Well, I don't have much to say. Just read to find out. And Listen to the song 'Situations' by Escape the Fate. This chapter title is inspired by the song. All my titles will have to do with that band because i'm and ETF fanatic...but back to relevant matters

CLARE POV ONLY

Clare – 18

Eli – 20

The wintry air ascended the underground subway train station. Graffiti plastered the cold concrete walls, and the atmosphere smelled of urine, and damp cement. The cheap lanterns resting on the ceilings glowed dimly, and lit the extensive tunnel. The penniless citizens sat on benches or corners; coughing asthmatic wheezes, and urgently begging regular people for change. From my aspect, it was the normal scene for a common New Yorker here in the city, but for others, the outlook was heartbreaking.

My heels clinked and echoed against the solid floor through the subway. I rushed down the next flight of stairs to reach a lower destination. I wore a dark blue jean skirt that didn't even reach my knees; with beige stockings; Leather high heeled boots, elevated around my knees. A white coat wrapped my upper body comfortably keeping me absolutely warm with a scarf hugging my neck. The only skin exposed was my small hands and my face.

Once I've found myself in the designated area, where my train should be arriving in mere minutes; I pulled out my cell phone to look at the time. 9:58. I still had time to get to my night job. I quickly decided to make a call to check up on him.

RING – RING –RING

"Hi! Edwards's residence" A cute adolescent voice answered graciously. I smiled whole-heartedly.

"Hey sweetie, just calling to make sure your okay" I said sweetly.

"Auntie Clare! I'm great. Guess what. Today in school we worked on Christmas cards, and I made one just for you! When are you coming home?"

My smile softly faded. "That's sweet baby boy, but I'll be working late again…"

The line stood silent for a moment. I hated nights like this, it was almost every night too. I had to leave my 9 year old nephew alone at the apartment; I became his guardian since Darcy disappeared. Since my whole family vanished into thin air. The only family I had left to love was Daniel.

"Daniel, don't be sad. I'm sorry. You know how my boss is. I'd be there with you, but I have to provide some kind of roof and food for you. I'm doing this for you"

"Fine." He said adoringly.

"That's my boy! I'll call Adam to go over. He'll bring you some food. And don't-"

"I know, I know. Don't open the door for strangers…Hey Auntie Clare?" He said timidly.

"Yes Daniel?"

"I love you" My heart warmed, and I smiled inwardly.

"I love you too. I'll be home soon." I reassured him. The call was disconnected, and I slid the phone into my pocket. Daniel thought I was working late at a diner; I wished I actually worked at one, instead of this dreadful world of labor I was introduced to.

I heard the faint ricochet of a train, the sound of screeching from the wheels against the iron train tracks. The ruckus moved in closer; beginning to sound like a herd of stampeding rhinos; the earth beneath me vibrating. I turn my head to the direction of the sound, and see a white light flashing from a distance, heading closer towards me. The train rushes to a stop, causing wind to gust my short curly locks. The automatic metal doors open, and people pour out of the train from both sides of the platform. Once de-flooded, I walk towards the doors, and was momentarily shoved by a dark figure right at the door way, going in before me. How rude. I thought to myself.

"Sorry" I heard a mutter. A man- very handsome man, dressed in all black turned around with his hand clinging onto the metal pole for support as the train began to move. I slowly walked over to an empty seat and sat down, feeling relieved I wasn't in the freezing weather anymore. I had a gut feeling something, or someone was watching me closely. I look around and again, I am met with the gorgeous man who bumped into me. I was met with his intense emerald eyes; seemingly to be looking at me. He had short jet black hair, flattened on his scalp, with fringe side bangs, covering his forehead that was met right above his eyebrows.

I unlocked my blue-eyed gaze from his and roamed down his taller, fair built body. He wore a lengthy black jacket along with black skinny jeans. He looked about the age range of 18-20. This man had a majestic appeal to him, that I couldn't rip my eyes away from his gorgeous facade. I look back up to see his jade eyes doing the same as I did; wandering my exterior. The look in his eyes as he ogled my looks was unexplainable, yet desirable at the same time. I didn't even know this man, and I was basically raping him with my mind; but from the looks of it I can tell he was too.

The train finally came to a stop- my stop. I quickly got up, and took another look at the attractive green-eyed guy. My heart began pulsating as I found my eyes with his, his gape fixed on me. I bit my lip shyly, and walked his direction to exit the Steele vehicle, I glance at him one more time and I swear I could see a smirk arise from his full plump lips.

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New York City. Some may describe it as Exciting, thrilling, beautiful- and the adjectives could go on. Yes, this is true about the City Of Lights, but evil lurks in the unknown. You can't really see it. The only way you can see it is close up and personal; like the only way to see bacteria is through a microscopic telescope. And it ain't pretty.

I stroll my way through the semi-overcrowded sidewalks; yellow taxi's and other vehicles stuck in traffic jams. The lights from signs, electronic billboards, traffic lights, lamp posts, and the moon radiated the city amongst the tall buildings and the gloomy dark night. All may seem fun and energetic, but where I was headed was my every-day life I call hell.

I make my way down the sinister alley way, between two buildings. A disgusting dumpster and dark trash bags can be seen from a squinting view; but my eyes are on the door, of the right side wall. Once I reach the door, my knuckles bang heavily against the metal barrier. I wait, hearing the faint noise of erotic music. The door is finally swung open, and unfortunately it had to be him.

"Hey sexy, you're on in 30 minutes" His raspy voice informed me. He pulled me gently. I was fairly relieved that I was liberated from the freezing cold. He led me to the dressing rooms where all the other females got ready, and disappeared. I sat down on one of the chairs in front of the wide ranged mirror; that had lights bordering all around it. I began unwrapping my scarf, and disposing of my coat.

"Finally you're here. Fitz was all over the place about you" Said Alli. She stood behind me looking at me through the mirror's reflection. She had a heavy amount of makeup, and her hair was down and wavy; she had on a pink and black mesh corset, with matching pink underwear. Pink fishnets rose to her upper thigh, with straps attaching to her lace pink panties; and pink open toed stilettos to give it a rather sexier look. Alli Bhandari- Better known for her stage name 'Backwoods Bhandari' is my closest, real friend in this sleazy business. We look out for each other; you never know where danger may lurk. She even knows why I'm doing this. Why, I work for him.

"Yea, he just let me in. Seemed happy to see me." I said, while pulling out a makeup bag from a drawer. I grabbed the eyeliner first and gently began applying some. 'Fitzgerald Hot Strip' is owned by no one other than Mark Fitzgerald. But, this club is just a cover-up for his real 'business'. Fitz is a whore master. Makes his profits from the prostitutes he owns and manages. The strip Club is how he makes his other profits; but the difference is the strippers don't have debts with him.

"He's always calm when you're around."

I rolled my eyes, as I finished applying eyeliner. I added more make up as Alli and I chattered. Once I finished clowning myself up, I pull out my corresponding outfit that was picked out for me tonight. I walked behind the foldable vintage wall, to quickly change. I threw on a black long sleeved fence net cami top; transparent enough to see everything. I covered up my nipples with diamond accessories. I slid off my skirt and dragged up lavender hip hugger, booty shorts, with frills that made it seemingly look like a tiny mini-skirt. I slipped on some knee high socks, and black stilettos.

After cladding myself in uncomfortable provocative lingerie, I headed back towards the dressing room, and sat back down in front of the mirror. I stared at myself in disgust. This is what I've become since then? I was such a smart student, and I've deprived myself to this! I've been doing this for about 8 months now, since they departed; became extinct. And Fitz now manipulates me because of it…

"Now put your hands together for the wonderful Madame Degrassi!" A gleeful male voice boomed through the walls. It was my turn. After a decent amount of experience, I still became anxious before every show. It wasn't exactly the most pleasant thing to do. I felt sexy of course; and I was a very lean young lady, so that wasn't the problem. This is just not me. And I'm not proud of this.

I stand behind the curtains, and brush through them; putting up my sexy front. The aura is the same as always; Horny drunk men. The smoke of cigarettes is in the air giving the club a foggy vision. The odor was always unpleasant; always smelling of sex. This was also a promiscuous whore house as well. I merely revolt of having to expose my body to these animals.

Spotlight was on me, and the monkey's cheered untamed for their master to give them what they want. My hips sway to the rhythm of the exotic melody that began to play. I seductively walk up to the metal rod in the center of the stage, and cling on it expertly. Swinging around it playfully; landing on my heels again, I lift my leg up and swerve it around the pole, dropping down sensuously; earning a few whistles and 'yea baby' here and there. I gag on the inside.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

After my performance, I walk to the dressing rooms hurriedly, needing to get out of this repulsive wear. I shove my cash into my purse and nearly rip off the clothing. I felt a weight lifted off as I was back in my normal clothes. I search the table piled with makeup composition, until I find wipes. I face the mirror and gently wipe off the pounds of makeup.

"You have talent Clare" I gasp at the sudden voice.

"Fitz, you scared me. And I wouldn't really call myself talented in that manner" I sigh.

His lips begin to ghost my neck, and he breaths warm air against it. He inhales. "You're so soft. And so innocent. You flaunt all your goods, but never give them. I've missed you baby" He whispers.

I gulp nervously. I've talked to him about this multiple times. "Fitz, we had a deal. I'm not sleeping with you again." I retorted, taking out some money and slapping it in his hand.

He huffed angrily against my neck; and I whimpered when he grabbed my face forcefully making me look at him. "You'll give in one day doll face. I promise you. After all I've put you through…" He said nastily. Fitz crushed an oblige kiss against my lips, with his chapped dry ones; A rigid un-meaningful kiss. And with that he took off. I swept my arms across my mouth trying to wipe away his horrific germs. Such a fucking ass, bringing up the past like that. Gross, he tasted like cigarette. I bet that green-eyed guy would have a much more pleasant taste. What am I thinking? I will probably never see him ever again.

I sigh and pull out my phone. 2:50. Damn, it's almost three. I throw on my coat and head out of the club. The city is calmer than the day time of course. I meet up with Alli as usual in the Ally way. After work we normally go out to a diner to grab a bite. As we pace to the Diner, we chatter mindlessly, until we arrive. The diner had that comfortable 80's vibe to it. Different colored tiled floors; with a jukebox on one corner. The front counter was a long table, which resembles to a bar, with round stools that spin. We both grab a seat at the front counter and grab a menu.

"Do you know the infamous Morty D'Amico?" She asked while skimming through her menu. I look up at her, confused why she would ask such a random, irrelevant question.

"Never heard of him. Why do you ask?" I reply

She shrugged her shoulders and I look back at my menu, finally deciding on what I was going to order. "Over heard Fitz talking about doing business with him. He's known for his trafficking. Owns a profitable corporation" she said rubbing her fingers together, gesturing the sign of money.

"Drug trafficking?" I ask curiously

She closed her menu and put it down. "Probably; but he was talking about a hit man. Something about people getting in the way of his 'production'" Alli smacks the silver bell a few times next to her to grab a waiter's attention.

"Men are so obsessive with their property…" I disclose shaking my head.

A lady with a white and pink apron steps out from the back. "How may I help you two ladies" the middle aged woman asks in a deep southern accent. We both order our meals, and watch the lady disappear back through the doors.

"So, about this Morty guy, what's in it for him?" I question suddenly interested. If Fitz can make high earnings from this guy, I'll free myself sooner from this job.

"The sex probably" She states confidently.

I arch my eyebrow. "For sex? Really? What's happening to the men on the face of this earth?" I ask jokingly. Alli giggles.

About ten minutes later our food is ready. Alli and I enjoy our meal, and talk meaninglessly. I actually liked the feeling of a real friendship. And Alli has proven that to me over the months since we met at work.

After our meal we pay and walk out of the Diner. Alli flails her arms in the air while the other one attaches to her mouth, and she blows forming a whistle sound. A yellow Taxi appears in seconds and she opens the door. "See you tomorrow?" she asks. I nod. "Be safe girly ok" She says, with a soft smile and vanishes into the cab. I sigh heavily and a ball of visible air forms. I begin walking through the dark streets of the city, going for the subway station yet again. I just wanted to get to my apartment and see my little Daniel. He'd probably be asleep right now, and Adam possibly already left.

I curve around the corner and pass an ally way; right next to the underground entrance of the subway. I notice a group of men conversing loudly; and oddly shaking hands, giving each other hugs. I already knew what they were up to. Common sense if you live around here to know enough. I dash pass the illegal activity and down under the earth. The tunnels were merely empty. There was at least one or two people covered in newspapers asleep on benches. I felt pity for them so I dropped a few coins in one of their money jars.

I heard a faint echo, not a train, but footsteps. I turn and look around cautiously to see if anyone else was sneaking around. Everything was isolated, dead. I shrugged it off; I was worrying myself too much. I walked to the consistent platform and plopped myself comfortably on one of the benches, waiting for the next train.

Fwap! Fwap! Fwap!

More tympanic steps roared throughout the man-made cavern. My eyes investigate the area, examining my surroundings; finding the source to the nuisance sound. I grew uneasy when the noise once again faded. 'Calm down Clare, it's nothing. You're such a worry wart!'

After minutes of anticipating and convincing myself I was safe, I felt an unpleasant companionship over my shoulders. I peek from the corner of my eye to detect a shadowy figure. My eyes grew wide. I wanted to run, and yell; turn around and defend myself. But I couldn't. My body wouldn't allow me. This was it; I've come to an end.

"Don't be scared" I trembled frighteningly when a man spoke, as I shot up from the bench. I reversed my body and looked behind me, to be met with the ravishing, young man, with the leafy green eyes that screamed so risqué. I lay my hand over my heart, becoming at ease that it was just him. His optical eyes scanned me; he had the same look in his eyes; of want and thirst…for me? The thought of this raced my heart at intense speeds. No, it can't be. I don't even know this guy.

"Are you always this quiet?" he spoke again, witty. His voice was so…sexy.

"Do you always stalk girls you bump into at train stations?" I retorted feisty. I don't even know where that came from.

"Whoa there pretty lady, just asking. You looked lonely, scared actually" He said coolly. "A girl like you shouldn't be roaming these dangerous areas at a time like this" he added.

I felt a heat rise in my chest, and any chills I felt from the cold weather disappeared. I suddenly felt a little warm. "Wh-what do you mean a girl like me?"

He snickered. "Have you looked in the mirror lately?" he eyeballed me sensually, giving me that panty-burning look again. I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my blush from his compliment. I cleared my throat.

"So…what brings you back here at such a time?" I asked trying to kill the thick tension.

He arched his eyebrow. "I finished working a late shift" he stated carefully, as if he were trying to choose his words wisely. "You?"

"Same thing, working late nights" He nodded his head understandingly.

The vibrating beneath us began as we heard the train nearing, and finally charged to a stop. We both walked over to the train, and this time he let me in first; and I could feel him marveling me from behind with his eyes. I sat down, and he sat across from me as the train began to proceed. "You take the train often?" he asks.

"I guess you could say that. It's my only way of transportation…you?"

"Once in a while, when things have to be done…underground. I have a car of my own" He replies, once again with mystery in his response. I just nod my head and he leans back in his seat throwing his head back and closing his eyes exhaustedly. I couldn't help but to stare at him. I watch his Adams apple move as he gulps, and trace his perfect jaw line with my eyes. Where has this man been hiding? He is absolutely breath taking.

The train stops moving and reaches my stopping point. The beautiful man opened his eyes and stood before me, exiting with me.

"Are you following me?" I tease.

He smirks that smirk again... "How do I know you aren't following me?" he teases back. I raise my left eyebrow challengingly, and he just chuckles. We escape the subway tunnels, and are above ground in another half of this extraordinary city.

"So, I have to go this way…I didn't catch your name though"

"Eli- and you?"

"I'm Clare" I say while sticking out my arm so he can shake it.

He stares at it and I suddenly feel stupid. I'm caught off guard when he gently grabs my hand and brings it up to his full crooked lips and plants a light kiss on it. I bite my lip and instantly blush. I thanked the heavens it was nighttime so he wouldn't notice.

"It's a pleasure. I hope to see you around sometime again" He says smoothly. He winked and I turned around walking the opposite direction, and headed towards my apartment.

'I hope to see him around too' I thought to myself.

Well there you have it. I've been waiting for ever to finally start this story. It's definitely something different. And my chapters will be about this long, maybe a little longer. So they will be lengthy.

As for my other story 'This Love is Bittersweet', I'm almost done with it, so I can focus on this one.

Please leave me reviews, to know if I should continue with this or not. It's really dark, and very MATURE. That's why it's M for a reason.

6 reviews = UPDATE!