RETRIBUTION

1.

Opening my eyelids, the sun rays seeping through the broken blinds were harsh against my tired eyes. I slowly sat up, as my hangover began to make its appearance. Neck stiff, I turned to the left and saw a random man beside me. Chest hair that had the remains of last night's activities in them. I shook my head.

Not again.

Too tired to care, I stood up and began to get myself dressed into clothes that were two days old, unwashed and still dirty. Too tired to care. I kept telling myself. But I did care. I hate being dirty.

Finally dressed, I had a quick glance around the unfamiliar room. Wow, this really is a piece of shit. I shook my head, laughing to myself. As I began walking out the room, two things caught my attention.

1) The half empty bottle of Jack Daniels.
2) The stash of weed casually sitting on the broken bedside table.

It would be rude to just walk past and leave them there with someone that won't show them half the appreciation that these beauties deserve...

I walked over and picked them both up, smirking as I left the bedsit apartment. I did give him the best service he could ever have in his life, so I do deserve these. I told myself.

I walked down the stairs of the building, heading out the place that could pass off as a prison. I hid the weed in the inside pocket of my leather jacket, before taking a sip of the Jack Daniels. I hissed as it hit my throat. Definitely better when it's chilled. I thought as I also hid that in my pocket.

The Autumn breeze filled the air, I mentally cursed at myself for wearing ripped jeans as it was cold. This was not what I needed at 7am. I hugged my leather jacket, hoping it would help warm me up.

It didn't.

After a 15-minute journey, I finally made it to the town centre. I headed up towards my trusted coffee shop, Starbucks. Thankful that they were open at 7:15am.

Sighing in relief, I walked into the store, I could honestly say that I was happy to be met with the smell of burnt coffee. Walking to the counter, I see the familiar face.

"Good morning, welcome to Starbucks!" the over cheerful employee greeted.

"Quit with the formalities, Spence. Can I have my usual?" I sighed, pulling out my wallet.

"Wow, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," he joked. I gave him a glare "or maybe the wrong bed in general..." he huffed. "Okay, so one Venti Caffe Latte and one shot of espresso." he said to himself as he punched my order into the till. "That'll be £4.85!" he smiled.

"Add a croissant onto that, shit-face." I winked as I handed over the exact change for my drinks.

"You're short for the amount of the croissant." he frowned, but I just smirked.

"You can pay for that, seeing as you pissed me off." I laughed as I headed to the toilets. I ran the cold tap and threw some water in my face. I let out a deep breath, holding on to the sides of the sink. My gaze went from the sink to the mirror that was in front of me. I stood there looking at the person that was a former reflection of who I used to be. I bit my lip, shaking my head to get rid of toxic thoughts. I grabbed a paper towel and wiped away the remnants of last night's makeup from my face, cringing at the fact that I walked through town looking like this, now being thankful that it was so early in the morning. Finally, satisfised that all makeup was now removed, I took a deep breath before opening the door and heading back to the counter.

Luckily for me, my drinks were ready, and I sat down beside the window of the coffee shop. I took the shot of my espresso and gagged. I really bloody hate those, but they wake me up - which I'm thankful for. I placed the small cup to the side and sighed. I rested my elbows on the table, palms covering my face.

How did I end up like this? How did my life end up like this?

The sound of a plate being placed on the table interrupted my self-pity, I looked up and was greeted by Spence. He also sat down with a croissant and drink.

"You honestly look like shit." He said bluntly. I rolled my eyes and chose not to reply, instead I picked a piece of my croissant and placed it in my mouth. The taste was undoubtedly the best.

"I know." I finally decided to reply after I'd finished eating. He looked at bit dumbfound, so I had to remind him what we were talking about. "I look like shit." he smiled weakly.

"Why? Why do this to yourself?" He asked. I shook my head.

"I don't know. It just helps me forget about who I am," I smiled, the smile was fake, and he knew it, but being the great friend he is, he decided not to touch on it.

"So, they've finally found someone to replace me!" He said, finally breaking the awkward silence.

"Oh yeah, just rub it in even more that you're leaving me," I laughed. "Who've they got?" I asked, taking a sip of my latte. He shrugged.

"I don't know who she is, all I know is her name is Emily - she's new around here. I just hope she fits in here nicely, you know what the others are like." He said grimly, also taking a sip of his coffee.

"Of all places to move, she moves here, to Wigan." I roll my eyes, anyone who moves here is dumb, it's just a town that's filled with bad luck. "Don't remind me of those bitches." I huff, taking another sip.

"She's probably moving because of a guy, no one willingly moves here." He says.

"Either that, or she's in witness protection." I say sarcastically and Spence chuckles in response.

"Her induction is tomorrow, if you come in, you'll probably meet her."

"I would come tomorrow, but I have that meeting in Warrington - remember?" His eyes grow wide.

"Oh, shit yeah. Shit. Good luck! It's to see if you can get the job back in the hospital, yeah?" He asked.

"Yep!" I said, making sure to pop the 'p.'

"Good luck with that, but I have to get back to work right now. Are you still coming to my leaving party Friday?"

"Of course! Wouldn't miss a night on King Street!" I winked.

Spence got up, taking away the used cups and plates. I look up and watch him walk away, getting back to his job. I took my phone out, I had several missed calls. 3 from my Mum, and 1 from my cousin. I rolled my eyes before sending them a message, reassuring them that I am in fact, okay. I had a quick scroll through Facebook, nothing entertaining there, so I lock my phone, placing it in my back pocket.

Finishing up my drink, I left it on the table and gave a quick wave goodbye to my good friend. I'm going to miss him when he leaves. He's moving to New Zealand, I wish I was leaving with him, anything to get out of this shithole of a town.

I walked towards the bus station, checking the time for Tuesday's timetable. The next bus was at 8:16am. I checked my watch, only 43 more minutes to wait. I sat down on the rusty chair that should be painted silver. I took out the poor attempt of a rollie that the gentleman I slept with last night made. I spark up and watch as life went on past me.

Soon enough, the bus arrived. I climbed on, paying £2.60 and headed to the back of the bus. A few people got on, mostly old people. Then a man I know too well came and sat beside me.

"I need you to do a job for me." His rough voice filling my ears. "It'll be the last time I ask; I promise." I rolled my eyes.

"Like last time?" I huffed.

"I promise, Shay. I'm moving next week." He replied, I could hear in his tone that he was desperate.

"Wait, what?" I asked, genuinely intrigued.

"I'm moving. I've made too many enemies here; I just need to you to do this one last job." He pleaded. I thought about my options and finally came up with a decision.

"I'm sorry, but you're on your own this time."