Brazilian Lounge

twenty-nine.

Pia's Point of View:

It wasn't like I needed him or anything. My job couldn't fit him in, so he felt threatened anyway. I couldn't be with a coward who wasn't willing to compete.

He just said he didn't love me because he was scared. More terrified than me. His fear got the best of him, so he felt like running away from what mattered. I mattered.

He didn't matter anymore though, I was happy with modelling. My happiness was found in better things...like, in other models' pants and trendy fashions. I was ecstatic.

Anyone could see that on the cover of a magazine, or in the summer shoots.

I'd moved on anyway, it'd been about four months. I barely thought about him.

I couldn't even remember Aftonio's name. My mind was anywhere but the stranger I used to know. Aftonio's name was forgotten. It really was. He didn't even reject me, he just thinks he did.

"What do you mean I'm fired?"

"Pia, I did not say anything of the sorts!" My manager slammed the desk in front of me. "You are, however, suspended now. Your mind is anywhere but work," his blue eyes were ice cold. "Tell me, I just want to know, Pia...are you on drugs?"

I was outraged. "How could you ask such a question?" My arse wasn't planted on my seat anymore as I hit his desk, mimicking his move from before.

"You're aggressive, have bloodshot eyes and you're unfocused...very much so."

"Um." Jeremy Butlers cleared his throat from behind me.

"Oh, and Jeremy found a syringe with some substance in it amongst your belongings." Guilt spread through my body, but bitterness covered it up.

"I don't even like modelling." I spat.

"Pia, you've got this all wrong," my white-haired manager started, "we love you. You're gorgeous, and a top model. We just want to help you."

"I'm pretty sure people wouldn't like the idea of a druggie modelling for you."

"Nobody out there needs to know. Pia, you're in good hands. We'll get you the treatment you need. But, first things first...you need to admit it, and you need to give in your consent for rehab."

I cringed at the word. I didn't need to go to rehab. I already recovered from Aftonio.

"All due respect, Sir,"

"Watch how there's no respect." Jeremy remarked, but I ignored him. I was the better person.

"Sir," I started in a respectful tone, to prove myself, "I'm over Aftonio."

"Pardon?" His confused expression caught me off guard. "Is Aftonio what you call some new drug these days?"

"What?" It was my turn to be confused.

"Pia," Jeremy sighed. "We're talking about drugs...actual drugs. Not your boyfriend."

"Ex! Ex-boyfriend. He's an ex." My teeth gritted. My hate for Jeremy was indescribable.

"Is that where all this started?" The old man pried.

"For fuck's sake! No! No, no, no! I hate this. I hate him, I hate Jeremy and I hate you, Sir. I want to leave...now." I felt in control, loving my strength.

With my unprescribed medication, I could take over the world. Nothing would get between me and those pills. "I love him." I said to myself, obviously referring to my health drugs.

I was just in pain. Maybe not at that moment, but pain could happen anytime. My pills and other medication just prevented that. I wasn't addicted though, I took everyone's warnings into consideration. I could stop whenever I wanted to, I just didn't want to.

And, maybe I might have spent more than I could afford on my medication...but that's okay. I could get all my money back. I was Pia. Pia can do anything, because I am her.

Even if I had this, so-called, addiction...I would know immediately.

After storming out of the building, I violently tapped on my iPhone. "I need more."

"Pia, you said you were done."

"When did I say that? I take it back. I need more."

"You're saying you need more, instead of wanting. Pia-"

"Please! I'm in pain. I was just fired,"

"Why? Are you okay?"

"No! I'm not okay. I want to be numbed and high. I want to not feel, please! I need to escape reality just one more time." I could hear a male's voice mumbling in the background. "Is that Caesar? Is he telling you to give me shit? I want that shit, come on!"

"Do you promise this is the last time?" A grin appeared on my face.

"Yes, I promise! Where can I meet you?"

"Fine," she sighed, "usual spot." I almost squealed in excitement, not worrying about my almost bankruptcy.

"Thanks, Jillian." With a grunt from her, the phone call ended.

Jillian was my saviour.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
How do you feel about Pia's obvious drug problem?
How do you feel about Jillian being the supplier?
What do you think Jillian's real name is?