Hey fellow readers! So I'm sure you've noticed I finally updated the cover, which was edited by my good friend Umbrella Specter! An old pic of me from 2013 that I found fitting for my story :3 what do yous think of it? I had others I edited, but this seemed more fitting. And I'm sure you can tell by the pic for this chapter, I like 'Being Human', who I picture Sean to look like Aiden. :3

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     I found myself re reading the text several times, unable to even think of how to respond. Why would Sean go out of his way to warn me of Brian? And why didn't he tell me it was him to begin with instead of making my mind grow all paranoid?
    The more I thought about it, the more I actually doubted it was Sean. He seemed straight forward, and most likely would have told me from the start. Maybe John downloaded some fucking texting app and he and Brian were messing with me?
    [I don't believe you. Nice try though.] Sending the message, my paranoia grew rapidly. Would if him and John were trying to turn me against Sean cause of whatever beef they had with him? Or would if it was just John?
    Okay Alex, you're thinking too hard into this...
   Yea, maybe I just needed sleep. My mind was running laps after everything that had happened in the past almost 24 hours now. Guilt was still there, for Katie was now beyond upset with me.
   'She'll get over it when Brian starts giving her more attention.' Sean's words flashed in my mind again, upsetting me in ways I didn't want to ever admit to.
    [Hey Kate, I just wanted to say I'm sorry I blew up on Brian tonight. There's just a lot going on and I snapped.] I sighed after sending the message, turning the volume up on my phone and setting it back down on the night stand.
    My eyes glanced around my bedroom, staring at nothing in particular. Standing up, I walked over to my door, plugging in the lights along my ceiling to shut off the main light in the center of my ceiling. My head was hurting, usually the glow of my string lights would help. One could only hope.

    By the text tone that went off, I dreaded what Katie had to reply back with. Slowly passing my desk by the foot of my bed, I sat by my small  nightstand, the bed creaking slightly as I did so.
    [You're not the only one who has shit going on Alex. Brian is seriously pissed with me for telling you!] Shit.
    [Well, if he feels the need to hide that shit from me that's his own fault. Who cares if he's pissed? He can't be mad you were looking out for me.] Upon sending my reply, my anger started replacing my guilt. He tried to deny the shit right away rather than tell me the truth. How could I trust him now? Better now than later when our... Relationship could have gotten deeper.
   I shuddered, feeling my stomach knot at the thought. This was why I would stay single the rest of my life. Aside from the last guy who cheated on me, I was just over the bullshit. The pain wasn't worth it, the drama- THIS drama wasn't worth it.
   [That's not the point...] What is then?!
    [Enlighten me.] I was over this. If Katie wanted Brian, she could fucking have him. This is why you don't mix relationships with work. I was beginning to understand more about the company policy now.
    My phone started ringing in my hand, quickly answering it to hear whatever Katie had going on in her head.
    "Yes?" My tone was dark, clearly agitated hoping she would see that I too wasn't in a mood. Sure I blew up her spot, big fucking deal-
    "Is there a reason why you don't believe me?" The voice on the other end wasn't Katie's, sending chills down my spine.
    ...Sean.
    Pulling the phone away from my head, it was the number that had texted me that Brian claimed wasn't John.
    Here was the proof. I felt more ignorant now, some paranoid dumbass.
    "I... I guess too much drama has my head all messed up..." I stumbled with my words, my anger calming down some.
    "With Katie and Brian?" A sigh left my lips, feeling the anger rise again. Leaning forward, I placed left forearm on my knee, and my right elbow on the other to somewhat support myself.
    "Yea..." I finally breathed, not really wanted to vent to my manager about two co-workers.
    "Sounds like someone could go for a drink." My mouth parted slightly as my eyes widened. Did he just offer me a drink...?
    "I.. uh..." As nice as that sounded, my body was too tired to even consider going back out.
    "Do you want me to come back to get you?"
    There's that confirmation. Holy shit!
    This was too much for my mind to handle. Why was Mr. Lykos offering to bring me out to drink? Maybe to get more fuel for whatever fire that was going on with Brian? With Katie? It just didn't make sense, I couldn't even begin to think he thought I was attractive. For Katie was extremely beautiful Barbie doll type material and I didn't really engage much in conversation at work.
   "I don't think I can handle anymore drinking right now, but thanks for the offer-"
    -I hear my dad stumble into the hallway, the front door banging against the wall as he did so.
    "Aleeexx! Oh- shit-" I was off my bed and opening my door just as my dad clashed onto the floor. His keys jingling in the door knob still as the door swung back to close from the recoil.
    "Oh my God- I have to go." I didn't even wait for his reply as I hung up, placing my phone in my back right pocket and darted to my dad's side.
    My fear of him behind hurt instantly was replaced by irritation as a wave of beer and Whiskey hit my nostrils.
    Not surprised... Not in the least. For fucks sakes... When will this end?!
    "Let's get you in bed-" the front door that wasn't fully shut, opened back up again catching my attention.
    A thin woman with short dark hair slowly entered, a few inches taller than me in her heels and her face red with half opened eyes.
    Who the fuck is this?!
   "Oh Nathan! Are you alright?" The woman slurred, moving near him as I tried to help him to his feet.
   "Who the hell are you?" My tone was venomous, but clearly she didn't notice. Alcohol was written all over her face as my dad reached for this stranger.
   "Yea- yea- oh, where are my manners, Alex, this Nikki. We met at the bar."
    "You don't say?" My eyes narrowed, not enthralled at all by the scene before me. She giggled as they helped steady each other, my father moving past me to bring her towards the kitchen.
   Dark jeans hugged at her thin legs, while her unzipped dark brown coat followed her swaying movements. The brown purse fell from her shoulder to her elbow, trying to maintain her balance.
   Brown drunk glazed eyes met mine, only to follow after my father. Clearly she didn't care that she was so drunk in front of her... New 'friends' daughter.
    "Alex, join us for a drink!" He yelled from the kitchen. Gritting my teeth, I turned back towards my half opened door to my room. My nails digging into my pas from the tight fists my hands were making.
    "I'm going to bed." I called back, closing the door loud enough to hopefully give the alcoholics a hint.
    My hope didn't last long, I laid on my bed, the laughter and slamming of cabinets and glasses flooded into my room through the walls.
     I couldn't figure out if my head or heart was going to explode first. This has to be the icing on the cake of today, go fucking figure.
    Browsing Facebook, I couldn't focus on anything as my father put on music in the living room. Country music, basically the worst music on this planet. In my eyes anyways.
    A growl grew within my chest, hearing the thudding and laughter continue. How the hell was I supposed to sleep with all this shit?! For 20 minutes now, I was unable to rest.
    Getting up, I stomped heavily towards my door, whipping it open to march to the kitchen.
    "Can you tun-" my voice stopped along with my body, unable to believe what was happening before my eyes.
    'Nikki' was on top on my dad, who sat on one of the bar stools by the marble bar counter. Their tongues were dancing as she grinded on top of him with his hand in her hair.
    You cannot be fucking serious...
    It took me a moment to compose myself before turning back towards my room. My stomach twisting with this mental image that would now forever be in my head.
    Clicking the lock after shutting the door, I stared blankly at my half opened window. A slight breeze blowing my black drapes, cooling me down some.
    The beep of my phone went off, snapping me out of my trance. If it was Katie or Brian, I was certain my phone would be shattered.
    [Is everything alright?]
     Sean. Him sending me those words had the knot in my throat hurt worse. But there wouldn't be tears. I promised I wouldn't cry no more after mom vanished.
    Sitting on my bed, my eyes scanned "Tell me something sweet to get me by" on my wall I wrote months back. How I needed that right now. Had Brian not been starting to turn out to be a fuck boy, perhaps he'd be here now to help me.
   I can't go to him... Not after tonight...
    [I think I'll actually need a drink tonight...] I hesitated for a moment before sending it. My hands shaky and my tears wanting to fall out. Would drinking help? Most likely not. But there was no way sleep was an option right now with what was going on outside my room.
    [Do you need me to get you?] Yes... No... Ugh FUCK!!
   [Please.] I sent it before my mind would possibly change. Maybe talking to a somewhat stranger would help me, for therapy was out of the question.
   [I'm on my way.] His text had my heart race more, but I focused on being angry instead of upset. No way in hell would I cry infront of my manager. After replying back with 'thank you', I saved the number in my phone under his name. Since it was in fact, Sean. Grabbing my leather jacket, I put it on and kept my phone on the charger as I waited for my savior. Ha, family problems...
    How did people get used to this? Did they even get used to this? A broken family? An alcoholic father? A missing mother? Having to work to help support the house cause of the struggle?
    [I'm here.] Sean's text froze my hectic mind as I shot up off my bed, grabbed my purse and headed for my door.
    My hand froze on my doorknob, hearing my father and his new play toy laugh in the hallway.
    Fuck.
    Waiting a moment, they continued with the conversation in the hallway.
    Alright then... Window it is.
   I was out my window in record time, hurrying to Sean's black car before they would possibly notice.
   Heat met my face quickly as I hopped in, amber eyes looking at me with concern. Meeting his gaze, I tried to play it off that I was fine.
   "Hey, thanks for getting me." My voice played out smoother than I thought. Points for me.
    "No problem. Can't sleep?" There it was, the question. Not really direct, so...
    "Something like that." I replied, glancing in the side mirror as we exited my driveway. My house finally disappearing from view.
    Sean didn't press the issue further, and I was thankful for that. Instead, he turned up the music a few notices. Tool was playing, which seemed fitting. Nice to know he liked my taste of music.
    The further we got away from my once place of sanctuary, my heart finally started to relax some. My thoughts weren't as hectic, but that voice was still itching in the back of my mind.
   "If you want to get your soul to heaven, trust in me
Now don't judge or question.
You are broken now, but faith can heal you.
Just do everything I tell you to do." How fitting indeed.
    The car turned off after we parked, my eyes focusing on a different building in view.
    "Where are we?" I asked as I unfastened my seatbelt.
    "This is The Atlantic. I figured we'd go somewhere different." He replied before we both got out of the car, the cold air picking up around me.
   Inside, the bar was square shaped. Music filled my ears as well as the conversations of the 15 or so people around the bar. Faces turned towards us as we entered, mainly at me for I was obviously a new face.
    Sean brought me around to the left, sitting away from where most the people were at. A big flat TV was on each wall of the room, obviously with no sound. Sean took a seat to my left on the high wooden bar stool, my movements mirrored his own, sitting down with my purse on my lap.
    "Wasn't sure you were coming back." A young pretty blonde girl who looked around my age addressed him, glancing at me with a warm smile.
    "I told you I'd be back." He replied, looking more relaxed now.
    "There have been many times you've said that and haven't come back." The sarcasm was cute with her, something about her sending me good vibes.
   "Fair enough. Alexia, this is Jenna. She practically lives here." She reached out to shake my hand, pulling an opened beer from behind the bar and handing it towards Sean. I chuckling a bit as our hands touched, staring at the nicely blended makeup that surrounded her brown eyes. Her face had a glow, perhaps she used a tanning bed?
    "Bill's can't pay themselves. What can I get you to drink sweetie?" My chuckle followed hers, pulling out my Driver's License from my wallet.
    "May I have... A big margarita?" She nodded upon glancing at my license then handed it back.
    "I like her." My voice was low, but loud enough for him to hear as the Bud light bottle met his lips.
   "She's a great girl, will watch over your drink when you go to the bathroom or step out."
   "Wow, that's pretty nice of her." I watched her work while making my drink, until some a girl in her older 20's laughed obnoxiously loud between two guys standing on either side of her across from Sean and I.
   "Has there been a problem before?" I couldn't help but ask as my mind pondered. Most bartenders didn't do such things.
   "I'd say she's done it for better tips, but no, personal experiences and such." Personal experiences? Did someone drug her before?
   The thought of that was unsettling, especially with how sweet she looked. Short like me, seemed quiet, maybe that was why someone...
   "Here you go." A huge margarita was placed infront of me, my eyes widening at the sight. My fingers moved the straw, making the ice clatter inside before I decided to finally sip it. Sean cocked a brow, slightly amused as I tried the tasty beverage.
     Yes, this is what I need.
    Was it though? Did this make me better than my dad? Most likely not, now seeming to become like him...
    "So how do you like this place compared to Tony's?" Sean's question broke me from evil thoughts yet again. Thankfully.
    "I like it better, not a big crowd." I admitted, watching the people across the way choosing songs on the fancy music player.
    "Same reason why I do. But the people who come here usually cause no trouble." That was comforting as I overlooked the women and men yet again. Most looking my age or a bit older. My eyes spotted two older males talking to my right, appearing in their 40's.
    "Lykos!" A man called from the other side of Sean, patting him on the shoulder as he took a seat.
    "Hey Nick, what's going on?!" Sean leaned against the back of his stool, clinking his beer bottle with his friend.
    "Oh, the usual. Drinking and working. Who's your friend?" Blue eyes over looked me, curiosity written on his face. Short brown shaven hair, strong jaw line with a clean shaven face. His slightly tan skin making his blue eyes pop, a shade of blue I don't think I've ever seen before. Light as the sky.
    "This is Alexia, Alexia, this is an old friend of mine." My hand reached his in front of Sean, his hand gripped my own a bit firmly.
    "Nick Jones, and don't let him fool ya, I'm not that old." Nick laughed causing me to chuckle, his big smile was very warming. He seemed bulky, obviously the gym was in his favor. His black leather coat unzipped with a dark gray shirt underneathe.
    "You don't look old at all actually." I sipped my drink again, the liquor soothing my throat.
    "Never judge a book by it's cover." Smirking looked good on him.
    "I usually don't, cause that's usually my line." Our chuckling mixed as he sat down on the other side of Sean, nodding at one of the older men across the way.
    "What brings you two in? Can't lie, never thought you'd bring a pretty girl around." My face become hot after his wink towards me. God dammit.
   "It's been a rough couple days at work for both of us." Sean replied, keeping his gaze away from me. Did Nick just embarrass him?!
   "Oh yea? Wait, yous work together?" I nodded in sync with Sean, Nick's eyes widening a bit before bringing the bottle back to his lips. 'Yous', that's gotta be a Philly accent.
   "Yea, so I'm rewarding her with a drink." Nick's eyes became humorous, a small smirk playing on his lips.
   "Well isn't that so sweet of you." I couldn't help but try to control my chuckling at their bickering.

   Halfway through my drink, my body and mind became more relaxed, now gaging in conversation with the bar tender as Sean and Nick talked away. She seemed like such a sweet girl, working at Olive Garden during the day and bartending at night. Talk about motivation, I admired her for that. I too thought about picking up a better job to help more with the bills, especially since I needed my own car.
    "I think Sean should give you a raise." She hinted, Nick giving a smug look as he glanced over at me.
    "That's not in my power, although I'm sure she could get one if she talked to our store manager." I couldn't help but laugh to that one.
    "Oh yea, I'm sure that'll happen." Mr. Lambert was a lazy store manager who didn't give a shit about anyone but himself. How he was still a store manager was beyond me. He was childish at times, a space cadet, a big-
   "I've met him, and I didn't have to fear all the stories from Sean here to figure out he was a douchebag." Nick announced, my laughter becoming more addicting. This is what I needed, laughter and good people to be around.
    "I've only been there two months and I've contemplated leaving." Sean smirked to my comment, finishing the rest of his beer.
    "Two months huh?" Nick asked, glancing between Sean and I as my head nodded.
   "I've only worked with Alex here few times and have learned she's the best new hire we've ever gotten." Talk about an ego boost.
    "A few times and you bring her here for a drink? Well damn." Nick raised his brow at Sean with a smug look on his face.
    "Don't even start." Sean replied, a bit more serious now. Wait, what's he implying...?
   "I ain't starting nothing but my way to smoke a cigarette." Standing to his feet, he chuckled, pushing Sean on his shoulder some in a playful manner. Sean pushed him back, causing Nick to fumble forward almost on his face.
    "Fucking tool." Sean mumbled with humor as Nick disappeared out the door.
    "He seems like a interesting character." Laughing, my eyes followed Jenna placing another beer in front of Sean. Trying to make my large drink last, well, the more buzzed I got the more thirstier I got. Not to mention, feeling this good was rare for me as of the past few months.
    "Yea, he's something else." Though he was looking straight ahead towards the TV, it was apparent he wasn't really watching it.
    "Thanks for bringing me here." His head turned, amber eyes holding my emerald ones.
    "Not a problem, I'm glad you like it here." Such seriousness in his eyes had me stunned a bit. The attractiveness level has definitely gone up a few notches after tonight.
    He's my manager, don't even think about it. Looking away, I sipped at my drink and nodded.
    "So, what happened earlier if you don't mind me asking?" My eyes darted back to his, then looked back down at my empty drink as I slightly shrugged.
   "I'm sorry, I asked cause it sounded like Brian was yelling." My eyes widened, my head turning back towards him to shake it in response.
    "Oh God no, that was my dad. Brian is not coming to my house anytime soon." I could tell his curiosity grew from my statement, something flashed in his eyes.
    "Is your dad okay?" Here it goes... Deep breath... Go.
    "No... He's not." Pausing I wasn't really sure where to even start with this deep conversation.
    "Another drink?" Jenna asked, swiftly taking the large empty glass.
     "Yes please, a jack and coke?" With a nod, she began fixing my new drink as I thought of how to begin explaining everything. A dark beverage in a short glass was placed infront of me, giving me more confidence just by looking at it.
Swallowing the cold alcoholic liquid, I placed it back on the wooden bar we sat at.
    "If you don't want to talk about it, I understand." He's trying to get to know you, fucking speak. Maybe he knows how you can deal with this bullshit.
   "N-no, it's okay. It's kind of a lot..."
    "Well I got no other things I'd rather be doing." Wh-what!? In that case...
    "About 4 or 5 months ago, my mother left... Told my dad she met someone else and was happier with him. We haven't seen nor heard from her since she left... And my dad became one hell of an alcoholic trying to cope..." Well that came out rather easy...
   "I'm sorry to hear that. That can't be easy." He replied, still watching me even though I kept breaking eye contact.
   "That's part of the reason why I started working. I need my own car, and I help him with the bills. But tonight... He came home with some woman from the bar... And that pretty much topped everything else that had happened today."
    "I can imagine. I don't blame you for wanting to leave. Everyone has their own way of dealing with rough times. I'm sure he'll straighten out soon."
   "But bringing home another woman? Knowing damn good and well I too am suffering and missing her? What, is she going to fill the emptiness that mom once filled?" Venting was much easier when alcohol was in the mix. Now I understood why people drink.
    A hand rubbed at my upper arm, bringing my attention back to Sean.
    "That's not right of him to do, but he's also not in his right mind. Have you though about talking with him when he sobers up?" He was generally concerned, and realizing it actually touched me.
   "Yes... Though I tried talking to him about the drinking before... I thought it'd get better, but it's actually seemed to have gotten worse over the past week." A sigh escaped my lips, shrugging slightly.
    "Give it time. Any father, usually comes around for his daughter." Nodding, my eyes caught Nick heading back through the door. Sean removed his hand from my shoulder, though it still felt like it was there.
   "Saw our favorite John drive by." Nick mocked, definite mood changer.
    "Not surprised, though he tried to tell me different last night." Something clicked in my spinning mind.
    "Weird John?" I asked, Sean nodding his head, clearly his mood was changing too just by thinking about him.
   "I've been wanting to ask... What's is the deal with him?" Nick scoffed at my question, chugging his beer.
    "He's a piece of shit fucking leech." If words could hurt, his tone most certainly made me nervous and made a mental note not to piss off bulk Nick.
    "Watch it." Sean's voice was dark, glancing at Nick as he nodded back, in an apologetic way. Nick's eyes flickered to mine, something flashing there that I couldn't understand.
   "Sorry bro, I didn't mean to say that..." They exchanged a glance before Nick refocused at the TV, sighing as Jenna handed him another beer.
    "Am I missing something?" The words finally escaped me, sick of being in the dark. Thank you alcohol for making me brave.
    "Not at all. That's a world you don't want to be in, trust me." Amber eyes held mine again, before another drink was placed by my empty one. Did I already finish that last one?!
    "Looks like I'll be nice and tanked when I get home. I'm sure my dad will love that." I joked, trying to lighten the mood between the two men.
    "Unless you go to Sean's." Sean and I had both almost choked on our drinks from Nick's words. Nick laughed putting up his hands like he was surrendering.
    "Hey- easy, easy... Was just a joke..."
    "Uh huh..." Sean mocked, clearly embarrassed by his friend. How cute...

   After finishing my 3rd drink I was incredibly drunk. Perhaps from mixing, which you'd think I'd learn better from after what happened to Katie last night. Another drink was tempting, but if I kept it up I wouldn't be able to climb back through my window. It still felt nice, being able to let out my frustration earlier and I didn't feel much sadness from it. Maybe it was the environment? Now I was certain I needed a life, this actually was fun. I wouldn't become an alcoholic though, no chance in hell.
    "..She's pretty cute bro, if you really don't have a thing for her, by all means, I'll..." Was my mind playing tricks on me now? I pretended to be listening to Jenna, and felt guilty for it. They say your ears ring when people talk about you...
   My eyes betrayed me, I glanced over at Nick for a second, before catching Sean's hardened gaze. Huh? Getting paranoid again...

    The rest of the 30 or so minutes we were still there, Sean paid for our last drinks and continued bringing me in the conversation. Though I didn't think I was making much sense, but mostly everything seemed amusing to me in my drunken state of mind. Slow motion for me, slow motion for me...
     "Have a good night Hun." Jenna's warm smile made my own smile grow as I waved. I felt incredibly welcomed here as we left, not wanting to leave at all...
    "Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Alexia. I do hope you come back soon." Nick gave me a hug this time, his body heat was insane. Or was it just that cold now that we were outside?
   "Yes- I'm sure I will. I had a good time tonight." My smile matched my words, though I probably looked like a drunk ditz.
   "Take it easy Lykos." Soon enough, I found myself in the car, already close by my house. I think.
   "You alright?" Sean's eyes were a bit wide, watching me carefully.
    "I'm pretty drunk... I'm not gonna lie... Getting in through my window will be fun tonight." He raised a brow, looking back over at me with shock.
    "You can't go in through the front door?"
    "N-no... I left through my window tonight and my bedroom door is locked." He returned his gaze infront, watching the road as my vision went in and out.
   "You gotta be fucking kidding me." Anger was in his voice, suddenly making me feel self conscious as I tried to read the time on his radio.
    "I do it all the time..." I began to explain how I did it in my late teens upon my parents fighting so they wouldn't know I was gone, though it was hard to maintain my words.
    The car slowed significantly, the seatbelt locking and keeping me from falling forward. I noticing his eyes were still straight ahead, fixed on something.
    "Do you think I'm dumb for doing that?" I asked, but his eyes never left whatever he was focused on. Is it a deer maybe? Or a bear?
     "Not at all, actually." He breathed, the seriousness never leaving his voice.
    A car had turned out of a driveway up a ways, couldn't be the Camaro... Unless it was that woman?
    "Did that bitch... finally leave my house?" Good, I didn't have to hear them doing God knows what.
    I already knew though, and the thought angered me.
   "I don't think so..." He replied in a low voice. It took me a minute to realize we were sitting in the road, with the lights off.
    "Why are we sitting here?" I asked, sitting up some and trying to figure out how close we were from my house. It was too dark, and my vision wasn't cooperating with me regardless.
    "Because I'm contemplating what I want to do with you." Did I hear that right??!
    "I... Don't... Understand...?" The nail on his thumb brushed back and forth over the top of the steering wheel, eyes still fixed out over the dashboard.
   "I know, which makes this all the more harder to handle." He finally turned to face me, my eyes trying to stay open.
    "What? I'm not too hard to handle..." I blinked, covering my yawn with the back of my cold hand. Was I acting like Katie and didn't realize it?
    "That's not what I mean."
    The car suddenly turned around, a loud sigh escaped Sean while he looked in his rearview mirror.
    "Where are we going?" I couldn't read any of the signs we were passing, making me feel all the more lost in the darkness.
    "My apartment."
     ...What?!