The Meeting
KILLIAN POV
I had no idea of why accepted Liam's suggestion, but it was too late to back out; I was close to the address he gave me, I just had to cross the street to reach n°8 of Wild Street.
I couldn't believe that a support group was in an old closed bar in the heart of the City . It would have probably been full of pathetic drunk people talking about stupid problems to each other; I didn't need that, I was sure it would have been a useless waste of time.
Precious time, moreover: I only had one free night a week and I was wasting it instead of enjoying a friends thing with rum and nice ladies.
I only decided to go in because I had promised my brother I would have tried, and I owed him: after all, I could stay half an hour and leave, then tell him it wasn't for me. And talking about my business with some strangers, really wasn't.
Once inside, I looked around; in the middle of the room there was a group of around 15 people of all ages sitting in a circle, and on the ex counter plates, glasses and some food and soft drinks.
I snorted, a glass of beer would have been great, but there only were Coke, orange soda and water: just great! I probably would have gone mad.
Unfortunately no one was eating and I didn't wanna be the "starved", so I just joined the group and sat down on a free chair, pulling it a little back; I did feel kinda uncomfortable being part of that circle.
I crossed my arms and tried to analyze everyone; there were a couple of really young boys chatting, a woman with a scarf, a red-head girl looking at her phone. I noticed that there was one thing they all had in common: they were all smiling, like they were feeling really comfortable. I found it odd, I could have never felt like that with so many strangers, especially in this situation.
I stopped studying people when someone caught my attention: a young blonde girl had just arrived, and I watched her picking a peace of cake, than without saying anything she occupied the chair right next to mine, and pulled it back exactly like I had done.
She looked pretty nice, with her golden curls, the green eyes and the white skin, covered by a pair of jeans and a red leather jacket.
-Hi love. Here for the free food?- I tried to approach.
She looked up, then just glared at me and without even answering she got back to her cake.
-Don't need to be so rude, I'm not gonna eat you, you know?
The blonde kept ignoring me, and before I could say anything else, an alarm clock warned everyone it was 9 o'clock.
-Hi!- said the man in front of me -Glad to see there's everyone today...- added looking at the girl next to me, and she smiled slightly.
-And there's also a new face...- continued, moving his glancing on me -Glad to have you here...?
-Killian. Killian Jones. Nice to meet you.- I said, a little embarrassed.
All the others greeted me telling their names that I had already forgotten, except for the blondie that didn't even look at me: what'd I ever do to her? She was in a mood about my innocent joke?
-So, what brings you here, Killian?- asked the woman with the scarf, Mary probably... or Susan – I didn't remember already.
-I... well, just came to please my brother, actually. Can I just listen to you?
-Of course you can, no one's forced to talk here, don't worry.- she said with a smile; but I noticed it was a strange smile, not a happy one...
-Mary, how's it going with you husband?- asked the girl next to me, and I heard her voice for the first time: it was a really nice voice, just like her... kind of melodious.
-Yeah, well...- she sighed, looking down and taking off her scarf; she had three enormous violet bruises on her neck, and quite a bad scratch.
I automatically clenched my fists: I had always hated men laying hands on women, since I was a child. I could still remember my mother's tears and bruises, and how powerless I felt about it.
-I tried to talk to him, quietly... but he just wouldn't listen, he got mad when I said I wanted divorce... he threatened me saying he would take away our children...- she sniffed -So I said I was sorry... and he accepted my apologies but, you know... he punished me.
I was angry with that man, and I didn't even know Mary; I really couldn't understand why these woman didn't want to report their husbands, I never understood it with my mom too– that was why I was kinda creepily happy when my father died.
When the police came home to tell us he had been involved in an accident and couldn't make it, I couldn't contain my joy, and neither did Liam: my mom was the only one who cried.
-Are you thinking about... reporting him, maybe?- asked the old man, looking at her gently.
-I don't know. We were happy, once. And he loves our children, they love him... I don't wanna ruin their lives, they're so young...
I glanced at the blonde, she was clenching her fist too, but didn't say anything: I could read anger in her eyes anyway, the same anger I was used to feel.
-I understand, but... you deserve happiness too. They will understand, you know... children are smarter than we think...
-I know. I'll really consider it. I just feel better talking to you guys, so thanks...
Maybe I was wrong about those people: maybe they weren't just a bunch of drunks, but people with real problems, people who couldn't even live their lives happily because of fear, and maybe odd feelings.
I didn't know what it was, but something made me decide to stay, stay and listen to these people' stories.
I didn't even notice the time going by, I was so absorbed in all the lives, all the problems, the fears; just once in a while I took a look at the nameless girl, the only one who wasn't talking besides me.
I didn't know why, but I was genuinely curious about her, maybe because I knew well the look on her face: it was my look. The look of a person who apparently felt well, but nightmares were just round the corner. Most of the time I really was OK, my missing hand wasn't a problem anymore as I was perfectly able to use the implant. My problems were the ghosts of my mom and Milah, that sometimes wouldn't leave me alone: some nights, I lived and relived again their death, their death in my arms. I was only 16 when my mom died because of the Twin Tower's attack, I could still see her eyes in the hospital, her eyes praying me to let her go, promising she would always watch over me.
I swallowed and blinked, trying to prevent my tears from getting out; so I focused on the two teenagers, talking about their boss that was keeping touching them and they couldn't report it because they really needed their job. That kind of man was another one I couldn't stand: I was flirty, I loved seducing women, but I would have never touched a girl who didn't want to be touched: I was of the opinion that women shouldn't be hit, even with a flower.
Then, I listened at the old man whom retirement fund wasn't enough to bear the cost of his wife's treatment; from what I understood they were all alone because they had escaped together when they were young, and they didn't even have children to take care of them.
And then the 18-year-old boy who had to raise his little sister because they had lost their parents, the woman who couldn't see her children, the man who had just survived the Paris attack and couldn't sleep without tranqs, and had to quit his job because he wasn't able to concentrate.
These and all the other stories were just awful, and I felt kinda stupid; I had been through a lot, of course, but my life right now wasn't that bad. I was moving on, and I needed just some alcohol to feel asleep when I couldn't, I didn't use meds.
-Well, it's late but... anyone else?- asked Mary, looking around and dwelling a little bit on me, the blonde girl and Lucy, the red-head. No one said anything, so they just got up and reached the bar, chatting.
I took a look at my phone and I didn't wanna believe it: it was 10.58 p.m. already: how could time tick away so quickly?
I greeted with everyone, except the blonde who was already gone, and I got out: I would have stayed probably, but I preferred something strong instead of some Coke.
As I stepped outside the cold bit me, and I regretted I didn't wear a warmer coat: in that exact moment I saw the "red leathered" girl. She was a few steps away from me, and she was putting her phone in her pocket: she had probably just ended a conversation.
-Hey. You're not much of a talker...
The girl bounced and turned, scrutinizing me a couple of times;
-You neither.
-I know. As I said, I'm here only to please my brother. What about you?
-Sometimes I just like listening to people who don't judge...- she hunched her shoulders -Sorry but I gotta go now. See you.
Before she could turn around I grabbed her arm: I felt her tensing up immediately, so I released her a little confused.
-Sorry love, didn't wanna frighten you. I just wanted to offer you a drink.- I explained, while she was calming down.
-You didn't scare me, just – please, I have to go...- she begged me, with an odd look: I could see something in her eyes that I couldn't really explain. Fear? Concern?
-Fine...- I decided not to complain, because judging on her face, probably something had happened and she really needed to go; -Could I know your name, at least? And your number, if you want.
-Emma. But as for my number – well, forget it.
-Why?- I provoked her with an amused smile. I wasn't used to be refused, I really wanted to know what her problem with me was: she could at least give me a chance.
-I know guys like you. You're probably interested in a couple of drinks, a make out session, hook up for one night... and then get back to your life like nothing happened. Am I wrong?- she asked, crossing her arms and keeping looking at me.
-You got me, I do that sometimes. But don't tell me you don't like having fun, c'mon... with that pretty face I'm sure men fawn at your feet.
-Well, you're wrong. And I do like having fun, just not like that. So, will you let me go, now?
-Of course, love. I won't force you having a drink with me, even if I'm sure you'd love it...
-If I were you I wouldn't be that sure. Now I really have to go. Bye.- she said, looking at me unsure: what the hell was her problem? I stank? Or what?
-Bye... Emma. See you next week.- I gave up, and smiled at her.
-So you will come back? Didn't you come just to please your brother?
-Maybe I have a reason to come back, now.- I said allusive. She really was a beautiful young lady, even more than I had noticed at first.
-Mh. See you... maybe.- she said, and turned around for the last time before disappearing in the subway.
Maybe I should have thanked my brother, if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have met Emma: get a chance to share a drink with that girl was my personal goal, now. I didn't wanna seduce her, just getting to know her, have a chat – she had a kind of charm that was really attractive somehow. She surely was an interesting woman.
EMMA POV
-I'm home!- I shouted out as soon as I walked in; I was almost sure Mary Margaret was home, since I knew David was working that night.
-Hi! How did it go?- she asked from the sofa, as I had imagined: she paused the movie she was watching on Netlix and motioned me to join her.
-All right, I guess- I answered yawning and sitting next to her: she had popcorn, great!
-You spoke to them?
-I didn't, and I'm not going to, you know that.- I replied, grabbing some popcorn; they were salt and buttery as I liked them.
-But why, Emma! Why do you even go there, then?
-I'm going just once or twice a month. And I'm not going to take up that discussion. Henry's sleeping, isn't he?
-Yeah, like and angel...- she sighed resigned. We had talked a lot and I had already explained her why I didn't need to tell my story to the people of the group, but she didn't wanna understand, she didn't believed that I felt good. But I really did, my depression was over when I gave birth to my son: he was almost 2 years old, and he was the prettiest and cutest kid of the world: he really filled my life with love, and now I couldn't imagine my life without him: I didn't care about not having a man on my side, a father for my child. We were great exactly how we were.
-Good... I'm going to give him a kiss, wear my pajamas and I'll be right back.
I got up and reached my room: Henry was really sleeping like an angel in his cradle, with his half-opened cute little mouth; I kissed him gently to not wake him up and undressed to wear my comfortable and warm pajamas.
I took another look to my little boy and got back to the living room: I hugged my friend when I saw the cups of cocoa on the table!
-I knew you'd appreciate it! It's pretty cold today, why don't you wear something warmer when you go out?
-No, I'm fine. Thanks for the cocoa, I love you!
-I know! So tomorrow night out? David asked if he can invite Neal... would it be OK for you?
-Yeah, sure... Neal's a nice guy.
-And he likes you.
-Bullshit. He's a friend, and I don't need boyfriends so...
-He's cute, kind... why don't you wanna try? He knows you and he wouldn't force you to do anything you don't wanna do... you can't be alone forever...- she said apprehensively, and I rolled my eyes.
-I can. And I'm not alone, I've got Henry, he's the only one man I need. But speaking of...- I started, then drank a sip of cocoa -There was a new guy today. He wanted to offer me a drink.
-Whoaah! How's he like?
-Calm down. He's... annoying. Looks like a jerk: you know, super-confident, flirty... I...
-Hey...- she interrupted me, worried -Are you alright? Did he bother you?
-I'm fine... and no, of course not. He 's just so annoying!. But I know how to handle men like him- I assured her, and it was true. With my job I had met plenty of man like Killian Jones – why the hell I did remember his name?! – and I was perfectly capable to handle the situation.
-Let's get back to Netflix, okay?
The girl nodded, and pressed play: she was watching "Back To The Future 2" and I had only lost the first 5 minutes so it was great! I didn't need to concern about that man, he wouldn't have even showed up the next time, probably; I was sure he didn't need me, as he could have all the women he wanted being that good looking. He was the kind of man I was used to avoid, he reminded me Ryan: man like him shouldn't be allowed to touch women: I was glad he didn't know about Henry, and never would have found out.
I had just one doubt: why was Killian Jones there? Why does a man like him needed to attend a support group? I had watched him once in a while, and he seemed upset more than once; maybe there was really something in him, something I couldn't get.
I didn't know why, but in that moment I decided I would have attended the support group next week: I was curious to find out if he was serious when he said he would come back for me, or if it was just a move to try seducing me.
I would have gotten in trouble, I was sure about it. But still, I did wanna go.
Notes:
Hi :) This is the first time I'm writing completely in English (I usually translate my fanfictions from Italian), so I don't know how the end result is gonna be... I just hope it'll be decent. My English is pretty good, but a story is quite a big deal, and I've never tried before... so surely there're gonna be some mistakes. I should read a book in English to understand which is the best verb tense for a story.
Anyway, let me know if you like the idea... I'll probably publish a chapter once a week.
And, of course, if there's someone who would like to revise my chapters before I post them, he's very welcome! :)
Arya