Starting Over

Chloe at Dominic's

What am I getting myself into? I wondered as I sat in the backseat of a black Towncar next to Violet, who punched furiously into her phone. It'd been ten days since I started living under Izaak's stupid rules, and for the first time, I savored the taste of freedom, feeling rebellious and liberated. Too many restrictions had me grasping for chaos in any way possible, so when Violet bolted from the paintball game, my natural urge was to follow. Nevermind that the purple-haired brat was high as a kite. She needed a partner in crime, and frankly, so did I.

"They won't fucking leave me alone," she griped at me. "Always talkin' about Gabe, but what the fuck good is he gonna do me? I don't wanna stop partyin', ya know? Life is too short. Too many regrets already, I don't want more. Molly needs to shut the fuck up, and Toby needs to dump this hoe already. I don't get what he sees in her. Do you think she's pretty?"

No use in answering. As soon as I opened my mouth, she kept going.

"She's using him for something, but I'm not sure what. Can't believe that bitch laid on me." She eased up her shirt to show three purple bruises in perfect circles, wincing as she touched them. "And Toby had the nerve to get mad at me. Fuck him, yo. And all those bitches." Releasing her shirt, Violet looked up at me. Her eyes were glossy like she was ready to cry. "I'm gonna take you to a place in my old hood... it's my high school hangout. Honestly, if Gabe knew I was back there, he'd kick my ass more than Izaak's gonna kick yours for comin' with me tonight."

Eek, that kind of made my stomach twist into knots. A vision of Izaak's glare flickered into my mind. Not that I had a specific rule about going out, but during his month-long... whatever it was... he preferred being in control of my every move. Exactly why I needed this time with Violet right now.

"Oh well, as you said earlier about Toby, he'll get over it."

That's what I wanted to think, too, but then I glanced down at my phone to see the three messages I'd ignored from my roommate:

4:32pm: Where did you go?

4:47pm: Please be safe, don't do anything crazy.

4:52pm: I'm glad you're being friendly with Violet, but be careful. And remember we're still having a discussion tonight about your smoking.

Groaning, I answered with my future location and assured him I'd be home before sunrise. Then I tucked my phone back away (on do not disturb) because I'd rather ask for forgiveness than permission.

It was happy hour when we arrived at Dominic's, a grimy second-floor lounge nestled between a liquor store and boarded up pawn shop. Most of the patrons were around my age, long unnatural-colored hair, covered with piercings and tattoos. Heavy music blasted on the speakers, distorted guitars with screaming vocals and pounding drums. A bar sat in the center, neon lights causing the wood to shine red, and a middle-aged man stood behind it, chatting up a group of bikers. When we approached, he gave my new friend a dirty look.

"Two mojitos for my tab." Violet grinned at the bartender who didn't seem half as amused as she.

He flipped the towel over his shoulder and shook his head. "Your tab is gettin' up there, chamaca. We're gonna have to cut you off."

"Aw come on, bro. Put it on Vic's then," she said with a laugh, patting him on the arm.

Lips pressed together in irritation, he started making the drinks, poking in the straws and sliding the glasses towards us. When she reached to grab it, he took ahold of her wrist. "After this, no more until you pay some of your shit off. Entendido? Bring me your first poker winnings."