Birdy's Cage

Chapter One

Chapter One

What was there to lose? I heaved the door open with both hands, the pounding of the music attacking my ears as I entered. The hum of conversations and bustle of the crowds was overwhelming, but I pushed my way towards the bar.

The bar was filled with customers waiting to be served, so I patiently waited at the end of the bar hoping to grab someone's attention. The bartenders didn't even see me, too busy slamming out drinks and taking orders. Maybe this was a bad idea after all.

A hand grabbed my shoulder and my body tensed. 'You lost, Sweets?'

I turned, crashing into a solid wall. No, it wasn't a wall. It was a person. I was trapped between him and the bar so I couldn't step back. Looking up I met his icy blue eyes.

Words, what were those again? Nope completely gone.

'I said are you lost, Sweets?' The irritation was growing in his voice.

I scrambled, reaching into my pocket. Pulling out the scrap of paper I handed it to him.

The outburst of laughter was the last thing I expected. His long dark hair framed his face as he tried to contain his amusement.

'Sweets, you wouldn't last five seconds here, they'd eat you alive.' He pointed at the mayhem around us of mainly men chugging down drinks, shouting loudly and playing pool while the band blasted from the small stage.

'Please,' I begged, I was desperate. 'I really need this job.'

I didn't want the job. But need and want were two completely different things. The advert had been simple, bartender needed, room included, weekly pay.

'Have you ever worked in a bar, Sweets?'

'Ad said no experience needed,' I bit my lip trying to sound more confident than I was.

He ran his fingers through his short beard, showing more of his extensive body art. As far as I could tell the only place not tattooed was his face.

'Well, you've got me there, Sweets. You can start tomorrow. But I doubt you'll last one day.'

'Can I start tonight?'

'Ok, but I warn you Sweets, The Outpost isn't the place for a princess.'

I gulped, nodding. I was anything but a princess, that much I knew. But a tiny town like this was off the track and below the radar.

'Well suppose I better introduce myself,' he extended a hand to shake, 'I'm JP.'

'Misha,' I replied.

'If you say so, Sweets,' he chuckled.

The roar of bikes shook the floor. He looked from me to the door.

'You can start out back for tonight, glass wash duty. Cal, show Sweets here the ropes.'

One of the young bartenders looked up.

'I'm slammed here JP!' he moaned

The engines cut off outside.

'It wasn't a request Cal,' he glanced from Cal to the door and down to me. I felt I was missing something.

Cal didn't argue, guiding me out back without a word. I followed silently.

The heat from the glass wash machines was like a wave attacking me with each batch I loaded and unloaded. Lucky my hair was already curly, or it definitely would have been by now. My glasses now perched on my head as I couldn't see through them with the waves of steam.

Each time a new batch was ready someone would come and retrieve them from me. I wasn't allowed out on the bar and to be honest I was relieved. Another smash of glass could be heard beyond the doors always following by a scuffle and shouting.

My new co-workers for the night were Cal, Zac and Dodge. I never pressed for their real names and none of them bothered to learn mine, sticking to JP's very annoying Sweets. None of them thought I'd last the night, but I did with a small swell of pride and a tiny fuck you, I thought as I swept the bar, now empty of customers. I didn't see JP again until the end of the shift.

The boys all headed out home. JP came out of the office after finishing cashing up.

'So, I'm gunna go out on a limb here Sweets and presume you need somewhere to sleep tonight.'

I panicked, 'Ad said room included.'

'That it did, just wasn't expecting anyone to start tonight.'

'It's ok I'll sort something,' I said getting ready to leave.

'Hold up Sweets, it's not a problem. It's just not been cleaned up yet and to be honest I was expecting a lad not a lass, but it will have to do for tonight. Where's your stuff?'

I stammered, my cheeks flushing, 'I haven't got anything. I travel light.'

'Come on then Sweets, let's get you settled.' He beckoned me to follow, through the glass wash and out back. We headed up a creaky old set of stairs, at the top was a corridor, we turned left down to a door. He opened the door and handed me the key.

'You'll be needing that.'

I followed him in as he turned on the light. There was an open plan area with a table, small sofa and kitchen area, then to the left there were two doors.

'Bathroom and bedroom through those doors,' he pointed. 'You'll need to give it a clean over, it's not been used in a while, but hopefully it will do you. There should be some spare sheets in the bedroom cupboard, just give 'em a shake.'

'It's perfect, thank you.'

'I wouldn't call it perfect but you're welcome Sweets. Enjoy your sleep and I'll see you tomorrow for your shift.'

I nodded as he headed out closing the door behind him. It was perfect compared to nothing and at this point I'd take it happily.

I didn't even bother with the sheets, instead curling up on the sofa, sleep taking my exhausted body within minutes. I'd done it. I was free, for now.