With a small nod and a shrug, I reached for the handle and pulled the door open. As soon as I stepped inside Buck's, warm air hit me and began to defrost my numb face from the cold temperatures outside. I'd almost gotten used to the bitter, winter weather until I walked into the bar/motel.

I walked further into the dimly lit building, my eyes glancing over every detail inside. To my left, there was a sleek, wooden bar with black stools placed in front and a wall of various alcohol bottles placed behind. Because it was relatively early, only 2 people were seated at the bar. I assumed that more crowds would start flooding in by nightfall though. I turned my head to the right and noticed another room. I strolled inside the room and leaned against the side of the entrance. There were two pool tables, but only one was being used. The two men glanced at me as I walked through the game room into the next, but quickly looked away and resumed their game. The next room was filled with white, smoke that clouded the air and made my vision blur slightly. I could see two dark, people couches against the walls with a few people smoking cigarettes and cigars. The strong fumes filled my nose and made it difficult to breathe, so I quickly exited back into the hallway.

There were small and large cracks damaging the wall, and paint that had worn off through the years. It seemed that the main source of light in this building were neon signs that were shaped in numerous liquor names. I made a 360 back into the bar area and sat down on a dark stool at the edge, trying to keep my distance from the drunk men at the other end. I let out a tired sigh and placed my elbow on the sticky bar. I cringed at how dirty the place was and debated on whether staying here was really a good idea. Honestly, this place kinda reminded me of the House of Wax. I could definitely imagine some serial killer being my neighbor.

Even though a part of me felt a little bit unsafe here, I couldn't leave. I don't really have, or even know, where I would go. Plus, I'm exhausted and I really just need to rest. I could always just stay the night and find some other place tomorrow or the day after.

I rolled my eyes and groaned as I brought my backpack over to my side and dug into it in search for my pack of Marlboro cigarettes, but when I peeked inside the bag, I was completely shocked to see all the stolen money from the bank still there. My eyes widened and my lips parted. I quickly looked up and glimpsed around the room to make sure no one was watching me, but the only people here were the two men at the bar and they were definitely wasted.

I discreetly shoved the money aside as I continued searching for my cigarettes. I felt the small box at the bottom of my bag and lifted the cover, pulling out a stick. I placed the cigarette between my lips as I searched my bag for a lighter. I cursed under my breath, remembering that I don't actually own one.

"There's no smoking at the bar," a deep voice called out from a dark room behind the bar. A tall, muscular man appeared from the shadowy room and stood in the doorway with his arms folded across his chest. He looked young, maybe a few years older than me. The man had dark brown eyes that matched the mess of curls on his head and the facial hair growing on his chin.

I rolled my eyes. "Does it look like I'm smoking?" I gave him a cheeky smile with the unlit cigarette still between my lips.

"Don't be a smart-ass, kid." He narrowed his eyes at me and walked closer towards the bar.

I put my hands up in surrender. "Sorry, mom," I frowned jokingly. The man tried to hide his amusement, but the corner of his lips twitched upward into a wide smile. He chuckled softly and shook his head.

We shared a quick laugh until he spoke up again. "Here," he nodded towards me as he pulled out a lighter from his pocket, and tossed it to me. I caught the small, metal box easily and lit the cigarette in my mouth. I took a long drag, watching the end flair up, and blowing out white smoke. "You seem kinda young to be in a place like this."

"Age is just a number," I stated coolly as I took another drag of my cigarette and exhaled the smoke. He chuckled and leaned against the bar. I met his eyes and smirked, bringing my right hand up for a handshake. "I'm Diana."

"Buck," he greeted and shook my hand.

"Ah, so you're Buck," I thought aloud.

He nodded confidently. "The one and only."

I chuckled and leaned on the bar. "So you own this place?"

"Yep," Buck stated. "I've had it for 5 years now." He wore a proud expression as he seemed to be thinking about his bar/motel.

I smirked and clapped twice. "Wow, impressive."

My sarcasm went right over his head as he just smiled in agreement. "Bar and motel."

"So," I took another drag of my cigarette. "You got any extra rooms?" I asked.

Buck shook his head, no. "Sorry, kid, we're full." I sighed, but quickly remembered the large amount of money in my backpack.

With a smirk taking over my features, I pulled the black bag onto the bar and unzipped it, revealing the stacks of cash hidden inside. "Are you full now?"

Buck was completely dumbfounded as his mouth fell open. A mixture of confusion, shock, and greed washed over his face in a matter of seconds. His eyes were practically dollar bill signs as he stared at my riches. "Suddenly, it appears we have an extra room," he exclaimed with his eyes still glued to the money.

I laughed at his reaction. "So, how much will it be?"

Finally, Buck broke his gaze from the cash and met mine. "You give me all that money, and I'll make sure you got all the basic necessities," Buck said happily.

"Hm," I pondered his bargain. It seemed fair, but I put in hard work for this money and I wasn't going to just give it away. At least not all of it.

"What's it gonna be, Diana?" Buck realized that I was hesitant about his offer, and he really, really wanted me to go through with it. "Think about it, kid! You'll get food, water, clothes, a place to stay.. and all for the simple price of however much you got in that bag."

"I don't know, Buck," I shrugged and shook my head in contemplation. Honestly, I was just messing with the guy now. I didn't really care where I would stay. Considering that my actual house was exactly how I imagined hell, and the warehouse was basically surrounded by crackheads 24/7.. it's safe to say that my standards have been lowered. Nevertheless, I like messing with Buck because it's just too easy. "I have one condition," I said with a smug smirk.

"What is it?" Buck asked quickly.

"I get to smoke wherever I want in here," I sent him a sly wink as I leaned my head on the palm of my hand.

Buck nodded and smiled triumphantly. "Deal!"

»»——⍟——««

My boots dragged along on the sidewalk of Tulsa as I wandered around aimlessly, desperate for something to do in this boring town. To be fair though, there were many things I could be doing right now, but most of my ideas involve breaking the law, and right now, its probably best if I just lay low. Plus, getting in trouble isn't as much fun when you don't have friends to get in trouble with.

I decided to leave Buck's for awhile after what had happened after we made that deal.

As soon as I agreed to Buck's offer he immediately began pulling wads of cash out of my bag. Although the deal was for him to get everything, I still felt like I deserved some money, so I quickly grabbed two stacks while he wasn't looking.

Buck took his earnings into the back room behind the bar and stashed it somewhere hidden. He returned to the bar and motioned for me to follow him as he walked into the hallway and up the rickety staircase. The steps squeaked and caved in slightly each time pressure was applied. Sometimes, this place seemed as though it would collapse at any moment.. I hope that isn't the case though.

Buck lead me to the second floor of his building. Simple, white, wooden doors lined the cracked walls and a single light was hung in the middle of the hallway. Nostalgia of my old home in New York flooded into my mind as I thought about the similarities between the two halls.

Buck and I stood in front of the last door. His fist pounded on the door as he yelled through the wood, "Sylvia, you in there?"

Silence.

"I know you're in there," Buck shouted with more anger in his voice than before. "Open this door, now, Sylv." All a sudden there was loud rummaging heard within the room, and footsteps quickly approaching the door. Two locks on the door clicked and the door swung open. A short, tan girl around my age appeared with a nasty scowl on her face. Her hazel eyes shot daggers at Buck as she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the doorframe.

"What?" She spat.

Buck sighed, clearly annoyed. "You haven't payed rent in over a month," he stated as he copied her stance, arms crossing over his chest.

She flipped her long, raven colored hair over her shoulder as she scoffed and rolled her eyes. "So?" My eyebrows lifted as I tilted my head forehead, making a mental note that I didn't like this girl. She had the most obnoxious, nasally voice and she was extremely rude. Now, I know that I'm definitely not the nicest girl, but at least I'm only a bitch when I have a reason to be. This Sylvia girl made being a bitch a personality trait!

"So, you're getting evicted," Buck snapped at her, already over her attitude.

"What?!" Sylvia gasped and pushed herself off the doorframe. "You can't just kick me out!" She pointed an accusing finger at Buck, attempting to push him back but it was clear that he was much stronger.

Buck began to rub his forehead as if in deep thought. "Yeah, I can and I am," he replied sarcastically. My lips turned upwards into a smile as I tried to conceal my laughter, but failed horribly. Sylvia, seeming to just notice my presence, sent me a killer glare, which didn't really faze me at all because I kept laughing.

"Who's this bitch?" Sylvia nodded towards me with a scowl plastered on her face.

My laughter quickly died down, and my expression turned serious and stony. "Oh, how rude of me not to introduce myself," I took a step forward, so I was standing in front of Sylvia. "I'm Diana, the bitch who's taking your room." I leaned down so I was eye-level with her and faked a smile. "Nice to meet ya."

Sylvia returned my glare, neither of us backing down until Buck intervened by placing a hand on my shoulder and gently pushing me back. I stood up to my full height and leaned against the wall behind me, my eyes never leaving hers.

"Come on, Buck," Sylvia pouted. "What're you gonna tell Dally, huh?"

Buck scoffed and chuckled to himself, whiling shaking his head in disbelief. "I'm gonna tell him that I was right," he exclaimed.

"Right about what?" Sylvia questioned, becoming confused.

"Right about you being a lying, cheating broad, who's not worth his time," Buck yelled angrily. Sylvia gasped, clearly taken aback by the insult. I was a little shocked too. Although I had only just met Buck, he didn't seem like the type to fuel a fight, but honestly, I don't blame him. Sylvia opened her mouth to say something, but Buck quickly cut her off. "I'm giving you 10 hours, Sylvia."

"But-"

"10 hours to pack all of your shit up and get out of my place," Buck warned.

"Where am I supposed to go, Buck?" Sylvia shouted at him desperately.

"That's not my problem," he said with an eye roll. "Anywhere but here."

Buck walked down the hallway, and back downstairs. I turned on my heel and walked off after him, until Sylvia grabbed my wrist and stopped me. "Don't think this is the last you'll see of me," she growled aggressively.

I turned around and yanked my hand out of her grasp. "Wouldn't dream of it," I smirked and continued to walk down the hall. I could feel Sylvia's glare burning a hole through my back, but her pettiness only fueled me to fight back. Before I walked down the steps, I called out to Sylvia one last time. "By the way, thanks for the room."

With that, I continued walking down the steps, leaving Sylvia speechless and fuming.

After the confrontation between Buck and Sylvia, it was clear that they had a history. Before I left the bar, I asked Buck what had happened with her and the guy he mentioned before. He said that his friend, Dally, had been off and on with Sylvia for awhile now. Buck had mentioned that she was a liar and a cheater, so it didn't surprise him much when he found out that Sylvia was hooking up with other guys while Dally was 'away.' Buck told me that he'd been wanting to kick her out of his place for awhile now, and I finally gave him a good enough reason to.

Looking back, I definitely provoked Sylvia and might've made the situation worse, but hey, what else is new. I probably gained a new enemy, but I also got a new room, and honestly, that's a win for me.

I continued walking along the sidewalk with hands shoved in my jacket pockets, and boots tapping on the cement as I passed numerous small stores along the road. Every once and awhile a group of teens would pass and I'd receive weird looks. It didn't really bother me though.

As I turned a corner I could hear shouting coming from somewhere in the distance. "Hey, get him!"

I furrowed my eyebrows and began looking around for the source of the yelling. "Come on! Pin him down!" I spotted a small group of preppy teenagers at the end of the street I turned on.

"Get off me!" A kid cried. I picked up my pace and began running towards the fight that was quickly forming. There were about four guys circled around some kid on the ground. They were taking turns kicking and punching the poor kid, taunting him every now and then.

"Hey!" I shouted other their chants and all four guys paused their fighting and turned towards me. "Leave the kid alone," I growled angrily.

The four boys just looked at one another and burst out laughing. I narrowed my eyes at each of them and crossed my arms over my chest, refusing to back down. One of the boys stepped forward, closing the space between us and making me feel uncomfortable. I could feel his warm breath on my skin; he was too close for comfort. His curly, strawberry-blonde hair bounced sillily in the wind as his brown eyes looked me up and down. "Or what, doll?" His attempt to appear threatening was embarrassing. I desperately wanted to laugh at him, but decided against it.

Instead, I reached in the back pocket of my grey jeans and pull out my blade. I brought the small, but deadly, weapon to the right side of his cheek and switched it open, nearly missing both of our faces. I sent him a deathly glare as a smirk turned my lips upright.

He chuckled lowly. I could almost feel the vibrations from his voice. "And what're you gonna do with that, huh?" He cooed sarcastically. The boy took a step back and folded his arms across his chest, mimicking my stance from before. "You gonna hurt me?"

"Why don't you come closer again and find out?" I warned darkly, practically daring him to listen to my commands. The boy looked back at his friends and chuckled. They all gave him nods of encouragement to which he shrugged nonchalantly, and began to move closer again. In one swift motion, I grabbed the collar of his white, button down shirt and pushed him into the brick wall to my right. He was taken aback by my actions, but quickly pushed me off of him, flipping me so that I was the one pressed against the brick wall.

The boy rolled up his plaid, sweater sleeves and formed his hands into fists. His friends began cheering him on and a sick smile took over his face, sending chills down my spine. Now, I know that if I attack this guy with my switchblade, I'd definitely get in trouble, and I don't feel like hopping on another train or ending up in jail just yet. I went with the next best option that popped into my mind: go crazy. I yanked the sleeve of my leather jacket up and brought my knife up to my arm, slicing through my pale skin. Crimson blood squirted out of my arm and onto the boy's face. He pushed me against the wall and stumbled backwards in disgust and nervousness. All eyes were on me and the warm blood that was currently oozing out of the long gash I just cut into my arm. I smirked at the boy, who just stared at me in horror. "You wanna hurt me? Huh?" I yelled at the horrified boy.

"God, you're one crazy greaser," he exclaimed as he gathered up the rest of his friends and ran away, not bothering to look back.

Still leaning against the brick wall, I turned to face the kid, who was being beaten just a few moments ago. He stared at me unsurely as I laughed to myself. "What the hell is a greaser?"