Keeping my eyes opened seemed almost impossible now, even with what I just heard.
    What I think I just heard.
    His eyes kept focused on the roads and his rearview mirror, not once looking at me as the car seemed to pick up speed. The trees blurring by, blending into the darkness as we passed. Even the street lights barely lighting up the road, in my eyes anyways.
    I can't pass out... I can't...
    What was I to say without sounding like a drunken idiot? All I could do was wait, to see where exactly I would end up.
   
    Movement opened my eyes some, my world was still spinning as I tried to focus. The click of my seatbelt and a scent of some delicious cologne waking me up a bit more.
    "Hey, you awake?" That deep soft voice had my eyes find his, but I couldn't figure out what to say as his eyes searched mine. Nodding my head some, a cold breeze found its way inside my passenger door around where he was standing.
    "I think so...?" My voice was barely a whisper, attempting to look around was pointless in the dark.
    Sean stepped back to allow me to get out, feeling incredibly light as my head continued spinning. Another cold breeze hit me, my teeth chattering a bit though I could barely feel my cold body.
    "This isn't my house..." Sean glanced back my way with a cocked brow, his eyes trailing down my body most likely due to the way I was walking. Or was it cause I slammed his door a bit harder than I intended?
    "I told you I was bringing you to mine." The car beeped behind us from the keys in his hand, refocusing back on me briefly before stopping at the door. The stone steps up to his door seemed too steep for me, unsure I'd make it.
    "I wasn't sure... if you... really said that..." I admitted, my eyes ticked every place they looked. In my mind, I imagined myself looking like my dad. The anger of it waking me up more, him and that tramp... How could he-
    "Now I'm really glad I didn't bring you home." What?!?!? Why would he...?
   Following Sean in, I bumped into him not realizing he turned his body to lock the door behind me. Warmth from his hand on my shoulder to steady me somehow sent chills through my body. Just the fact he was touching me, even though my jacket was still on was doing things I couldn't imagine-
    "Sorry..." I murmured, my cheeks flaring though thankfully hidden by the darkness of this foreign home.
    "...You're fine... Actually..." His voice faded as well as my mind.

    Buzz buzz buzzz
    Buzz buzz buzzz
    Whoever was next to me nearly made my heart explode.
    Turning my head, my eyes froze upon the man standing by the bed.
    I'm not in my room?! Sean really brought me here!?!?
    "How are you feeling?" Amber eyes watched mine, my mind going a hundred different ways as I tried to process this.
    "... Confused..." My eyes left his, looking around his dark room due. A faint glow creeping in through his half opened bedroom door behind him.
    "You don't remember coming here?" The glow of his phone gave enough light to show me when he was looking at me or not. His thumbs danced away to whoever he was texting, making my anxiety grow.
   "Kind of..." Amber eyes locked with mine, studying me. I sat up, rubbing at my right temple that throbbed. I felt under pressure, and dumb. Really dumb.
    Looking to the side, the left side of my hair fell down, hiding my face.
    "Here, drink this." Turning my head towards him, my eyes found a glass of water in his hand stretched towards me. Tucking my hair behind me ear, my throat was refreshed instantly by the cold water.
    "Thanks..." My stomach growled some once the water hit bottom, hunger growing in me. Though at the same time, I wasn't sure food would be such a great idea now. The drinks I had however long ago I could still taste in my dry mouth.
    Sipping the water some more, I inhaled then exhaled deeply as I held the almost now empty glass between my Indian styled legs. The comforter covering my legs was making me feel a bit warmer than I liked.
    "I'm shocked you're awake so soon." Sean said in a low tone, my brows furrowed from his comment.
    "What time is it?" I asked, moving my head to find a clock wasn't an option as my stomach growled again.
    "6:27 am." My eyes looked up to meet his, studying my reaction. Bringing the glass back to my lips, I drank the rest of the refreshing water.
    "Well damn..." I whispered, my eyes catching his hand reaching for my empty glass.
    "Would you like some more?" He asked upon taking the glass from me. Shaking my head in response, a yawn escaped me.
    "No, I'm okay... You shouldn't have to cater to me cause I pulled a Katie." The laugh the came from him startled me.
    "You didn't pull a Katie in the least, trust me." My head tilted some in confusion. Why would he think otherwise?
    "I didn't? But I ended up here..." He raised a brow at me, the humor on his face disappearing.
    "Kate has never ended up in my house, let alone my bed." My heart did a flip as blood filled my cheeks.
    "I didn't mean that- I meant- that- I- um..." Fucking Christ I'm in HIS bed?!?! What did I do...?
    "I meant... getting so tanked you had to babysit me..." I still didn't feel like I was helping my own case. God dammit.
    "Who said I was babysitting you?"
    "I barely remember getting in the car... I'm guessing you had to carry me..." I admitted, biting at my lower lip.
    "Actually no. You made yourself quite at home, it was amusing."
    "How so?" The question I hesitated with, but if it'd help my self esteem...
    "You raided my fridge and ate way more than I've ever seen a girl your size eat. Then you wanted me to play music on my stereo so you could dance. After about half an hour of you flipping through songs to sing and dance to, you waltzed in here and passed out."
    I was certain my face looked like I had sun poisoning.
    "...Wow..." A sigh followed, looking down into darkness.
      "You had a good time, and so did I." The bed moved, realizing now he was sitting on the bed. The light of his phone still showing me where he was looking as he placed in on the matress between us. Thinking back, I believe I remembered sitting on his kitchen table while we talked about music, and possibly other things my mind couldn't piece together. Oh man...
    "I feel like I embarrassed myself... Wait... Did I... " No- No way in hell am I about to ask that!
    Moving the comforter off me, chilled air enwrapped my body. It felt nice, and too cold at the same time.
    "Did you...?" My eyes flickered back to his, bitting my tongue to control myself. He was curious, and I was fighting for control over my mouth.
     "Nothing." He wasn't convinced, bringing me to curse myself silently.
    "I was gonna ask if I... Threw up..." Nice cover. Though it's not really a lie...
    He didn't seem too convinced, but slightly shook his head anyways as he studied me.
    "No. Surprisingly you didn't." The tone in his voice made me wonder if he was gesturing to what I was really wondering.
    I'm being paranoid again... Stop it.
    "Well... I'm glad... I should probably go home..." In reality, I didn't want to go back there. Who knows what I'd walk into, and I didn't feel sober enough to handle it.
    "You can rest here a bit longer if you want." I couldn't break the eye contact. Why was he being so nice?
    Maybe he's waiting to get laid- no. Stop that shit right now-
    "I don't know..."
    "It's up to you. Just to be clear, I'm offering because you seem a bit buzzed still." His eyes searched mine, the glow of his phone dimmed down from not being touched for a while.
    Now I feel like an asshole. He's just trying to help me out and here I am thinking low of him. Go me.
    "Oh- right, sorry... I guess I just- it's just..."
    "Weird?" He took the words right out of my mouth. Shrugging some, another yawn betrayed me. I couldn't deny, his bed is super comfy...
    "I mean...maybe... Yeah..." When he chuckled it helped me relax some. At least he had some humor to lighten up the situation.
    In reality, I needed to get home. If my dad somehow found out I wasn't home, he'd most likely have every cop in town out looking for me.
    Especially since, I realized, my phone was still at home.
    "Shit, I left my phone on my charger. I can't believe I forgot it." Brushing my hair back, I noticed then my hair tie was around my wrist. I must of taken it off in my drunken mindset earlier...
    "Perhaps it was for the best. Your phone wasn't helping your mood at work last night." I shrugged, realizing he was right.
    "Yeah, but if my dad somehow noticed I took off out my window he might be having one hell of an episode..." Sean stood up off the bed before I did. My world spun around me as I stood, realizing that I was still pretty buzzed.
    "Yeah... I'm buzzed alright..." I giggled, fumbling with my shoes on the floor. I caught Sean's amused expression before he walked out with my empty glass.
    My heart stopped briefly as my eyes landed on my red shirt on the floor. My black tank top was still on at least. Maybe I took that off from being drunken hot?
    Leaving his bedroom, I made my way downstairs. His apartment looked more like a house, an old house. The steps creaked as I slowly went down, trying to keep my balance. Swinging his keys around his index finger, he watched me very carefully descend towards him.
   Tilting his head down at my shirt, I noticed he tried to silence a laugh.

    Good God he's handsome. What is he wearing? I could smell him all day...
    John immediately flashed in my mind from my buzzed thoughts. Was I really thinking like him now too?
    Another thought occured to me, remembering how much Sean and Nick despised that man. Why was that? What didn't Sean want me to know? Was he once involved with drugs too?
    I tried to make sense of what Nick had said as we left his house. The cold air clung to me, actually feeling a bit nice since the alcohol that was still swimming through my veins was making me rather warm.
   
     His black Charger purred to life as I got in, putting on my seatbelt as my eyes and head ached from the sunlight. I was greatful he had tinted windows, for apparently being buzzed and sunlight didn't mix too well. Well, to be fair, I didn't do well in sightings regardless. It was said people with light eyes were more sensitive to light.
    "Think you can make it home?" I turned my head to meet his gaze, which was only met by my own in the reflection of his dark shades. When did he put those on?
    "Yeah... It's just a bit too bright out." My right hand rubbed at my forehead, watching him reach over towards me with another pair of sunglasses in his hand.
    "I always keep a spare in my car." Slowly, I took them out of his hand, and put them on. My eyes felt better rather quickly, and hopefully it wouldn't take too long to get home so I could pass out in my bat cave.
    "Thanks." My eyes tried to follow where we were going, but my spinning mind wouldn't allow my eyes to stay open. Resting my head back, I let the car ride relax me- as best as it could anyways. That voice in the back of my mind growing as the minutes ticked by.
    What am I about to walk into...
    I had to face it eventually. Today, when my dad would sober up, we were having one hell of a talk. Things had gotten to be too much, who even knows if he'd remember what he did last night.

    When the car had finally stopped, I waited a moment before opening my eyes. I had to mentally prepare myself, and I couldn't tell if being buzzed would help my emotions any.
    "You don't want to go inside, do you?" My eyes opened from Sean's question. It was amazing that he knew how I felt, let alone that I wasn't pretending to be asleep.
    "Not really, but I have to. At least I'm still buzzed..." A chuckle escaped him, my own following-

   -Until my eyes spotted an unknown silver Prius in front of us to the right of my dad's Camaro.
    "You got to be fucking kidding me." I could hardly breathe at this point. Unfastening my seatbelt, my body shook with anger.
    The realization that the tramp my father brought home was still here had me seeing red.
    "Hey- Alex-" Sean called as I opened my door, my eyes quickly flashing from him to my house. Before the anger completely consumed me, I removed the sunglasses he gave me and put them in the center console.
    "Thank you for the wonderful night Sean, I'd hate to cut this short, but I have a serious issue I need to address." Closing the door, I staggered some in my march towards my house. The black Charger becoming silent breaking me from my angered thoughts for a moment-
    Don't even tell me...
    "Wait, Alexia- hey." Blocking my path, a cautious hand was placed on my shoulder. Narrowing my eyes, I paused, ready to push past him.
    "Sean, I don't need you to witness the hell I'm about to raise." My voice was low, nails dug into my palms from being in such tight fists.
    "Alexia, you're not in your right mind. How about we go grab some breakfast and sober up a little before saying or doing something you might regret?" Frozen in place, I contemplated his offer. As nice as it sounded, I couldn't run from this forever. I had to deal with this while I still had the courage-
    "Alexia, Selene, Fiore!" A new, yet familiar- drunken voice pierced my ear drums, sending my heart into a new rythym.
     Are you fucking kidding me!
    Turning my head, my eyes locked onto my father stumbling out of the front door. Blue eyes glazed with anger and disbelief.
    "Where the HELL have you been!? I nearly died of a heart attack!" My father raced down the three steps, I was shocked he made it down without face planting.
    "I'm shocked you haven't died of alcohol poisoning yet." I mumbled, anger and embarrassment shaking my body. Looking over at Sean wasn't needed, just the side glance from the corner of my eye showed me just how well he could compose himself.
    "Oh- so this is how I finally meet Brian? You had to sneak out your damn window!?" Fuck.
     Fuck wasn't even a good enough word for the racing thoughts in my head.
    "This isn't Brian..." The only words I could let out of my mouth. Sean probably hated my dad already for the ignorant accusation.
    "Then who the hell is he?! Bringing home MY daughter at such a late hour?!" Planting himself infront of Sean, he sized him up. My heart leaped into my throat, preparing for the worst. My father wasn't a violent man, but after mom leaving us, he seemed to be changing... Changing for the worst.
    "Sean Lykos, I apologize for the late hour. I don't drive under the influence, especially with someone else in the car." My father rubbed at the stubble along his chin, obviously he wasn't expecting such a good excuse. A smug look snuck into my face, only to slightly disappear when my dad gestured him into the house.
    "Well, that's rather considerate of you. Come inside, coffee should be ready." Amber eyes glanced at me briefly, unsure.
    "I think he should get going dad. I'm sure he'd like to get some sleep, as would I." My father refocused on me, the scent of liquor on his breath making my stomach turn.
    "I insist. And I'm not asking again." Oh my fucking God-
   "I can't pass up a cup of coffee." A slight smile grew on Sean's face, my dads eyes lighting up like it was party time again. Great. Fucking fantastic-
    "I make the best in town." Oh yea, that Keurig does wonders, dad. For being still buzzed, I was surprised I kept most of my sarcastic comments to myself.
    I could instantly smell the French vanilla coffee as I entered my home after my dad, with Sean behind me. Each passing second I waited for the tramp to make her appearance. But the house was rather... Quiet.
    Where the hell is she? And why is my dad offering Sean inside? So worried sick my ass, he just has no one to socialize with-
    My eyes landed on the tramp passed out on the couch in the living room, my temptation to wake her up with a cold glass of water growing quickly.
    "Why is she still here?" The words finally left my mouth, my dad turned his head momentarily then fixed back on me over his shoulder as we entered the kitchen.
    "Like your new boyfriend here, I don't let people drive drunk." Keeping my face cool was almost impossible, both physically and mentally.
    "He's not my boyfriend, dad. He's my boss." My words escaped through gritted teeth as I sat on the bar stool infront of the counter.
    For a long moment, my father glanced between the two of us. His raised eyebrow made me realize I probably shouldn't have even mentioned the part about Sean being my boss.
    "Well damn Alex. You go from a co-worker to your boss?" Warmth flooded my cheeks again, Sean giving me a side glance didn't help any.
    "No, dad." If my eyes could fire lazer beams, my father would be fried. Looking down at the old newspaper from yesterday, I placed my hand on the side of my head. My thumb rubbed at my check, the migraine starting to get worse.
    "Wait, is this how you're planning on getting a raise? Cause that is-"
    "NO, Dad. Will you PLEASE fucking stop?!" My hand tensed, clawing into the newspaper as I raised my head. Surely my eyes were to pop out of my skull and my heart was about to explode any second.
    Keeping his back towards us, he shook his head while pouring coffee into a black mug. My arm dropped, bringing my cold hand over my warm face.
    "Alright, Alex, no need to yell." Turning, he handed Sean the mug, who was eyeing me amused. Glad you find this funny...
    "Oh, sorry. Don't want to wake up anyone who might be trying to sleep." If my hint wasn't obvious, I was certain I'd go to jail for losing my mind. Let's not be loud... Like hours ago when I was trying to fucking sleep-
   "So... Sean...." Great, here we go. Sean eyed me momentarily, before returning his focus to my drunk father. How many more drinks would put him to sleep? Obviously coffee wasnt ideal if I planned on getting any sleep today.
    "You're Alex's boss?" His half opened eyes ticked back and forth, eyelids fighting to stay open as he sipped from his mug.
    "One of them, yes." Sean replied, slowly sipping his hot coffee. He seemed unfazed by my father, which was impressive to me. Then again, I didn't really know his background. I praised myself for opening up to him at the bar, for maybe that's why he was so well composed. He already had an idea of what it was like...
    "I see... How long have you guys been working together?"
    "Not even two months, dad." Knowing where he was going with this, I couldn't help but continue to curse myself silently for wanting to come home when I did. Had I waited, he most likely would have been passed out. And maybe, just maybe, no tramp would be passed out in the living room, snoring away in drunk dream land.
    Or would he? Somehow he knew I snuck out...
    "Watch your tone young lady,- I'm just trying to figure shit out. You don't talk to me anymore-"
     "It's hard to talk to you when YOU DRINK-ALL-THE-DAMN-TIME." His eye lids opened further then as well as his mouth parting slightly.
     But nothing came out.
     Not a damn word.
     A moment later, and he was gone. He didn't look at neither Sean or myself as he exited the kitchen. Obviously what I said, even in his drunk state of mind, hit him hard.
    Really hard.
    "...Shit..." My hands held my face, supporting myself with my elbows on the counter.
    "Alex?" A warm hand lightly touched my arm, bringing my head up. My eyes drifted from him, a mixture of negative emotions flooding through me.
     "I think... I should go to bed..." I stared blankly infront of me, my buzzed mind yearning for sleep.
    "Probably wouldn't be a bad idea. I might do the same." Opening my eyes more, they darted up to glance into golden eyes. Might? Aren't you tired from dealing with me all night? He doesn't even look tired...
    A simple nod, and he removed his hand from my arm as I scooted the stool out. A yawn escaped me, my throat itching for water as I carefully walked down the hallway.
    The first thing I noticed, was that my bedroom door was opened. Frozen in place, I stared at the door knob, confused.
    "What is it?" Sean's deep voice found its way to my left ear, chills raced down my spine.
    "My door... Was locked..." My eyes caught my phone still on my nightstand.
     "Your father probably popped the lock." I sighed, fearing he would do this all the time now when drunk. Especially if he thought I was going to sneak out again. Shouldn't matter, I'm fucking 23 years old God Dammit.
    "All you need is a butter knife." I stated, glancing up to meet his eyes that were observing my room.
   Turning, I hesitantly continued down the hallway towards the front door. Truth was, I didn't want Sean to leave. I knew the moment he'd leave, my depression would set in. The depression that was already creeping from the depths of my buzzing mind...
    "Glad to know she didn't wake up." Opening the door, the sunlight nearly blinded me.
    "I'm sure she will eventually." Stepping around me, I caught a hint of a smirk growing on his face. Turning to face me, standing in the doorway with his arm above his head on the door frame.
    So... Wow.
     "... I'm sorry you had to deal with that... Awkward situation.." Sean tried holding back a chuckle. What the hell was funny about that? 
    "That wasn't really awkward, actually." Too hot. I need water bad-
    "You're joking." Crossing my arms, my right eyebrow couldn't raise any higher.
    "Not at all. Could have been more awkward."
    "Oh? Enlighten me, please." When his brow raised, a million different thoughts hit me all at once. I probably was pushing the wrong idea-
    "Another time, maybe. Get some rest."  Talk about feeling like an idiot.. My eyes dropped some, ticking around as my eyelids fought to stay open.
    "I'm sorry.... I feel like-" His warm hand on my arm froze me, even the air that wanted to leave my lungs.
     "The only thing you need to feel..." I couldn't break from his eyes. Amber, liquid gold hues that held me captive in a haze. Who the hell had eyes like that? It was more vivid with the sunlight warming the side of his face.
    "Is sleep. Sleep the whole day if you must. It'll help." The seriousness was softened some by a faint smile. Even there, I could sense he was bothered by something. Was it my dad? Or me?
    Nodding my head, his arm that was still hovering above his head moved,  using that hand to bring the shades down from the top of his head to his face. It was hard not to stare at how amazing he looked, almost like he was posing in my front doorway.
    I could ask him to stay for a bit... Yea right, say goodbye to your job if you try that one.
    But he bought me drinks two nights in a row! And I was in his bed-
    I'm over thinking it, just fall the fuck asleep before you do something dumb.
    "Text me when you get home so I know you made it home safe." A smirk grew on his face, why was that amusing to him?
    "I will. Have a goodnight, or, good day, Alexia." Chuckling from his comment, I over looked his body as he turned to leave.
    "Same to you." Closing the door, I dead bolted it. Dragging my nikes along the wooden floor, I closed my bedroom door as silently as I could.
    Relief swept through me realizing my door could still lock. Obviously he didn't kick my door in, but still, what made him try to check on me? Did the tramp have something to do with it?
    Kicking my shoes off, I tried to keep my eyes off my phone, knowing damn good and well the LED light was flashing. How many missed calls and texts did I have? And from who?
    Removing my jeans, I kicked them to the side. A breeze from my opened window wrapped my bare legs, causing me to shiver slightly. I still felt hot though, loving the fact I had a mini fridge in my room all the more.
    My phone ringing nearly made water go down my wind pipe. Talk about scaring the hell out of me!
    Sean?
    "Hello?" My voice was low, not wanting my dad or the tramp to wake up.
    "Hey, you left your purse, shirt, and jacket in my car." Glancing at my jeans, I realized I still only had my tank top on. The fact that I forgot my purse amazed at how mad I was earlier. I could blame the booze on that one, I NEVER left my purse anywhere.
   "Oh, sorry. I guess I did, huh?" I sipped more water, my throat and stomach feeling better already.
    "Would you like me to bring them to you?" How sweet of him...
   "If you don't mind...."
    "Not at all. Turning around now."
    "Okay thanks. Can you come to my window? Just so my dad doesn't wake up?" I spoke even lower, paranoid he could hear me.
    "Yeah, I'll see you in a minute." After hanging up, my eyes widened while staring at the screen.
    6 missed calls.
    14 text messages.
     From the lock screen, it wouldn't show me from who due to the way I had my privacy settings. I realized now it was good I did that upon first getting this Galaxy S4 about a year ago.
    Walking over to my dresser, I took my rings off both middle fingers, and my earrings out. Keeping my necklace on, I stared at it in the mirror, rubbing it gently between my fingers. A silver curved moon with a gold heart dangling from the top "I love you to the moon and back" read on the heart.
    Mom... Where are you now...
    My heart ached thinking of her, especially after snapping at my dad. Why did she leave? No goodbye to me either, so why was I still wearing this necklace? How could she love me after doing such a thing?
    "Knock knock-" In the mirror I caught his head turning slightly to the left. My window was low enough, down to my thighs inside and up to just past his stomach outside.
    "Hey, thank you so much." Bending down, I reached for the clothes on my window sill. His head was still turned, fixed on something outside my house.
    "What? Is there another deer or bear in my back yard?" I asked, supporting myself as I leaned out the window to look.
    "No, I'm being a gentleman." What the hell?
    It took me a minute to remember I had no pants on, just the red booty shorts and black tank top.
    "Oh- it's just booty shorts. Not showing much." Turning his face back towards me, he cocked a brow.
    "I beg to differ." My heart skipped from that comment, even though his eyes were still hidden by the dark shades, I felt like they could see straight into my soul.
    "Well, sorry to make it awkward." I couldn't help but smirk, thinking of our conversation from earlier.
    "No you didn't. Unless, this is the reason why you wanted me at your window." My cheeks started becoming hot, opening my mouth to speak but I was unable to say a word.
   "I-no- my phone distracted me- and you came so quick-"
    "Relax, it was a joke. Here" Biting my lower lip, he handed me my purse and clothes.
    "Oh, right, thanks for bringing my stuff back." Grabbing them, he nodded and smirked.
    Still buzzed, still thinking things I shouldn't be...
    "Of course. I'll text you when I get home." Turning to leave, I watched him disappear around my house.
    "Alex." My dad's muffled voice through my door startled me.
   For a moment, I just froze there, unsure if I should pretend to be asleep.
   "Yea?" I finally answered, staring at the door.
    "Your mother is on her way over."
    ...What..?