Frayed Edges

Sacrifice

Mia was sixteen when she first watched her brother deliver drugs from the drivers seat of his old Camaro. It had been his first real purchase after falling in with Olivia's gang and it made Mia feel like the most special girl in the world. Girls envied her when he dropped her off at school before leaving the parking lot with an excessively loud rev from its suped up engine.

When Alex left home the thought of him actually having to earn enough money to live was one that weighed heavy on his mind. He spent months couch surfing until eventually an old friend invited him to a party that began the cycle of events that lead to now.

The room was hazy with a strong smelling smoke that made the air stiff. He felt as if his limbs had to physically cut through the trails for him to make his way slowly across the room. He was tired, more tired than he had ever been in his life. A new place and new sleeping spot every night was driving him to the brink of exhaustion. His waking hours were spent applying for crappy jobs but even they wouldn't give him a chance. Not even fast food joints wanted a sixteen year old with no fixed address, no matter how much he begged.

He collapsed on the seat in front of him grateful for the moment of rest. If he played his cards right he could hold this spot till everyone passed out and avoid another night on the streets. He missed the security of his home life, he missed hot meals and late nights in front of the television but most of all he missed Mia.

The thought of her alone stuck in that shitty house worried him to death but he knew he couldn't take her with him. He could barely look after himself let alone her. That would change, he promised himself that over and over but in that moment he didn't have a clue how.

"Cheer up, it can't be that bad right?" He heard a soft voice chirp beside him. He turned to see a stunning blonde woman beside him. Her piercing blue eyes and slim delicate features caused his palms to grow sweaty and he stuttered as he tried to find his words. He recognised her from school but was sure she had never looked twice in his direction.

"Um.. yeah.. I mean no I guess not" he managed to let the words fall from his lips in a way she found oh so adorable.

"I'm Olivia, have I seen you around before?" she grinned and Alex had to fight to find his words.

"Alex, maybe I think we went to the same school" he said shakily before turning his head back towards his clammy palms.

"I like your tattoos" she cooed in his ear letting her finger trace the shakily lines permanently etched in the skin.

"No you don't they're shit" he scoffed.

"I think they suit you.. They're edgy" she replied with a wink causing him to smirk slightly but it still wasn't enough to melt his icy exterior.

"Wanna talk about it?" She asked placing a cold beer into his empty palm "I'm a good listener"

Alex knew it was probably best that he kept his mouth shut, but the sparkling smile and pretty eyes made his knees weak and judgement cloudy. Over the next hour or so he divulged his ever growing problems to this beautiful stranger. He spoke about his Mom, his money troubles, he even brushed over his fears for Mia, stuck alone in that crappy old house. He talked until his embarrassment overtook his need for reassurance. Olivia hadn't said a word in almost an hour and Alex was sure his cheeks were glowing a gentle shade of crimson.

"Sounds tough" she finally replied, her voice filled with what seemed like genuine emotion.

"It's alright" he mumbled, taking another sip of the now warm beer.