This is the first of the oneshots I spoke of in Brown Eyed Girl. They will make sense on their own, but they sorta fill in blanks with the fic.
I am 21 years old. I feel 51. I'm a grown man, don't get me wrong, I know life's just life and you can't expect too much without getting let down, but damn. I'm not going uphill or down. I'm just stuck. I work two jobs and break my back to live hand to mouth, week to week. I think there was a mistake somewhere; I wasn't cut out to raise two teenagers. I probably raised my on hell when I was young and care free, but Soda's already got a kid and Ponyboy has a rap for murder. Somehow I don't think I ever got in that much trouble. I love my brothers but I don't know how much more I can take. So, every so often, I end up here. It's just a little smoky bar where I can escape from being myself and relax.
I been burning Bright
For so long I can't remember
Pretty girls and late night bars seem to be my line of work
Believe me when I say, I can't stay this high forever
This mans had all he can stand, time to lay this body down
That was the night something new happened. She walked in, curvy figure, round hips, and long, thick, black curls. Whether she looked more like an angel or devil I couldn't tell. But then she sat down beside me and looked at me with those knowing eyes, and I knew at once.
Sweet Annie
Can I stay with you a while
Cause' this roads been putting miles on my heart,
Sweetheart I've been livin' in a fantasy
But one day Lightning will strike
And my bark will lose its bite
Don't give up on me
Sweet Annie.
Immediately she was there to help me. I might still have to be the rock at my house, but now I had somebody I could run to. But there was still that thought, that nagging terrible thought, 'Don't get too close Darry, you'll get hurt.' I knew better than to depend on someone else. Sure she was great and I enjoyed her company, so to speak, but I had all I needed, and the last thing I needed was another responsibility. I couldn't give her what I knew she deserved. But I could go back to that little bar to escape.
Sweet Annie
I know I promised you a life
But an empty bed and the words I said don't carry any weight
If I could take back yesterday, find a way to start it over
Turn around, put that bottle down and pray it's not too late
I can't look into that glass without seeing her face. "Darrel Curtis, I love you and I've always been here for you, but I can't help you if you won't let me in." That was the words she said the last time I saw her. Not her, too. First Soda, then Pony, not Annie too. She isn't a responsibility, she's my blessing. I can't lose Annie too.
Sweet Annie
Can I stay with you a while
Cause' this roads been putting miles on my heart,
Sweetheart I've been livin' in a fantasy
But one day Lightning will strike
And my bark will lose its bite
Don't give up on me
What will be will be
She welcomed me back with open arms. I was such a fool. I didn't have to fight alone anymore. She had my back. I guess she knew I didn't always mean things the way they came out sounding. I loved her deep down. I didn't want to be without her, but sometimes the thought of another person counting on me when I had no idea what the hell I was doing, scared me stiff.
Sweet Annie.
Turn out the light
These hands alone to hold you
Fall all over you
All over again
Come a little closer so I can show you
My heart still beats fast for you
All over, and over again
I wrapped her in my arms and started being honest with her. I told her the cold hard truth. I was in love with her and I was done with fighting it.
Sweet Annie
Can I stay with you a while
Cause' this roads been putting miles on my heart,
Sweetheart I've been livin' in a fantasy
But one day Lightning will strike
And my bark will lose its bite
Don't give up on me
Sweet Annie
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it.
