Partners

1.

If I was asked to describe my life with one word I would say-chaotic. Do you know the usual metaphor of humans being Hamsters and living inside their cage of comfort? If I were to use that to describe myself I would be the Hamster with asthma who had no inhaler and was forced to run on the wheel. Non-stop.

A hamster who chose 'poor life' as her parents said. A hamster who ran away from home. A hamster who feels attraction for both genders.

While entertaining the idea of this metaphor, I changed from my work clothes and jumped on my bed making it squeak loudly.

I was already used to it so it didn't disturb me that much but Casey scrunched her face and shook her head slowly. "Liv, I get it, you want to run away from your family, but did you really had to get the crappiest apartment available?" She joked but it didn't hide the annoyance in her tone.

She didn't approve of my choices. Being born into a rich family didn't mean that my life was perfect. It didn't fix the fact that my dad was sexist, racist and my mom was just going along with it.  Even from the outside people could see that crack in our family's facade. 

But not Casey of course. She is too naive to notice it. Or maybe her crush on my older brother, Daren, was standing in her way.

Since our childhood, she always begged me to set her up with Daren. While Daren never entertained the thought of sleeping with a girl more than once. Cliché, I know.

"I have to keep my expenses on minimum remember? I don't get a money check at the end of every month like you." I said and jokingly hit her with a pillow. She rolled her eyes. "Touché"

I liked to think that Casey's parents were better than mine. At least because they allowed her to major in the field that she wanted. While I had to run away and enroll in community college.

There are many other factors making Casey's parents better, but I am not gonna go into it now.

Even though I hate to admit it, I need my parents to help. Financial help at least. Like I get it I am not the daughter you dreamed about but I am still your child. You can't just abandon me because I have different life choices than what you expected me to have.

"So, what's on tonight' watch list?" Casey asked impatiently as she skimmed through channels. I brought my attention back to the TV and shrugged. "Whatever you feel like." Casey found some old show and we ended up mocking characters' choices instead of concentrating on the plot of the movie.

No matter how much Casey irritates me she is still one of my few friends in the city. She is the only one of my old friends who stayed in touch after I moved to New York. She even chose her university closer to me, to come and check up on me.

"As much as I liked to spend the night here, I have early lessons tomorrow. Also, I need to find something cute to wear tomorrow." She said and winked.

"Is this because of some certain guy that I saw you with last time?" I asked and she nodded with a smile. I smiled back. "Go get him, tiger."

After making sure that Casey got into her car safely, I got back home and went to sleep.

Well, to be honest, I tried to go to sleep, failed, decided to play on my phone to distract myself.  Damn you, insomnia, for coming in the worst nights. 

I drifted off for a bit but when I opened my eyes, it was still dark. I tried to get back to sleep but my brain didn't feel like it.

I gave up on sleeping and decided to get up and eat something to keep myself busy. I scanned through the limited number of drawers that I had and found nothing to satisfy my needs. I checked the time. It was 4:35 AM. Luckily there was this shop a few blocks away from my place which was open 24 hours.

I changed into my sports clothes deciding that I will go for a run after buying some food. I wasn't going to fall back asleep anyway might as well get the morning training.

Streets were really quiet indicating that I was the only maniac who was outside at this time of the day. Heck, it is not even a day yet.

I quickened my pace as I saw the distant lights of the 24 hours store. I entered inside and little bell made sound signaling to the cashier that he should probably wake up. The cashier was an old man in his 50's he is already used to me coming here at random times of the nights so we acknowledge each other with a nod.

I pick chocolate and coke then get to the checkout. As I walk outside and open my coke I hear voices from the corner. Being the curious person, I am, I walk to the source of the voice trying the get a better look at the situation.

Turning the corner, I saw 2 figures standing in front of each other. From the body figure, I guess that one of them is the woman and the other is the man.

"Is everything ready?" The voice which clearly belongs to the girl said. The man scratched his neck and looked around. I ducked behind the trash container so he wouldn't see me.

My heart was beating faster every passing second. I am sure it isn't something I want to witness. But I was interested in the outcome and they kind of came closer to the trash can and I couldn't leave without them noticing it. I'll just have to wait it out and let them settle whatever argument they were having.

The girl straightened her spine and, I assume, looked guy dead in the eye. He shook his head. She was moving her hand to her side when I drank from my coke, but it was filled with fucking bubbles so I spilled it. "Shit" I mumbled, hoping that they didn't hear it.

But when it is 5 in the morning in the dark back street of the 24 hours open store. It is really fucking silent.

They turned to look around and I tried to back away which resulted in me knocking down some trash. If I wasn't noticed before, it was clear that they noticed me now.

I got a clear look at the man who was looking really pale and tired with the dark bags under his eyes. Girl, on the other hand, was looking really professional with her high ponytail and all-black outfit.

I made eye contact with her. Making her light black eyes look at me with utter confusion. "Want some?" I said while pointing to the coke. Why the fuck did I say that?

The man used this as an opportunity and started to run in my direction. He lunged at me, wanting to take me down with him. My reflexes kicked in, I ducked his attack and punched him in the stomach, making him stumble back.

The cool girl grabbed him and headbutted him, making him lose his consciousness and drop to the ground. 

I looked at the girl who looked at me with furious eyes, she tightened her jaw and dusted off her hands.  "Well, good job partner. See you around." I said and slowly turned and started to back away.

I couldn't go that far before I felt a numbing pain in my head.

A/N: Hello dear readers, happy to welcome you to this story. Hopefully you will like it.