It's just a regular shower scene!

Vanoss P.O.V

I parked the car in the parking lot and I look at the building right in front of me.

This is a bad idea but my warehouse doesn't have a shower yet this does and right now, I could really use one

I open the door, leaving the key in the ignition and got out.

Business seems to be running slow

There was a few cars parked beside me and I recognize one of the one, a navy blue Honda, Ashley's car. I looked around for Ana's car or Erik's bike.

Why is Ashley here? It's not her shift

I debated if I should leave but it's Ashley, I might have a better way in.

I closed the driver door and made way for the entrance. The bell on top of the door, chime as I walked in.

I looked over at bar and letting the door behind me close, the bell chimed again.

Ashley was standing, cleaning a glass with a towel above a sink. A couple of guys were chatting a few tables away from the bar.

"Ashley" I called out to her and she spun around.

"Derek?!" Ashley gasp. She placed down the glass and rag before she rushed over to me. "You are a mess, what happen?"

"Nothing, a couple of restless nights and a couple of drunk fights" I lied.

"If you are expecting your job back, I don't know-"

"I'm not, don't worry. Why are you here?" I said and we walked to the bar.

"I took up another shift, I bought a apartment!" Ashley squeal as she sat me down on one of the stools.

"You did?" I questioned and Ashley took a sit on the stool beside me.

"Yeah, I need to get out of my parents house" Ashley sighed. " I asked Ana to move in with me!"

"Speaking of Ana, why is she with Erik?"

"You sure ask a lot of questions" Ashley huff and stood up. She walked around the bar and grab the glass she abandon earlier.

"Yeah, I'm getting that a lot" I chuckled. Ashley leans down and brings up a bottle of vodka when she stood back up.

"Something about going Erik's family. Hopefully they don't end up in jail" Ashley rolled her eyes and opens the bottle before pouring some in the the glass cup. "Here, it seems like you need it" Ashley pushes the glass towards me.

"You have no idea" I grab the glass and looked at it focusing on the clear liquid.

"Why are you here, Derek?" Ashley questioned.

"Was going to use the shower here" I answered and placed the glass down.

"Do you need a place to stay? I went by your apartment but you weren't there. Are you in trouble? I'm here for you after what happen to Rich-" Ashley rambled.

"I can see why Ana likes you so much" I chuckled, cutting her off. "But I'm fine, I have a place to stay"

"Do you need money?" Ashley asked.

"I'm telling you, Ashley. I'm fine" I grabbed the glass again and bring it to my lips when the bell chime.

"Ana" Ashley smiled brightly. I put the glass down and turn around as Ashley quickly went around the bar.

"Hey" Ana greeted Ashley who brought her into a hug.

"What's up, Ashley?" Erik came up behind Ana and was about to pat her head when Ana pulled her to the side, away from Erik.

"So, how was your day?" Ana tried to cover up her slick move with conversation.

"Umm..." Ashley looked my way making Ana turn to see what had her attention.

"Derek" Ana scoffed. "I'm been fucking looking for you"

"Holy shit" Erik's eyes widen. "You're alive!"

"Unfortunately" I shrugged.

"We thought you died along with Rich since you went missing the same time as Rich did." Ashley explained.

"My sister is calling me, hold up" Erik looks at his phone before exiting the bar.

"If you are here about your job-"

"I got it, don't worry. I'll find a new one" I cut Ana off, making it easier for her.

"Don't interrupt me." Ana glared at me "You still have it"

"What? Really?" I scoffed.

"Yeah, I need you in the morning" Ana informed me.

"We don't open in the morning" Ashley told Ana.

"Drop-off" Ana said.

"Then I'll come in too" Ashley chirp "I'll help you"

"No, you already working two shifts. I can't have you stressed out, now can I?"

"Of course not" Ashley rolled her eyes. "I'm the only thing holding your life together"

"Yeah yeah yeah" Ana nudged Ashley with her elbow.

The bell chimed as Erik walked in, putting his phone in his pocket. The bell chimed again as the door close.

"How's your sister, Erik?" Ashley asked.

"She's doing fine, I have to pick up dinner" Erik answered. "So I'm going to take my leave now."

"Be here in the morning" Ana informed him.

"I know" Erik rolled his eyes and walked out the door making the bell chime.

"If you thought you weren't getting your job back, how did you know Ashley was here? Why did you come back?" Ana questioned.

"I didn't. I came back to use the shower."

"How were you planning on doing that?" Ana crossed her arms.

"By sneaking past whoever was working" I sigh.

"What have you been up to?" Ana walked towards me, Ashley following behind her.

"Nothing much."

"You sure? Because you look like shit" Ana scoffed.

"I know" I grabbed the glass and this time, I chug it, letting the liquid burn down my throat. My eyes shut tightly and I placed down the glass. "God"

"You needed that" I open my eyes to see Ana sitting on the stool beside me.

"Yeah, I know" I coughed.

"You need a place to stay the night?"

"No, I'm good. Just need a shower" I explained.

"I'll hand wash your clothes, when you're in the shower while Ana takes over the bar" Ashley announced.

"Come on, I'll unlock the door" Ana stood up and walked to the back with me following after her.

"I also need a new uniform" I informed her.

"What the fuck happen?" Ana turned around facing me. "Why do you look like shit? What happen to your apartment? Where have you been?"

"Ana, I wasn't doing so good" I lied.

"Are you forgetting I know the designer of I am in trouble?"Ana referring to my clothes.

I can't look that bad

"You need me to understand" Ana said. The look on her face was something I never seen before since she never expresses emotion. It was caring and also pleading. The same emotion I seen on my victims when they beg for me to let them go and tell me they won't say anything. "I have to know if you are worth it"

"Nothing happen" When those words left my lips, I felt my stomach drop. "Worth what?"

"Nothing" Ana's emotion changed quickly, the caring expressing burn away in her eyes, the pleading expressing wiped away from her lips.

Ana turn back around, her hair slapping me in the face. She stopped at a white door and leaned down. Ana flipped the rug, uncovering a key. She grabbed it and stood up.

Ana faced me again, handing out the key, not looking directly at me.

"Thank you" I said to Ana and grab the key from her hands. Ana pushed past me, I hear her footsteps fading as I continue to stay there.

Sighing, I unlocked the door, hearing it click open. I walk in, seeing a sink, toilet and a shower.

I started the shower, letting the water warm up.

I slowly took off my clothes, in front of a mirror. As each clothing disappear, scars and bruises will take their place.

I sighed as I stared at myself fully naked, seeing each new wound. The mirror began to fog and I took it as my cue to enter the shower.

I placed myself under the water, letting it burn my skin. As the water flow and undid my tight knots and let my muscles relax. I began to feel sore, restless and weak, this time I only let it happen.

I felt the pain the water brought to my wounds, I felt my legs began to grow tired and I felt my eyelids starting to fall. I wanted nothing so bad other than to fall and let the water bring me sleep causing tears form in my eyes.

I leaned against the wall, pulling my head away from the water. As much as I want to give up and retract from my life mission, I know I can't. I won't forgive myself.

Jackson, I will bring down everyone who took you away from me. I swear.

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Made you look¡
1484 words