2

I sat in some local pub, going through the calculations I made in a worn out leather cover notebook I've owned for ages. It's one of the few things I've kept from the first "home" I remember.

I needed to figure out how to get my financial issues sorted out. At the moment, a lot of the credit cards I had were getting declined because the people I had stolen them from started to notice the money withdrawn, that they didn't withdraw themselves. I should probably be a little more careful.

Stealing credit cards is probably not a good way to financially support yourself but it was my way and what I had been doing for years.

I drowned down my cocktail and motioned for the bartender to mix me another. I clicked my tongue and winced as the burning sensation hit my throat.

"This is the first day I've seen you in town and you happen to show up everywhere."

I turned when I heard the familiar, gruff voice to see Dean. He was standing with another tall guy who looked our age as well. He tilted his head motioning for his friend to leave and without a second thought, his friend left.

I let out a breath and turned back so I was facing the bar again. I didn't know why Dean was making another attempt to speak to me when I clearly was not interested. I shut my notebook and slowly sipped on my freshly made drink, letting the alcohol slowly travel down my throat.

Dean walked over and came to stand beside me. I was about to tell him to back off but he raised his hand to motion the bartender towards him, so I shut up.

"Double me, please."

"Better not get in trouble tonight, Dean." The bartender shook his head in a joking manner before grabbing a cup.

I narrowed my eyes at the random bottle I happened to be staring at, wondering how everyone in this town knew this Dean guy.

Somehow it didn't seem surprising at the same time because this town was quite small and closed-off. That was me judging from how much of it I had seen this past day I've been here.

My phone started vibrating profoundly so I pulled it out of my pocket to see who was causing me this disturbance. Not much of a surprise, I saw the one person I'd expect texts from the most.

Eddie: You still alive?

A small grin grew on my face for the first time in a long while as I responded, 'Yes.'.

"Ah, the devil smiles." Dean spoke, a mischievous smile on his lips. He was looking at me.

I looked at him and narrowed my eyes, my face going back to straight and blank. "Can I help you because you won't seem to leave." My phone was vibrating in my hand again but my eyes were locked on Dean.

"You happen to be very captivating and that isn't something I come across very much." He stated firmly, not looking like he had any plan to leave.

"Well, lucky me." I gave him an obviously fake smile and then looked down to my phone.

Eddie: Want to tell me where you're at? Please, I'm getting worried.

I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips as I typed a response.

Me: Nope sorry.

"You know, I never got your name." Dean noted, I didn't look at him when he spoke this time though.

"Lucky you." I muttered bluntly, my eyes trained on my drink.

"You are not a very friendly person, you know that?" He continued to talk, making me want to turn and punch him but right now was not the time to make more enemies.

"I don't seem to understand what pegging every aspect of me will do." I inquired and then drowned down the rest of my drink.

Dean decided not to take the hint. He sat down on the bar stool beside mine, causing me to inhale deeply.

"Another one, miss?" The bartender asked me, raising an eyebrow in almost a concerning way. I nodded my head in response and then my phone buzzed again.

Eddie: You are insufferable

Eddie: You won't make it out a full week, alive

Eddie: You need our help with this stuff

I bit my lip and powered off my phone just as the bartender slid me another drink.

"Should I be concerned you're drinking this much or glad because maybe it'll make you more chatty?" Dean remarked, amusement playing in his tone.

"You don't know when to shut up, do you?" I scoffed, shaking my head. He wouldn't leave me alone or stop talking to me despite the fact that I had made it abundantly clear I had no interest in speaking to him.

I wasn't going to stick around in this town very long so there was no point in making any acquaintances. I wasn't good at getting to know people or letting them into my life. Nor did I want to.

He shrugged, "No, I just enjoy irritating you." He said simply. "Will I be getting you name anytime soon?" When I didn't reply, Dean nudged me.

I turned and glared at him, "Back off, will you? Clearly I am not interested."

Dean chuckled, taking me by complete surprise. He wasn't phased that I snapped at him, he only seemed more amused. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. No need to freak out."

"Again, clearly I am not nearly interested." I gave him a dumbfounded look, not understanding why he couldn't comprehend what I was saying. I then turned, picked up my drink and gulped it down as fast as I could before standing and grabbing my things, throwing some bills to the bartender and then walking off.