Hungry Heart

The Beginning

We were at a party. It wasn't one of those parties where everyone was hitting up booze or drugs and college students ran around and danced. No, we were at a dinner party held by Kyle's high-end bosses in celebration of his new job at some high-end hotel company. This was that type of party where rich people used the occasion to show you just how rich they think they really are.
"I hate this," I said to Kyle as he pulled up the zip of my tight, black dress, "this thing is tight and itchy."
Kyle's arms wrapped around me as he kissed my neck. "Come on, Aligator." he murmured in between kisses, "You can take it off after the party and we can sacrifice it on the altar together . Besides, I think you look good enough to eat. "
I turned and wrapped my arms around his neck, "You mean burn it? Now, I do quite like that idea, but who should we sacrifice it to?" Kyle stopped kissing me and seemed to think for a minute.
He held me closer to him as he said, "How about the Goddess of a great future?"
I smiled and kissed him with all I had, "Kyle Bradley, I love you."
"I love you too, Aligator. Come on, we're gonna be late."
There's no better way to put it: the party was a total disaster. Turns out every other woman wore long ballgown-like monstrosities and I arrived in my best cocktail dress. Kyle tried to assure me that I looked gorgeous and that it was fine, but I could see everyone staring at me, peering down at me.
I tried to make conversation, but they would always make sure the topic was turned to their new limo or how their children wanted an X-box and not a Playstation, but they accidentally bought a Playstation.
It sickened me to the bone. I remember a hideous woman - too much plastic surgery, I suppose - coming up to me and asking, "Oh hello dear. Would you mind getting our table a glass of champagne? They don't pay you to stand here all day, do they?"
How do you even respond to something like that? I just nodded and went outside to the balcony for some fresh air.
This was all too much for me. Kyle had had this job for a couple of months now. He was convinced that his MMA salary wasn't good enough to support his mother anymore and decided to change careers. I don't even know what he does now, but I hardly ever see him anymore. His mother hardly ever she's him anymore. He's always working. This is the first time I've seen him in a month. And even now he's still working. I waited by the phone every day for a call that would only come every couple of days. Some nights I would wait up for him just so that I could kiss him good night. Not only was this job stealing his life, but I could see how drained he'd be when he'd get home. I didn't want to say anything. I love him and I said I would support him in his new job, but if I had known that this is what it would be like, I wouldn't have allowed him to go this far.
The party was at a 5 star hotel, so the view from up here was breathtaking. I remember the fountain as the water tumbled over the top and fell to the bottom. Over the top and to the bottom. I watched this process for quite a while.
"You're awfully quiet." a dark haired man said next to me. How long has he been there?
I laughed, "It's relaxing."
The man seemed to slowly edge closer to me and it made me uncomfortable.
He leaned against the railing as he studied me intently." Say, aren't you Kyle's girl?" he asked, a hint of fascination in his voice.
"Fiancée, actually." I nodded.
"Really?" he asked, stepping closer. I nodded, stepping away slightly.
What was this guy's deal?
"You, uh," Creepers said, "you have an interesting choice of wardrobe for such a boring occasion."
I pulled my dress straight, "It's all I had with such short notice."
"Mmm, yeah, listen buttercup." Creepers stood real close now - so close I could smell the garlic in his breath as he said, "The line of work Kyle will be doing now requires class. Are you sure you can handle that kind of pressure?"
I closed my eyes and tried to block him out.
"These type of parties are just the beginning. We haven't even started eating and you're already retreating." Creepers went on.
I straightened myself and gave this creep a wary smile as I said, "It was nice to meet you, but I think I need to go powder my nose or whatever you rich dicks do in bathrooms."
For once, I was relieved to be back inside. I scanned the large room for Kyle, but couldn't see him anywhere.
Twenty minutes later, I spot him coming in from the main entrance. A bunch of people followed him in. He was grinning broadly. He looked so happy. I tried to look like I was having a good time, but after a while Kyle pulled me to one side.
"Ali, are you okay?" he whispered to me. I swallowed hard. I hated lying to him.
I lied, "Yeah, I'm totally fine."
Kyle squeezed my hand and walked over to his colleagues.
"Oh, there you are! You never brought our champagne dear, are you feeling alright?" the same woman from earlier was standing before me, furious.
I started to redden. All these rich stuck ups, prancing around like they own the world and all because they have more digits in their bank accounts?
Just when I was about to tell this woman where to shove the champagne bottle, I felt Kyle's hand on my shoulders.
"Miss Barbaraque, I'd like you to meet Alice, my fiancee and the best thing that's ever happened to me." he said and it felt so good to see the woman's face change from a smirk to a shocked look. "Excuse us, Miss, but we're headed home. It was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to working with you.
I guess Kyle could sense my burning desire to leave this place. He excused us and we left.
The ride home was agonizingly quiet. Neither of us dared say a word- too afraid of the consequences, I guess.
When we got home, I didn't even wait for him to open the car door for me. I opened it myself and stalked toward my house.
"Alice!" Kyle yelled as he ran after me and came to stand in front of me. "What's wrong?" he said as he cupped my cheeks.
I felt the tears burn my eyes and closed them as I said, "I just need to be alone for a while okay?"
Kyle tried to pull me into a hug, but I pushed him away. Tears filled my eyes as I stared at him intently. I nearly screamed, "Is this what you want, Kyle? To live like we've got stick up our assess?"
Kyle looked confused, "What? No. Ali, I-"
I wiped at my tears as I calmed down and said, "I hardly ever see you anymore. I hardly ever hear from you anymore. Your mother hardly ever sees you anymore. It's like you've become a mindless working zombie!"
(Can we please just pause real quick to cherish the irony? Ha. Okay, moving on.)
"You know what, Kyle? You say that you're doing this for your mother, but can't you see? She doesn't want your money. We all know she's not gonna make it, so instead of wasting your time on stuck up bosses, you should be taking care of her and being there for her while you still can!"
Kyle stepped back. I hurt him, I could tell, but I needed to say it. He needed to hear it. "Maybe it's best if we just don't see each other for a while." I whispered.
I couldn't live like that. I couldn't see myself prancing around in a ballgown and sneering down at others. I don't want money, it's evil. Look what is doing to Kyle already. I knew he wanted this job, but I couldn't be a part of that type of life.
Kyle exhaled deeply. I could tell what he was thinking. He was hurt and couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Let's just take some time off and talk about it after." I said and hastily rushed towards my house.
But there was no time for us to think.
Four days after our fight, the apocalypse began while Kyle was at work, almost a thirty minute drive into the city. The city that had a population of over fifty thousand.
Karma is one sick bitch.