Never Again

Chapter Eleven

Short chapter...

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I wake up with a pounding headache, thinking about how stupid it is that your body doesn't get used to being drunk. Groaning, I slowly sit up and grab my head. Looking around, it takes me a moment to remember where I am; memories from last night flood my mind. I turn and see Bianca sleeping soundly next to me.

What's wrong with you man...

Shaking my head from the thoughts, I stand up and pull on my pants from the previous night. Throwing my shirt over my shoulder, I slip on my shoes and sneak out as quietly as I can manage. Walking into the kitchen, I instantly grab a frying pan and some ingredients from the fridge. I crack some eggs into the pan, slowly adding salt and pepper.

"Look who it is." I turn and see Nate coming down the stairs, sporting only boxers.

"Ugh, dude. At least I had the decency to put on some pants!" He flips me off and grabs a plate. Rolling my eyes, I give him half and then add peppers to the rest for myself. Opting for the "least number of dishes" option, I toss the remaining eggs into a Ziploc bag and walk out. Not even registering my departure, Nate is glued to his phone as I leave; upon reaching the front door however, I hear him yell for me to check my phone. Whipping it out, I see a text and I let out a breath.

USUAL PLACE, DON'T BE LATE

Rolling my eyes, I exit and make my way back to my car. I plug in my phone and eat my make-shift breakfast as I pull out, making my way back to my place. I grab a change of clothes and drive until I pull into the familiar parking spot; despite being a good ten minutes late, I take my time walking into the dark building.

"The music legend finally graces us with his presence." There are some mock-claps that ring through the thick air.

"Shut up, Mitch." I say, making my way to them. He just laughs it off, but gives me a sneer right after. I roll my eyes and am about to retort back but another voice rings out.

"Emerson, I am so glad you could join us." The man walks into one of the few lit spots and I see that it's Chase. Biting my tongue, I spit out a hello, resulting in a head-nod from him. Addressing the entirety now, Chase speaks— and when he speaks, everyone listens. "Alright bitches, listen up good. Tonight, we got a little job to do." Some boys hoot, breaking the silence. "Settle," Chase says with a pointed look. "Electronic store, Grafton Street. Out TV is looking a little outdated." He chuckles and some people laugh along. Chase's demeanor changed quickly, though. "Hey," he barks. The room turns silent. He turns, directly looking at me. "Emerson will take lead." Insides, I feel a slight tug in my gut; however, I put on a grin.

"When do we start?"

~~~

"Penn!" One moment I am trying to take my shoes off and the next I am on the floor with a six-year-old giggling on my chest.

"Ugh, Lucy!" I try and push her off but she hops right back on, making the air escape from my lungs. "How about you at least get my shoes off before tackling me to the ground, huh?" I tickle her, earning some more giggles; her eyes crinkle and her smile is wide— she looks like a normal little kid, and it makes my heart sad.

"I'm sorry, Penny." She says.

"Luce, what did I say?"

"That Penny is too, too girly?" She cocks her head to the side and I simmer down a bit.

You're too cute, I can't stay mad at you, I think. Scooping her up, I make airplane noises as I make my way to the couch; I set her down lightly as I make a crashing noise.