| live a little |

"So are you gonna go?" Jo asked, taking a sip from her shake.

"Of course not!" I exclaimed, face scrunching before I too took a sip from mine.

"Ugh." I made a face of disgust. "This is horrible." I glanced from the cup back to Jo who looked at me as if I was crazy.

"These are the same shakes we get everyday?" She laughed. "Lemme see." She took the cup from my hand and took a sip from it to taste it. "It tastes fine to me?" She arched a brow. "Look, the shake isn't the problem." She shook her head, handing me back the cup. "You're blowing things out of proportion, El.. He just wanted you to have fun. Call me crazy but I don't think that's such a crime." Jo took a sip from her shake again.

"I think you should go." She sat back down in her seat.

The air was cool, nice change from the intense Florida heat. It was so nice that we decided to take our lunch break outside for a change. The clinic was busy, so being able to step outside without sweating bullets was nice.

"I barely even know the guy." I responded.

"The more reason to go!" Her eyes widened. "You could use a little adventure. Live a little."

My eyebrow arched immediately with her comment. "I'm living... I have an amazing job, studying for my perfect career, I have a car, friends."

"There's a lot more to life than friends and a car, Elena." She replied, sitting up from her chair. "Think about it."

I looked down at the time and realized break was over. Groaning, I too sat up and followed behind Jo. Though we work in different areas of the clinic, we always try to meet up for lunch. We waved our temporary goodbyes before we parted ways. The first trash can I saw, the shake was dropped in. I don't care what Jo says, the shake was bad.

Oh well, here goes nothing.

* * *

"How's it going, Miss Warren?" My boss asked me, glancing from his clipboard and back to me.

I smiled back at him, standing besides him on the main countertop.

"Everything's good, thanks for asking." I smiled, "And you?"

Dr. Matthews was probably one of my favorite people on earth. He was such a humble man, wise too. For the age he has, which I'd say was around 50s, the man was solid on all things life.

"Good." He smiled. "We missed you last week. How's school?"

"One more year and I take the Boards!" I spoke excitedly.

"Amazing!" He smiled. "Look at you! You'll be a Doc by 25." He chuckled. "Payed off doing those dual enrollment classes."

I smiled, nodded my head. "It was defiantly a push."

"I hope that doesn't mean we have to let you go soon. I like having an assistant." Matthews looked up at me.

"You won't lose me that quick, Matthews." I joked, playfully shoving into him.

Dr. Jason Matthews has been in my life since I was only a Junior in high school. Most people would call me one of the lucky ones because at that age I knew exactly what I wanted in life—to become a vet. That's when I met Dr. Matthews. He noticed my excitement for the career the moment he saw my little 16 year old self walk through those doors. That's when he took me in, and where I've been all these years.

This was my the second job I ever had and it's pretty surreal seeing how I've gone through all the stages of file managing to front desk, to finally the Doctor's assistant as he calls me. I have my own title, all I need is my license to practice on my own. Between Dr. Matthews and I, this clinic has been running smoothly for the past couple of years.

"What do we have today?" I asked, looking at the clipboard to see the patient's notes.

"Golden Lab... Swallowed an entire Barbie Doll head." He explained, handing me the charts. "The nurses are prepping him for surgery right now."

"X-Rays?" I questioned, taking the clipboard in my hands. Dr. Matthews pulled out the images and I held it up to get a closer look of it.

"Yep, that's Malibu Barbie alright." I chuckled, handing him back the paperwork. "Let's go scrub in."

"Whoa, Whoa..." Dr. Matthews paused. "I am the doctor here. I give the orders, you follow them." He pointed back at me, a smirk pulling onto his face.

"And how has that worked out for you in the past 8 years?" I joked, turning around to glance at him still smiling by the front desk. His head shaking in defeat.

* * *

"What's with the face?" Dr. Matthews asked, eyes focused on the knocked out Golden Lab who was now on the operating table.

I looked up at Dr. Matthews, seeing his blue eyes blankly stare up at me for a second.

I couldn't tell an expression on his face since both of us had half of our faces covered in surgery masks. But Dr. Matthews was never really a man of many expressions—That is, if they're not playful or seductive. Yes, he's a charmer Dr. Matthews, but he's smart not to try that on me.

"What do you mean?" I asked curiously, hand still proving sucking on the opposite side of the operating table.

"Your face. It reeks dispare." He arched a brow but managed to keep his vision focused on the incision. "I don't like that kind of attitude in my O.R."

"Sorry." I shook my head.

Dr. Matthews immediately stopped what he was doing and looked back up at me. The tone in his voice more serious than before.

"No, seriously.. What's wrong?" He asked me.

I looked over to my side and noticed the anesthesiologist sitting down in his seat on one end reading a book. To my other side, was a nurse. I don't mind talking to Dr. Matthews, he's like an uncle I never had— But with all these other people hearing in on the room, I don't know how I feel about that.

"C'mon, Warren." He tiled his head. "Your killing me here. First you're all giddy and excited about this operation, then you're pouting the whole way through it."

"You can't see my pout." I scoffed.

"Ah-ha! So there is a pout!" He pointed his scalpel towards me.

I rolled my eyes, looking back down at the Labrador. Poor guy, I hated coming into an OR knowing that these little innocent guys had no idea of what was going to happen. 

"C'mon, throw it at me." He looked back down at the patient. "I need my assistant to be happy."

My eyes peered up at him. Dr. Matthews has always been pretty consistent, but this is what I think tops it all off.

"Do you think I'm fun?" I asked, feeling a bit embarrassed once it came out of my mouth like that. How pathetic did that sound?

"What?" Matthews laughed. His eyes looked back up at me when I didn't reply. "Warren, are you serious?"

"My friends keep pressuring me to go out and have fun and it's making me question if I wasted my Glory Days on school and an education?" I sighed.

"Hey, don't ever regret your education. That's the one thing no one can take from you. Not too many 24 year olds are getting their D.V.M's already." Matthews explained, eyes focused meticulously on the procedure. "Plus, it's what pays for the Range Rover." He joked, taking a wink of his eye.

Sharing a laugh, I rolled my eyes.

"Still, it feels like I've missed out on so much. Plus, I was also with Sebastian.." I sighed. Yes, Dr. Matthews knows about my love life. Like I mentioned before, this guy was pure kindness, though he tries to mask it with humor. He's asked and I've built up enough confidence to talk to him about this stuff, just as I ask about his. It's also been five years. You can get pretty close to a person in eight years.

"Ah yes, the boring lawyer." He sighed.

"He wasn't boring.." I denied.

"The dude went to Balls? And he's only in his 20's?" He looked up as if it was crazy.

Matthews understood why Sebastian was the way he was towards the end of our relationship. He comes from an important line of family, a prestigious one that started out in The Hampton's.

"Look, kid. 24 is still young. You're a child. And I learned, that you don't really start living life until you're at least 30. That whole gibberish about being 18 and doing what you want... Not necessarily true. You will learn to enjoy life and treat yourself better once you're mentally and financially stable. And fun, isn't necessarily all about parties and drinking... It can sometimes be a nice walk by the beach. Or reading a book." Dr. Matthews explained. Eyes focused on the procedure. "Think about that."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Oh my god. You are a woman!" I joked.

"What? No!" He tried to play of off. "Don't ever speak of this again, Warren." He pointed his finger back at me. "Your title depends on it."

"OOkay.." I cooed.

"Pass me the clamps." He instructed. "I'm about to fish out the hottest blonde yet..."

Smiling behind my operating mask, I obeyed.

* * *

After hours and hours of meticulously thinking... I finally decided on what I thought was the most unimaginable thing in my book. Tonight... I was going out.

The idea seemed crazy, it was crazy.. At least, for a girl like me. But as I laid on my bath-bomb infused bathtub, surrounded by small twinkling lights from my favorite scented candle collection—It hit me.

24 is old enough. I believe I was a fair enough of a good daughter to my parents.

I didn't party.

I focused in school.

I didn't drink.... In high school.

Never did, neither tried any sort of drug.

I went to church.

Boys were never an issue. I knew just the kind of guy Sebastian was and even so, I didn't allow myself to get so wrapped up around him that it made me forget what I wanted—To become a vet.

I was what I believe a "perfect TV daughter". I felt like I owed it to my parents. I respected my parents too much to even dare to ever go behind their backs. I was judged a lot because of that, because I still followed my parents rules after I was 18. Truth is, as Dr. Matthews put it, age is just a number. You should never lose your respect for a parent and begin to do whatever you feel like just because one day you went from 17 to 18.

Although I am not going to go running off, chanting my name to the world, I believe I am ready to start breaking out of those norms. I will start that, by doing what I believed was the unimaginable...

I was going to see Andrew...

* * *

I swallowed the lump down my throat as I nervously walked around the club space. Alone..

The loud music from the building pumped through my veins. Crowds and crowds of people filled all around me. This club was way more sophisticated than the last one I went to... It's location was in the most prestigious parts of Miami. I was impressed.

Sighing, I made my way over to the safest place possible.. The one place I knew I could maybe blend in a little bit more until I can make contact with Ansel, since, he was still no where to be found... The bar.

"Can I get you anything?" The bartender asked me as he cleaned a class cup.

I shook my head immediately. "No, thank you." Recalling what alcohol led to last time I had some, I decided it was best if I just simply stay away from it.

The bar tender walked away. I took a seat on one of the stools and pulled out my phone, immediately scrolling through my messages to find Andrew's name.

My small clutch was placed in the countertop before me. My fingers began texting over the pounding music of the club around me. I continued to write out the next text, when a sudden voice brought my attention away from the screen.

"You know, I'm beginning to wonder whether or not you're secretly an alcoholic?" A deep chuckle mumbled against my ear.

I pulled away, just enough to see the smiling boy besides me.

My cheeks flushed with heat. "Andrew."

His eyes seemed to grow into a brighter hue.

Without further a due, he leaned in—his body resting his weight on his elbows as he casually stood against the marble countertop. His front facing out into the crowd behind me.

"Nice to see you actually came." He smiled.

I furrowed my eyebrows, "What made you believe I wasn't going to come?"

I was curious towards his answer. Soon enough, my elbow too rested above the countertop. My legs crossed and I placed the palm of my hand to hold up my chin—Smiling back at him with a bit of a tease.

"You made it seem as if you weren't up for an adventure.. Being that you just broke up with your fiancé or whatever..?" He explained.

Immediately my eyes shot wide open. "Wait.. How do you know that?"

My heart began to beat loudly. Either I'm one of those drunk girls, or he's a stalker. Right now, I'm hanging by a thread of string here. Could be either or.

A laugh escaped Ansel's full, pink lips. "You told me.. Before we.."

"Got it!" I quickly stopped him. My reaction caused a chuckle to fall from his mouth again. Shaking his head, he moved from his position to now only be on one elbow. The rest of his body was now facing my side.

"Look, I get it.. Relationships suck.. I just got out of one myself but don't worry... Tonight, I just wanna have fun.." He nodded.

I gave him a questioning look, not sure as to which kind of fun he was looking for.

"I mean some actual fun.." Andrew quickly laughed again, correcting himself.

Looking out behind me, I watched as his eyes cautiously catch the attention of something. I was just about to turn around and see the object myself when suddenly, I felt his hands over mine.

"C'mon!" He exclaimed.

Pulling me off my seat, Andrew guided us over to the crowd. I grabbed him my his forearm, pulling myself closer to him.

"Where are we going?" I exclaimed, trying to talk loud enough for him to hear me over the pounding music.

"Have you ever been in a DJ's stage?" He smiled over his shoulder.

I shook my head no.

He smirked at my answer. "You're in for a real treat!"

* * *

The music grew louder from where we stood. My eyes looked out towards the crowd before us. It was a sea of people, pumping their first and dancing to the beat of the music. It's one thing to experience that crowd while you're in it, but being outside of it, this high up in the stage, it was truly mesmerizing.

I stood in the background, watching Ansel as he talked over with some of the other DJ's playing that night. He seemed so happy. It's rare to see people doing what they really love... DJ'ing was obviously the atmosphere for Andrew.

The strobe lights began, and I suddenly noticed the other DJ handed Andrew his headphone. The guy moved over and they gave each other a handshake before Andrew took the stage.

The crowd cheered as he took the mic. It was crazy being up here, nothing like I ever imagined. Being in that crowd, all sweaty and pushed around—It's not necessarily my cup of tea which why, of course, I stay at the bar. But after tonight, I found a new zone... The stage.

"What Up, MIAMI!" Ansel cheered onto the mic. The crowd went crazy.

His muscles became prominent as I watched his back flex to raise his arm in the air. The beat of the song began to change... Ansel wore the headphones around his neck, only one side was held up to his head by his shoulder. He was now fully concentrated on his music.

I watched in utter mesmerization as Andrew worked the turn table, changing buttons on the laptop that sat besides him. I listened to every beat of the music he was creating, all while working up his introduction. Green lasers immediately shot out to the crowd, the screen behind us immediately illuminating to display the name ANSØLO in bright letters.

The beat dropped, and the crowd.. went.. nuts!

It was nothing like I've ever experienced before. The cheers, the lights, the beat of the music so close to my ear it was as if I was inside it. The people around me, including Andrew, joined the crowd and began to jump.

The smile on my face was prominent, I enjoyed watching this side of the club. So full of life... It was an experience I'll never forget.

"EL!"

My eyes shot up, watching as Andrew's body turned with a hand out towards me.

I smiled and shook my head no as I noticed he was offering me to come up with him. My hands reached out to cross over my stomach, an action I replicate once in nervous. I don't like center of attention. I'm really okay behind back here behind the crowd.

Totally dissing my wishes, Andrew's arm gripped on my own. I was pulled into the spot light besides him.

I froze up. Body unaware of what to do next.

"Just let loose!" I felt Andrew's voice against my ear. A small, reassuring smile appeared on his lips as he nodded his head.

He continued to let the music carry him on. I stood besides him, nervously looking out into the crowd. It was horrible, I tried moving away again, but he only brought me back closer.

Feeling the urge to help me out, Andrew moved my body over in front of his. His hands locked me in from either side as they prominently held onto the turn table. I felt his lips move closer to side of my cheek, his voice speaking into my ear to place my hands on the table.

I inhaled deeply, noticing that the boy wasn't going to stop until I complied with his wishes. My hands moved over to table full of buttons, they looked almost minuscule compared to his.

I  watched as he guided my hands to move around some buttons. The beats began to change, lights continued to move.

The crowd was going wild.

If I thought watching the moment was magical, actually playing an actual factor in it was even more thrilling. I smiled the whole was through it. It was nothing I've ever done before, or even thought about trying.

Maybe Andrew wasn't so bad after all.

For the first time in a while, I felt happy. Truly, genuinely, happy. And for once, I wasn't thinking about Sebastian. Tonight, it was about living in the moment.

* * *

"I can't believe that actually happened!" I laughed, racing in front of Andrew as we made our way out the club doors.

It was crazy hot inside, even more-so now that I had adrenaline pumping through me from the thrilling experience tonight had to offer.

Andrew was quietly following behind me. Hands in both fronts of his pockets.

"Told ya you'd have fun." He smiled, following me as I happily walked over to the sidewalk, away from the crowd of people still waiting to get inside the club.

I closed my eyes and deeply exhaled. A smile appeared in my face once the moment was over. I spun back around for my eyes to meet Andrew's. He stood patiently waiting for me to enjoy my little moment. It was obvious it's been a while.

I found myself walking back over to him, hands reaching out to embrace him. He was surprised by my action, even myself. I barely know the kid, already slept with him the first chance I could, and now I'm hugging him?

Everything is happening backwards, but somehow it feels right?

"Thank you." I spoke over his shoulder.

Drawing away, I noticed a small smile curve upon his lips. His eyebrows furrowed. "For what?"

"For... You know... Making me come out of my comfort zone." I shrugged. "I'm usually not this outgoing.. And tonight was one of the best nights of my life..." I chuckled, playfully poking his chest. "And that's because of you."

Andrew took a moment to look to his side and smile. His hands then reached out to pull me closer to him, his hands now firmly holding my waist.

"I didn't do anything." He shook his head. "That girl in there is the real you; I could feel it." He teased making a small laugh to be released from each of us. "All you needed was a little push." He shrugged.

My eyes looked deep into his. As I did so, the butterflies began igniting.

"Well thank you for pushing me." I joked.

"Anytime." He playfully winked.

There was a small moment of silence as we both stood in front of each other with nothing to say. Only looks were exchanged, one of them to which I made to show that tonight was over. I didn't drink, I was fully conscious, and even though I wanted more out of him I chose to believe the night had to be over.

"So, Uh.." I moved away from his hold. "I guess this is goodbye.."

"Goodbye?" He furrowed his eyebrows. "It's only 1:15?"

I only gave him a confused look. It's late enough already? What else could he possible want to do now?

"The night is still young." He smiled with a tilt to his head. "Let's go somewhere else."

Oh god, he better not be thinking about hooking up again. That was a one night mistake that I promised myself would never happen again. Even if things do go well with Andrew and we keep seeing each other, I won't allow what happened that night happen again so quickly. I went against my morals, something I never imagined I'd break. If this is going to continue, or whatever, it's going to have to be the right way. No hooking up. I had to make that clear.

"What could you possibly do this late at night besides another club?" I replicated his head movement. "And don't say what we did last time.." I warned.

Andrew only laughed. Shaking his head, he took another step closer to me. "You just won't let that go, would you?" He teased. "No, I'm talking about something involving less activity. I don't know about you, but I'm drained." He shrugged. "What do you say I take you someplace to just.. Chill?"

My nervous eyes looked away for a moment. Hands coming to cross over my now grumbling stomach.

Where could he possibly be thinking of going right now?