Rhenna

Thirty-Two

            Mandy's eyebrows were raised in question as she repeated what I had just said. "You need a place to stay?"

I bobbed my head.

"What happened to that nice guy you've been staying with?"

I took in a deep breath and began to explain. "Social services showed up at the Pros' company building today. Conn said they were looking for me. I cant go back not right now".

"Really? Since when do they give a shit about you?"

"Thanks Mandy". I murmered.

Her mood lightened a smudge. "I guess you can crash here for a night or two. But that's it." She added firmly.

"Thanks Mandy".

She jabbed a thumb at a pile of dishes behind her. "As long as you wash those".

"Really?"

"Just lean on one crutch".

I sighed. "Fine".

-----------------

There's a room in the back (well...more like a closet) that has a mattress in it.
I guess Simon used to crash here occasionally in the past so he had it installed.

It's no where near as nice as Conn's bed, but it was better then sleeping outside on some parkside bench.

There wasnt much privacy to the "room" with only a ragtag curtain for a door.

So it was nearly impossible to sleep when the club opened up.

I tried. For nearly and hour.

I eventually gave up when a certain someone-Daniela-texted me.

My phone was literally blowing up with messages from her.

I opened the notifications and read through them.

You still at the club?

We're coming tonight.

Wanna hang out with us?

Were here.

Did you leave?

Elin?

I groaned and lightly hit my head against the storage boards above the mattress.

Why cant I get sleep anymore?

It seemed to be an impossible task nowadays.

I lazily picked myself off the mattress, and crutched out of the back room. I squinted when the neon lights glared in my eyes.

I'm too tired for this.

I made it halfway to the group's designated table before jumpy girl noticed me. She stood up from her spot and waved me over with a huge grin. I mentally rolled my eyes and joined them.

"Where were you?" She asked when I sat down.

"I was doing some stuff in the back".

"Oh".

Mandy came over with a tray of drinks.

When she noticed me sitting at the table with the group her expression darkened. She put her hands on her hips and drilled me with the "look". Which kinda of made me think of a angry mother. "I thought you were getting some sleep".

"I changed my mind". I said.

"Your going to fall over".

"Done that".

"How are your feet going to heal if your constantly up and moving?"

"Magic".

"If your gonna crash here the least you could do is catch up on some rest". She scolded.

I dropped my head to the table causing a loud Bam! I was not in the mood for
Mothering. Especially from Mandy.
"Leave me alone". I mumbled. My voice muffled by the wood table.

"Why you staying here?" Blondie asked cutting in.

"Just cuz". I replied.

"He got kicked out again". Mandy mused.

"I did not. I've never been kicked out". I snapped defensively.

That was the truth.

I've never been kicked out before. With mum I left. With Jae I left. And with Conn well, I'm just steering clear of his place til the social workers stop targeting it.

I felt the table shift as Blondie leaned into it. "Does he move around alot?"

The question was directed towards Mandy.

Mandy snorted. "The hell should I know? It's like he's living at a new place every month".

Why is she telling them this?

"The last guy was an ahole". She added with disgust.

"Go away Mandy". I snapped. I didnt feel like talking about Jae. Not tonight.

"You doing okey Elin?" A new voice interjected.

I peeked up through my bangs at Nick. It was odd, but I couldve sworn I heard concern in his voice.

"This kid", Mandy began, she patted my head. I almost slapped her, but she took her hand away before I even got the chance. "Is high on insomnia. The rings under his eyes are becoming perminent".

I scowled at her.

My sleeping habits werent that bad.

It's not like I fell asleep in a shower, or crashed in a booth at Miss. Peta's.

"You said he's crashing here, right? I doubt anyone could get sleep in this place". Racheal said. Speaking for the first time. She glanced at me then Mandy. "Its loud".

Mandy shrugged. "What can I say? He asked me to crash here. Not the other way around".

I sat back in the rounded booth. Why am I the center of attention tonight?

For a moment it looked like blondie was gonna say something, but before he could Nick butted in. "You can Stay at my place Elin. It's small, but quiet".

I blinked. Did hot stuff just invite me to crash at his place? Maybe I am over tired.

"Yeah. Tiny ass house". Blondie grumbled.

Before I could even give him an answer Mandy spoke up. "Great! Its settled. Everyone's happy." She smiled, "I didnt want his lazy ass staying here anyways".

"But I-"

Mandy gave me a cross look. "Your staying with the nice boy."

I could have refused, but I knew that if I had tried Mandy would've definitely kicked me out. Then I wouldn't have anywhere to go.

I slumped in my chair. "Fine. Whatever".

Mandy placed out everyone's drinks before she walked away.

I glared at her until I lost sight of her in a crowd.

"She seems...nice". Daniela chirped.

"I think the word overbearing suits her better". I grumbled.

I couldn't believe this!

Maybe coming out of that back room wasnt such a good idea after all.

I was not looking forward to another night at Nick's.

I was really hoping that we didn't have to share the same room again.