Forsaken Blood

- HOPE -

The next week seemed to last a lifetime. Dean was understanding after the party and just wanted Layla to dump Jake. Kendra thought it was a good idea too, but she wasn't really that interested, she was more worried about some of the other drama that happened during the night.

School was a nightmare. All week long Layla felt the eyes of everyone on her as though she was the cursed 'girl that was cheated on.' She was longing for the weekend, and considered another adventure to St. Lucy's to break away from the agony of life. That was her excuse anyway, in reality she was hoping to meet this dark, mysterious man again.

The rest of the week consisted of gossiping girls, breaking up with Jake for real, and more gossip. Friday finally dragged itself to her, and she skipped home like a child. Her mind was going berserk thinking about what she would wear tonight. She threw all her clothes out on her bed, and started huffing and puffing in frustration.

I've got nothing to wear damn it...

A full wardrobe was never enough.

Impressing Mr. Wonderful was her priority tonight. She had somehow convinced herself that he would be there, and by the time 7 pm came around, she had picked out her outfit for the night - a tight black dress with black, suede over the knee boots, and her cute, grey,  fur jacket to finish it off.

Blood red lipstick should capture his attention... She thought as she struggled to contain her excitement. She danced around her room to some old school Guns N' Roses with a smile from ear to ear. She felt free when her Dad was at work. He would call it the Devil's music, but to her the heavy music was wild and free.

Layla made it to O'Leary's by nine and noticed the same barmaid working this evening. There were a few more people than last time and she was awkwardly aware that everyone had turned to look her up and down as if she was a piece of meat.

What am I doing?... She started to feel way overdressed for the occasion. Thoughts of racing back out the door whizzed through her mind,when the barmaid yelled out...

"Hey, Lovey, good to see you again! Come in, come in, there's a seat up front here if you like."

Layla felt flustered and began trembling. She looked from side to side and twitched her fingers. Her heart started racing as if she had some social phobia, and began wondering if coming out here tonight was a good idea.

The quicker you get to the bar, the quicker you can have a drink....

That thought seemed to get her feet moving. She placed herself a seat apart from the next customer, and ordered her usual whiskey.

"How has your week been, Love?" The old maid asked.

"Well, let's put it this way, I'm glad it's the weekend." Layla smiled.

Gulping her first glass down, she began shifting her gaze toward the back where she first saw the hunk. There were only a bunch of middle aged tradesmen there,  having their after work drinks together. She desperately tore the crowd apart with her eyes in search of him, but he was nowhere in sight. Looking down at her watch she wondered if it was still too early.

Half an hour passed and three drinks later, still nothing.

"Excuse me miss," Layla raised her hand to get the barmaid's attention and felt as if she were calling a school teacher.

"Um, I know this may sound weird," Layla began, "but there was a guy here last week, sitting in the booth, he had..."

"Oh him..." the maid cut her off with a stern voice, "the dark haired handsome one, right?"