Sarah went quiet for a bit, then spoke. "Maybe give trusting him another shot? He claimed you as his on the playground, took care of the bully—shows he cares. Babe, live in the moment. Don't obsess over what might happen."
I opened my eyes, looking at her.
"You only suffer if you're not in the now. If you shut out every possibility because you're scared of the future, that's no way to live." Sarah was hammered, but her words made sense.
Yeah? Why not try? Hiding in my shell out of fear was just hurting myself.
"You're right, Sarah." I downed another shot. "I'm gonna do what I want. No more fear."
Sarah chugged hers too, letting out a loud burp.
The world spun; bar lights stretched into streaks. My stomach burned like fire, but it felt good—exciting.
"I... I gotta hit the bathroom." I stood, wobbly, feet like cotton.
"I'll come!" Sarah got up. She'd drunk more but moved steadier.
She steadied me as we headed toward the restroom.
But three thugs blocked our path. The leader had yellow-dyed hair, a scar across his face, eyes slimy as they roamed over us. Behind him, one with a buzz cut, another with a single earring. They cut us off completely.
"Hey, ladies? Wanna switch spots? We'll keep you company, make sure you have fun till dawn." Yellow Hair licked his lips, his grin disgusting.
"Move," I said right away.
"Feisty one." He stepped closer, his foul breath hitting my face—I nearly puked. "But the feistier, the more fun to break."
His buddies leered.
The bar's music pounded; people glanced over but looked away, ignoring us on purpose.
"Back off, can't you hear?" Sarah snapped, voice sharp.
"This one's in a short skirt, total slut. Look at her, dressed like that, begging for it," Buzz Cut eyed her legs and chest.
"Fuck you!" Sarah shoved him hard. "Watch your damn mouth!"
"Bitch!" Buzz Cut's face twisted. He grabbed her hair, yanking back.
Sarah screamed, stumbling.
"Sarah!" I lunged to help, but the booze slowed me, legs heavy.
"Don't worry, pretty thing. Me and my boys will take turns tonight." Yellow Hair gripped my wrist, pulling me into him. "You'll never forget it."
"Let go." I struggled, but he was too strong.
Fear sobered me up fast.
"Let go?" He sneered. "You'll be begging me not to stop soon."
Earring Guy went to Sarah, telling Buzz Cut, who was still yanking and cursing her, "Hold off on teaching this bitch a lesson. Let's drag 'em to the alley out back first."
Buzz Cut grumbled but let go; Earring grabbed Sarah's shoulder, ready to haul her out.
"Help!" I yelled at the drinkers around us. "Please, somebody help!"
No one moved. My heart sank.
