Redemption

My name is Deanna Marie Reese. I’m 21 years old, dark brown hair, brown eyes, slim figure. I’ve been on my own since I was 16. My father was a drunk, my mother a junkie, I was an only child, and I was already taking care of myself, so why not just be on my own, and thank god a judge agreed. I was emancipated about four weeks after I turned 16, had a job and had my own apartment, kind of a dump, but it was mine. I was in heaven living my own life, free from them, till I realized how much harder things were gonna be. I dropped out of school, had two jobs, and my apartment was always a mess. When I wasn’t at a job, I was sleeping, until recently... I had lost my second job, and was drinking probably everything I could get my hands on. My friends, gone, what family I had, pushed away... I was officially alone.. by myself and my life.... SUCKED. I hated it... wanted to die most of the time.

So here I am another shitty fucking day.. climbing my ass into the bus to go to work. I hate working at stupid Walgreen’s but dammit, I needed a job. Just as I was getting to the back of the bus. My heel broke, sending me toppling to the floor.

“Dammit,” I said, hitting the ground with my palm. My knees were gonna be banged up, my skirt dirty, maybe ripped. Son of a bitch.

“Rough day?” a voice asked, a slight chuckle to his voice. I grumbled a bit, as I felt someone help me up and then picked up my things. I was brushing myself off and trying to assess the damage to myself and my clothes, but when I finally looked up, yanking my bag from his hand and locked eyes with the most beautiful set of brown orbs on a man I think I’ve ever seen.... A smile that melted my heart, my expression, everything. His short dark raven hair, about 22, slight stubble on his face, and the most adorable bushy eyebrows a man could ever have.

“Yea....” I said, softly, looking at him for a moment. He was beautiful... By far the most beautiful man I think I’ve ever laid eyes on. His eyes were mysterious, kind, almost remorseful. He was a mystery already and I wanted to know more.

“Well, here, let me help you,” he said, helping me sit down, then took my other heel in his hand. His fingertips brushed lightly on the skin exposed on my heels and I inhaled slowly. God... sexual tension you could cut with a knife..... He examined it for a moment, then broke it off and handed it to me, “There, now your even....” I chuckled.

“Not quite what I had in mind, but thanks... I think,” I said, taking the second broken heel and tossing it in my purse.

“I’m Joe...” he said, offering his hand.

“Deanna...” I said, softly, placing my hand in his, gently shaking it. Soft skin.. good god.. another point for the beautiful creature sitting across from me.

“So why the rough day, besides embarrassing yourself on a public bus, breaking your heel, and well, that is about all i know so far,” he asked. I laughed slightly at the obviousness of his comment and the subtle hint of flirtation in his voice.

“Well, I’m late for work, at Walgreen’s,” I said, “My apartment hasn’t been cleaned in days, I’m exhausted, and all I wanna do is sleep....” He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck.

“So.. you have a job..... a roof over your head, and you are pretty much like every other American in the country...” he said, simply. I looked up at him for a moment and was in shock at what he was saying.

“Yeah, I guess so...” I said, softly, suddenly feeling stupid.....

“Well, man you got it rough...” he said, leaning his head back on the seat he was in, moving his hoodie over his head. I chuckled and nodded.

“Yes, yes I do...” I said, smiling at him. After about five minutes we reached my stop and I smiled at him, standing cautiously from my seat.

“This your stop?” he asked, standing. I nodded, and he smiled brightly, “Wow.... me too.. weird huh?”

“Sure.. if your not some sort of stalker..” I laughed, looking his over. He let out a loud laugh, his head going back, mouth open, giving me full few of all this teeth. He was beautiful when he laughed, and the sound he made was adorable.....

“I’m not I swear,” he said, putting his hands up in surrender. I laughed and we stepped off the bus, his hand helping me, resting gently on my lower back. God he drove me crazy. Hmm.... he smelled amazing too. When we got our feet planted on the sidewalk I smiled at him.