Broken Soul

Chapter 1

  Waking up to the sun burning my eyes I roll over and stuff my face into my makeshift pillow. The tattered sweatshirt has seen better days. I know it's time to get up but my body just wants to stay here. Curled up on the floor of some woman's apartment I met this week. Sounds crazy, I'm sure. But when you can't find a decent place to rent, you do what you have to.
  Finally making myself get up and make my way to the kitchen for coffee. It's addictive you know, I can't function without it. Settling in and staring at the blank screen in front of me. I want to be a writer. I have so much to give. But, right now, I can't think of a damn thing to say. Usually everything pours out so easily that I can't keep up with the ideas. Recently, I'm just, stuck.
 
  I'll give myself a break. It's been two hours and I have yet to write one word. Something to eat maybe.
Sliding on my coat and pulling my hair into a bun I walk out the door. A couple blocks away there's a sandwich shop. People watching always helps with these blocks. No harm in trying.

  The shop is pretty small, just a family run place. The owners are fantastic. Always outgoing and they remember everything. Probably why I hit it off with their son, no, just friends there. Lucky for me, Jay is in today. I needed a familiar face.

  "Rough week?" Jay chuckles.

  "Work, writers block, new place. You know the drill." I laugh.

  Before I have a chance to order Jay has my usual sandwich and coffee set in front of me. They do know me well.

  "You willing to finally let me help Cal?" I scowl at this. He's been offering to help me out for a while now. But I can't take him up on the offer. It just wouldn't feel right to me.

  "You know how I feel about charity, Jay." I mumble around my sandwich.

  "Don't think of it that way. It's just one friend helping another. I know you'd do the same for me."

  "I don't know, Jay. Let me think on it."

  He doesn't reply before getting up and helping a guest who walks in. I don't want to be a bother. So I finish up and hurry out before he has a chance to corner me again on the issue. As much as I love him and his family, I just can't accept the help.

  Returning home, I guess I could call it that, the woman, Mary, is back. Slugging back a beer as she watches some god awful show on TV.

  "Hey, what are you up to tonight?" I almost drop my things when she speaks. She hasn't said more than four words to me since I moved in.

  "Just trying to get some work done. What's up?"

  "Girls night. I figured you'd enjoy a night out." She winks.

  "Well, um, I suppose-"

  "You are coming and you are going to have fun. Don't worry about it doll. You've been here a few days and I've seen you do nothing but write on that computer and go to work. It'll be fun. I promise. " She cuts me off. I guess a little fun never hurt anyone.

   "Sure, what should I wear?"

   "Hun, I got you covered. Just be showered and prepped for 8pm." She smiles.

 

   Clothing that fits like a second skin isn't a good enough description for what Mary has dressed me in. A white tube dress that shows every nook and cranny. With my brown locks pulled up into a high pony and makeup to kill. I suppose we are going out. Mary was overly excited to dress me up. Considering I have next to no experience with this, I let her go to town. Looking at myself now I'm not sure if the worry was necessary.

  "Ok, we're meeting up with the girls at a club downtown. So we have to get going. But, hun, you look fantastic!" Mary beamed.

  I regret ever thinking wearing heels was a good idea. Halfway to the club and my feet already kill. Mary looks like she isn't having any issues. I'm sure my feet are bleeding though.

  "Almost there hun." She says looking at me with sympathy.

  She didn't lie either. Turning the next corner we could see the line to get into the club. My feet pounded just thinking about standing in that thing. It'd be closed before we got in. Mary must have known what I was thinking. " One of the girls works here. We won't be waiting in line." She smirks.

True to her word, we walked right up and were allowed to walk right in. Perks of being an employee at this place it seems.

  Loud music was pulsing through the dark room. I couldn't hear Mary if I tried. She just smiled and pulled me along to the bar. Handing me a drink afterwards. I smiled in thanks and turned to the crowd of bodies swarming the floor. Mary's friends moved out quickly. Catching plenty of male attention as they danced. I've never been one for attention like that. So I'd rather stay at the bar.

  After a few songs the girls come back, all 8 of them, yes, 8. I can't remember names for the life of me. So, they're numbered. Terrible, I know. Cooling off and getting another rounds of drinks. I can't help but feel good. Mary is sweet, a little crazy, but sweet. Her friends are nice and are treating me well. I can't complain, never had a night out like this before. So I indulge and have another drink.
  This time Mary drags me out to the floor despite my attempts to stay up at the bar.

  "Come on!! You'll have more fun down here!!" She screams over the music. With the little liquid courage I have, I cave. Can't say no to her. She's been to nice already.

  The girls are swaying and grinding as I try to follow their moves. It isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Laughing I hold onto Mary and we head back to the bar for another drink.

  "That wasn't so bad now was it?" She laughs as I'm catching my breath.

  "Ok, ok, not that bad." I joke.

  "Another round and some shots please!" She yells to the bartender.

  Sure enough all the girls come up just in time for drinks. This time I feel myself loosening up.

  "Back to the floor ladies!!" One of them yells before grabbing hands and dragging everyone back down.

  I'm laughing and feeling slightly lightheaded when I feel someone slide up behind me. I'm sure it's a man by the size of him. For once I just let go and enjoy myself. Feeling his breath on my neck and his hand on my stomach, I close my eyes. When I open them again I see the girls staring at me nervously. Not understanding what is wrong I pull away from the stranger. Before I can get out of arms reach I'm pulled back. Mary is looking around frantically as I'm squirming, trying to get out of the man's grip.