my tears were making it hard for me to see who it was. Each time i blinked,the figure got closer and closer.It seemed like it was a man as i noticed they were wearing large black boots,the kind of one you'd wear in a farm.A massive round black hat was covering his entire face.He was probably outside in the rain for too long looking at the long overcoat that was soaking with water.Everything about him seemed creepy but,strangly,i wasn't feeling scared.
"Miss, are you feeling okay?...you were running very fast that you dropped your phone"
...
"It's quiet smashed though.I tried my best to chase you but wow,you are one athelete,"
Dazed,i replied,"Thank you so much,sir.Heh and thank you for chasing me,usually people wouldn't really give a damn and leave it at that." I almost jumped as he slowly came and sat next to me.I froze stiffly. 'wh-why is he sitting here?!?!? i thought he just wanted to give me my phone back? is he going to leave or should i-' My thoughts were interrupted as he calmly said,
"I know im a stranger to you but,you know,you can talk to me.You seem upset,did anything happen?No,most importantly why are you here so late,its 8:54pm.There are loads of dangerous and scary people,especially around this neighbourhood."
'Why does he even care?! oh my days can he just leave me alone why is he acting like he knows me,' i thought.'But still..his voice is very calming,it makes me feel safe.'
"your gentle voice makes me feel safe," i mumbled as he chuckled.Gasping, i panically shouted, "OH MY..im so sorry i didn't mean to say that out loud.Oh nooo i feel super embarrased right noww."
...
There was just silence. I opened my mouth to say something when he suddenly spoke, " My mum abandoned me just in the underground subway.I honestly dont know why she did that but i was 3 at the time.Dumb and naive,all i did was watch her leave me.Just like that i-"
He paused.
"pfft im sorry im saying too much for a stranger.I just felt like venting up to you. I just feel comfortable with you."
I didn't really know what to say but then began,"hm what's your name."
"Joey.Mates call me Joe...you?
I smiled. "Rosanna.And everyone just calls me Rosanna."
..."Joey how old are you,i cant really tell because of the huge hat you are wearing."
Joey replied, "heh,this hat is quiet massive,ay? Im 23,dont worry im not a creep or anything."
I turned around to look at his hidden face, " wow so you're 6 years older than me huh."
"well that doesn't matter i guess."
"So..wanna tell me whats up?" Joey said.
After taking a deep breath,i began telling him everything from the beginning.
There was a minute silence before Joey said," Your mother...she- Why does she do that."
"Like i'd know.If i buy her an expensive bottle of wine like Romanee-Conti or chateau lafites she would just love me until the whole bottle has been devoured by her.Because of her useless spendings,my life has been a huge mess.People would make fun of me and..and," before i finished what i was about to say,Joey suddenly grabbed my arms and hugged me.
Feeling pathetic and weak,i closed my eyes.It felt warm.I didnt want to let go of him.A stranger he might be,but a kind one it is.Once he slowly let go he said, "Could i drop you off home?"
i nodded.Although i sort of felt a little unpleasant for him to know where i live but i didn't care.
He stood up and i followed him to his car.The sky was was getting darker.There weren't much people outside too.I wondered if the others left Elliot's party. 'Has he even noticed i left.Probably not.'
Joey's car was quiet little.It was a green Toyota. After Joey typed my address onto the map,my eyes were blinking off slowly to sleep.
"Rosanna.."
....
"Roseyy~"
My eyes shifted open fast.I was breathing heavily,holding my chest tight.
"God,are you ok? It seemed like you had a nightmare but it's okay because we've arrived," said Joey.
I looked at him. I could see everything clearer now. 'His eyes..they're two different colours..he must have heterochromia.Its so gorgeous,' I thought.
His right eye was sort of greenish blue and his left was beautiful maroon colour.He looked different from what i expected.I could see his face properly.A pale face,bright pink cheeks glowing as the dome light was flashing onto his clean face.He was semi smiling with those rose gold lips.
'His lips look soft,i want to touch it,' i thought.
I reached over to his face to then realise what i was doing when Joey suddenly said, " uh Rosanna?"
I blushed hard,shifted my hand towards his head and pulled his hair roughly yet gently.I rushed out of the car slamming the door.But i regretted it instantly and thought,
'shit.'
..'what if he thinks im a rude brat for PULLING HIS HAIR AND THEN SLAMMING THE DOOR!'
I squealed in shame. 'what was i even thinking!..why did i want to touch his lips arrrghhh Rosanna what is wrong with you! He was a total stranger i met today and importantly hes frickin' 23!!!!!'
As i knocked on the door for my mother to open the door,i realised Joey hadn't left yet.His car was just stood still,turned off.
As soon as mother saw me when she opened the front door,her eyes grew wide with anger.Mother fiercely grabbed my hair tightly.My scalp was burning furiously.She pulled me into the house demanding me to tell her where i was this whole time.Joey suddenly flicked through my head.I remembered he was still there. I embarrassedly thought, 'shit shit shit he probably saw everything! That's so embarrassing,i want to die urgh!'
"You little slut,where were ya huh?! i fuckin' called your phone a million times! Were you out fuckin'!?!," mother pushed me onto the ground cursing at me whilst i trembled in silence.
I covered my face in agony. 'My body hurts,i just want to rest,it hurts,it hurts,it hurts.'
****
'what just happened,' Joey thought. 'Why did she pull my hair? did i do something wrong..no,couldn't be.'
Joey stared emotionlessly as Rosanna was aggressively pulled by her mother inside. 'Well that doesn't matter anymore,i found what i need.'
Joey scoffed as he mumbled, "So thats where you've been hiding,Erica."