Broken

Chapter 1

"Hey Alex hurry up man, we're going to be late!!"

I looked out my window and saw my friend Roman sticking his head out from his car.

"I'll be down in a bit" I yelled back.

I made my way to the mirror which hanged over my sink. Looking back at me a young man with long tousled dark hair, I raked my hands through it once more and looked at myself.

4 years of service have already made gray hairs start forming, even though im only 22.
I sighed and closed my eyes, images of my buddies from my company flooded my head. I turned the sink on and washed my face for the like the tenth time.

"Let's go Cruz, you've got this." I chuckled and smiled.

Still calling myself by my last name, I went over to my bed and slipped my shoes on.

I started heading for the door when I stop. I feel around my neck. I turn around and see my dog tags sitting on my night stand, I make my way towards them and pick them up. The scratched and bent metal, I brush my thumb across my name. I throw them on the bed and walk out of my apartment.

"Goddamn man you're worse than Kiara."

I smiled and got into the car, "Shut up man, I just had to wash my face real quick."

"You good bro?" he looked at me with worry in his face. I look down and see I had been clenching my fists.

I smile at him and punch him lightly in the arm, "Roman dude I'm good, let's just go. You don't want to keep Kiara waiting you know how pissed she gets."

Roman chuckles, "Alright man, seat belt and let's get out of here."

Its been 2 months since I've gotten back and still memories haunt me of what happened in Syria. I sighed and looked out the window, I honestly never knew that the memories would remain for so long.

"Alright bro so here's what you have to know about Kiara's friend, she's into the bad boy kind of guys. Which is why I think you're perfect."

I laugh, "Alright motherfucker I'm not a bad person, if anything I'm a huge softy."

"OK ok, she likes the image which you have down with the whole ripped jeans and boots. She's very funny and super nice... Also man she's sexy as fuck."

"Wow man imma tell Kiara." I say jokingly.

"Shut up fool I'm trying to help, it took forever to convince Kiara and her to come clubbing with us. She's a very by the books kinda of gal, very into her studies."

I yawn loudly, "Bro I'm not trying to get with anyone, like I appreciate you doing this but im good man."

"Nah bro, these past 2 months you've been back I've been noticing you being all down and alone. Kiara's even worrying about you. You need a distraction."

I give him a halfhearted smile,  "I know you went through alot man when you were in Syria and I understand it's hard for you to talk about but whenever you need someone I'm here for you bro." he puts his hand on my shoulder.

"Thank you Roman, seriously I really do appreciate it. I'm doing better now so don't worry."

We reach Kiara's house, Roman honks his horn.

"I think it'd be better if you call her."

"Nah man she knows it's me." he says and honks again.

An old angry old lady comes out the front door.

"Pinche chamaco deja de silbar esa mendiga cosa." she screams to us in Spanish.

Kiara and her friend come out behind the old lady, "Abuela it's fine there here for us." she says to the old lady.