Story of a Night

Chapter 1

"Lost you on the way, 
This loss is hurting. 
I keep waiting for her, 
It's my way of breathing."

I whisper this on the microphone and then I start singing the 'Cold Coffee' by Ed Sheeran.
".. And you can stay with me forever
Or you can stay with me for now
Tell me if I am wrong
Tell me if I am right
Tell me if you need a loving hand, to help to fall asleep tonight.
Tell me if I know
Tell me if I do
Tell me how to fall in love, the way you want me to…"

"Will I ever get to see you again?
Will I hear you say you love me?
I am ready to die right now to be with you.
I am just scared to see you weeping."

I whisper as I put the glass to my mouth and drink the liquid in one go. I am sitting in a dark club. I was playing here a few moments ago. Now there is a band playing loud music.
 
My head is bursting with this noise. I hate to be in the crowd. But I can't resist the greed of performing. I need to get out, just one more drink. One more just to numb away my pain. I know it won't help much, but I'll drink one more.

My clouded thoughts are suddenly broken when I feel a tap on my shoulder and I turn to see a girl.

Even in the dark interiors, I can see she is beautiful. A petite figure with short hair and a warm smile. She is wearing a white top and ripped jeans. She is different from all the other girls that I usually find in night clubs. But why do I care? 

I ask loudly,"Yes?"
 She screams,"You were great! I loved your guitar strokes and your voice is mesmerizing." 

Oh! A fan! She has heard me playing. Many girls come to me after I play but I don't talk to them. I usually leave just saying thank you. I did the same with her. I said thank you and turned towards the bar. Hoping she might have left, I signal the bartender for a refill. 

But I feel another tap on my back. I am getting irritated now. I turn again and with irritation ask what she wants. 
"I loved the poetry you said at the beginning. Do you write? By the way I am.." 
I cut her short,"No. I am not a poet and thank you for the appreciation. Will you please leave me alone?" 
I pick up the glass and drink the liquid. I pay for the drinks and rush out of the club. 

I pull my jacket close, it's chilling outside. I look at the street and cross it to go to the other side. I enter a dark alley with few homeless and drug addicts occupying the corners. I pull my hood up and put my hands in my pockets. I have the whole night to spend here. I found a corner, ideal for the night. 

I am about to sit when I hear,"What are you doing here?"
I look behind and find the same girl from the club. Is she crazy?

"What are you doing here? Why are you following me? What do you want?" 
I throw a volley of questions at her.
She comes closer,"I need to ask for a flavour. Please don't say no." 

I am about to open my mouth when I see two men passing by staring at her. This is not safe for her. I grab her wrist and pull her out of the dark alley. I find a small dinner at the end of the street. I take her inside and we sit at one table.

After the waitress gives black coffee to me and a piece of apple pie to her, I ask,"Why were you following me? Did you know that lane is filled with druggies and dangerous people." 

She puts a piece of pie into her mouth and says,"Then what were you doing there?"
"It is none of your business. Listen, you look like you come from a good family. It's really getting late. You just go home. This area is not safe for you."
She nods her head, "I will if you promise me something."

"I don't make promises to people."
"Then I will be with you all night."

What the hell is happening to me? Who is this girl and what does she need from me?

"What do you want from me?"
"I just need to learn guitar from you."