The Stranger I Met

Last Friday Night

I plop down on my bed and simply wish to pass out when my head hits my soft pillow. I am beyond exhausted after my lone shift at The Vernacular.

Jason just gave up. Neither did he attend school, which was good for him considering how awkward it would have gotten for him, nor did he show up at work.

Last time when I had to do it alone, it was Monday, hence not much of a mayhem. But today was Friday! People were coming in at a crazy pace and I couldn't even breath without choking on the amount of popcorn I had my head into.

"Of course! She is not ready." I sit up on my elbows when I hear Tristen's accusation. " What do you want?" I snap at his leaning figure on the outline of my bedroom's entryway.

He casually strolls inside the room and stops near the end of the bed. He looks at his wristwatch." We have to leave in fifteen minutes and you are still in your tattered clothes and untamed hair."

I scowl at him." You really need to take your Holier than thou attitude down a notch, Tristy. Not everyone appreciates it." I shake my pointer finger at him with a sarcastic smile, sitting up properly.

" No time for pleasantries, sweetheart. You have ten minutes. So, get your ass out of that bed and get ready." He says while folding the sleeve of his azure blue shirt and buttoning it above his elbow. The next sleeve follows suit while he keeps his eyes on me.

" May I ask where are you dragging me?" I pull myself lazily out of bed.
He mumbles something before answering me." Zack's house, remember? Friday...party...rings a bell?"

My head rolls towards my right over the realization and I rub my neck." That's today? Ugh!"

I pick my phone to check the time." But what's the rush, it's only-" I look up at Tristen and he quirks his eyebrow in response." - 6 pm." I mumble.

" Exactly! It'll take half hour to reach, now act like the good and obedient girl you are and change into something presentable."

" I'm really tired, Tristen." I whimper.

" Oh, okay. That works for me." He replies and takes quick steps towards me. He grabs the hem of my top and starts pulling it upwards.

" What are you doing, asshole!" I hold his wrists and pull downwards.

" What! You said you are tired, I'm just helping you change." He says and continues pulling.

" Stop! Stop! I'll change. Get your hands off me!" I panic when the top reaches above my belly. He lets go and takes a few steps back." Good, now change, I'll be waiting downstairs." He walks away and out of my room.

I rub my forehead and a small chuckle leaves my mouth. Asshole!

I pick up the first dress that I get my hands on. An off shoulder, coral coloured romper which ends at my mid thighs with a light brown belt around its waist.

I quickly brush my hair which are in a whirlwind, like Tristen pointed, and apply my usual lipgloss. Finally putting on a pair of brown strappy sandals, I head down.

When I reach the middle of the staircase, I observe mom and Tristen involved in a serious conversation where mom is talking in hushed tones while Tristen has his arms crossed in front of him and head low, nodding slightly.

They notice me when I reach the floor and they immediately stop their discussion. Mom gives me a cheerful smile and Tristen's eyebrows shoot up when he takes in my outfit.

I reach them and hold my mom." Look who's finally home. Mom, you really are working way too much. I haven't seen you since yesterday morning."

She chuckles and puts her palm on my cheek, grazing it." I'm so sorry baby girl. I know, but it's crazy at the hospital. We have so much to talk about. Now go enjoy and we'll talk later." She pecks my forehead, looks at Tristen for a second and heads towards her room.