Thought explaining would get them off my back
Next day they started harassing me for payment]
Even threatened to blow this up, name–dropping Blake’s dad.[]
That time, I had to skip classes to work whatever jobs I could find.
Best I could find was construction–hundred bucks a day.
Finally got desperate, I called some friends from the orphanage. They got me a KTV gig.]
Out of expectation, they showed up there too.
When I walked into their VIP room, the music died. Everyone looked at me.
Blake’s grip tightened on his drink, pure revulsion on his face.
“Well, well, well! look what the cat dragged in!”
“Our little thief’s got a side hustle! Daytime criminal, nighttime server!“]
My face burned as I set down the bottles and bolted for the door.
“Stop!.”
Something cracked against my skull.]
Vivian had chucked the remote at me.]
“Nobody said you could leave.“]
I took a breath, forced a smile. “What else can I get you?“]
She grinned. “You’re here for money, right? Lucky you–I’m feeling generous today.”
“One bottle. Ten grand. Deal?”
Ten thousand. More than my entire college budget for four years.]
My heart hammered. But I’d never touched alcohol before.
“What’s wrong? Changed your mind? Never mind then-”
“Deal”
I met her eyes.[]
THE
Blake snorted, looking disgusted.
Everyone perked up: “Ooh, our little hostess! Come sit“]
I knew they were mocking me.[]
But I was used to it by now.
Elementary, middle school, college–same shit, different day.
I sat down. Blake immediately scooted away like I had the plague.[]
Swallowed my hurt and cracked open the first bottle. The burn hit my throat like fire.]
That night I had my first drink.
And discovered I’m allergic to alcohol for the first time
Half a bottle in, red welts covered my skin.[]
Suddenly I was falling into someone’s lap, head spinning as I mumbled: “Blake… I feel sick… can you get me some water…“]
“Ooooh!”
“Damn!”
Bro, this chick’s got it bad–cuddling some rando and still calling your name!”
Blake’s jaw clenched, staring at my arm wrapped around some guy’s neck.
He looked away in disgust. “Gross.”
They used me as entertainment all night–Vivian shoving me at one guy, then tossing me to another.
Everyone played along, hands wandering
Everyone except Blake.
The second I got near him, he bolted upright.
k shit you want. Leave me out of it.“]
“Do whatever sick shit you
Then threw down his drink and walked out.]
Everyone exchanged looks. “What’s his deal?“]
“Oh right, Blake hates her guts. Probably the skank killed his mood.”
Vivian went quiet, staring at the door where he’d left
Then put down her glass.
Flashed that fake smile. “Well, since Blake’s gone,
night.”
Everyone grabbed their stuff and headed out. One girl turned back, pointing at me. “What about her?“]
Vivian’s smile turned sweet. “Leave her. Someone’ll pick up the trash.“[]
My head was splitting when I saw several middle–aged men walking toward me. Sobered up
fast.
Grabbed my phone with shaking fingers, I texted the number burned into my brain
[You far away? I’m still in the room.
[Please help… Some strangers came in.]]
No response.[]
I was about to call 911 when my phone went flying
A brutal slap cracked across my face.]
“You bitch! Try calling the cops!“]
That night destroyed me.
Three men overpowered me.]
Pain, screaming, then blackness.
When I came to, my body was sticky and violated, blood between my legs.
One new message on my phone.[]
From Blake.
[Fuck off.]]
