Page 21 of Against All Odds

“What was what?” Kyle blinked, disoriented from the heated conversation. None of the other students seemed to have noticed anything – they were either still raging about the sewer leak or marched past with the pace of people with finals to study for.

“I thought I felt… something.” Raya frowned, her deep brown eyes zoning out for a moment. “Maybe I’m going crazy,” she muttered.

“Maybe you should stop taking stimulants, young lady,” I responded dryly, mocking the stern voice of a teacher despite knowing she couldn’t hear me.

But apparently, Raya could feel things others couldn’t.

That was good to know.

Chapter 9.

Raya

I was not having a good time tonight.

First of all, Kyle didn’t want to come to the bar with me – making me feel like I had a problem for trying to blow off some steam during exam week. Then, there was that disgusting sewer incident… but worst of all, the mention of Rebekah had sent me spiraling again.

And I’d been doing so well. I’d been distancing myself from her, burying myself in my exams and not reaching out, even though it hurt. Now she was on my mind again because Kyle had brought her up. That wasn’t my fault, and now, I deserved a little break. It was Friday night, after all.

And so, I crushed today’s last Ritalin pill along with some MDMA I’d found in the inside pocket of my jacket and snorted it all. Both substances would reach my bloodstream faster this way, but damn, did it burn like a motherfucker.

Obviously, I should stay away from Catchphrase for a while – because I was banned, but also because I’d rather jump off a cliff than run into Rebekah again. Luckily, though the city was rather small, there were a few nice bars where it was easy to meet new people – especially as a conventionally attractive young girl.

I was sitting at the bar, making awkward small talk with the bartenders while sipping a margarita to take the edge off. It wasn’t my first time coming to the bar alone, but still, I always felt uncomfortable at first. I knew it would get easier once the alcohol and pills kicked in.

Within five minutes, I finished my drink and went to order a new one.

A shock went through me when I tried to pay.

Card declined.

I laughed nervously, trying to mask the panic that rose in my chest. “That’s not possible. Let’s try again.”

“It says it right here, young lady.” The bartender’s lips pressed into a thin line as he showed me the display – declined again. “I’m so sick of people coming into my bar who don’t have their shit together.”

I stared at the display as if trying to will the numbers to change. How was this possible? Sure, I’d had to pay double rent, and that new bike wasn’t cheap either, but… really?

“I’m sorry, exam week. Stressful. Let me just take this drink and then I’ll go, okay?” Flashing him my brightest smile, I tried to grab the drink – but he snatched it from me, now clearly irritated.

“Who do you think you are?”

“It’s okay, I got it.” I flinched at a raspy voice behind me. I turned to see a sturdily built, balding man in his forties. Winking at me, he held up his card. “And make that two margaritas, please.”

The bartender looked so unamused, I briefly thought he would kick us both out. But then he shook his head and went to make the second cocktail.

I released the breath I was holding. “Thank you,” I reluctantly said to my savior. “Just so you know, I’m not broke. I’m a student, and—and due to some… unfortunate circumstances, I had to pay double rent this month and also buy a new bike.”

“No need to explain, princess. I’ve been a student before, quite some time ago.” He winked before sitting down on the barstool beside me. “My name is Peter.”

“Raya.” As the booze and the MDMA started to smooth the rough edges, I finally relaxed a little, and I smiled warmly back. Anxious Raya faded to the background as my shadow self closed in on me, whispering that it was okay.

I much preferred being her.

The hours faded into a blur of more margaritas, laughs that were a little too loud, and a pleasant tingling all over my body. I knew it was the MDMA, though Peter probably thought it was him – and why not leave him in the illusion?

Of course, it was only a matter of time before the words slipped out. “I could use some cocaine.”

Peter threw his head back laughing. “My, my, are you always like this?”