Hear me
Hear me
You gotta be out there
You gotta be somewhere
Wherever you are
I'm waiting
Cause there are these nights when
I sing myself to sleep
And hopin my dreams bring you close to me
Are you listening?
"Please Jenn..." Sara whined, "It's my 21st Birthday, you HAVE to take me out!"
Jenn turned around with a frown on her face, "It's not your birthday, not anymore anyways."
Both stood there in silence, not sure what to say. Sara let out a deep sigh, "We can't hide forever Jenn, we are supposed to act like normal people. Lets just go out to dinner then, no Birthday stuff, please."
Jenn knew that she was being unfair, but the unsafe feeling that devoured her daily was not dissipating as time wore on as she had hoped. It had been over a year, but it still felt like it happened yesterday. She shook the thoughts out of her head and gave Sara a nod.
"You're right, I'm sorry lets go out tonight...AND...we will celebrate your birthday. You deserve it, hell WE deserve it."
Sara let out a squeal and wrapped Jenn in a big hug. "This will be so much fun, just like old times." Sara said with a smile. "OH GOD, I have to find something to wear!" She quickly ran off to her room to get ready.
Jenn leaned back against the counter and set down the towel that she had been drying dishes with. "Yeah, just like old times..."
****
*Just over a year ago*
It was late in the afternoon and Jenn had just gotten out of her final class for the day. She was in her final year of graduate school, studying to be a photographer. Opening the door to her and Sara's apartment, she dropped her books on the coffee table.
Sara, Jenn's roommate, was due home within the next hour. Sara was in her 2nd year of college, studying to be an actress. She had been in a few commercials as a teen, and was bit by the acting bug.
Jenn and Sara were childhood friends, growing up on the same block. When Jenn graduated High School, she headed to NYC for college. Once Sara graduated, within one week she was moving into Jenn's apartment and registering for classes at NYU.
For the past year, Jenn had been dating one of her co-workers. Jason was working as a cook at the TGI Friday's Jenn was a waitress at. Jason soon introduced Sara to his friend Mark, and the two hit if off immediately.
Tonight, Jenn and Sara made plans to surprise them with a wonderful evening. Once Sara got home they planned on going to Jason's place to begin their night on the town.
Neither of them were expecting to wind up in the police station two hours later, as witnesses to a murder. A murder by the hands of Jason and Mark.
****
*Present Day*
"...So by next week I have to do a 20 minute Monologue about a lesbian." Sara said as she stirred her drink with her straw.
Jenn couldn't help but laugh, "Now THAT'S entertainment!"
"Oh hush." Sara quickly followed, "OK...it IS kinda funny."
Jenn subconsciously tugged on the ever present scarf that was fashionably wrapped around her neck. A loud cheering was heard from one of the private rooms. "I wonder what's going on in there..." She wondered out loud.
Sara sadly watched as Jenn fidgeted with the scarf. Reaching across the table she grasped Jenn's hand. "You don't always have to wear that you know."
Jenn lifted her eyes to meet Sara's. "Yes Sara, I do..." She said softly. "Can we please not have this conversation again."
"I just worry about you..."
"You don't need to worry about me, I need to be worrying about you..."
"Don't start that shit Jenn. Just because you're older doesn't mean you need to be responsible for me. I just turned 21, I'm not the naive teenager I once was." Sara was trying to keep her voice low, but it was beginning to rise.
"Can we just drop this, we are here to celebrate, not have the same argument we have every day. Please..." Jenn asked biting her bottom lip.
Sara let out a sigh, "Fine, so umm...what are you gonna order to eat?" Sara began to read over her menu again.
Thirty minutes later they were nearly done with their meals. Conversation was minimal, but the tension between the two had decreased.
"This was a great place Sar, we should try to make this like a weekly thing." Jenn suggested as she removed the napkin from her lap.
Sara couldn't help but to smile at this. "I think that's a great idea."
Jenn slowly began to stand up, "I'll be right back, need to use the facilities."
"Hurry back!" Sara said as she skimmed over the desert menu.
Jenn quickly made her way to the restroom and stopped at the mirror. Placing her hands flat on the counter and looking down, she took in a shaky breath. Her mind was swimming. There were too many emotions running through her, and it was almost too much.
"You have to be strong." She said, looking up at her reflection. After a few moments of just staring she realized she needed to get back out to her friend. Pushing away from the counter, she headed for the door.
She hadn't even gone one step before someone came crashing into her, sending her to the ground.
"OH GOD! I'm so sorry!" The man quickly said as he reached down to help her up.
Jenn was startled to say the least, she felt herself beginning to shake a bit. Grasping his hand, she allowed him to help her up. "I...it's ok." She said looking up to his face. His eyes had captivated her almost immediately, but she shook her head to break the gaze.
His eyes were now beginning to search her for any injuries, "No, it's not ok. I can't believe I ran into you like that. Are you ok...umm?"
Jenn felt the blush coming to her cheeks from the attention he was giving her. No man had looked her over this hard since... "Jenn, my name is Jenn. And yes, I'm fine. Maybe a little bruised, but that's no biggie." Then she noticed that he still had a firm grip on her hand, and she couldn't help but feel her heartbeat quicken.
He kept his grip on her hand and a smile came across his face. "Well I'm Kevin." He began to shake her hand, then finally allowed himself to let go of her. "Are you here with someone?"
"Um, yeah. Actually with my sister Sara. She's probably worried about me by now. So I should probably get back to her."
Kevin shifted his feet a bit. "I still feel really bad for knockin you to the ground like that. So how about I treat you and your sister to a cocktail, or even desert. We're kind having a birthday party for some friends in the room over there. I won't take no for an answer either." He finished with a smile.
"You really don't have to, we are actually here celebrating her 21st birthday today. I really need to get back to the table so we can order desert." Jenn said trying to turn in the direction to get back to her table. She was stopped when Kevin gently grabbed her shoulder.
"Even more the reason to join us. We have this huge cake, and..." Kevin was suddenly interrupted when a lively brunette came running from around the corner.
"JENN!!! God, I was worried, are you..." Sara stopped dead in her sentence when her eyes landed on the man that was next to her friend. "Why HEELLLOOOO there." Sara quickly stuck her hand out to the man, who gladly shook it in return. "Now I see what kept my sister from me. So Jenn, are you gonna introduce him."
Jenn shifted a bit, "Sara this is Kevin, Kevin, this is my sister Sara. And we should really get back to our table."
"Oh no, why rush." Sara held a huge smile. "So Kevin, what were you and my sister discussing without including me." Sara felt the gaze from Jenn burning into her, but hey, it was her birthday.
Kevin was relieved that her sister had shown up, now maybe he'd be able to actually convince them to join them in the other room. He didn't know why he wanted her in there so badly, he just seemed drawn to her in some way. "Actually, I was just inviting the two of you to join us. I hear birthday congratulations are in order."
If possible Sara's smile grew at that, "Oh, why thank you so much."
"And, I would also like to be the first person to buy you a drink. If you care to allow me the pleasure." Suddenly the thought of a drink reminded Kevin of just why he was in such a rush in the first place, he needed to pee, badly.
"Well I would be delighted." Sara replied. "We will just go and settle our bill and meet you back here in a few minutes, sound good?"
Soon Kevin was relieving himself in the men's room, and Sara was dragging Jenn back to the table.
"I can't believe you just invited us along. I...he..." Jenn stammered.
Sara pulled out some cash from her purse and laid it down on the table. "I didn't invite us along, HE invited US. It sounds like it will be fun."
"I...I just don't know Sar. This is like...the first time since..." Jenn ran her fingers nervously threw her hair.
"Well, no time like the present. I really wanna do this Jenn, please..." Sara finished by sticking her bottom lip out.
Jenn let out a sigh and rolled her eyes, "Ok, you really didn't need to do that. But, fine...whatever. Who am I to stop you on your birthday."
"I know we won't regret this. And if they all turn out to be blood sucking vampires, then we can leave." She said with a goofy smile.
"Lead the way."
****
Two hours later, the cake was being cut. Sara had no problem being sure she was included in the birthday festivities, since it was actually her birthday unlike the other two. This party was being held in-between AJ and Nick's birthdays, so there would only have to be one party.
"...HAPPPY BIRTHDAY...TOOOOOO YOUUUUUUU!!!" The song finished and the room was filled with cheers as the three blew out the candles. Sara was so happy to be having this much fun on her birthday and it shown on her face.
Jenn sat quietly watching her "sister" from the corner of the room. Sure, she was having a good time, but she felt like she needed to keep an eye on Sara. There was just to many guys in the room and it made her really nervous. Kevin had done a good job of dancing a bit with her, and that kept her mind off of everything for a few minutes. But he had gone to record the cake moments, and that left Jenn by herself.
Sara found herself smitten with Kevin's cousin, Brian. He was just so charming, and not to mention cute. Quickly, grabbing two pieces of cake, she made her way back over to her new friend. "I thought I'd bring you some cake."
Brian watched as she put the plate down in front of him, "Why thank you. I got you another drink while you were up there too." Brian pointed to the full glass of strawberry daiquiri.
Sara's eyes widened as she put the straw in her mouth and took a big sip. "God, I love this stuff!"
"I can tell." Brian said with a laugh. "That’s like your fourth one."
"Ha! More like sixth!" Sara replied with a giggle. "I think you're trying to liquor me up."
"I would never do such a thing. You're doing that all on your own."
Sara's face brightened up as she suddenly got an urge. "Dance with me!" She said grabbing Brian's hand then making their way to the dance area.
"There you are."
Jenn jumped in surprise at Kevin's deep penetrating voice. "Here I am." Jenn replied plainly, hoping he didn't notice her jump.
Kevin sat down next to her, "I didn't mean to startle you. I don't think I'm that scary lookin." He showed half a smirk.
Jenn felt some of the liquor she had drank allowing her to smile a little at him. "I don't know...those eyebrows look like they could do some damage."
Kevin feigned hurt, "Now that was a shot below the belt, going after my eyebrows like that." Kevin then turned to face the mirror that was behind them that circled the whole room. "I like them just fine." He finished as he wiggled his eyebrows to himself.
Jenn couldn't help but laugh at the sight in front of her. "Wow Kevin, I think you're a special one."
Kevin turned to look at her once more, "You are just full of them tonight aren't ya."
"I always try to stay on my toes."
"I think that was on invitation." Kevin said as he stood up.
"An invitation?" Jenn said looking up at the tall man.
Kevin reached down and grabbed her hand to pull her up, "Why an invitation to dance."
Jenn didn't even get the chance to argue as she was suddenly swept out of her spot and taken quickly to the dance floor. "Do I not get a say in this?"
"Ummm...." Kevin pretended to think for a moment. "No."
At the sight of Kevin's smile, Jenn knew that she would be unable to deny him.
As they reached the dance floor, as slow song started playing. Jenn wasn't really sure if she'd be comfortable with a slow dance with a man she had just met only hours ago, in front of a public restroom.
Kevin seemed to notice the hesitation in her eyes, leaning down close to her ear he whispered, "I promise to be gentle." A small smirk shown on his face.
Jenn gave a slight nod as she allowed her body to softly press against his as they began to sway to the music. Jenn felt her body began to relax in his hold, as much as she was afraid of him, she couldn't help but feel drawn to him.
When the song was over, a much more upbeat song began to play. Jenn didn't feel up to the fast paced dance and asked Kevin if it was alright if they went back to their seats.
As Kevin lead her over to their table the sound of an all to familiar voice rang through the room causing Kevin to cringe. Kevin let out a sigh, "Of course we couldn't get through this without her making a scene."
Jenn looked over at the woman who was making such a ruckus. "Who is she?"
Kevin looked over to the table that held both the birthday boys, both of them total engrossed in the blonde that stood before them. "That's Lori, she's ummm...an acquaintance."
Both of them watched as Lori began to give Nick and AJ a bit of a strip tease to the music of Christina Agulara's "Dirrty".
"An acquaintance huh? Seems more like a stripper to me." Jenn said with a laugh.
Kevin let out a laugh, "One would think, but actually, she’s a long time friend of the two. She just likes to ummm...entertain."
Jenn raised her eyebrows a bit as she saw Lori beginning to give AJ a form of a lap dance, "Yea, I would say so." Jenn let her gaze fall away from that as she began to scan the crowd for Sara.
After a few minutes of scanning and not finding her friend she began to feel panic well up in her chest. Reaching over she placed a hand on Kevin's shoulder. "Have you seen Sara?"
Kevin made a quick scan of the room and noticed he couldn’t see either Sara or Brian. "Umm...no I sure don't. Maybe they just stepped out for a few."
Jenn quickly stood up grasping her purse. "I have to find her!" Jenn said, her eyes wide and breath coming in quick gasps.
Kevin also stood up and grasped Jenn's hand. "Just take it easy, I'm sure she's around here somewhere."
" YOU DONT UNDERSTAND!" Jenn said loudly, tears prickling her eyes. "I HAVE to find her!" Jenn harshly pulled out of Kevin's grasp and ran at the doors.
Jenn suddenly stopped dead in her tracks. "OH GOD, SARA!"
Author's Chapter Notes:
I have a few chapters finished...just looking to see if people like this idea...so please review and let me know if you want more!
Thanks
Jenn
Thanks
Jenn
