Remember

I was late for work-not very typical of me, but it happened. I was waiting for my coffee order because it was going to be a long night and I needed the extra caffeine to keep me awake. I worked at a hospital and not just any hospital-a state hospital-filled with vile murders and r****t, but hey it was secure job that paid really well so I couldn't complain-I heard my name "Emma" be called so I ran and grabbed my coffee as fast as I could and headed for the door and like the oblivious klutz I was- ran right into someone spilling my freshly made coffee onto his sweatshirt. I didn't even bother to look up, but when I did I quickly apologized. "I am SO sorry." I said looking up into his eyes...there was something about them; something familiar, but I didn't have time to remanence about the situation as work was already calling me. I rummaged in my purse and pulled out a 10 dollar bill.  "Here" I shoved it toward him "Coffee on me. Again I am so sorry." and before he could say anything I ran out the door leaving a little of my dignity and my double shot coffee and the mystery man who was wearing it.  I walked fast paced into work going through into the labyrinth of security and continued the pace to my shift. I unlocked the door into the office and dropped my stuff on the desk. I was already breaking out in a sweat by this point.  "Sorry-I went to go get coffee and someone else is wearing it." I said out of breath. My coworker and almost brother from another mother Miguel laughed.  "Its cool. I was just calling to make sure you were actually coming in. I know you've been grinding it out in the overtime."  He wasn't lying. I had pretty much have worked everyday for two weeks straight and was down to my last ounce of energy. "I made it, but barely. Damn I really wanted that coffee."  "I can make you some." Said Kristine from the back of the office. I smiled and started to yawn at the same time.  "Maybe you should go on first break." Said Miguel  "Good idea" I nodded finishing my yawn.  "I'll have a pot ready for you when you get back ok?"  "Thanks Kristine. Night guys."  "Night!"  I made my way to the break room where an old beat up couch was and a tiny flat screen stood showing an episode of 'South Park'. I grabbed my personal blanket from my locker and turned off the light and tv. It was dark except for the glow from the outside security lights. I covered my head inside my hoodie and wrapped myself into my blanket-smelling the cleanliness of my lavender dryer sheets and sleep overtook me and I was out within minutes.  I remember the silence of the bedroom after having so much stimulation from the party. It had been little over a week since my release from the hospital and I was still very shaky and withdrawn. I was happy to be invited to Jenna's party. Casey and I had gone yesterday and gotten her a gift together. The doctor said it would be awhile for me to get back to normal since my body went through a traumatic experience, but it was more the emotional aspect that took its toll on me. The other girls were enjoying making up dances and replaying a popular song over and over again before it became too much to bare. I was getting light headed and needed to go lay down so I asked Jenna's mom if I could go upstairs. Casey wanted to go with me, but I told her I'd be down in a little I just needed a break. While up strains while trying to drain out the music down stairs I heard the door creek open and I looked up to Ares walking in. He was quiet, but very good looking. He had dark hair, mesmerizing green eyes with dark perfect symmetrical eyebrows , and full lips. His complexion had no flaw and his nose had a sharp bridge and was not too big or too small as some guys had.  We barely spoke, but somehow he felt the need to talk to me.  "Here." He handed me a something to drink  "Thanks." I said taking it from him, "How'd you know I was up here?"  "I saw you leaving to go upstairs? You ok?" He asked as he sat down next to me on the bed.  "I'm fine just...tired."  He smiled, "Yeah I understand. Do you need anything?"  "Emma?!" I heard Casey call my name and I turned away from Ares to see her face.  "I should go." Said Ares, he got up and I watched as Casey glared at him. As soon as he was out sight she came toward me.  "You ok?"  The alarm woke me up out of surreal dream and I quickly put my shoes on and returned my blanket back to its home in my locker. I returned to the office and the smell of coffee hit me like a vampire to blood. I went toward it and quickly made myself a cup. Miguel left next on his break and I sat quiet at the computer reading meaningless emails and trying to gather my thoughts from the dream I just had. Kristen kept looking at me with concern.  "Girl you need to slow down on the overtime. You look exhausted."  "I had a bad dream that is all."  "Because this place is haunted as hell, but seriously girl just because you an RN now doesn't mean you need to work to death."  I rolled my eyes, "I am almost done paying off some stuff and saving up for my sisters wedding dress."  "Do you have a date yet?"  "No and I don't plan to either. This girl is riding solo. Who knows maybe I'll catch the bouquet and get lucky."   I sipped on the coffee and allowed it to bring my tired self to life and began my long shift doing notes and assessments.  I was so glad to see the AM shift. I gave the next nurse the shift report-collected my overtime slip-and drove my happy ass to home where I knew my little Frenchie Chloe and my new comfy pillow top mattress was waiting. My phone began vibrate and I knew instantly who it was. "Morning Casey."  "Please don't tell me you worked another shift."  "You have expensive taste and I want you to have your beautiful dress."  "True, but that's why I love you."  "Love you too. Whats up?"  "Do you remember Jenna?"  "Jenna? Jenna? Wait wasn't that the skank that slept with Derrick your high school boyfriend?"  "No that was Janice."  "Right Janice-Remind me again who Jenna is."  "Jenna! Remember we were best friends in middle school, we went to her going away party before she moved away."  "Oh that Jenna..."  "Why do you sound so disappointed?"  "I'm not-just tired. What about her?"  "Well we found each other on social media and guess who is coming to the wedding."  "Really! How exciting." I was trying to hold back the fact that I just had a dream about Jenna's older brother, Ares, who I hadn't seen since that party. My first mini crush who I was deeply-for a minute-infatuated with, but never crossed the line of ever trying to have him be something for me that I clearly wasn't allowed to have because he was older, I think, and I was just a naive 16yr old with issues I was trying to figure out. Thankfully they had moved away and we never saw or heard from them again, at least until now. Growing up I wasn't as boy crazy as Casey-if anything they flat out annoyed me because they were always and I mean always trying to get into my pants or emotionally screw with me and I was beyond done with trying to prove myself to them. They we immature beyond words. I had a few "boyfriends" here and there, but nothing serious or as serious as I had thought they were. I seemed to be the one putting in all the work and they'd take advantage of me or call me crazy when I would catch them cheating or being shady. That is when I decided to focus on my studies and become a registered nurse because taking care of myself and giving myself the things I wanted and deserved were much more promising than expecting a man to fulfill those desires. I was fortunate enough that this career gave me financial stability and I had fun too. I worked hard, played hard, and everything in between. When I wasn't working or having fun I was at home doing what any typical single girl in her mid 20s was doing-wishing I wasn't completely alone and after my sisters engagement I knew it would only be a matter of time before the pressure was on for me to go from Ms. to Mrs.  It wasn't that marriage was religious focus in my family life, but marriage in itself was something I had dreamed of since I was old enough to understand the concept. I guess that was probably around the time when my mom married Jake, Casey's dad.. Casey had lost her mom to cancer and my dad was only available to send a child support check every month. It was a small wedding at the court house and we each stood for our parents. We were a family and we did all the typical family things and Casey and I were the typical sisters who got a long and sometimes didn't. We were close-probably closer than most full blood sisters and so when she asked me to be her maid of honor I couldn't say no and so like the good sister I stepped up the plate and put my full energy into making it a magical moment for her including gifting her the money for her dress. I wanted her to have the full experience our parents didn't get and I didn't for-see it in my future because men were dumb and I was impatient and picky. I also enjoyed the solitude of being alone except for my dog Chloe, my friends, my parents, and Casey. One day I hope to live that tiny dream that lives inside of me, but for now I indulged myself in a nice hot bubble bath with candles and tumbler of my favorite Malibu Rum and Pepsi. I could feel the heat of the water soothing my body and the smell of the eucalyptus and lavender. The song on my music of strings and piano lulled me to a soothing therapeutic mini slumber.     I was in the coffee shop-the same one I was in the night before. I heard my name be called, but not by the barista. Instead someone was saying my name from behind me and I wasn't sure if it was wise to turn around, but I did. Those eyes-so familiar-were staring back at me. The man who I ran into was standing before me saying my name, but his lips weren't moving. No his voice was inside my head-Deep and sultry. Like whiskey on ice-I could feel myself going cold. He grabbed me gently never breaking eye contact and finally he said as clear as day. "Hello Emma-my brave one."  I woke up-in bed-not remembering how I got there. Or ever having left the bath, but here I was in my bed with Chloe curled up at my feet snoring away. I grabbed my phone to check the time. It was 8 o'clock at night-I suppose I was very tired from all the overtime and was looking forward to having some time off to enjoy the wedding festivities that were coming. I grabbed my phone from underneath my bed.  My bestie Kelsey texted me-'Girls night at The Phoenix. Please don't tell me you are working because I miss you and haven't seen you in forever.'   I smiled-tonight was the first night day off in a while and I too had missed Kelsey and the rest of my crew. After my reoccurring dreams I needed a couple of drinks to settle my anxiety. I texted her back and told her I'd be there in 45 minutes and she sent a heart emoji back. I got out of bed and dug out some clothes that would be sexy and cute, but not trying to bring too much attention to myself, but I knew the type of guys that wondered around the bar. Especially The Phoenix! It was a popular bar filled with locals and the best Tri-tip sandwiches in town.                       I dabbed on make up-cover up-conturing-my dark brown lipstick. Once I was done I gave myself a once over and I realized because of my lack of sun exposure I looked like a sexy vampire with my pasty white porcelain skin, olive colored eyes, and my long white blonde hair. Having a sister who was a beautician had its perks in the getting my eye brows and eye lashes done on a regular basis. I didn't want to say I was attractive, but I knew I was because I always got attention regardless if it was positive or negative. Even though I was still on the tired side I was excited to go hang out with my friends and just relax. I chugged an energy drink-fed Chloe-and I was out the door on my way to The Phoenix.  The Phoenix was the cleanest bar out of the other local bars. They had big screen TVs, bar food, and all the typical bar games. Casey's favorite night was karaoke and mine was the bull riding. I texted Casey and asked her if she was coming or if she was going to come, but she didn't respond. Ever since she got engaged she has been trying to work extra hours even working odd jobs to save up. I pulled into the parking lot and got out. I could already hear the music from the outside and the energy drink was kicking in. I made my way through the coward and found my crew. Kelsey greeted me with a big hug and I went around giving everyone else a hug.  "Hey everyone! Miss me?" I asked  "Of course. Girl you've missed some crazy shit." Said Emily. Emily was Kelsey's sister in law, my tech classmate, and now coworker. She had short pixie dark hair, breast for days, and a witchy personality that can either seduce you or piss you off, but she was my friend and I loved her dearly.  "We work in crazy remember." I smiled  "Yo! We need a round of shots!" Yelled Dustin to the waitress walking around, he was our bro friend. He was smitten with Emily and she teased him. He was carrying and very easy to be around.  "On me!" I said bringing out my credit card  "Thats my sugar mama!" Shouted Kelsey-my ride or die best friend.  "Did Emily tell you I am starting the tech program too?" Said Mateo, but we all called him Hawkeye. He was flamboyant and gay as they came, but he was also extremely over protective of Emily and was not afraid to cuss or call some pathetic weasel out for insulting one of us.  "No way that is great. You are going to be so good!"  "You think?"  "Of course. I didn't give you the name Hawkeye without good reason."  The waitress brought a tray of shots over to our table. I handed them out and held one up.  "To Hawkeye your future is bright my friend. Kick ass in tech school."  We all clinked our shot glasses together and downed the alcohol.  One shot-two shots-a Modelo number 1 and Modelo number 2 and I was buzzed if not already drunk, but I was a good drunk. We played a game of pool and laughed about all the crazy s**t that had happened. Apparently the cops were called at Shenanigans, another local bar where all the cheap drunks went. Sometimes we went there because we needed a new change or they'd have all night happy hour for special occasions. We favor The Phoenix more because it was clean and open unlike Shenangians that was dark and outdated.  I was sitting next to Kesley at our table and we had an order of finger food coming out. Dustin and Emily had the major munchies and I was starving and needed the fatty food to help soak up the boos. It was a great time and much needed fun time.  As we began to devour our food.  "Ugh we need more ranch!" Said Dustin  "I'll get it!" I said hopping down from the stool at our table.   I walked over to where you can order food and asked the girl behind the counter if I could have two ranches. Someone bumped into me.  "Hey pretty lady-" I turned and saw some half drunk bar fly male with an old trucker hat, cheap tattoos on his arms, and plan t-shirt with jeans.  "Uh hi" I said-clearly not interested  He caressed my arm and I was already disgusted and creeped out. Where was Hawkeye when I needed him, but honestly I worked with creeps like this. I was use to using my word judo to protect myself.  "Please don't touch me." I shot back at him with a little venom, but no fear.  "Easy sweetheart. I noticed you with your friends and I just thought you should know you are absolutely beautiful."  I should be flattered, but I wasn't. This guy was screaming red flag and I wanted nothing more than to ditch him fast, hard, and forever.  "Look I'm not interested. So please find yourself someone else to bother."  I began to walk away but he grabbed me and for the first time in my life I felt disarmed. With work it was one thing. I had protection, but now all I had was two small containers of ranch and some creeps grip on my other arm. "Let go of me." I warned  "Come on girl-one drink-bet I can change your mind. You'll be riding Charlie and screaming my name."  I popped the top off the ranch and did what any crazy or irrational person would do instead of scream and make a scene.  I threw the ranch in his face nailing him square in the eyes.  "Bet again-asshole!"  "f*****g b***h!" He said trying to remove the ranch from his eyes and before he could try and bring more attention to himself a bouncer was behind him.  "Time to go Charlie. You've had enough fun for one night." Said the bouncer gripping the guy by the arm and leading him away.  I walked back to the table and grabbed some napkins wiping the remnants of ranch off my hand.  "What happened to the ranch?" Asked Dustin a mouth full of wings.  "Some creep is wearing it. I swear this is the second time this has happened. The first was my coffee, but that was by accident."  Kelsey snickered-"I'll go get some."  "Here." A voice of whiskey and ice came out of nowhere and I followed the sound to a man with the most beautiful green eyes I had ever seen. "I saw what you did. You are brave. Here is some ranch and a round on me." He set the two cups of ranch on the table and slipped a 100 underneath. I just stood there dumbfounded.  "Wow that is really sweet of you." Said Kelsey "Right Emma?" She asked nudging me out of my trance.  "Yes...Thank you. I'm sorry have we met before?"  "I'm just here on business so I doubt it, but if we had I am sure I would have remembered." He smiled at me and something hit me. Something deep, dark, and ancient. I looked at him with curiosity as he began to walk away and disappeared into the crowd.  "Bro! What a cool dude. 100 bucks and he brought ranch." Said Dustin  "I swear I know that guy from somewhere."  "How? He said he was here on business." Said Emily  "I don't know, but there is something about him."  I turned back around to see if I could see him, but he was gone. Who ever he was I knew this wouldn't be our last meeting and with that I did take his gift and I did buy my friends another round and more food and we continued our night together until the very last call and then took the last of the money and went to our favorite sober up place-Denny's and ate like kings and queens of the night on cheap restaurant chocolate chip pancakes and burgers. I looked around at each of my friends and I was grateful for this moment and I was grateful for what they meant to me, but I still held those green eyes in the back of my mind just waiting for them to reappear.