Open Up My Eager Eyes

Chapter 17

Ever since Sam left our apartment two days ago, there was a wild whirlwind of emotions causing a hysteria in my head. I couldn’t believe this. I thought that the movies were being overly dramatic when they show us how miserable the character gets when his whole life crumbles down all together. I was wrong. There has been a sinking feeling in my chest, almost like someone tightening their grip around my throat, making it so hard for me to breathe.

I’ve been trying to tell myself to get up and do something at least but I just couldn’t. It’s so hard to move. It was so hard to find motivation and strength to even stand up. I never thought that I would ever reach this lowest point in my life. Because of a stupid and sudden decision, I lost everything. I have nothing and no one.

I was basking in self-pity all day. I didn’t know what to do. I scraped my head for other options just to help me recollect my life together. I was so desperate. I needed something.
Although I’ve convinced myself from the past two days that I just couldn’t find anything that could help me, I went out. I didn’t bring my car with me since I didn’t want to spend more cash on gas. I was walking around town, knocking at every shops here and there. Unfortunately, still none of them were hiring. I was beyond disappointed by now. What else would I fucking do now? If I wouldn’t be able to find a new job, I wouldn’t be able to get Sam back.

Just when my whole world was about to crumble down to the concrete beneath me, I heard a car honking behind me as I was crossing the street. I was going to shout at the person for being so impatient but my anger suddenly dropped when I saw who it was.

“Hey, you.” The tall guy from a few days ago was smiling at me from his car. “Have you talked to Vic?” He asked as I approached his car, getting a better view of him. I couldn’t believe that I still do not know his name.
He’s too friendly and nice to be seeing the obvious disappointment and frustration on my face so I did him a favor and slapped a smile on my face.

“Oh, hey. Nah, not yet. I was um, too busy with.. stuff.” I tried to dig for a grand lie but that was all that I could come up with. I’ve always been a terrible liar and I think that there would be nothing in this world that could help me improve that fact.

“Well, I am actually on my way there. You want to come with?” He asked generously. Seriously, this man has the kindest smile ever. How could someone look and be this nice?

“Uh, sorry but what’s your name again?” I asked, embarrassment evident on my face and in my voice. He talked to me as if we were friends but there I was, asking for his name. Dammit. “I’m sorry I just tend to forget and.. I’m just-“

He chuckled and extended his hand through the open window of his car. “Tony. Tony Perry.” He said as he flashed me his award-winning smile. I gladly shook his hand as I let out a sigh of relief. Good thing I didn’t offend him or something.

“So, hop in?” He asked as we pulled away from the hand shake. He diverted his eyes to his rear-view mirror and adjusted it a little.

Should I go? Was I really that desperate? Actually, yes. I was so desperate by that time. It was my last option and just like what Tony said from our encounter before, I should take any opportunity being laid down in front of me. But seriously, the main reason why I ditched my job was because of Vic. What good would I get by going to the very bar that he runs and asking him for a job. Then again, I needed it. It was my last resort and if I would let this one pass, someone out there might get this last shot from me.

“Uh, sure, thanks.” I muttered as I finally snapped out from my quarreling thoughts. I walked to the other side of Tony’s car and settled myself in the seat.

The entire drive to the bar was nice. Tony filled in the silence lingering through the entire car. I learned that he’s a pretty shy person but once you get to know him better, he actually has a lot to tell.