You + Me and Whatever in Between

9

Chapter 9

Loud sounds. So many drinks. Too many people.
I watched from the couch as people grind against each other and others with tongues so deep in the other persons mouth I was surprised it didn't trig a gag reflex. While I on the other hand just watched the interaction in front of me.

I drank the swig of whiskey left in the cup. Quickly forgetting the once strong tolerance I had. I ordered two more and took them straight to head. The drinks alone gave me the energy I needed. I found an open space on the dance floor and started dancing to the song lyrics:

I don't know about you and me
But tonight you'll be wrapped in my sheets
Tonight you'll be loving all of me

My voice was hoarse from singing the lyrics. My hands caressing my body. I felt someone come up behind me pressing themselves against my backside. "A pretty lady like you shouldn't be alone."

"Well how about you keep my company." There was no doubt the scent of alcohol wasn't reeking from my mouth but it didn't stop the mystery man.

I kept swaying my hips no doubt feeling his member get happy. The drink made me ego happy and he was no doubt stroking it. "I should probably stop." I hiccuped.

"Don't baby girl." The grip on my waist tightened and I immediately stopped and pushed him away from me. My heart started racing and my thoughts were cloudy. "Hey Miss. breathe calm down. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

"Bathroom. Where."

"Around the corner down the hall."

I damn near ran to follow his instructions. And locked myself into the bathroom ignoring the knocks outside. Tears were streaming down my face and my heart was pumping at a speed where I thought it would explode. I snatched my phone from my bra and panicked texted Taryn.

To: Taryn
Sent 12:04AM
Code Blue! Code Blue!

To Vida:
Sent: 12:05
On my way! Stay put!

My heart race seemed to stop and so did my tears. I opened the stall door and looked at myself in the mirror. My mascara was smeared and in completely honestly I just looked a hot mess. Grabbing a paper towel I wet it and began to wipe the makeup off my face. It took 10 minutes but I finally got everything off and looking in the mirror I froze.

My dads nose. My dads eyes. My dads smile. My father. How I would do anything to have him back.

It was the day after Valentine's Day junior year. I was locked in my room playing Spotify's broken heart playlist sobbing into my comforter. I was dating Nathan Towns since freshman year and had found out that a good majority of his time in our relationship was spent in Marisol Valero's bedroom. My sobbing and music was in a competition of who could be the loudest that I didn't even hear my dad come in. I was already sitting against my headboard and he sat on my bed. Without even saying a word I scooted so that my head rested in his lap and he ran his hands through my hair. That was his way of comforting me.

"It hurts daddy." Snot was getting on his sweats but he kept running his hands through my hair.

"I know Princess."

I saw up so fast I almost hit his chin, "Am I not pretty enough? Smart enough? Why didn't I see the signs? You've been training me to see the signs in people for as long as I could remember and I didn't see it. I didn't see it." I kept shaking my head and he took me in his arms laying us both down.

He hushed me and my cries until they were silent. "I knew from the day the nurse held you up that you would be too good for this world. You were too pure. I knew that. I vowed to protect but I truly knew there would be times like this I couldn't protect you from. It wasn't your job nor your responsibility to try to see the flaws in him. You loved him entirely and fully and I saw that child. I saw how happy you were. But since he did this now. Can I shoot him and drop him in Area 51? Maybe the newest capture there can have fun with him. Eh? How about that?"

I laughed between the tears, "Dad.."

"That's my babygirl and her beautiful smile. I would do anything to live forever and watch my baby grow up."

"You act like time is running up. You're only 39. Still old but not elderly."

He chuckled and rustled my hair with his hand, "you do know I can still ground you right? But for some reason I feel like time is getting away from me."

"Don't think like that, you're not allowed to die until
I'm married with 4 kids." I said looking up smiling at him.

"I'll be content with that."

Dad if only you knew. We would've done so many things different. I would've picked less fights, love you more. I would do anything for a redo.

I shook my head and walked out the bathroom ignoring the long line that stood outside. Making my way to the exit by the stairs I saw the sight that made my stomach curl.

There was a man and woman on the steps grinding against each other. His hand was holding her breast and her face was deep in his neck. The problem was I know this man.

"Graham?"