Sanctuary [h.s.]

Chapter One

"​Don't want to scare you off

Don't want to know your name

You'll never know a single thing about me

Until it's far too late, late."

***

The sky was dark. Devoid of just about any light. It was strange - the longer I stared into it, the more I felt as though it could suck me inside of it, yet I wasn't scared. It was almost... peaceful. I sought out the luminous specks, squinting my eyes to peer through the pollution. The stars trapped inside it, coming to a slow death; reminding me that even the most celestial beings succumb to an end.

My fingers fiddled with a lock of my red hair as I gazed through my bedroom window. A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts.

Olivia opened the door, gracefully leaning against the frame with her arms crossed. A black fabric clung to her body covering her intimate parts. Her light blonde hair contrasted against the shade. She was the kind of girl that could pull off anything. If she shaved her head and wore a burlap sack, she'd still manage to make it look flattering.

"Ready to go?"

I grinned, nodding my head, "Yeah."

Her red lips curled into a smile, "Come on, then. Cab's waiting outside."

I collected my phone before following her out of the apartment and down to the streets of London. The cab driver was polite and quiet as he drove us through the city. Olivia prattled on about her former boyfriend and her theories on his current love life. I responded appropriately with a nod or a hum. She liked to hear herself talk more than hear any advice being given to her.

Eventually, the car came to a gentle stop in front of the pub. Olivia handed over some cash to the driver before we exited the vehicle together. We walked together towards the entrance, handing over our forms of identification to the man guarding the establishment. He nodded approvingly before handing the documents back over.

I followed Olivia inside the building as she led us toward the bar. It was our night to do whatever we wanted together. After a busy week of working, we made sure to set aside a night we could hang out together. Whether it was going out or having a night in at the flat. We may live together but we hardly see one another. She has a big fancy job that requires lengthy hours in an office. She doesn't really need to work, given that her parents have a trust fund for her. But it makes her happy. It gives her some independence from her family. I forget exactly what she does but I think she's some type of fashion designer.

Olivia ordered us a set of shots and a drink for each of us. We quickly drank the small glasses of liquor before taking our drinks with us into the crowd of dancing people. She moved her body effortlessly to the music, inspiring me to join her.

It was easy being Olivia's friend. She was kind and generous. Unpleasant men left me alone when she was around. Either because they preferred her or she'd scare them away. She's very protective. It can sometimes come off as a bit abrasive but I've always appreciated it.

We danced for a while, laughing intermittently at songs that we grew up with. A smile plastered on both of our faces as we became tipsy. My worries vanished as I disengaged from the world, swaying my body around mindlessly.

A soft tap on my shoulder grabbed my attention. Olivia leaned closely into me to talk over the music, "I'm going to get another drink."

She pulled back and held up her empty cup. She pointed with her free hand to the can in my hand before mouthing 'You want one?'.