Reach For The Stars (Dallas Liu & Ian Ousley)

20

Ian's POV

Star was crying uncontrollably, so I wrapped my arms around her.

I had been making every attempt to reflect on what had just unfolded. We've never fought like this in the past.

Yes, there have been our share of minor conflicts and disagreements, but never to this extent. The fact that we have all drank tonight didn't help one bit.

Although I would have liked to go check up on Dallas, Star couldn't be left by herself. It's apparent that all the alcohol she consumed is starting to catch up to her.

I didn't want Star to go out again tonight, she's in no condition to do so, which is why I texted Kass to come help me.

"What is going on in here?!" The look of alarm is on Kass's face.

"I'm afraid she has had too much to drink." Holding a very drunk Star, I say.

"Why did Dallas storm out?!" She questions.

"We all sorta had an argument."

"Star you have one fucking job for tonight." Kass lets out a sigh.

"I don't think this is the time to reprimand her." I say.

"She needs to do her job. Her guests cannot see her in this light."

It's obvious that Kass is upset.

"I'm going to go get her some food." She walks off furiously.

I call Dallas in an attempt to check on him, but I don't get a response.

"F-fuck Ian." Star mumbles.

I try wiping Star's face and help her sit up.

My heart hurt to see her like this.

"Let's try to breathe okay?" Watching her choke on her own tears, as she sits up.

"I-I can't do this." She informs me.

"Star... Please don't say that." I frown.

"I fucking hate this."

"What do you hate?"

She replies, "My life."

As she says that, I sit there feeling empty and defeated.

"Star..."

"I hate getting out of bed every morning. Being reminded each and every day that nothing is here for me." She sobs even more.

"There's so much this world has to offer you Star."

"I have no family, no parents. The only people who should have loved and protected me never did. How can anyone love me if my own parents are incapable of doing so?"

Every word she says carries a weight of sadness.

"Fuck this hurts." Holding her chest, she says.

Is there pain in your chest? Are you hurt, Star?"

"Why me, why? Why did I have to grow up in such a miserable environment? Why? I just want to stop feeling this pain, which is something that I will always carry with me."

My eyes become filled with tears when I close them.

"Now I'm hurting people in the process too. You two are not deserving of this. I'm not deserving of you two."

"I'm sorry Star." I tear up.

"I'm completely fucked. I'm terribly broken." In between sobs, she says.

"I love you, Star," I give her a firm hug. "How broken you think you are doesn't matter to me. Until the day you decide you no longer need or want me, I will always be here for you."

She tears more while I embrace her, yet she gives me a hug in return.

"They never even gave me a hug or expressed their affection for me. One day, they will pass away, and I will never have experienced their love."

"You have us now, I know it won't be the same. But we will look out for you and offer you the love and attention that you deserve. Family is what you make of it."

I sigh.

"I would take away all of the pain if I could. I swear I would."

Star shoves me aside, frantically spins around, and pukes.

Kass enters and remarks, "Great. Go to the bathroom and grab some towels so we can clean this up."

I give a nod in agreement.

"Is Dallas still out there?" I ask Kass.

"Yes," she replies as she waits to wipe up the vomit.