Innocence Interrupted

Soon after we left my apartment, we were at a building I never once laid eyes on. Amber, having wayyy better direction skills than me, had taken us here, to some coffee shop way out of city limits. It had taken us at least and hour to get here.

“ Why in the world would you drive an hour to go to a coffee shop, when there is one 2 minutes away from my house.”

She looked at me like I was in kindergarten.

“Now Tawry. My best friend. What would be the fun in that??” she waited for my answer, and me not giving one, continued. “ Exactly. Not only is it away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there are probably more cute guys. Different cute guys, and not the same old ones we always seem to hang around. I am finally teaching you how to live on the edge, Taw, and this is just the beginning.”

Even though I hardly thought going to a coffee shop out of city limits was living on the edge, I climbed out of the car, and followed her across the graveled parking lot into the fashionable building anyway.

As I opened the windowless door, a waft of delectable mocha scent crashed into my senses. This, I thought as I preceded into the place, has the be the best coffee I have ever melled. Just breathing in the sent made my mouth water with longing. Not only did it smell great, it looked like the queen of England had just renovated the place. Everything in sight was of the fanciest style.

As I was staring at the sight around me, Amber walked up, looped her arm through mine, and starting walking into the café with all the confidence she had. Even though she always had a slightly arrogant tilt to her pretty head, she wasn’t arrogant. Truthfully, she was totally self conscious, but I was the only one who knew that.

“Ok, Now Taw, let’s start with getting you a love interest. It’s been long enough, and I think you need a guy to get your mind off things at times. I’m not saying you have to be actually commited to him , of course, but just have some fun with him.”

I just rolled my eyes, and listened to her little speech I’ve heard so many times about boys.

Now, I’m not saying Amber’s a slut , but she does get around with her share of guys, and always ends up getting sick of them, and breaking there hearts that were in her hands.

I had a total different outlook. I think, if you have a boyfriend, you should at least like him enough to actually see yourself having a future with him. Otherwise, it’s just a waste of time. That’s exactly why I don’t date. I just haven’t found a guy I can tolerate for ten minuets. Well, that’s if they tolerate me. One of my problems is I’m shy. If I see a cute guy, and he talks to me, I get wayy nervous. I’ll stutter and babble, blush, and avoid eye contact. I think part of the reason is What had happened with Art, but not all. I’ve been like this as long as I can remember.

Amber led me into an empty booth right in front of these two total hotties, and of course, as she sat down, gave me a wicked wink, letting me know she’d done it purposely. I glared at her, and when she only smiled wide, looked away.

“Now, which one do you think’s cuter Taw, the one with the black hair, or red??” she asked in a whisper, leaning over the table.

Even though I was a bit peeved at Amber for trying to , once again, set me up, I had to answer.

“Definately the one with the black hair.”

The red haired guys had too many freckles, I thought. From what I could see, he had green eyes, and long lashes. His red hair was a little past his ears, and fashioned to look emoish. You know. His bangs in his eyes. He was adorable. But the other guy, was nothing near adorable. He was more……punk rock sexy??

He had midnight black hair, just like mine, about as long as the red haired dudes. But his wasn’t straight like the others. It was shaggy, like he had just woken up. He, also , had bangs covering his left eye. But the other eye was the most gorgeous I’ve ever known to see on this earth. It was brown. But not just any brown. Like, caramel brown, or gold. And, I was close enough to notice the kindess illuminated in those eyes. He was, I could tell , sweet. And that smile, was……..wow!! He had slightly full , red, lips, and perfect teeth. And, I noticed giddily, a lip ring! Lip rings were my secret feddish in a guy. If I hadn’t know any better, I would have swore it was love at first sight.

“Tawry….Tawry, are you there??” I heard Amber’s soft voice calling to me. Her hand , I realized was waving in my face.

Snapping out of my haze, I focused back on her.

“Ugh..Umm..yea, sorry I kind of……..spaced out.”

This caused her to have an outburst of laughter. Me, loving her unique cackle, had to laugh along also. And me giggling, she loves my laugh also, caused her to start laughing even harder. This continued, so there we were, in the middle of a café, having “laugh attacks” as we call them.

About 2 minutes into us laughing, and just as we were calming down, as the waitress meant for us was heading towards our table, we noticed she had a long strand of toilet paper attached to her foot, and we couldn’t help but go hysterical at this. What made it even more amusing was the toilet- paper - waitress was none other than Liana. She stopped in front of our table, staring at us evilly, waiting for our orders.

“ Hey Liana, how are you doing today??” I questioned, overly sweet.

“ Well, I was fine until you guys showed up. I tried to tell my boss we shouldn’t allow bitches into this lovely place, but all he could talk about is how you guys bring money.”

I smiled slowly. I may be shy around guys, but when it comes to somebody trash talking me, ill trash talk right back. That’s the weird thing about me. You would think, Amber being the loud one, she’d be the one to lash people around with her tongue when she gets pissed, but no, she’s the calm one, and I’m the one who tells people off. That’s the only time I’m never shy, when I get bad mouthed.

I snickered, and replied “Well, I’m sure your boss would like to know that if he wants any of our business, he’s gonna have to not hire bitches.” Amber, getting the point, stood up, and I did the same.

Once we were about 2 steps past her gaping form, I turned around and added.

“Oh, and you have got to tell me where you got those shoes.” I said this with and overly preppy voice, and a flick of my hair. Then with a extra quizzical look, tilt to my head, and hands on my hips, I added. “ Did they come with the toilet paper, or do you have to buy that separate??” Me, saying it loud enough for the whole place to hear , widened my eyes when everybody laughed, and realized all the attention I had brought to myself. I flushed red, and turned into my old, timid self, all my sassiness draining out of me.

Her face also turned beet red, from anger and embarassment both, she looked down, tore the paper off her shoe, and lunged at me. But before she could even make it to me, the black haired hottie, caught her, and hauled her back.

“Hey, there, You Don’t wanna hurt anybody do you??” He asked, while she struggled against him, but him, being really strong had no trouble keeping her there. Even in the midst of the fight, I couldn’t help but melt a little at the gentleness and softness of his semi - deep , but way past puberty voice.

“THE HELL I DON’T!! U LITTLE WHORE!! YOUR GOING TO PAY!!! YOU JUST WAIT!!” And Liana then broke the enchantment with her fingernails on chalkboard screeching.

I have never been in a fight before, and the only person I’ve ever had to tell off was Art and Liana, but any of those times, I’d never seen her get this mad. Apparently, I thought, she had gotten fed up. Although, she’s the one who bugs us.

“LIANA!!!” I started when I heard this boom of a voice, and all laughing ceased in the building. “IN MY OFFICE NOW!!!!!!!” I glanced over and saw a short bald man I would never think capable of having a voice box like that. Her, boss, I thought.

Me and Amber were still staring at Liana, Amber having a slight smirk on her face, and me biting my lip, felling a bit of guilt. As quickly as I felt it, I pushed it away. She started it, I thought, recalling years ago when she told the whole school I was pregnant. That was the beginning of my hating her. And now ,this moment, was the ultimate payback.

The black haired dude let her go slowly, as if knowing she would once again attack me, and she stomped her way to her boss, her gaze never leaving mine. Then, seeing the toilet paper in her hand, I had to suppress the insane erge to giggle. That is, until I noticed once again everyone staring at me. I looked to the guy who kept my ass from getting beat, and mouthed a thank you. Not waiting for his reply, I latched on to Ambers wrist and dragged her out of that place.

“ I’m so glad you are my best friend, Taw.” She said, smiling wide.

“I am proud to call you my best friend!! That was great!!”

I couldn’t help but smile a little, but I still felt that nagging pull of regret at making her so mad, and probably getting her job taken from her.

“But, I kind of feel guilty.” Ambers topped smiling and turned toward me, grabbing me by the shoulders.

“Guilty??!! Guilty??!! You feel guilty for that little wretched beast??!!!”

“Wow, harsh much Am?? I mean, I don’t like her either, but I wouldn’t call her that….well, maybe I would. “ I said, trying to change the subject. But, to my chagrin, she knew me too well.

“Don’t try and change the subject. You, Tawry. You are way to innocent. Every time you say something mean, which isn’t very often, you go on a stupid guilt trip about it. You won’t date. You have a freekin place to yourself most of the time. Your free to do whatever, but never party, or get in any trouble. You’re the most innocent friggin girl I’ve ever seen!!!!!” She stared at me with her blue eyes, the truth of my existence out there in the open, for everyone to hear.

Including red-head and Black hair.

We heard laughing, and turned toward the makers of the deep laughs.

“From what just happened back there, I find that very hard to believe.” That would be my savior talking. Standing there in a white shirt, with some black design on the front, sagging blue jeans, and some worn skating shoes. The red head, I noticed was dressed similarly, except with a baby blue shirt.

“You caught me at a bad time.” I said, crossing my arms, and turning towards them.

“Yea, she doesn’t have many.” Amber said, stepping closer. No doubt , I thought staring at her with one eyebrow raised, flirting with them.

“You, on the other hand, have to many to count.” I said to her. I was surprised at how open I was being with them around, but I guessed it was from a bit of the adrenaline still pumping through me.

She snorted her disagreement, and turned toward the guys.

“Don’t listen, I have more good than bad.” It was my turn to snort.

“So, what brings you handsome fellows out here?” she drawled, popping her hip.

They both smiled flirtatiously and this time the red- head answered.

“Well, we were just leaving, and happen to see you ladies out here, and couldn’t help but hear your conversation.” He paused then added. “ I’m Quinton, and this is Waldred.”

Even though I was getting back to my quiet self being around these guys, I couldn’t help the bit of laughter escape me. Amber just gave the black haired one a pittying look. My laughter caused them both to glance at me, and I blushed and looked down.

“He’s only kidding. My names Trax.” I then looked back up, and saw him smirking sideways at me. I managed a small smile, then looked back down.

“Wow, you are shy, aren’t you??” He said, with a little chuckle.

“Is she??! I’m telling you , if you haven’t known her for years, you can barely get a sentence out of her.” Amber said.

I glanced sharply at her and then back at the two boys.

They were both watching me. I just bit my lip, and they kept smiling. By now, my face was on fire, and all I wanted to do was get out of this place. Away from the amused stare of Quinton, and definitely the unnerving Trax.

But before I could suggest we leave, Amber started talking.

“My names Amber. And this is Tawry.”

“Tawry. I like that name. It’s different.” Trax said, still smirking at me.

“Thanks.” I mumbled.

Just then my cell phone started ringing, and by the ring tone , Crazy Bitch, I knew it was Hawlin.

Amber, who laughs every time she hears this ringtone, because she says it suits my brother well, started laughing, and me , not long after, followed.

But I had to answer.

“Hello??!” I said, still snickering.

“Ahh…I should have known you were with Amber. Well, I just got home, and I was wondering where you were.” Hawlin said. He knew that whenever I laughed, I was with Amber. “Yea, we’re, ummm, at….”

I paused and Quentin told me the name of the place.

“Lannei’s Lounge.” I finished.

“YOUR WHERE??!!!” Hawlin yelled in my ear, and I quickly pulled the phone away from my ear, Just as Quinton and Trax started laughing.

My eyes widened and Amber corrected me.

“Joco’s Café.” I said quickly, wide eyed and wondering why he’d freaked. Amber mouthed the words STRIP CLUB, and then I realized Quinton was playing a joke on me.

“Well, then why did you say you were at Lannei’s Lounge??” he said suspiciously.

“Ummm…Because some dude with wishful thinking told me that’s what this place was called.” I replied and caused a hoot of laughter from them both again. Amber was just sitting there smirking, and I couldn’t help but smile also.

“Some dude??!!!” Hawlin said, once again suspicious. I rarely ever do talk to Hawlin, maybe 3 times a week and see him about 2. But when I do, he is wayy protective.

“Yea, some dude, hey I gotta go, I’ll talk to ya later, Love you bye.!!” I said this quickly , not wanting to get into the conversation of boys with Hawlin. Especially after what happened with Art, he never let’s me be around guys.

“That” I said, snapping ym phone shut, and also forgetting my shyness, “ was not funny. I just told my brother that I was at a strip club.”

“That was funny and you know it.” Trax said, still smiling.

Even though I claimed it to not be funny, I couldn’t help but giggle along with them.

Sobering up, I remembered who I was and that laughing with guys was not my thing.

“Listen, Umm, Amber, we better go.” I said, starting to twiddle with my fingers.

“Yea, we better.” She replied, sending them both flirty glances.

She pulled a pen out of her purse and took Trax’s hand in hers. After his, she took Quinton’s and wrote the same thing, which, I knew, was her phone number.

Trax raised his eyebrows at her and Quinton sent her a lusty glance. I rolled my eyes at how these boys always fell under the trance of my favorite acquatence.

“Call me..” She said in a sultry tone, and we both walked away.

Once we were in the car, Amber looked over at me, and wiggled her eyebrows.

“Off we go!” She said, her tone mischievous. No doubt, to more trouble.