"Red, we are going out for dinner. You wanna tag along?" I tilted my head to the left, where four of my co-workers stood, looking at me expectantly. I noted how they looked so different without their uniforms. They look...what's the word, relaxed!

Dinner would be nice, especially since I last ate in the morning, now being a few minutes after 7pm, I was used to it though, an irregular eating pattern amongst other scandalously sickening patterns. It didn't bother me much, the concept of always having food in front of my face was not particularly pleasing.

I scanned each of their faces, sensing an air of obligation rather than genuineness. These people didn't like me and I didn't like them back but they felt obligated to at least ask me. I wasn't exactly friends with any of them, it would simply be too awkward for my liking.

"Thanks, I'll pass."

They were expecting it. They've been asking since I started working here and not once have I taken them up on their offers. I didn't particularly like attachments, they ended messily. I sighed and picked up my black sling bag.

I was still wearing the tight, low cut, yellow blouse written Mickey's on the left breast pocket. I paired it with tight blue jeans and black kicks. A classic nineties picture. My shoulders were knotted with tension, I rolled them slightly and groaned. I just want to get home and sleep!

"Joshua, I'm out." He barely looked up from the papers in front of him, he only offered a grunt. Today the club wasn't too busy, it was a Tuesday. I didn't like Tuesdays, my shift ended when the night was still young and the tips were yet to start flowing. Not that I needed them, the idea of earning my keep was far more liberating than the actual earning.

I took a slow walk down the somewhat busy street, absentmindedly digging my nails into the flesh of whichever finger I could reach. I lifted my head when a bark pierced  through the noise of the people hurrying to get to their homes and those running to heaven knows where.

I don't like dogs, actually all animals annoy me. I do not like their scent nor do I like their dependency. I am pro-choice so whatever anyone decides to do with their lives, is their own baby to nurse. Personally, I do not think I  will ever crave the company of a pet. I would rather smoke my loneliness away, one puff at a time.

Speaking of...my hand reached into the back pocket of my jeans. Searching for the only thing that doesn't even need to make sense. I am not an addict, I know I can stop whenever I want to. The rising smoke coming from my now lit cigarette curled all around me, as if to warm me up.

My heart swelled as I watched the smoke rising from my pink lips into the sky. Following the path dreams do, only dreams come crashing down as soon as they are launched into the sky. As soon as the deep sigh of exhaustion escaped my lips, my shoulder came into violent contact with a hard chest.

The crash must have knocked my cigarette to the ground because my mouth was now vacant. My probably black lungs already missing the strong nicotine reducing its lifespan, bit by bit.

Deep annoyance bubbled inside of me so quick, it was plastered all over my face. My eyes rose to connect with an unbelievable shade of beautiful grey eyes. My eyes did a full sweep of the seemingly flawless face, from the insanely plump pink lips, the perfect pair of nicely shaped eyebrows to the dark eyelashes touching the glowing skin of his cheeks as he blinked slowly.

God! Was such beauty even biologically possible! If God was comfortable with making such creations and allowing them to roam around freely, then some of us were not safe.

I bit hard on my lower lip to chide the embarrassment that I knew would want to push its way forward. I'd carry this man's children without him even asking, Godammit!

I must have been biting too hard because I tasted a bit of blood, tanged with the ashy smell of a cigarette. Cigarette! I looked down at the paved road and there was my stick of cancer, still burning  mildly. My anger resurfaced.

"Next time, watch where you're going!" It came out exactly how it was intended to be received. Threatening  and bitter, ready to make someone cower and apologize. Instead of apologizing however, the beautiful stranger pushed past me carelessly.

"You disgusting pile of dog poo!"

That got no reaction from him, he just continued striding down the street with those long steady legs. As if he didn't just bump into me, the disrespect!

I dont understand why people disregard even the smallest of  manners,

When you bump into someone, apologize and be on your way. Simple!

It is common freaking human decency! This is why people get killed so easily, they have no manners. I know if I had a gun he wouldn't be jiggling that perfect piece of ass as he took those womb altering steps away from me without apologizing.

I debated lighting another cigarette to keep me company for the rest of the way home and also compensate for the one I lost to that jerk, but I decided against it.

After fifteen minutes, my feet were on the windowsill of my cozy sitting room. The back of my head resting on the old rocking chair I keep by the window. A bottle of cheap red wine was nestled on my bosom, clutched almost desperately by my warm hands.

I lifted the almost empty bottle and took a swig, looking out of the window. My view was spectacular, the city lights were bright and colorful. Promising a joyous story to anyone watching it from afar. The sky was dark enough to wear a few stars and my eyes never got tired of running from the east to the west. Counting the stars and trying to imagine the life that must be in the very heart of the city.

It looked as inviting as it looked dangerous, it called one's attention with the promise of an adventure that would be filled with life changing moments. From up in my little apartment, it looked oh so peaceful but I knew that the city never sleeps nor do it's people.

I've been here for a while, maybe it's time to pack up my duffel bag and head where my legs will carry me to.

Tomorrow, I pack.

__________

A small update
Love, Mikateko.