Hanging Out Alone

[» Exodus]

"Really? I'm glad," Ryan said with a dazzling smile. He was really enjoying the drink himself. He knew that they were short drinks, though, and savoured it. Whereas outside it was pretty cold, in here it was wonderfully warm and Ryan was glad to be able to remove his jacket. Tonight, he was wearing a casual shirt and some jeans. Of course, if he had known he would be meeting a girl he wouldv'e dressed up more. He had expected to have a drink by himself, maybe exchanging a few words with the barman. This was much more his cup of tea. He watched Stephanie for a few moments. He actually knew very little about her, he realised, even though he already felt that they were almost friends. He would have put her younger than him, which was a relief. Leaning forward a little, he enquired,"So, what brings you to this town in the first place, Steph?"

[krista]

"Well, in the town I was in last year was where I had lived all my life with my two brothers and sister. We lost our parents in a bad house fire. I took over on looking after all of us and we moved here. One brother lives at his job, the other brother might end up moving into my place. Same with my younger sister. I've been taking care of their dogs for them" said Stephanie. She hadn't talked about her parents for two months. But she was over it a bit. But felt as if it was her fault. She fittled with her glass.

[» Exodus]

Ryan was pretty shocked to hear of her past, and ferlt a bit bad for bringing it up. He had expected a story similar to his own; that she had come simply to find a life, a job, and get away from her parents. However, she had no parents to get away from anymore. He felt a pang of pity, and reached out to touch her hand."Sounds like you've been through a lot. I'm sorry I mentioned it." He gave her a sympathetic smile, and withdrew his hand, his skin tingling. Drinking the last of his drink, he ran a hand through his hair. Then, he glanced at his watch. It was already 11:15."Sorry, but I'm gonna have to go.. do you want a lift in a taxi?"

[krista]

" Sure that would be good. I really need to get home to my dogs right now. They haven't been let outside yet" saud Stephanie. She finished her drink and felt a bit better about herself. Her hand tingled a bit but then she gave him a small smile.

[» Exodus]

"Okay, great. One minute.." Ryan rewarded the barman with osme money from the wallet in his jeans pocket. Even though it was quite expensive, he didn't mind since he didn't drink every night and it had sort of been a special occasion. He picked up his jacket, which was hanging over the back of his seat. Then, he leaned over to the barman and requested him to order a taxi."Thanks," he said as the man announced it would be arriving soon. Then he turned to Stephanie."Ready?" he asked with another smile. He stood up, and lead the way to the door and outside, glancing back to make sure Stephanie was still behind him.

[krista]

Stephanie was still right behind him. She was smarter than other would think. But she forgot that her younger brother had gotten a stallion which was blind. She had to help him the next day. But she had forgotten she had drove her truck to the club that night. It didn't matter she met a guy thats what mattered to her at the moment because she was having a really good time. She just wished she still had her parents around encase she needed help with money.
But she didn't have them around anymore. That hurt her heart right then. She did her best and hid it behind a small smile.

[» Exodus]

Ryan pushed open the door, and was surprised by the rush of cool evening air. After the warmth of the club, the outside world seemed too dark and cold in comparison. He held the door for Stephanie, then hailed a taxi, leaning into the window to give the drvier the destinations. Then, he opened the back door and held it so that Stephanie could get in first. Even though he was just a simple American, he could at least remember some etiquette from when his father used to slap him on the knuckles for being impolite. He returned Stephanie's smile, although she seemed far away all of a sudden. Reaching out, he put an arm casually around her shoulders to help her into the back of the taxi and out of the cold night air.

[krista]

Stephanie took the jesture after a few minutes. She got into the taxi forgetting all about her truck. But knew she would remember in the morning. She would have her brother get it for her. She sat in the taxi and looked at her hands which seemed to be shaking slightly. So she put her hands together on her lap hoping to stop shaking soon. She hated being so nervous. She had gotten nervous a bit now. She hated it so much. She blushed a little bit. But she didn't know she was until now.

[» Exodus]

Ryan climbed into the taxi, noting that Stephanie suddenly seemed quieter."Are you okay?" he asked, concern on his face. He didn't want her to think he was doing anything except giving her a lift home. As the taxi pulled away from his club, he marvelled at what a great evening he'd had. He couldn't wait to get out into the town a bit more, and find some good places to hang out and find friends.

[krista]

Stephanie looked at him." Yeah I'm fine its just that I kind of have a rough time talking about my parents. But I felt a bit upset about talking about them tonight. Its nothing to do with anything else" said Stephanie. She really couldn't handle talking about her parents at all. But she had a good time since she met him.