and took a puff of her smoke. Her apology was sincere.
"It's ok. I get it. When life flips us off, humans become the worst thing to deal with. I've been there." I accepted her apology. I stood still, facing her as I replied. Brushing some of my long hair out of my face.
"I see that you've been having a shit day too." The girl pointed to her eye. Hinting at the black eye I had received from Pattie's attacker.
"Guess you can say that. Emotionally I'm shipwrecked right now. The shiner isn't what put me in a shitty state. I protected someone close to me from assault, so I can't complain much. Would do it again in a heartbeat." I explained to her.
She gave me a small grin. "Guess you were a knight in shining armor eh?" The girl hinted at maybe I had a special girl in my life.
"Nope, she's my close friend. I would not hesitate to keep her safe. Plus, it was made clear that it will only stay a friendship." I made a note to the girl's assumptions.
"Ouch. Fair enough, when a dude protects a chick, it isn't always with a romantic flair. Still, that makes you a pretty neat guy standing up for her." My message was made clear that Pattie, who I didn't name, was only seen as a close friend. Though I do have feelings for her and was terribly friend-zoned too. This girl picked up on it.
"I'd protect those I care about most any day. It's just in my nature to try and keep people safe." I say. Feeling my stomach drop again from the sadness I was experiencing today.
The blonde girl looked at me sadly, sensing the sorrows I now bestowed in front of her. Even if it was small, she could find herself in my shoes with her own pain.
"I don't usually offer anything to strangers but, you seem to be really deep in sorrows like me. Want something to take off the edge a little?" She offered unexpectedly.
I was taken back from that. I didn't know if she meant any drugs or whatever when she offered a way for me to take off the edge. Her brown eyes widened and realized why I hadn't responded.
"Oh, dear lord. I'm not offering you drugs. Nothing heavy anyways. I only smoke dope or cigarettes. Very rarely do I touch a cig. I smoke dope in small doses when I'm in my lowest points. As well what my parents referred to as 'adult juice." The girl referred to the paper bag. She brought out a small bottle of whiskey and took a swing as she spoke.
I was hesitant again but, I was in desperation to numb my sorrows away. I knew this wasn't a proper and long term solution. It was one of those, in the moment situation. I took a seat next to the girl on the stairs. Not close enough to touch.
"I'll stay away from the weed and smokes. I don't want to reek of it when I still have to return to school. I'm assuming you're a student too." I say. The girl passed me the bottle and I took a swig of the whiskey. Feeling it burn down my throat.
"Yeah, I still go to school. I have older connections that help me get drinks when I need them. I like the taste of certain types of drink. I like the taste factor and enjoy it as a beverage, not a mind-numbing getaway." I nodded in response. I had no judgment towards her.
I handed the bottle back to her. I pushed more of my hair out of my face. "I'm Zeke by the way. Might as well tell you the name of my face." I simply say.
"How stupid of us, waiting this long to reveal our names. I'm Alannis, but people call me Lani." Lani revealed her name.
"Nice to have the pleasure of knowing your name. Though, we've gotten past a lot of the casualties." I say sarcastically.
Lani snorted at my bluntness. Giving me the bottle again. I didn't hesitate to take a long sip of the whiskey. I could feel myself becoming a little lighter. The effects of strong alcohol.
She put out her cigarette out on the concrete stair and flicked it away. She took another sip out of her bottle of whiskey. We sat in a comfortable silence, despite the weird introduction we had to meeting each other.
Lani went to pass the bottle back to me, but lost her grip on it. Leaving the bottle to spill on my clothing. She stood up quickly in panic and grabbed the bottle
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry! I didn't realize how much of a clutz I am." Lani apologized.
"It's alright Lani. It was accidental. I'm not upset or anything. I'm just going to end up reeking of whiskey is all." I say calmly. Hoping to relax Lani down a bit too.
"Well, I could throw your clothes into a wash. I have spare men's clothing you can wear in the meantime. I don't want you to get in trouble or reek either." Lani offered.
"That would be fine by me. I don't want to intrude and make things weird for you, bringing a random guy into your home." I say.
"I live alone Zeke. So I won't be having any issues putting your stuff in the wash. You're not a creep or anything so I don't have an issue with you sitting in my apartment. Come now." Lani pointed out. She picked up the paper bag and I followed her into the apartment building. Luckily she had a unit on the first floor.
Lani unlocked the door to her unit. Which was number 8, and welcomed me into her small home. Her apartment was somewhat empty as she clearly didn't make a lot of money to afford fancy things. Or furniture.
She had a simple brown couch and a coffee table. A small TV and a couple of pictures hanging on the wall. The kitchen was almost bare as well; she had a bar table counter with 2 stools. There was a small table where 2 people could eat.
She was probably just starting to live on her own. Lani was strong willed because she was young and capable of holding up her own already.
Lani placed her keys and bag on the table that was placed close to the door. She took her shoes off on the mat. I did the same.
She waved her hand for me to follow. her. There were 3 doors in her apartment. One to her room, the bathroom and what I guessed was a closet where her washer and dryer were placed. Her apartment was spacious enough to have her own personal washer and dryer machines.
"You stay there. I'm getting you some clothes." Lani told me. I nodded in response.
She went into her room quickly and came back out with a shirt and pants. "I'm certain your socks aren't drenched." Lani pointed out. I laughed and nodded as I walked into the bathroom.
I changed into the shirt. It was a black and white striped long sleeve. I could tell it was well made. An expensive brand name too. As well as the pants. Which were stylish sweats. A dark grey colour that were slightly form fitting, but also comfortable. Different from my usual cheap jeans and t-shirts. As well as wearing something long sleeved besides my hoodie. Unless I hid a long sleeved shirt underneath.
I came out of the bathroom and showed Lani I changed successfully. Everything fit pretty well. The shirt was slightly loose on me, but it wasn't an issue.
Lani's brown eyes widened at my sight. "You clean-up really well. You're a cute guy but, when you're not hiding behind your clothes and hair you really have presence. Not that your style is bad either. This is just a hint of spice from your usual outfit. I can tell you wear the same similar look. The hoodie, baggy pants and a random shirt. You can keep the clothes too." Lani complimented.
My cheeks flushed a bit. I smiled and thanked her for the compliment. Lani took my clothes and put them in the wash. Waving me over to sit on her couch with her.
"I had these clothes here because I was going to give them to my younger brother. I never got around to doing it. Actually, I have a bag filled with some clothes I was going to give him. He's loaded with clothes from my parents anyways. I'm also on good terms with my family. I just chose to move out. You can have the bag of clothing if you want?" Lani offered.
"I can't do that. I can tell these are more expensive clothes and I don't want to make you feel like I'm mooching off you or taking advantage or anything." I rambled on with my words. I was slightly buzzed. And so was Lani.
"You're not a mooch. I can tell. Plus, these clothes will just go to waste. I'd rather see someone get use out of them. If you'll wear them anyways. Donating them isn't a bad idea either but, it's good quality clothing being offered. I'd take it." She pointed out.
"You have some good points. I'll keep some and donate the items I won't wear. Fair compromise?" I agreed.
"Sounds good. I'm not here to change how you look or anything but, have you ever thought about getting a trim? Your hair is almost to your shoulders. You suit long hair, but your bangs are in your face. You don't need to hide behind them. I am going to school to be a hairdresser. Used to cut my ex's hair a lot. My family and friends come to me because I do a good job despite just learning from high school courses." Lani questioned.
"I haven't really put much thought into my hair. Or really with my outfits because I never cared enough too. I don't have a lot for self esteem so I like to hide myself. Maybe putting a little bit of self care will boost my spirits a bit?" I say honestly.
Lani's brown eyes saddened a little. "It's sad to see that your confidence and like you said, 'your spirit' is just crushed. Not completely though. You got a bit of a spirit still because of that good friend of yours. Sometimes you need to focus on doing something for you too. Changing things up a little is good because the world is always changing right?" Lani was a smart person. And just just understood the world a bit.
"I can agree on that. Though, our judgment isn't the best right now because we're both buzzed. I'll let you do what you think is best for my hair, but I really don't want to get cut in the face." I joked.
"I'm not that buzzed. You'll just have to trust me." Lani dared.
"Fine, but if I look worse than I did I should get free haircuts from you for the rest of my life when you become a professional hairdresser. And not being under the influence of alcohol." I taunted back in a joking manner.
Lani smirked at me."And if I am successful at cutting your hair then you'll owe me one favor of my choosing. Doesn't mean now, it could be anytime." She added.
"Deal." I responded.
Lani had me sit on one of her table set chairs and placed a hair dress cape around me. Keeping my cut hair off my clothing. She pulled out a professional hair kit. Lani dampened my hair and started trimming away. Being completely focused and careful, despite being clearly buzzed.
Lani cleaned up the floor with a broom. Sweeping away a ton of my black hair. She took the cape off of me and told me to look in the bathroom mirror. Which I did and I was pleasantly surprised by her work.
My hair was no longer close to touching my shoulder. I had shorter, layered hair. Lani had pulled out her razor and thinned out the sides of my head a little. Around my ear area. My hair was waiver than usual too. I still had fringe, but it was layered. I never would've realized my hair curled on its own if I gave a little more care to it.
"Wow. I have to say I'm really taken away. That there's an actual human being behind those black locks. I was beginning to look like the Grudge. With how much I hid my face." I commented. Making Lani burst out laughing.
"I make the Grudge feel jealous." I added. Making Lani snort as she laughed. I chuckled alongside Lani. Our chuckling died down quickly afterwards.
"But, seriously it looks great. You have talent even when buzzed. Looks like I owe you that favor then." Buzzed Zeke told Lani.
I was a lot more outgoing than I expected myself to be with. Lani smiled at me. "That you do. I'll make full use of it one day." She says and pokes my chest playfully.
I left the bathroom after admiring my new hair do and sat back on the couch with Lani. Who had placed 2 coolers on the coffee table.
"Smirnoff Ice. Nice choice." Lani hinted at me to take one of the bottles that were already open.
I tasted the citrus flavored beverage. I definitely thought Smirnoff Ice was one of the most delicious tasting alcoholic drinks out there. I've had a few drinks before, so I had a bit of an awareness of what I liked or disliked.
I was buzzing even harder now. I wasn't going to allow myself to be piss drunk. Lani was rambling on about what she did wrong for her ex to cheat on her. Blaming herself for his lack of maturity to handle a strong headed woman.
"I think it's him that is wrong. Not you. Why the hell did he fuck up things with you? He can't handle you. You're too good for him and out of his league. You're ambitious, independent and strong willed. Living on your own already. Pushing for a career. He's a lazy shit. He let greatness go. On top of that, you're stunning on top of that. He should of been treating you like royalty. I would." I say.
Lani shied away a bit at my compliments. Helping her see that she didn't mess up. Lani started to blame herself even less after that. I could tell. I pointed out multiple true facts about her.
"You've been treating me with great respect since we first talked. I was an asshole. Though, most encounters like that usually involve the guy being one. You're a rare case." Lani noted.
"Well, I was raised to be respectful towards others. And it's just something I like to do. The only time I don't give respect is when someone is a despicable human being." I replied.
"We'll you're not a despicable person. You're a decent person. For whatever reasons you don't see that in yourself, I hope you one day you do." Lani's words hit me deep. She could see right through me somehow.
Lani and I heard a buzzer go off. It was dryer, my clothing was fresh and clean now. "I'll go get that for you." Lani said and eased her buzzed self off the couch to get my clothes.
She came back with fresh, warm jeans, a t-shirt and my red hoodie. As she went to sit back down, the entire apartment shook and the power went out for a quick moment. I took my clothing from Lani as she checked behind her curtain. Showing a heavy thunderstorm taking place.
"Guess it was also a good thing I invited you inside either way because you'd be drenched. Sorry, but I'm not letting you go out in that." Lani told me.
"I don't want to intrude but, I'd have to agree. And don't worry about my folks. They're used to me staying out late. And coming back in the morning and or not missing school. They know I'd never touch drugs and get myself into a mess. I usually stay in a motel if it gets late or bad weather. I'll shoot them a text saying that exact statement." I shrugged.
I quickly sent a text to my parents stating I was staying at a motel because of the weather. They replied and just told me to be safe and warm. Which I told Lani for reassurance.
"Sometimes I'd just crash at one of my friends' homes but, I've had a falling out with all of them;" I paused. I could have gone deeper into that topic a little, but I decided not too.
"That's horrible. I'll be your friend then." Lani smiled at me. I returned it. Appreciating her kindness.
Lani was wearing a tank top and noticed her arms were covered in goosebumps. She was feeling cold and I had a warm sweater that recently came out of their dryer.
I got up and placed the warm hoodie on her. Hoping to warm her up. Lani whipped her head towards me.
"I noticed you looking chilly. I'm sure you have your own long sleeved clothing but, my hoodie just came out of the dryer. Put two and two together. You'd warm up quicker. I have no issue" I pointed out to a blushing Lani. I mean, I did it for Pattie but, I also have feelings for her. For Lani, I didn't know what it was but, I felt the need to keep her warm too.
"Thanks." Was all she said.
Lani stared at me intensely with her warm brown eyes. I was standing in front of her. I was a bit taller than her too. She looked adorable in the hoodie. With an innocently confused expression. Kind of like a deer. If there was an animal that reminded me of Lani, I'd say a fawn. Big brown eyes and freckles.
I returned her gaze. Her eyes flickered at different points of my face. Her face was shy at any possible thoughts that I think I shared with her. We both felt a mood change. It wasn't in our intent but, we were having chemistry right now. We were both sober enough to speak up as well.
I stepped a bit closer to her. "I don't want you to feel like I am using you or anything. I genuinely approached you because I wanted to see if you were alright. I didn't accept your invitation in hopes for anything to escalate. I respect you a lot." I say truthfully.
Lani's eyes softened. "I know. Same with you. Your heart is after someone else too. Same here with mine. I still love my ex. It takes time to heal. And I don't want you to be a rebound either..." Lani's voice was a little more than a murmur.
"We're both two broken souls today. More than usual. Looking for comfort...in an unlikely way. I think we could stay friends even." I spoke softly.
"Would it be that bad to let those broken parts be greedy for a temporary moment?" Lani asked.
"Even people who are giving and generous need to be selfish sometimes. And when two people are on the same page about it...is it alright to indulge in it?" I replied with a question of my own.
"As long as it doesn't carry forward as a regular occurrence. A one time deal, I see little to no reason why we can't have one night where we're selfish together. It's not uncommon." Lani explained.
"I think I'd have to agree with you. Whatever happens stays between us." Lani nods in agreement.
I step closer to Lani and take her face between my hands. Bringing her soft lips to mine. An instant spark runs through our veins. It wasn't the passionate, romantic kiss I felt when I kissed Pattie, There was a hunger and need to be heard and understood here. To be selfish for ourselves for once.
Lani wrapped her arms around my shoulders, pulling me closer to her body. Removing my hands from her cheeks, I placed them on either side of her waist. She then guided her hands to where I could touch her. We were slow and took our time exploring. Of course, once we found our tempo and what clicked for us, things went from slow to rapid quickly. Equally being selfish without judgement.
From there on, what took place during our encounter stayed between us. It was a night where I held two new secrets. Our hookup was the first one. This would also be my first time...with a girl. All I could say about it was that two lonely people shared one less lonely moment together. Truthfully, there was nothing wrong with that either. Despite the strange circumstances, we found a new friend in one another too.