Book 5: I'll Wait, Dear (Steven Adler FanFic)

Ch. 3: Run Away

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the lyrics used in this chapter.

My shift had finally ended and I couldn't have been happier. I'd made out like a bandit! On a good night, I could make up to $500. Tonight, however, was more than good, and I walked into the bar area $2,500 richer than I had been.

"Tar!" I called to the bar tender, a large black man we had lovingly nicknamed Tarantula, or "Tar" for short, due to his spider-like dread locks.

"What's up, Aurora?" He gave me a warm smile and waited patiently for me to order.

"How about some Coke?" I asked.

"No alcohol tonight?" Tar gave me a sly wink.

The question hit me like a ton of bricks. It shook me to my core and I could practically feel the color drain from my body and ooze out onto the floor. I had become a puddle.

Truth be told, I had learned my lesson a long time ago not to do drugs or drink alcohol. I'd learned too little too late....

I noticed Tar was staring at me with a concerned look. I quickly reached over the counter and playfully slugged him on the shoulder, trying to keep things light. Pretend that nothing was wrong. "When have I ever been one to drink alcohol?"

"I'll get you drunk one of these days," Tar insisted as he filled a cup for me. "One of these days!"

I smiled weakly as he handed me the glass. Suddenly, Coke and the money in my pocket didn't matter anymore. All of my joy from earlier suddenly felt misplaced and I was left with an empty feeling in my gut.

"Come on...you'll like it..."

His voice was ringing in my ears, as clear as day. It was as if he was standing right next to me, talking to me.

My eyes snapped shut and my body began to tremble uncontrollably. The sounds of ice cubes clinking in glasses seemed to surround me, drowning out anything else. And still, I heard him.

"You're so beautiful...come here."

"Oh!" I leapt backwards when the cup fell from my shaking hands, pouring onto my shirt as it went. Coke and shards of glass exploded across the floor, and I blushed as people stopped to look over at me.

"Whoa! Are you okay?" Tar asked, rushing to my side.

"Uh..." I looked around in shock. Everyone in the club seemed to be staring at me. I suddenly felt dizzy. "I think I need to sit..."

"Of course. Sit down, girl!" Tar ordered, shooing me away with his hands.

"But...I made a mess. I should help-"

"No way! If you're not feeling well, you need to go sit down. I'll grab a few of the guys and get them to help clean up. You need to sit."

I stood there for a moment, ready to stand my ground in order to stay and help clean up, but Tar wasn't having it.

"You can go sit down, or I can pick you up and make you sit down. Your choice."

Rolling my eyes, I reluctantly walked over to an empty stool at the bar and plopped down in it with a groan.

I had no idea what had just come over me. I hadn't thought about that night in years. I didn't allow myself to. So why had I fallen apart like that so suddenly? How could one little conversation pull me into a trance like that?

"Hey, is it alright if I buy you a drink?"

A voice ripped me from my thoughts. I jumped at the sound of his voice, despite how smooth and calm it sounded. I was always paranoid when it came to living around these parts. Even men with voices like silk could mean bad news. Of course, I'd learned that the hard way.