When I opened my eyes, the darkness of the night still lingered. A glance at my phone showed me it was about five o’clock in the morning, far too early for the day to have begun. No matter how many times I tried to flip the pillow to its cool side, I could not will myself back to sleep. So, eventually, I gave up. I carefully rose from our bunk bed, trying not to disturb Jaron as I descended the bed stairs. I trudged over to the bathroom we shared. Washing my face and teeth made me feel a little better. I glanced up at the mirror and saw my reflection.
The same face I was all too familiar with stared back at me. My complexion, as usual, was deathly pale. My tousled hair was a sign of the long night I’d been unable to sleep through, and my swollen eyes spoke to the hours I had spent trying to doze off. I didn’t know how to feel about myself. Too pretty for a guy but not manly enough for sure. My eyes seemed too big for my face- the blue overwhelmed them.
Looking away, I tried to comb through my hair and make it look presentable. Finally, I managed to pin it back, making a low ponytail. Once I was satisfied with my accomplishment, I returned to our room and put on my clothing. The clothes were simple and casual enough. I wore a cozy jumper with clean pants that didn’t look too wrinkled. Gathering everything I would need for the rest of the day, I strolled towards the kitchen, taking in my surroundings.
I could tell Grandma had been here; her plate was in the sink, still with remnants of food on it. My gaze fell upon the counter, and I noticed the note I had written her the evening before. Beside my scrawled handwriting was a response from Grandma that said, ‘Thank you sweetie, have a nice day at school.’ The simple comment put a smile on my face.
I opened the refrigerator and was pleased to find several loaves of bread and a variety of ingredients still inside. I prepared two lunch packages for the day, making sure to include snacks and a few extra vegetables in Jaron’s box. After that, it was breakfast time. I made a simple bowl of cereal, sat down, and started eating. Time passed, and Jaron was soon out of his room, still in his pajamas.
“Good morning. Slept okay?” I greeted him. Jaron just gave me one of his signature glares. “Could have been better. Someone was shaking the bed all night long,” he grumbled angrily. Of course he felt that, even if I tried to be quiet, he was always a light sleeper.
“Sorry, I woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep. I guess I wasn’t as quiet as I thought,” I answered apologetically. “Lucky me...” he muttered to himself. He grabbed a bowl of his own and scooted over to the sofa, putting as much distance between us as possible. The silence next to him sometimes drove me crazy. I knew we needed to say so many things, but he wouldn’t talk to me anymore.
Not since I started high school, not since he turned eleven. I missed the brother I used to have, the one who would follow me around everywhere and practically worship the ground I walked on.
I know we grow and change, but I never expected Jaron to... what? Hate me? I hope he didn’t hate me. Ultimately, he was my only family left, just him and Grandma. Sometimes I felt resentful of him.
He wasn’t there when Mom was losing her mind and taking it out on me. I mean, he was, but he was so small. I hope he doesn’t remember, not like I do. And I always protected him. Always. Mom never lifted a finger at him. God, why was I angry? Angry about him not suffering like me? I’m glad he didn’t. Just... I wish he were happier. He should be happier.
Coming out of my thoughts, I noticed Jaron putting his plate in the sink and heading up to his room to get ready. I grabbed my cell phone and typed a message to Hunter. He lived nearby, often giving us rides to school. Luckily, there was already a message from him saying he’ll arrive at our home in around fifteen minutes. With a smirk creeping across my face, I double-checked to ensure that l had everything I needed with me.
This time, Jaron descended the staircase with his own bag slung over his shoulder and wearing a full set of clothes. “Hunter is driving us today. He’ll be here in ten,” I informed Jaron. He nodded slightly and immersed himself in a book, desperate to avoid talking to me.
Ten minutes felt like an hour, awkwardly waiting for Hunter in our living room. Jaron ignored me, and I pretended it didn’t hurt as much as it did. Finally, the blare of a car horn outside the drive-through made it evident that Hunter had arrived.
Walking up to his car, I sat on the passenger side, calling shotgun. Jaron didn’t even try to fight me about it anymore. “Hey, you look good today,” Hunter greeted me. He was lying. “Liar,” I shot at him playfully. He laughed at that. “Hey! I don’t think you should blame me for your lack of sleep. You look like you were up all night,” he said between chuckles. “Too busy thinking of me?” he wiggled his eyebrows at me.
I made a gagging sound, horrified by the thought. “In your dreams,” I half screamed at him. “Well, I certainly was at yours,” Hunter replayed without missing a bit. “Yeah, as a nightmare, must be why I woke up.” At the back-sit, Jaron rolled his eyes at us. “You two are so gross.” Hunter looked back at Jaron through the rearview mirror. “Don’t be jealous. I’m sure someone out there is dreaming about you,” he said to him. Jaron looked hurt by that statement, “I’m not worth dreaming about,” he said.
The car got quiet as we reached the middle school. “Jaron, don’t say-” I couldn’t finish that sentence. Jaron took his stuff and bolted out of the car, slamming the door behind him. “Hey! Easy on the car. It did nothing wrong,” Hunter called after him while rolling his window down.
We started driving once again, this time toward CV High. “I guess you both didn’t sleep tonight,” Hunter said. “You guessed right, I couldn’t sleep and woke him up in the process. It’s safe to say he didn’t appreciate it. And once again, he was mad at me in the morning”. Hunter glanced my way, “Don’t worry about it. The kid adores you.” I looked at him dumbfounded. “Have you met him? That was the case, like two years ago. Now he just growls and demands food like some feral beast”. Hunter let out a hearty chuckle. “He’ll come around, I’m still acting this way, and I just turned seventeen.”
After that, the conversation came back to a lighter subject. As always, Hunter was late with his assignments and was getting surprised when the deadline came up. So he was left with no time to write a history paper. “Well, how are you supposed to do all that research in a week?” l arched a brow at him. “You don’t. We had a whole ass month”. The shock on his face was hilarious. “Really? Well shit”. Laughing at that, I said, “Shit indeed.”
The school day was progressing as expected, without any significant events. I was counting down the minutes until lunch hour so I could have a chat with Jake. I’ll tell him I wanted to accept the job and see if it was still available. Today, I felt more confident in my choice. I tried to reassure myself that this job was nothing more than a typical cleaning gig. Very normal. Nothing shady going on.
I should at least take a look. Go for an interview. After some thought, I decided not to tell Grandma. She would absolutely lose it. I think my original plan was good. I’ll just tell her I work as a delivery guy for some unheard-of fast-food chain restaurant. I can’t tell her I’m planning on working at a club. That’s where Mom... well, lost herself for the first time. Unfortunately, she never found herself after that. Of course, it’s not the same club, but Grandma would look at me like a traitor nonetheless.
The closer it got to lunchtime, the more anxious I felt. I wasn’t second-guessing myself, more like feeling guilty about the entire ordeal. As I walked through the hallway, I spotted Jake and made my way over to him. The moment our eyes connected, a warm smile spread across his face, and he began to approach me.
“Hey there, long time no see. I was starting to feel abandoned,” Jake jokingly said. I laughed at that, “Don’t be dramatic. You saw me yesterday.” We set off together, strolling in the direction of the outdoors. “Well, it’s too much time apart for me” He gave me that adorable puppy-dog look, and it was impossible to say no when he looked at me like that. “Sorry, I’ll make sure it won’t happen again” I nudged my shoulder into his.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
As soon as I did that, he nudged my shoulder back, and we stayed like this for the rest of the walk. Pressed together just a little bit too close.
We got out and saw the rest of our friends already sitting at our usual spot. I stopped Jake before he could go over there. “What’s up?” he asked, looking worried. “So, about this job you were telling me about,” I nervously gnawed at my inner lip, unsure what to say next. Jake seemed to relax next to me. “Oh, you want to take it? If so, sure, it’s still on the table. I told my uncle to see if he could hold it up.”
That was typical of Jake, always considering others before himself. “Yeah, I would really appreciate it. The situation at home isn’t the best right now...” I said the last part quieter than the rest. “Shit, sorry, if I can do anything to help, just tell me. You know I’m here for whatever you need.” His hand gently held mine, radiating a sense of comfort and warmth.
“No, it’s nothing like that, just plain old money, can’t ever have too much.” At that, Jake’s demeanor changed, and he grinned at me. “You can say that again. I get it. Here, I’ll text my uncle and get you connected with his friend.”
Jake was already writing something on his phone. “Thanks Jake, you’re the best” I squeezed his hand, which was still on top of my own. “Anytime, don’t even mention it.” As we continued walking, I noticed his cheeks looking slightly redder, which was hard to accomplish with his dark complexion.
“Hey, you two lovebirds finally finished making out and decided to grace us with your presence?” Rid said to us as soon as we came next to a hearing distance. “Well, I don’t see you bowing down. The disrespect is crazy,” I joked back. Jake sat down next to Rid and Hunter. “Rid, shut up please,” Jake said, a little too harsh for his normal self.
“Oh, someone’s grumpy, but don’t worry, we won’t mind if you and Jules will actually start making out. We’re cool like that,” Hunter said as he nudged Jake on the side. “Though I might get a little jealous, I thought Jules and I would get together. It turns out he was just using me for free drives around town” Hunter sounded fake hurt. I rolled my eyes at their banter.
“No one is getting with me thank you very much, you two are impossible. And anyway, what would Lyanna say?” I could tell I’d struck a nerve with Hunter. “Oh, don’t bother. She’s not interested,” he said, his voice laced with sadness.
Rid slapped his side, “Don’t talk like that. You’ll be good together. Just ask her out. She’s into you.” Hunter pushed Rid away. “She’s into Jules. I’m totally in the friend zone.” As soon as they spoke, the sandwich I had just opened went tumbling down into the box.
“No, she’s not. Lyanna never said anything.” Everybody just stared at me. “God, you’re oblivious to anything remotely romantic,” Hunter said. “Well, I’m really not looking for anything right now. God knows I have enough on my plate as it is,” I spat out as quickly as possible. Not wanting to hurt Hunter. Hunter let out a huge laugh. “Don’t worry, it is what it is, I can’t make her like me, and if she likes you, I can’t exactly blame her. I mean, look at you,” He pointed toward me.
The worst thing was that every single word he said was entirely true. I felt myself blush, blood rushing against my cheeks at record speed. “Okay, enough with the love talk. I’m going to die of embarrassment” I couldn’t help but hide my face behind my hands as our small group burst into laughter. Not long after, the girls joined us.
“What’s so funny?” Sara asked. “Oh, nothing, we were just making Jules blush,” Rid explained. “Well, now I regret not getting here sooner,” Rita said. “Okay, let’s move on from boring subjects like, how to torture Julian Lewis and talk about something nicer. Like that history paper we have to finish”. As the words left my mouth, a chorus of grumbles filled the air.
“You are no fun today,” Rita said. Lyanna hasn’t said anything. She just sat quietly as always, and read her book. This time, she was close to finishing the book. She was pretty and very sweet. We bonded over old cartoons and inappropriate jokes. I know you wouldn’t say it about her at first glance, but she was fun when she opened up to you.
Her ginger curls were put together in a loose ponytail that looked very good on her. Brown eyes among a sea of freckles looked up to catch me staring. She smiled at me, and I smiled back. Jake was watching us from the other side of the table, an unreadable look on his face.
We scattered around, and everybody started to go in different directions toward their next class. “Hey, my uncle just replayed. His friend said you could come tonight at nine to get all the details. If everything goes well, you could start this week.” He handed me a phone number and directions to the club. “Thanks Jake, I really appreciate it” I smiled at him, feeling grateful.
“Don’t mention it.” He smiled back. I was just about to start walking when Jake stopped me once again. “And Jules? I can’t blame Lyanna as well. Anyone would love to be with you”. With that said, he rushed off to the next class, leaving me with a dumb look on my face. Feeling the truth of his words made me blush once again.
After school was over, Hunter drove Jaron and me back home. I wasn’t paying attention to anything, still a little dazed from my conversation with Jake. Even Jaron asked me at one point if I was feeling all right. And Jaron never asked. I cooked dinner and ensured I was done with schoolwork before heading out to the club.
At around seven, Grandma came back home. Due to her work hours, I hadn’t had a chance to see her in nearly two days. “Well, look who’s finally home,” She entered and declared. “I was home. It’s you who were sneaking out to parties,” I said back to her. Grandma just rolled her eyes. “I haven’t been to a party in ten years, don’t get smart with me.” I hugged her then and helped her with her coat.
Having grandma home was nice. She made Jaron sit and eat with us while she tried to squeeze information about our lives from us. It was honestly good to sit together as a family like that. Grandma had a job at a pharmacy half an hour from where we lived. She’d travel there by bus and sometimes would stay for the night shifts.
She always did her best since we came to live with her. Even though, at first, she was cold towards Jaron and me. I’m pretty sure it had something to do with our mom.
“Grandma, I have a job interview tonight. The pizza place at the city center is looking for a delivery guy”. As I expected, Grandma didn’t like that. After I went through a full investigation, she gave up and asked me to text her every two hours. She was worried about school and me not getting enough sleep, and honestly, she was right to worry.
As nine crept around, I dressed in my more respectful clothes and tried to get my hair right. I grabbed my keys and cell phone and made my way toward the Fallen Star Club. That name will always be a mouthful. The journey didn’t take long; it was only a fifteen-minute ride on the bus.
When I got there, the lights and beaming music were already playing. My heart was pounding as I approached the entrance. Fortunately, there were not many people around at this time. After all, it was only the middle of the week, and still relatively early in the evening.
I approached the bouncer, his dark skin and shaved head giving him a formidable appearance, as befitting a typical bouncer. He looked me over, probably ready to send me away, seeing a teenager trying to sneak in.
“Hey,” I started. “I have a job interview here today, um... with someone named Sam”. I pulled out my phone to show him the text message and details I had received earlier from Sam. The bouncer looked a little taken aback but let me in with a few pointers on finding Sam’s location. I followed his instruction and made my way to the back of the club.
Looking around, I noticed the club had a modern and elegant feel- plush couches, cushioned chairs, and glass tables filled the space. The light was muted with amber-tinted lamps above each table. The walls were painted in warm earthy tones, and large, lush plants added a comfortable atmosphere. The bar was sleekly designed with a black and white marble countertop and wooden shelves behind it, stocked with various drinks. Soft music floated through the air, completing the relaxing vibe of the place.
I entered the backspace and walked inside the kitchen. On the very back end, I saw a man who looked somewhat like Sam. Judging from the picture I saw on the message thread. I walked up to him.
“Hey, I’m Julian Lewis. I came here for the job?” The man looked me up and down. “Well, I’m sure you’ll get it. The boss likes the pretty boys. He’s upstairs. You can go up to him.” I felt my face warm up. “Um... I came here for the cleaning job. We talked earlier on the phone,” I tried again. The man’s gaze snapped at me again. “Oh, sorry, I wasn’t accepting someone like you. Let’s go to my office and take a seat.”
Towering and lanky, Sam had an air of intimidation around him. He had a crop of brown hair, and his eyes were so dark that I couldn’t make out his pupils, come to think of it, the bouncer had the exact same eyes.
“Typically, I don’t hire anyone younger than eighteen, but Michael is quite adamant that you’re the one for the job,” Michael was Jake’s uncle. Sam went on to list the details of the position, including how many shifts a week and what was expected of me. I had no idea that Michael had been so insistent about hiring me.
I thanked Sam and said I’ll be ready to start work immediately. We agreed upon shifts for the rest of the week and the nearing weekend. It was quick and officiate. Moments later, I found myself leaving the club. It was still relatively early, just ten o’clock, as I started my departure.
On my way out, the bouncer stopped me. “Hey, how’d it go? I’m sure you got it. The boss likes... well, you know.” Why was everyone saying that? “I don’t know who you’re hiring right now, but I’m just here to wash dishes.”
The bouncer looked surprised at that. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to assume. Either way, we’ll see each other a lot. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Good luck,” he smiled at me. “Oh, I’m Vincent, by the way,” the bouncer, Vincent, added.” ”Julian,” I introduced myself in return. I said my goodbyes and continued home. Hoping I wasn’t making a mistake. Surprisingly, I managed to drift off relatively quickly that night.