You Complete Me

Chapter 5

How can a stranger be so sweet to you when your own girlfriend goes off and cheats on you? I thought to myself, observant to this stranger's gentleness. Tears pooled in my eyes again as I covered my face in shame, I couldn't describe how I felt but when the bartender hugged me in an attempt to comfort me I felt secure. "The name's Jessica but you can call me Jess." An apologetic smile appeared on my lips as I notice the tear stain on her shoulder, "It's no big deal, hun. It'll dry off soon." I blushed a little, "I'm Claire, just been cheated on by my drunk girlfriend so I'm a mess, I'm sorry I caused you all this-" I was cut off, "It's no trouble at all, now let's get you out front."

She led the way back to the bar and I felt a little better about myself physically, emotionally I didn't know where I stood. She smiled and gave me a water, before I could say over what I had ordered she explained, "No more drinking for now. Have a water and when you can stand on your own two feet, I'll pass the shots."

I smiled at her gesture and did as she said, "Thanks." I whispered more to myself than her and she continued passing drinks at the bar. I listened to the music and zoned out, the entire time my eyes were on Jess and I didn't even realize. Not until she asked me if everything was okay to which I replied a simple yes. After a while she started passing shots my way, I was glad she kept an eye on me as she served others. I had momentarily forgotten about what happened with Sam and the fact that I told neither of my friends where I'd be. I couldn't walk all the way home looking like this and my mind not too focused, someone could take advantage of me and I didn't need that right now.

I'd been here for I don't know how long and a shot glass of henny sat in front of me, tempting and taunting me and just as I was about to send it down my throat and feel that pleasant burn, Jess took it away. "No more, the bar is closing and we need to go. How will you get home?" she questioned, a bit concerned, before she took the shot in one gulp.

I just looked at her with tired eyes before hesitantly replying, "I, um, don't have a ride home." Slowly removing myself from the stool I turned to walk out of the bar, "I can give you a lift, I mean, if you like?" I thought about declining her offer but she quickly took my hand and led me outside to her car. "Are you sure? I mean, you've done enough, don't want to be a bother." I said feeling like she was going out of her way for some stranger. We barely knew each other and here she was being all generous and shit.

"Just come on." she smiled, taking my hand and leading me to the passenger's side before opening the door for me. I felt a pinch of hurt remembering Sam actions when we went on the date and Jess quickly noticed. I hid it with a smile as she entered the car and drove down the highway, "You want to talk about it. Drinking away your problems isn't going to solve them." she stated, her eyes focused on the road ahead. "Take a left." I told her, completely ignoring her question. Did I want to talk about it? Or could I ignore her statement and simply drink my problems away?

I turned to watch out the window, the stars illuminated the dark of the night, it was beautiful. Sam and I would lay on my roof and star gaze, pointing out all the funny animals and laughing at made up stories. I miss her, I really do and the thought of her just brings tears to my eyes but I quickly wipe it away. I've cried too much and I don't want Jess feeling sorry for me or anything. I don't want her to feel as though I'm a cry baby and can't handle my own shit. "The white house to the right is mine." I told her quietly. Did I want to leave her presence? I sighed and was about to open the door when she spoke, "Give me your number." she said more like a statement than a question. It kind of turned me on and a faint smile appeared on my face, "1-868-381-4110."

She took down my number and told me to have a good night's rest. I watched her car disappear into the night before I turned to my house with a blush and made my way to the door. Mom was asleep on the couch and the TV was on so I took it off and threw a cover over her curled up body. She looked really exhausted, I kissed her on the forehead and made my way to my bedroom.

Events of tonight suddenly flashed through my mind and I started crying, my head in my hands muffling the sound. I needed someone to comfort me, hold me and tell me everything was going to be okay. I didn't have anyone to talk to and just as the thought passed through my mind, my phone rang. I picked it up and answered the unsaved number, "Goodnight?"

"Hey, um, just calling to see if you're okay." I immediately recognized Jess's voice over the phone, I smiled but it was faint.

"I'm, well um, I'm not in tip top shape right now. And you, though?" I struggled to find the right words.

"I asked you earlier but you ignored me so I'm going to ask again, Claire. You wanna talk about it? Because I'm all ears." I heard the worry in her voice.

I began from how my day had started with the date with Sam and the party tonight and how I ended up at the bar. She listened through out and even offered comforting words when I began crying. I felt pathetic but I had to let it out and she was there for me. She suggested that I find a distraction, try to take my mind off my problem and she even asked to hang out tomorrow around 9.

I really appreciated her, and came to start liking her but I dismissed it, it was too soon and I hardly knew her. We talked for however long and we fell asleep on the phone together, it was cute. We mainly talked about me but tomorrow when I meet her I'll ask more about her.