Summer Escape

The Encounter

Smoke everywhere. Screaming. I panic and run as fast as I can but I'm not fast enough. I'm pulled down and I'm screaming for help and begging for mercy but it won't stop.

Suddenly my eyes open and I'm panting, my heart beating out of my chest. Thank God it was just a dream. I take a minute to catch my breath before pulling the warm covers off my body and walking into the rest of Danielle's apartment.

"Goodmorning sunshine!" She says, pouring herself a cup of coffee, "now this isn't a bed and breakfast so if you want some food you'll have to make it for yourself, but there's plenty of stuff in the pantry and fridge." I laugh and grab a mug from the counter and pour myself some of the hot beverage.

Danielle went to go take a shower as I sat on the counter top and looked around me and thought about how nice it'd be if I could trade places. You know, have a life where I could just be 21 and not worry about being on the move or where to go to next or be haunted by my past. I was immediately jolted from my thoughts as I was reminded of why I was here in the first place, I needed to leave. I can't stay in one place for too long, I need to go. I packed my bag back up and tried to quietly sneak out of the door.

"Woah woah where are you going?" Danielle's familiar voice peeking out of the doorway. Busted.

"Look I really appreciate your hospitality but I should really keep moving." I had hoped that would be the end of it, but she was persistent.

"Look I don't know why you're running but you can't keep running forever, you need to live." She paused and then continued, "look all I ask is you stay for a little while and see how you feel. I could even get you a job at the bar, I'm friends with the manager." As much as I felt this pulling at my gut to say no, it seemed like this mattered to her and she was right, I can't run forever.

"fine, I'll stay," I relented, "but only for a little while." I clarified.

"Oh yay!" She clapped and pulled me in for an awkward hug which made me laugh. She clearly isn't used to forms of affection.

~~~~~
I was unpacking for the second time when Danielle came storming in my room and began going through my clothes.

"Um what are you doing." I was startled by her invasion of my space.

"Looking for something for you to wear to work and uh it looks like my pickings are slim." First she goes through my stuff then she insults my style, remind me why I'm staying with her?

"Wait I got the job?" I asked after catching up to what she said.

"Of course, I mean it's not exactly a hard job to get," she scoffed. "Alright this is hopeless," she threw my clothes to the side, "I'll just let you borrow something of mine until I can take you shopping."

After changing I glanced at myself in the mirror, wow it's been a long time since I've had a job like this.

"Ready to go?" Danielle peeked her head in and I nodded. I grabbed my phone and wallet and we left. We arrived at the same bar I recognized from last night, it looked different in the day time, less creepy. She guided me inside and we placed our belongings in the employee lockers in the back. Danielle told me to count my cash before I left because she's almost certain, Kenny, the bus boy, swiped a $20 from her a couple weeks ago. Then we went out to the bar and she gave me a quick training along with some tips and tricks before the night rush. I can still hear her number one rule "and don't let any of the customers touch you." Just the idea of it sent chills down my spine. I shook it off though, as the customers started to pour in. As the night went on I was surprised at how good I was at being a bartender. I mean I don't like to brag, but for having zero experience I was pretty good at it.

"Hey Pheebs will you go grab some more beers from the back, were almost out?" Danielle asked.

"Yeah sure be right back." I walked through the door that read "Employees only" and grabbed a couple crates off of the shelf. When I walked back out I was startled by someone smacking my ass.

"Hey!" I jumped and turned to face a man who looked about 30 and whose had a few too many beers.

"Hey to you too little lady," he slurred, "how much does it cost to get you for an hour?" He grabbed my waist and the fear inside me rose as no one around me seemed to be paying attention.

"I'm a bartender not a stripper." I said trying to push him off of me.

"Well you're skimpy outfit could've fooled me." He said, his grip getting tighter. Just as I was about to scream for Danielle and stranger pulled me away.

"That's no way to talk to a lady," I finally got a look at the guy who pulled me away. He was tall with dark hair and dark eyes. The drunk guy scoffed and walked away but not before saying "Dumb tramp wasn't worth it anyway."

"Are you okay?" The stranger asked as we were now alone.

"Yes I'm fine, but I can take care of myself." I stated pulling down at my shirt.

"Well a simple thank you would suffice." He said with a chuckle.

"Thank you." I relented stubbornly, "if you'll excuse me. I have to get back to work" I picked up the crates I had gone to fetch before I was groped and walked back over to where Danielle was.

"Danielle," I pulled her to me, "who is that guy." I said, gesturing to the guy's table who rescued me.

"Um Nash, my boyfriend. Back off chick."

"No," I laughed, "the other one."

"Oh him, that's Jack."

Jack.