Be at Jonas by 11pm"
I slipped out of the window, the cool night air caressing my skin as I dropped down onto the fire escape. The creaky metal groaned beneath my feet, but I moved swiftly, my heart racing with excitement. "Hey! Leia caught you sneaking out again!" my neighbor yelled, but I just raised my middle finger in defiance, not breaking stride as I made my way through the back window.
The sound of shattering glass and a loud yell pierced the air, and I winced, familiar with the nightly routine of fighting and chaos that plagued my home. I quickened my pace, not wanting to be late. The neon lights of the city cast a gaudy glow as I hailed a cab, the driver's eyes flicking to the clock on the dashboard. "St. Jonas, please," I said, handing over my last cash. The meter ticked away, but I didn't care – tonight was going to be worth it.
As we pulled up to the hotel, I took a few moments to primp in the backseat, reapplying lipstick and smoothing my hair. The revealing strapless blouse and split mini skirt had been a deliberate choice, designed to catch his eye. I slid out of the cab and into the hotel lobby, the soft glow of the chandelier overhead illuminating my entrance.
The room door swung open, and I stepped inside, my eyes locking onto the figure waiting for me. "Hey baby girl!" he exclaimed, his arm wrapping around me like a vice. I spun around, a bright smile plastered on my face.
"Good evening, dear," I cooed, my arms wrapping around him, the tension between us palpable. His eyes roamed over me, taking in the curves of my body, and I felt a thrill run through me.
"You look more beautiful than the picture," he said, his voice low and husky, his hand tracing the line of my spine. I muttered a thanks, still trying to hold my composure, but he just nodded, stepping back to observe me, his eyes lingering on my face. "And younger also..." he trailed off, waiting for my response, but I just smiled, reaching for the glass of wine on the table, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Are you going to keep asking questions or start making merry" I smiled then unzipped my blouse with one hand and watched it fall to the floor before looking up to the greedy eyes who wanted nothing but to devour me. "Come get it" I smiled at him knowing I've won.
********
As I climbed the stairs, my mother's angry voice cut through the air, making me stop mid-step. "Where were you last night?" she demanded, her eyes blazing with fury. I turned to face her, my heart racing, and replied, "I was out with friends." Her expression twisted in disgust. "You were supposed to be here, taking care of your father!"
I stood my ground, meeting her gaze. "I couldn't, you guys were fighting and trashing the house. And how is that my business? I'm only needed to take care of him, right?" I shot back, my voice steady.
Her face reddened, and she took a step closer, her voice rising. "And what about the wife? Wasn't she supposed to take care of her sick husband?" I asked, bracing for her response.
Her hand flew out, slapping me across the cheek. "You little bitch!" she screamed. "I have to work to feed both lazy mouths in this house!" Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I stared at her, shocked by the venom in her words. She looked nothing like the mother I once knew – her hair was disheveled, her face etched with deep lines.
I burst into my room, slamming the door shut behind me and leaning against it to catch my breath. My heart was racing, and my mind was reeling from the argument with my mother. I couldn't take this anymore - the constant fighting, the endless drama, the feeling of being trapped in this toxic household. I grabbed my backpack and started shoving my books and phone into it, my hands shaking with frustration. I had to get out of here, had to get to school and lose myself in the familiarity of the classrooms and the comfort of my friends. I took one last look around my room, the only sanctuary I had in this chaotic house, and then I was out the door, racing down the stairs and out into the bright sunlight, gasping with relief. Little did I know, my day was about to take another dramatic turn.
Later that day, I stood outside the school gates, checking my phone for what felt like the hundredth time. "She better not be late," I muttered to myself as I waited for Mia to arrive. It was taking her forever to be in school today and I had also been trying her number for a multiple times now.
And finally, I saw Mia, my best friend, climbing out of a car. But it wasn't the usual car that dropped her off – and then a man climbed down from the driver seat to come stand by her. It was her father probably I thought randomly but as he looked up, I found that I was staring at no other person but the man I met last time.
My eyes widened in shock as I took in the scene before me. The man from last night, the one I had spent my night with, was now standing in broad daylight, smiling at Mia like they were old friends. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark jeans, with his hair smoothly made.
"Hey, girl! Sorry I'm late," Mia said, breathlessly as she walked up to me with the man beside me. "My dad had to drop me off today."
"Dad! My mouth widened in shock while my eyes darted back to him, my mind racing with questions. How could that be, he said he was divorced from our chat! Then how the hell is my best friend referring to him as her Dad.
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. How could this be? Mia was my best friend, my confidante, and she had no idea what was happening. She kept smiling, as I stood there frozen in shock. The man's eyes met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension between us palpable.