it's complicated ➵ a.g & m.c

6

I found myself in a small convenience store, buying a can of Coca Cola and a Hershey's bar

The cool breeze blew past my hair as I left the desolate shop, there must be at least one person around here

As I crossed the road, I came face to face with a mob of teenagers, all ganging round a hotel

Hotel

I pushed past several of the people, to try and reach the front desk to get a room with my remaining $35, it was worth a try

Many of the mob pushed back knocking me through the doors and into the lobby. I stumbled before coming face to face with a young woman behind the desk

"Good evening, can I help you?" she questioned, not bothering to make eye contact as she typed away on her computer

"I'd like a room for one, for one night please"

"$200" she mumbled. I looked at her shocked before looking at the measly $35 in my right hand

"$200 please" she repeated finally meeting my gaze

The people outside got louder and louder

"Miss, that's $200 please" she was getting fed up of me but I needed more money

"I don't have enough" I murmured, slightly embarrassed

"How much do you have?" she questioned, empathy evident in her voice

I placed the money I had onto the counter as she laughed loudly in my face, I could've cried of embarrassment

"$35! You couldn't even buy a basement room with that!" she sneered pushing the money closer to me "now go, I have paying customers that are waiting" she motioned behind me

I span around on my heel. My heart stopped. I felt sweat form at my hairline and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, my mouth was suddenly dry and my legs were shaking

A pair of green eyes met my gaze...

"You"

-

it all made sense; the people outside, the pricey rooms; they were here, staying here

"It's you!" the red haired boy repeated excitedly

"Y-yeah it's me" I stammered struggling to stand

"Come here!" he outstretched his arms for me to hug him. Hug

I took his offer and squeezed him tight

In that moment, I realised I didn't want anyone but him, in my eyes, no one would compare to him, he's perfect

"Are you staying here" he asked, I shrugged in return, embarrassed to tell him I never had enough money

"I only have $35" I released him from my arms, he sighed and took out $500 from his back pocket, kept by his tall, blonde companion

"Here" he placed it in my hand before kissing it. I heard a noise like a camera but shook it off, expecting it to be someone's phone outside

"Thankyou so much, you mean the world to me" I blurted, almost in tears

"I love you, you mean the world to me too" he handed me another note - but not money this time

He winked before exiting through the double doors where the groups were huddled around the entrance

He was gone. My whole world. Gone

"One night" I slammed some money on the desk. The receptionist lowered her head slightly before handing me the card with a pathetic attempt at a sympathetic smile