A Night on Fire (An Olli Herman Fanfiction) #Wattys2016

Chapter Twelve

Carla took me to a small bar that same night outside of Los Angeles called Hubb's Saloon. A few people sat on the stools, conversing with one another. She introduced me to the bartender known as Matt, a middle-aged, partially bald man who welcomed our arrival with a large grin.

"So you're Carla's sister," he said in a raspy voice, his hairy arms folded over the counter. "I've heard nothing but positive comments about you. It's great to meet you, miss!"

"It's nice to meet you as well," I replied.

"I've been wondering when she'd drag you over here. Lord knows I love meeting new folks. What can I get you two?"

"I'll take a corkscrew cocktail," Carla said.

"And I'll have a screwdriver."

After mixing our beverages, Matt handed us the glasses and said, "Here you go. Now go make yourselves comfortable."

My sister and I picked the booth nearest to us and sat opposite from one another with her facing toward the door and I facing toward the restrooms in the back. We discussed work; she explained that she recently got a raise in pay, and though she's always busy, she loves her career. I told her I was still saving up for college, but it was getting harder to do since I pay rent and bills for my house and food to eat. This led to me slightly complaining that she always had it better than me, and it wasn't long before I felt lightheaded due to drinking three glasses of the screwdriver.

"What do you mean?" she questioned.

"I mean you've always been the favorite. Mom and Dad made sure you got whatever you wanted. Hell, they paid for your degree! I asked them just one time when I was seventeen if they could pay for mine, and they scolded me that I had to work to get it."

She scratched her head. "You got to think, though. They are wealthy, but they used a huge hunk of money to pay for my schooling. If they were to pay for yours, too, they would most likely be homeless."

"Then they should've remembered they had two kids before letting you mooch off them," I said bitterly.

"For your information," she snapped back, "I promised to pay them back, and I'm doing that now. We had a deal that if they had the money to pay for my college, they would, but once I make the money, I give them back that money. Mom and Dad won't pay for your education because they can't afford it....Sasha, what has gotten into you lately? When I talked to Beverly on Facebook, she said you were becoming a whole different person, and I can see it right now. She said you might be depressed, and that's why you needed a vacation. What's wrong?"

"It's stupid really," I slurred, feeling more drunk.

"Please tell me what has been bothering you," she pleaded. "I want to know, so I can try to help."

I sighed. "I slept with a guy on my birthday, and he wanted nothing to do with me after that. I caught feelings for him, and he won't get the fuck out of my head!"

"Have you tried dating other men?"

"Yes, and it went horrible! I was nearly raped!"

"Are you serious?!" she gasped.

"Yeah, but that's not the point. I can't seem to—" I paused, trying to use my now slow brain to find the right words "—to let him go."

Carla eased up and grew motherly toward me. "Honey, what he did wasn't right, but there are plenty of fish in the sea. You will find the man meant for you; just give it some time. Find more hobbies for you to do. That will help you keep your mind off him."