Chapter 18: When Reality Hits

Leaving her work in the warehouse, Stacy dragged a still-confused Nelly to the clubhouse. Curious eyes peeked at them on their way there. It didn’t bother Stacy at all. She’d learn to hide her feelings from showing on her face or body language. Nelly, however, was a little more awkward. At first, she tried hiding away and not having eye contact. Then, she nodded and smiled awkwardly at some of the friendlier men.

The common area was packed with men, drinking, laughing and chatting. Loud music blasted in the area. Chad and Neil stood behind the bar, talking about something while pouring a drink. Stacy headed straight to the bar. Nelly tugged at her arm. She had to bend nearer to Nelly to hear her amidst all the noise.

“I don’t drink. My brother..” she said with a worried expression. Stacy gave her a wink before continuing to the bar.

Stacy grabbed a jar and filled it with water before passing it to Nelly. “Glad that you decided to join us,” Chad said when he noticed them. “Not for long,” Stacy said with a wink. The siblings were replaying the scene in the warehouse all over. Neil was busy making sure that Nelly was alright and Nelly kept assuring him that everything was okay.

“Stop worrying. I won’t cook her for dinner,” Stacy joked. Chad started laughing. Only then did Neil stop his anxiety-driven actions.

“Could you pass two whiskey glasses, please?” Chad turned to grab two glasses right when Stacy asked for them. “Nelly don’t drink,” Neil voiced out immediately.

Stacy gave him a bored look. “That’s why she’s holding that,” she pointed at the jar in her hand. “Oh,” he made a noise of acknowledgement. Stacy passed one of the glasses to Nelly.

“What’d you like to have?” Chad asked as he browsed through the bottles. Just when Neil was reaching for a bottle, Stacy snatched it first. “I’ll take this one,” she said. Looking at Neil’s expression, she added, “thanks!”

She led Nelly upstairs to her room. Neil moved to follow, wanting to say something but Chad stopped him. “Don’t worry, she’ll be alright. Don’t you see that she’s more comfortable staying with Sammy? At least these girls can keep each other company.”

“Are you sure that it’s safe? She’s from the city; studying, living in peace and all. She doesn’t have a sense of danger,” Neil continued worrying. “I’m sure Sammy will keep her safe. If she’s the one you’re worried about, I’m sure she won’t do anything to your sister with all of us here. With that injury, she won’t be able to escape. She’s smarter than that,” Chad assured.

“I hope so,” Neil finally loosened up a little.

Stacy ushered Nelly into the room before closing the door, muffling the noise downstairs. “Have a seat,” she said, “make yourself at home.”

Stacy placed her glass on the bedside table and sat on the bed. Other than the bed, that was the only furniture in the room. It wasn’t even a nightstand. It’s a simple table placed at the side of the bed. She studied the bottle she got from Neil. “Your brother has a good taste,” she praised as she poured herself a glass.

Nelly was still standing at the door, looking at Stacy in awe. She took a sip and smiled. “Really nice indeed,” she exclaimed as she placed her glass on the table. “What are you doing, standing there like a lamppost? I don’t bite, you know,” Stacy said in a casual manner.

Slowly, Nelly inched closer. “I’ve never met a girl who drinks,” she said in awe. Stacy took another sip. “Women drink too, you know. I’m sure you’ve seen your mom drink.”

“No, not really,” Nelly mumbled. “How old are you?” Stacy asked.

“I’m sixteen.”

“You’re old enough to drink,” she stated matter-of-factly. “But.. according to the law..” Nelly stuttered.

Stacy’s laughter cut her off. “Oh, Nelly. Get used to it. You’ve come to this town. Does it look like the law really applies here?” Nelly's head bowed. She looked at the wooden floorboard in silence.

“Don’t worry. I won’t be that weird girl in the bar who forces you to drink. I’m simply telling you what it’s like to live in this dangerous world. There’s no rules or whatsoever. Brutal force is the rule. But if you’d like to follow the law, then go on. Now come here and sit down already.”

Nelly sat beside Stacy quietly. Stacy took the jar from her and placed it on the table. Nelly fidgetted with the glass in her hand. She didn’t show any sign of speaking anytime soon. Stacy let her be. She continued sipping from her glass in comfortable silence.

A few moments passed. Stacy noticed the girl beside her was shaking. She turned her head to look at her. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She covered her mouth with her hand to muffle her sobs.

Stacy looked at her, not knowing what to do. She felt like there was something she had to do but she didn't know what it was. She simply sat there in silence.

Nelly reminded her of her younger self. She was not even ten years old when it happened. It was a quiet night in one of the many storage rooms in the Vipers’ clubhouse. She was squatting at one corner of the room, hugging her knees as she cried. She had to press herself into a ball, muffling her sobs. As she raised her head, she saw the moon through the broken window. It was such a beautiful night but the pain in her heart was unbearable.

There was also once when she was hiding in the bushes after losing her friend when they were running away. She felt so much but couldn't do anything to express them. All she did was curl back into herself, hiding quietly in the bushes as she bit her hand hard while her tears streamed down continuously.

Memories of that little crying girl flashed in her mind from scene to scene. The bush scene turned into a backstreet night, then it played out the foster parents’ home tragedy. The memories flashed until it came to an end at the fight that almost took her life. She saw the little girl turned into a young woman. The shaking body gradually calmed down and the tear-soaked face turned into an expressionless one.

What’d she expect from someone who’s beside her when she was crying?

Looks like she’d never find out.