I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla

Chapter Twelve

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of past abuse (not in detail) 

Sneaking in this morning was nerve-wracking. I came home to the lights on and Steve was awake about to go to work. I had defeated my whole purpose to be out all night and to go home when he was fast asleep. I park my car in the driveway and head inside. I glance over at him and he glares at me no words are shared. I get to my room surprised to see it was still there. I unlock the door to see it has been untouched. I went to bed, not wanting to think about what should've happened. 

Getting up for work was like pulling nails out of concrete. I had to drag myself out of the warm embrace of the blankets. I was going to be late, meaning I couldn't grab something quick to eat. As I was heading out, Steve's degrading voice stopped me. "I take it you are going out again?"

"Yep, got work," I open the door and he follows. I try to get in and he closes the door shut. His glares eyes filled with rage and hate. "I don't have time for this Steve I have to go,"

"You changed the locks on your door and took down the cameras I ought to have you arrested for destruction of property," He hisses behind gritted teeth. 

"I pay rent for that room so it isn't destruction of property it's only a door knob. As for the cameras, it's illegal to have them in bedrooms and bathrooms so go ahead and try," I open the door as he stands back anger seeping off him. As I pull away I see him going back inside and throwing a wrench at the wall having a total premadona meltdown. I was a minute late getting to work which is nothing like me. I get inside and see my boss cleaning up and waiting. "I'm so sorry I was having trouble at home it won't happen again," I go to my office placing my bag down. 

"It's fine you're only a minute late, Tyler isn't here either think you are good taking over by yourself till he gets here?" 

"Of course." I take the broom from his hands. 

"If he isn't here within the next thirty minutes then call me I'll cover. I doubt that will be the case though." He smiled waving bye as I had the shop to myself. I go to the radio turning it up a few notches. I clean the display case of the piercings and the tattoo books in order. I was enjoying the peace. 

"You will not believe the night I had last night!" Tyler exclaims as he walks through the door. I look up from the front counter. "After I left you and your little biker gang I meet this chick with the biggest tits," I was shocked. After how he acted last night I knew tonight was going to be awkward but I figured it would be on both ends. "Took her home and gave it to her real good. Had her screaming and crying for more shoulda been there," 

"This isn't good work talk," I glare. How can he talk so openly and degrading like that? 

"Oh don't be like that. We're friends right, it's just friend talk." I didn't want to tell him that no we are not friends. I'm afraid if I do then he'll get pissy and I have to stay here alone with him for the night.

"I never talk to my friends about my partners like that," I frown. 

"That's cause you aren't the one doing all the fucking," He laughs "She was hot, had this bright red hair, natural like yours. I have this big thing for redheads," He smiles leaning on the counter and pulling out the appointment booklet. I felt like running out of the store and back into bed. I didn't feel safe anymore but I can't call out either I need the money. If I'm going to get me and mom out of this situation at home then I can't afford to miss a day. "You don't have any appointments?" 

"Yeah, I had someone cancel due to a family emergency and the other got sick so I'm just going to take the walk-ins." I grab the booklet from him and go over the next couple of days. "You are fully booked, might want to get your room set up," I mutter hoping he gets the hint. Thankfully he did. His client came in and went to the room leaving me waiting alone. Nights like this don't come often but they leave me wishing I was out in the crowds that pass by. The boardwalk was as busy as it ever was and yet I was sitting on a stool watching. With nothing but time on my hands, I decided to start drawing. It is a portrait of David. It made the time go by quickly. The bell rings and two girls who look like they are in their late teens or early twenties come in. They are looking for friendship tattoos. "Do you already know what you'd like or do you want to get some ideas"