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There's no one but you

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Chapter 2: Clubbing is the worst

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''HELLO MIKA GIRL!'' My friend Maddie chirped into the phone.

'' Maddie… What's up?'' I was too tired to fake any excitement.

''Girl! Let's go out tonight! We must celebrate the end of those hideous midterms!'' I need to point out that she wasn't asking me, she was ordering me. Still, no force in the nature would ever make me move from my warm and cozy bed, not even Maddie.

'' What? At this time? It's too late to go out now, don't you think? It's already… 6pm'' Okay, that was really lame, I know, but I had just woke up from an extremely well-deserved nap after an exhausting examination week and I was still drowsy.

''Please Mika, stop being such a grandma , Its Friday already! You are only twenty-one once girl! You need to be wild while you still can!''

I just made an incomprehensive sound of protest in response; because, for much as I would have liked to throw all my tiredness away in order to start living La Vida Loca - as Maddie wanted, my body and my brain had already made the silent agreement of shouting down completely for the night.

''Come on! Everyone is going! And I heard Johnny is really excited to see you there'' Please Maddie, as if that would be reason enough for me to change from my comfy jammies to a uncomfortable clubbing outfit.

'' I don't give a Zzzz…'' I was starting to slip off to dreamland again when…

''Plus, this would be a great opportunity for you to show off those beautiful and expensive heels you have been boasting about this whole two weeks''

'' Where did you said we were going?'' Yep, dreamland could definitely wait.

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Tonight the universe was definitely plotting against me.

It's been two hours already since I arrived to the stupid club, and the only wild things I done so far are sit on the bar and drink vodka with cranberry juice.

It wasn't as if I liked sitting here, all by myself, while my friends enjoyed themselves because I wanted to be unsocial. Believe me, after going through all the hassle of dolling up myself and coming all the way to Manhattan, I would have at least danced my ass off all night.

However, it seemed that tonight the Karma have decided to make me pay for all the times I lied to my momma about needing money for school supplies.

Reason why, as soon as I entered the club believing I was the queen of the night with my gorgeous new heels, I slipped over a unknown substance on the floor and landed right on my butt, leaving me not only with a wet and sticky bottom, but also with a swollen and painful twisted ankle.

Fortunately, my shoes didn't suffer any damage. Also, the attentive but obviously interested of avoiding a lawsuit nightclub's staff, gave me a cold compress to tie around my ankle, and a really cool free t-shirt with the club's mascot, coco the drunken crocodile, on it.

''Argh'' I growled, circling the rim of my glass with my finger.

'' Now please explain to me what is a pretty girl like you doing sitting all alone?'' a masculine voice whispered from behind.

I gingerly turned over my seat to meet the voice's owner. Because, really? who could still be saying things like that at this age?

''Johnny Hey! How are you?'' I greeted, faking an awkward toothy smile.

'' It's your ankle better? I heard you fell as soon you came in'' at least he didn't see it, thank God.

'' Yes I'm fine, thanks to the alcohol I almost don't feel any pain now'' It wasn't exactly the truth but it wasn't a lie either.

'' I thought you weren't supposed to mix alcohol with painkillers…''

'' I didn't take any painkillers''

''Oh tough girl… I like that''

I just smiled in response; I really didn't have the energy to keep raising my voice between the loud music anymore… as well as to keep faking interest in Johnny.

''What are you drinking?'' Yet, that question made me perk out a little.

''Vodka with cranberry juice, but I would really love some Jagerbombs'' now I was smiling genuinely.

''Alright, two Jagerbombs please!'' he told the bartender.

''Yeiii free drinks!'' I cheered internally.

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Ten Jagerbombs later, I was feeling like the happiest girl on the entire club. Proving again the amazing power of alcohol and energy drinks mixed together.

''Wooow! Drink Johnny! Drink!'' I screamed with my arms on the air.

Beside me, Johnny was doing the ten tequila shots challenge, and gulping tequila shot after another as if they were just water. I had to admit it, the man had some skill.

'' Argghh'' he groaned satisfied after finishing the last shot.

Because he completed the challenge in less than 20 seconds, the bartender congratulated him and gave him a free t-shirt, which made the small crew that had formed around us start cheering and whooping loudly.

'' Hey Mika, look at this!'' Johnny said, spreading proudly his new t-shirt all over his torso ''now we match'' his new t-shirt was the same color as my dress.

I thought that gesture was kind of adorable, considering most guys aren't interested in the color of your clothes but what's underneath it only ''Yes, I think we do match'' it was just after saying it, when I realized the double entendre that my comment had, but I hoped Johnny would be too dizzy to notice it.

However, even after those ten tequila shots he wasn't drunk enough to let that comment slip away; and I think my bad use of words plus my drunken goofy smile were what gave him the push he needed to embrace me in a tight, not-so-friendly hug.

''Ugh my makeup… '' I thought while my face was being crushed against his chest.

''Johnny… I think you need to eat something'' at least I was still able to speak coherently.

''Mmmh..? Yeah, maybe… What you want to eat?'' he asked, flashing a charming smile and finally breaking the hug. Unfortunately, he thought it was a good idea to put his hands around my waist.

On sober circumstances, I would have immediately stopped all this touching, but thanks to the alcohol I was able to shrugged it off and think ''Yeiii free food''

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Once I started thinking about food, I got an awfully bad crave for a pickles and peanut butter pizza. Yes, I know what you are all thinking… It sounds gross. Yet, my drunken mind had a really weird fixation with trying it out, and I only knew one place that would still be open to take such a particular request.

''Hello Hello…!'' I practically yelled while entering the pizza parlor. For some strange reason, I have always liked to let people know when I'm drunk.

''Oh! Hi Mika, long time no see'' Tony greeted me back from behind the counter; he was still working even at this hour…such a workaholic.

By the time we arrived to the pizzeria, the super intoxicated Johnny wasn't even able to walk by himself, so I made him lean on my shoulders and sat him over a stool near the counter.

''Did you already finished with all your exams?'' Tony asked while he polished the cutlery.

''ALELUYA! I finished them today'' I confirmed with a big smile '' so I think I will be able to come back on Monday…unless you need me to start tomorrow of course'' I was internally praying he would say Monday was okay.

'' No, Monday is fine'' he answered a little bit too hurriedly.

'' Good, I will be here on Monday then''

'' But if you want to take more days off… you know, to take a rest, or maybe one or two weeks more…''

''What…?'' Okay, now I was confused.

''You know, only if you want… I know how stressing those examinations weeks can be for a student and…'' There it was! The strange behavior Tony has adopted since the bizarre call incident.

''Okay, I get it'' No I didn't get it, but I wanted to avoid bringing the topic of those strange brothers out ''Thank you Tony… for your consideration, but I think I will be ready by Monday. Plus, I really need to start working again''

''Alright'' Gosh, he even sounded disappointed. But, if he didn't want me here, why he didn't just fire me?

It's unlike him to beat around the bush like this. I had seen Tony firing people millions of time before only because they were 10 minutes late without breaking a seat. So, why is he acting like this now? The only thing I was sure of is that it didn't fit his Italian thug image at all.

I carefully went behind the counter, but I couldn't take my eyes away from Tony, who has suddenly become very immerse on his polishing cutlery task. He definitely was hiding something from me.

''I would like a pickles and peanut butter pizza, please!'' I yelled at Marcus, the only person who was still working in the kitchen at this time, through the small window that communicated the front of the restaurant with the kitchen. I also took the opportunity to ring the little bell that was there to announce the orders, only because I enjoy annoying Marcus.

He answered me with a kind ''Fuck you Mika!''

My sassy retort was interrupted by Johnny gagging after hearing my fancy pizza topping request.

''There, there'' I cooed, stretching over the counter to smooth his back ''I will order you some coffee''

After making sure Johnny wasn't going to spill his guts all over the pizza parlor floor, I turned around to take a sit but almost suffered from a heart attack when I bumped with Tony's fish-eyed expression fixed on me.

''EEK! Tony…what's wrong?''

He cleared his throat ''Noting, I'm sorry… I must be tired'' he looked at his shoes '' I will get some coffee for your friend'' after saying that he just disappeared inside the kitchen.

Well, that was awkward.

I looked around to see if anyone else had witnessed the strange scene, but the pizza parlor was almost empty at this time, except for a few costumers that, like me, have left some club in order to hunt for something to eat.

Seeing that Johnny wasn't in the state of carrying a conversation, I started checking my phone. There wasn't anything interesting in it, except for some messages from Maddie asking me where I was, and a couple of pictures of me in the middle of my disastrous fall that someone had shared on the class chat group.

''Assholes'' I typed furiously.

After scrolling down a little more, I started rereading some old conversations with my mother, it was funny because half of my mom's texts were she asking me if I had eaten, and in the other half were she scolding me because I didn't call enough, even though I always made sure to speak with her at least once a day.

I had a smile on my face, until I reached some really old texts messages that were still saved in my phone ''Miki, when are you coming home? Dad is…'' there were all messages from my sister ''I just saw the photos you posted on your twistagram. I think you have put up some weight…'' Yes, she was brutal like that ''Mom is so mad with you right now Miki, but I already talked with her and she will send you more money tomorrow hehehe you own me big for this! Buy me a present!''

I set my phone aside… It was just too soon… at least for me.

The really loud ring from the pizza parlor's phone startled me out of my thoughts.

''Tony, the phone is ringing'' I yelled, but nobody answered.

While trying to ignore the annoying piercing ring of the phone, I started inspecting my nails ''Mmmhh, I really need a manicure… tsk, but I don't have any money…RING! RING! '' Man! The damn thing was so loud.

Annoyed, I looked around to see if anybody was planning to pick it up or something, but Tony was still on the back and the only other employee on guard was Marcus, who was in the kitchen.

The damn phone just continued ringing until I lost my cool and answered it… I don't know why I just didn't ignore it… I don't know what drove me to pick it up but I did it anyways…

''Tony's pizza how can I help you?'' considering my level of drunkenness, it was really remarkable how good I faked that business tone.

''…''

''Hello…?''

''Yeah, Good night, are you still doing delivery?''

''Yes sir'' I answered without hesitation, even though I knew the delivery had already finished at 9.

''Great, I would like to order three large pizzas, one with strawberry jam and pepperoni, one with red peppers and extra cheese ,and the last one with pickles and peanut butter please''

''…'' My mouth was hanging open. Really! What were the chances?

''Hello?''

'' You are one of those perverted brothers, right?''

''Excuse me?''

'' You are the one who likes redheads, aren't you? Donnie was it? '' I just guessed that because his voice was the only one I didn't remember.

''…''

''Hello…?''

''…'' I though he had ended the call, until I began hearing some furious typing on the other side of the phone.

All the silence was making me a little nervous, so I decided to break it by saying '' the strawberry jam and pepperoni pizza is for you right? Do you have a fetish for red things or something?'' I would like to defend myself at this point by saying that this was the alcohol speaking, and not me.

''MIKEY, come here now!''

'' What's up bro? I'm kind of busy''

'' Busy doing what? Fucking a girl with one of your brothers YOU SICK PERVERT!'' I practically screamed into the phone, I still don't know why I was so pissed.

'' Oh! It's that you babe? '' Wow, the genuine happiness in his voice really took me out off guard for a second there ''Why did you left me like that the last time?''

''You are gross dude!'' still, I spitted my comeback without regret.

'' Why are you so mad at me, baby cakes? After we spoke that night, I had called there every day waiting to speak with you! But that stinky Tony told me you quit''

I was quiet for a second ''Oh… that's right, I did quit!'' I lied because I wasn't that stupid to blow Tony's cover off '' I'm just here because I stopped to eat some pizza and I just did Tony the favor of picking up the phone. Besides, I don't know why you want to speak with me so badly, I barely remember what we talked about before that happened dude''

'' Hey Mika, here's the pickles and peanut butter pizza you ordered!'' Fuck you Marcus!

'' Barely remember huh? I'm glad to know you trust me enough to follow my recommendations Mika''

'' What? What are you saying? Pfff, that pizza is not for me… and my name is not Mika is… Hillary''

''Ask her if her last name is Clinton'' his brother decided to speak up again.

''Is that your brother listening?''

''Don, back up! You are upsetting my lady''

''Then get out of my work space Mikey. Plus, it's not my fault she speaks so loudly''

''But here is where the cameras are dude''

''Cameras…? What cameras?''

'' Don't mind that babe! And by the way… you look really hot in that mini tight dress''

I wish I could have seen my expression in that moment, I'm sure it was priceless.

'' First! I will sue you for harassment. Second! I'm not your lady. And third! It's a long sleeve dress so don't make me sound so slutty. Now, if you would excuse me, I was just leaving with my BOYFRIEND somewhere else'' I said that while looking at the almost unconscious Johnny sprawled all over the counter.

'' Pfff, what boyfriend? ''

''My boyfriend! My really tall and bulky bear wrestled champion boyfriend'' I face palmed myself after saying that. Damn it! Why I'm such a bad liar? I could even hear his brother snorting on the other side of the phone.

And as I was expecting, Mikey let out a good laugh as well. However, it wasn't a sweet and playful laugh like the one I heard last time...

'' Oh he sounds dangerous!'' the penetrating and mockingly pitch of his laugh caused my hands to start trembling. I wasn't sure if they were trembling out of anger or fear, but it wasn't a nice feeling either way ''babe you are hilarious!''

I swallowed hard '' Listen sir,I'm sorry that you have gotten the wrong impression about me, but I'm not interested, so please limit yourself to call only to order pizzas in the future. Goodnight''

''Oh…I think she's trying to end things with you Mikey'' What's with that serious tone?

'' Is because you made her mad Donnie! Don't worry baby cakes I will make sure you change your mind once we meet face to face''

I hung up with the speed of a lightening after hearing that.

''What a weirdo'' I spitted, annoyed out of my mind.

I turned around to go back to my seat and, once again, I was startled to death by Tony and his weird facial expression.

''EEK! Tony! You scared me to death! Since when have you been here?''

Tony's empty dark eyes fixed on mine '' you think this is a game child?''

''Eh..?'' I wasn't sure if I had heard him right.

He took a step forward '' you think they are joking around or something?''

I took a step back '' W- Who are you talking about?''

''Mika, listen to me'' he grabbed my shoulders '' you need to get out of here''

My eyes were as big as plates at this moment ''Tony, I don't understand… ''

His voice turned gravelly ''Child… I don't even understand this… I don't understand them… but you cannot return to this place anymore, is for your own good''

I narrowed my eyes at him ''Are you firing me?'' if this was just a super elaborate excuse to fire me I was going to be so mad.

''NO! I'm not firing you; and please don't tell them I did! '' His face turned suddenly really pale.

''Tell who? Tony you are scaring me!'' he tightened his grip on my shoulders and began shaking me.

''They will kill me… please don't tell them I fired you… I'm just trying to do what's best for you'' he was shaking me so roughly that all my hair fell over my face.

I jerked out of Tony grasp, scared out of my mind ''you are crazy!'' I yelled to him. Then, grabbed my purse, my coat, and my really intoxicated friend and went out of there as fast as I could. I have had enough of this bullshit! I don't want to have anything to do with Tony and his mobsterfriends never again.

Even after exiting the pizza parlor I could still heard Tony screaming on the distance.

''Please don't tell them…''

''Don't tell them… they will kill me… ''

''Please…''

My ankle was killing me, I should have taken painkillers.

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