- No Leo you don't get it.

- I'm pretty sure I get it Aurora, you want me gone. Outta your life, Right?

- No Leo that's not what I want, but it's safer for both of us.

A tear ran down my face.

- I have to go Leo I'm already late.

I took a step towards the door that led out of Leo and my dingy apartment. Leo grabbed my forearm. Hard. I stopped in my tracks. The immense pain from his extremely tight grip started to kick in.

- Oi, Leon let go.

He didn't release my arm. I touched his tightly clenched hand, which at the present moment surrounded my arm, he looked at me regretfully. He knew I was serious, well at least he knew that I was immense pain… I never call him Leon.

- Leon, let, go.

He looked at me again and loosened his grip.

- Goodbye Leon, when I come home I don't want you or your things to be here.

I walk closer to the door and just as I reach my hand out for the handle.

- I am so sorry.

- Whatever Leon.

I exit the apartment and walk down the stairs.

- Hey Rory

The voice came from behind me. I turned around, slightly startled. It was Sonja Lovelock.

- Hey Sonja what you doing here I thought you weren't allowed on Sonny's turf.

- I pledged Dacron. So… being one of Sonny's 'guys', I'm allowed on his turf.

Ok, now Dacron is one of the larger gangs around here. Sonja was an outsider, which although was uncommon for a girl, she managed. She practically lived at the bar and at the 'enemy' the Embers. Sonny is the head of his 'organization'. To be completely honest it was a gang and a lot of the people around here are part of Sonny's crew The Dacron. The Embers are run by a guy called Shiver-mace; well that's what his crew calls him. I personally haven't pledged to either gang, I have worked for both sides and they are just as bad as each other. Sonja had doubled crossed Sonny a few years back and he doesn't forgive easily. She told the Embers some important info and now sonny lets her pledge? That doesn't make sense.

- Really? I'm very happy for you.

I hugged her and we continued down the stairs together.

We got about ten steps away from my apartment door and it opened. It was Leon.

- Rora can I talk to you?

- Not now Leon I'm late.

I continued down the stairs. I wasn't giving him another moment of my time.

- If not now, when?

- How about in a million years when I'm long dead.

I stepped down off the last step and walked out the exit of the apartment block. I hugged Sonja goodbye and I started to walk down a dark street, lit only by the dim moon light.
- Aurora I can't leave you like this.

- Well, that's funny Leon; you didn't seem to have a problem leaving me at home by myself to go sleep with Alice Crawford.

- Rora, don't do this

- No you did this Leon,

- I'm just moving on with my life.

- I'm sorry, and I'll try for the rest of my life to make it up to you.

He was still following me down the street. I turned left into Frogend Road .I walked down that street and stopped at the turn off for Copper Street, I work at a bar off that street and as I said I was late. I slid my hand into my jacket pocket and pulled out my cigarettes and tapped one out of the packet, and lit it. Leon stood next to me on the street corner and I had a drag on my cigarette and kept walking, smoking as I went.

- Aurora please give me a second chance.

- No Leon, I'm over giving you anything, it's over.

I drop my finished cigarette bud on the concrete and I crush it with my boots. I exhale the smoke and walk inside. Leon's left outside.

- Hey Rory what cha been up ta?

- Hey Drew, not much ya self?

- The usual the girls, the beer and the drugs.

- Yeah? The usual?

I draped my half apron around my waist. Drew nodded. I grabbed a clean glass and I pulled the tap with Sans Dry Beer written on it. I handed the glass to Drew and he paid me.

- Your change Drew.

- Keep it buy yourself a drink.

- No it's fine.

- Keep it… really.

Drew got up and walked over to a table full of girls. Drew was one of those guys who all the girls want and who all the guys would kill to be. He has black mid-length hair and light green-blue eyes which stand out a lot because of his hair he has a fairly muscular physique… I guess. I never really noticed what he looked like, I knew what he liked to drink and that he was a hit with the girls. He was also a big hit with the DD's (drug dealers).

- Hey doll face, what you drinking?

The guy was a regular and he was very drunk, or maybe very high, either way he had to go and I wasn't giving him another drink.

- Nothing, and by the looks of it you should do the same.

I gestured discreetly at the bouncer and he came and asked the man very politely to leave.

- Yeah you're probably right.

- Bye Terry I'll see you tomorrow night yeah?

- Yeah midnight on the dot.

The bouncer watched him leave and walk down the street. The Blue Wand has a reputation to hold up, we are the only bar in the area that stops serving you when you are drunk.

We could probably double our takings. But, we would lose a lot of business and the owner doesn't care about takings he prefers to know that we provide a safe club/bar environment for young and older vampires and demons and all those types of people, hence the gangs. The vampires in this area only drink animal or synthetic blood. The demons don't care and most of the time only the demons get drunk, vampires have to drink nearly ten times the normal amount to even get slightly drunk.

- Thanks for the heads up Rory, I appreciate it.

The bouncer is Chris he has been on the game since he was ten, and he is now about nineteen or twenty. He was bitten at a club not far from here.

- It's cool Chris I know what these guys can be like.

- Yeah and you handle them well, you ever think of coming out from behind that bar and working the doors? Word on the street is you're just as good as the boys when it comes to this stuff.

- Nah, sorry Chris that's not my style.

- Well whenever you want to bring that pretty face over to my door, you're welcome.

He laughed and patted my hand that I was leaning on the bench with. Chris is harmless and a real nice guy, a big softy. He has saved my butt quite a few times. As for me I'm not a vampire and I'm not a demon. What am I? Well I'm one of a kind. I'm half Angel, half Demon, as I said I'm not a full vampire or a full demon. There is only one of me in the whole magical community. That can suck and most of the vampires in here have asked me out once or twice the only one that hasn't is Drew.

- Yeah, yeah, I know. You wanna beer?

- Yeah sure thanks.

- On the house

I put the full schooner glass on the bench in front of me and pushed it towards Chris. He grabbed the glass. His fingers slid over mine and I released the glass and I smiled slightly.

- There you go

- I told you it's on the house

- Ok take it as your tip then

- The whole thing? You have a little girl to look after, use it for her

I passed the fifty he had given me back he took it and then gestured me closer.

- You need it

He slid the note into my top.

- You aren't going to let me give it back are you?

- Nope. Thanks for tha drink

- Ok Chris thanks… and you're most welcome.

I turned to clean some glasses.

- Hey are you forgetting something?

He said as he tapped his cheek with his index finger.

- Where's my kiss

- lost in the mail

He laughed. I walked back over to him and kissed his cheek. I've known Chris for most of my life and this was normal practice.

- Ok then I'll see you on the dance floor?

- Maybe, are you offering to dance with me?

- Maybe, would you?

- Of course, you are the only one in here I would dance with

I served another one of the regulars and Chris stood at the bar waiting for me to return.

- See you in fifteen?

- K see you in fifteen

Chris walked back to the door and started to talk to one of the other bouncers, Jack. Jack is a newbie to the scene, and being a vampire kinda hit him hard. Chris took him in. Chris is only nineteen or twenty and he has a daughter who is eighteen months old, her mother was killed by the Embers and Chris holds a slight grudge against them and can you really blame him, the baby girl was born three weeks before her mum died. Her name is Tammie Joanna Williams, Chris Williams her father has had her ever since. I've met Tammie a few times well behaved and she loves her dad.

I heard in the background, as I was serving drinks, a phone ringing. Chris took his mobile phone out of his leather jackets left pocket and answered the call, he seemed angry and he walked back over to the bar to me.

- Hey Chris what's wrong?

- My babysitter cancelled out she has a family emergency so she has to bring Tammie Joe here.

- Oh I see

- Can I ask you a favour?

- She's fine to be back here I still have the playpen out from last weekend.

- Thanks Rory you are a life saver.

- I know, I know. When is she arriving?

- Now.

A lady shimmered in holding Tammie and a baby bag.

Chris talked to the girl for a bit and he took Tammie and the bag off her and the girl shimmered out.

He walked towards me hold Tammie who was now crying.

- Sorry Rora I have no one else.

He passed the crying baby girl to me.

- It is ok Chris you can't have her on the door with you it's not safe.

- Thanks Rory

- K Chris go to your post she's fine with me

- Thanks again.

He walked back to the door. Jack looked at me holding the crying child. I bounced her around on my hip as I served until she was calm enough to put her into the playpen.

- Cute kid, she yours?

- No she's one of the other staff members little girl.

- Oh, why is she behind the bar with you then.

- I've got the safest job.

- Right. A beer, a shot with a glass of water, please

- Ok sure coming up…

I then realized I didn't know him,

- Brian, Brian Jensen. You are?

- Aurora

- Pretty name, matches your face,

- Thanks.

- How old are you?

- Old enough

- You?

- Twenty-six

- You are too old for me then.

- Nineteen?

He was wrong I'm eighteen, but I've been working here for a while, before they had a drinking age for the magical community.

- Yeah

- I see I am too old for you

- Most of the men around here are.

I stood up tall and I handed him his drinks. He does the shot, takes a sip of water and then sips at his beer.

- Really? Some of them look like they are younger than you.

- Yeah some… not a lot of them and I don't date younger guys, guys are immature as it is.

I laughed and served some other people. He was still sitting there about an hour later. I picked Tammie up and left the bar with another barmen, well it was a girl so a barmaid.

I walked towards Chris at the door and he looked at me and walked away from the door towards me.

- What about that dance?

- You are late

Chris always has a come back.

- I know I got caught up I'm sorry.

- Well I guess I can forgive you.

- Ok let's dance.

He took my free hand and led me to the dance floor, and of course, as we stepped on the floor the music changed from hip-hop, trance to R 'n' B.

- We can wait

I went to go sit down and Chris took my hand and put it on his shoulder and we started to slow dance. Well, we stepped from side to side with the music, so I don't think you could call it dancing.

- Tammie seems to like you.

- Yeah she's a beautiful girl.

- So are you.

- Thanks, you should be proud you are raising her well.

- You still with that loser Leon Emerson?

- Nah

I looked at the floor, trying no to cry or even think about Leon. I felt Chris lift my face up by my chin to look at him.

- He's not worth your precious tears.

- Thanks Chris

- You are the most beautiful girl here if no one else sees that then they are blind. Oh speak of the devil.

Chris points to the door and I see Leon entering the room.

- Want me to move 'im on?

- Leave him, he will see us and leave.

- Why would that make him leave?

- He will think we are… well we are slow dancing

- Yeah true, why'd you date him anyway? You could do so much better than him.

- To be completely honest? I thought I loved him.

- Really you thought you loved the guy that put bruises all over you?

- Yeah

- Well I think you were wrong.

- Me too!

Chris took Tammie and passed her to Jack who was on break and keeping an eye on our other new bouncer Andy. He returned a few seconds later and we continued to 'dance' I saw Leon and a tear ran down my face. Chris saw it and he pulled me closer and he linked his finger behind my back. I feel safe in Chris's arms he would take on anyone for me. I look up at him, he smiles and I rest my head on his shoulder, looking at his neck. Another tear rolled down my face and this time it hit Chris's shirt and he stopped dancing. I lifted my head up from his shoulder.

- You ok Rory?

- No

I had tears streaming down my face, Chris puts my arms around his neck and he hugged me. No one else even noticed. The place was so packed. I hugged him back as hard as I could. Chris turned the hug into picking me up off the floor and gripping me even tighter. Once I was back on the floor, I still had my arms around Chris's neck he went back to dancing.

- Thanks Chris I needed that

- You don't need him.

- I know

- Thanks for your kind words but I'm not the most beautiful girl in here, look around, there's little Bridget and Ramona, they are a lot prettier than me.

I released Chris's neck.

- No they're not. There is not a girl in here prettier than you.

I looked at him disbelievingly.

- There's not.

- Thanks Chris.

I went to walk away.

- Another dance?

I smiled at him

- Fine one more.

I walked back over and we danced again to an R 'n' B song and I looked at his face he seemed to really care, I always assumed he only said that stuff to be polite. Maybe not.

- Why out of all the barmaids, would you pick me?

- You are the most interesting, you actually have a brain and I think you are the prettiest.

- Very good answer.

- Thanks I've been working on that one all night!

We laughed and I looked into his green eyes, he had dark skin so his eyes stand out a lot. I was relatively pale but I can go into the sunlight and so… I'm a little darker than the pale girls and guys we see.

- Why out of all the bouncers why pick me?

- Pick you for what?

- To talk to, dance with, you know what I mean?

- I've known you for the longest and you are the closest to my age.

I was joking about the age thing and Chris knew it he laughed.

- Ah I see.

- Plus you are the best dancer

- Thanks

He laughed. Leon walked over to us and I stopped laughing and gripped Chris tighter. He looked at me. Another tear rolled down my face. He looked to his left and saw Leon walking towards us from the bar.

- Want me to go?

- No I want you here just in case

I let go of Chris, I was still standing next to him, hoping that Leon wasn't going to cause a scene.

- Rora, let me talk to you for just a second.

- No, I'm busy.

I grabbed Chris's hand and we started to walk away. Leon grabbed my other forearm.

- Doing what? Being a hussy?

- Let go of me Leo.

Chris turned around and stared at Leon.

- Let go of the girl, man.

- Who are you?

- Leo. go away.

- How much are you paying her?

I slapped him.

- He's my friend and he's trying to help me, get lost and don't come back.

Leo rubs his left cheek. Jack sees me in tears and he walks over.

- I'm sorry sir you are disturbing the patrons and staff, you have to leave.

- She has to come with me

- She is on duty and she doesn't seem to want to talk to you sir

- C'mon.

Jack takes Leon's arm and drags him out of the door. He walks back over towards Chris and me.

- You ok Rory?

- I think she'll be fine thanks Jack.

I had my face hidden in Chris's chest.

- Ok, well I'm gonna head back to my post, later Chris, Rora.

Jack walked away.

- You ok Rora?

It was Drew.

- She'll be ok.

- Hey, Chris. What ya ban up ta?

- Not much. You?

- Same old. Same old.

- Ok, well I gotta go see jack about my daughter.

- Ok see ya 'round Chris.

- Yeah bye

Chris and I walk over to jack, who had given Tammie to Andy when he dealt with Leon, who once again had Tammie and she was crying.

- Let me take her Jack, it's the least I could do, you did well with Leon.

- Ok

He hands me Tammie.

- One question Rory?

- Sure shoot Jack.

- How does a pretty girl like you end up with a dickhead like Leon?

- Well, I thought I loved him and I thought I could change him. Get rid of his mean streak, you know?

- Oh ok.

Chris looks at me with Tammie and smiles, she was crying and I started to bounce her on my hip and she stopped crying and started to giggle.

- We gotta go Jack. Our shifts are nearly over.

- Ok bye guys… have fun

- Bye jack.

I waved to Jack as Chris and I walked away.

- As I was saying before Leon interrupted, I picked you 'coz you are the most responsible and I think you are smart and funny.

- Oh cool, wait you think I'm smart?

- Yeah of course Chris, you are really smart.

- Oh ok, I'm glad you think I'm smart, but I'm not, I'm street smart but not 'smart'.

- Well, street smart is sometimes better.

I smiled at him. He smiled back and I passed Tammie to him. She looked really happy with him. A girl with long blond pigtails saw Chris and started to walk over.

- Oh god,

- What?

- That's Serena Wellhelm

- Wait, your ex that doesn't believe it's over?

- Yep.

The girl got closer and closer. Chris and I couldn't get away without looking rude. She walked up to Chris and started to kiss him. Chris tried to pull away but it was hopeless. He gave in and kissed her back. They pretty much made-out on the dance floor, most of it was Serena and Chris couldn't get away. I thought of a plan and I pulled Chris away from Serena.

- HEY, GET AWAY FROM MY BOYFRIEND!!!

Chris looked at me surprised.

- Sorry Serena but we were broken up and I found someone else.

- Wait you are his new girlfriend?

- Err yeah, DUH!!!

Chris put his arm around my waist and he passed Tammie, who was playing with his pocket, to me. She started to fiddle with the buttons on my shirt.

- Yeah Serena I'm sorry but it's over, it's been over for a while.

I leaned against Chris and he slid his hand into the back pocket, furthest from him, of my black jeans.

- Whatever Chris, I hate you

- Ok bye Serena.

He waved as Serena stormed out of the bar.

- Where'd you come up with that plan?

- Well, I am very good at thinking on my feet.

- I'm glad.

- can I ask you a favour?

- Sure Rory what is it?

- Next time a girl is going to come up to you and force you to make-out with her, can you give me the heads up please?

- Sure thing.

- Thanks Chris

- Isn't you're shift over now Rora?

- I guess so

I looked at my watch, Chris was right my shift was over.

- You aren't leaving?

- Who would take care of Tammie?

- I would I guess.

- It is ok I'll stay till you knock off, I'll take her to one of the V.I.P rooms

- Ok if you are sure

- Yeah it is fine, really.

- Ok then sure that would be great.

I started to walk away from him.

- Hey don't I get kisses from my two favourite girls in the world?

I lent Tammie over and she kissed her dad. I kissed Chris's cheek and walked towards the V.I.P rooms. A few hours of playing later, Tammie was asleep and Chris walked into the V.I.P room Tammie and I had been sitting in.

- Thanks for this Rora

- It's fine really…

- If there is anything I can do just give me a yell

He picked Tammie up and started to walk toward the door.

- Chris?

- Yeah?

He turned to face me.

- I know it is a big ask, but can I crash at your place tonight?

- Sure… you ok?

- I just don't want to go home, because I know that Leon is still gonna be there

- It's alright, come stay with me tonight and we'll go deal with Leon tomorrow.

Chris held the door for me and I exited the V.I.P room. Chris followed me and we walked through the club. We said goodbye to everyone and started to walk down a street toward the main part of town.

- Thanks for letting me stay

- It's fine

It started to snow and I of course forgot my jacket. Snow fell on my bare arms and I started to involuntarily shake. It was freezing.

- I really appreciate it

I hugged him as we continued to walk down the street. Chris hugged me with his free arm.

- You must be freezing, here use my jacket

He passed me the jacket that he wasn't wearing. He'd taken it off at the beginning of his shift.

- Don't you need it?

- I have a long sleeve shirt on I'm fine, you take it

He once again offered me the jacket.

- What about Tammie, you should put it around her

-she is ok, she has her parker and her little pink skivvy on plus her singlet… she is fine, aren't you honey?

Tammie nodded. I took the jacket from Chris and slid my right arm into it followed by sliding my left arm into the jacket.