Age Gap

Chapter 1

Supermarkets are a bit scary at 3 A.M. The silence and the white lights give it the perfect horror-movie vibe. To make it worse, there's no one in here. I mean, I know the cashier is there, somewhere, but I'm too far from the entrance to see them so, it doesn't count. At least this way there's no one to judge for buying so much ice cream and beer. 

But even if there was, they don't have the right to judge me. I have a broken heart and if I decide to cure it by eating my emotions and drinking my sorrows, that's nobody's bussiness but my own. And anybody who dares defy me can suck my-

Ouch! There goes my stomach. What the fuck is this asshole cart doing here?! Does nobody have the decency to try not to block the way?! And manners aside, who the hell needs so many cupcakes?

"Hey! Can you hear me? Are you ok?" 

"W-What?" I suddenly notice the lady by my side.

"I asked if you're ok. Kid, can you hear..." Where did she come from? Her lips keep moving, what was she saying again? Oh, no, here it comes.

Blergh! Agh, where did so much vomit come from? I didn't even eat dinner. That thing is probably like 90% alcohol. I think I had never drank so much in my life, but that's probably also because I had never felt so bad in my life.

How could I be so stupid? Why did I end up here crying in the middle of a supermarket with my guts spilled out because of such an asshole? What could I have done to deserve this? And this lady... how can she be so nice? She just saw me throw up in front of her and still here she is, helping me try to clean up in a disgusting supermarket bathroom. Seriously, these things are even dirtier than bar bathrooms, and I've seen some that set the bar really low.

"Honey, are you feeling better? Can you talk?" That lady... has she been there this whole time? Oh, no. Did she really just see me in such a disastrous state? She must think I'm so stupid.

"I'm so sorry!" And here I go crying again, I'm just making it worse! How can I be so stupid?!

"Honey, honey, no, don't worry. This could happen to anyone, it's normal. Well, getting wasted isn't really something good, but you're young, that's what you guys do, I get it. If it makes you feel better, this is not even in my top 10 of worst throw ups I've seen. I have two children, I've seen much worse" she laughs nervously. It's not really making me feel better but I don't wanna be rude. Specially, 'cause somehow we ended up in the floor and I'm pretty sure it is my fault. "Here, my name is Marisa, how about you?" I just stare at her. What was my name again? "Hi? Can you tell me your name? You don't have to if you don't want to."

"I'm... ehrm... something with e? E... El... Elle! Y-Yeah, my name is Elle! Nice to meet you!" What was that?! How did I forget my own name? And why did I just scream that last part? She must think I'm so stupid, she's just smiling, she must be laughing at me. Why are you standing up? Are you gonna leave me? Please, don't leave me! I don't wanna be alone right now, I'm scared! Why is your hand so close to me? Are you gonna hit me? I guess it's better than being alone. Fine, hit me, I deserve it for being so stupid anyway.

"Come on, let's get out of here. Your ice cream's gonna melt."

I just obey silently and let some tears finish their way across my face. What's with those thoughts earlier? I hate when that happens, my mind is so cruel sometimes.

I pick up my things, the vomit isn't there anymore, instead there's the cashier looking at me angrily. I pay for my things and wait for Marisa to pay for hers. We walk silently to her car, this is awkward. I help her load the bags in her car, it's the least I can do, right?

"Thanks... For everything..." She looks at me as if I had just appeared and she hadn't noticed me. I get scared for a second but then she smiles.

"It's nothing, I just hope you're feeling better" she falls silent to close the trunk and I don't know what else to say. Should I go now? Am I being annoying? "Hm... Where's your car? Do you have a way to get home?"

I look at her, I wasn't expecting that question. "Um, yeah. I'll just call an Uber."

"Are you sure? I can take you if you want."

"No! Please, don't, you've already done too much."

"You sure? It's no probl-"

"No, really, it's fine. But thanks, anyway."

She seems uncomfortable, but I really don't wanna bother her anymore.

"Hm... Here, how about this? I'll give you my number and you text me when you get back home safe" I look at her doubtfully. "Please? It's just that my mother instincts won't let me sleep until I know you're safe."

I'm not sure how to feel. I just write it down. She's already done too much for me, it's the least I can do, it doesn't cost me anything.

She smiles. "Thanks. Bye! Be safe!" And so she's gone. I just make my way back to the college dorms, trying not to forget my promise.

Author's note:

Hey, people! First chapter, hope you enjoy. Please, remember this is fiction, don't go around giving your number to strangers. Even if you're an adult, you really just never know. Alright, bye!