a very special thank you to my friend sexnovella. could not have done it without you!!
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"Always be careful Gwen or you will pay for your mistakes." My mother said.
I moved away from home at 18 because I couldn't stand my parents rules any longer and wanted to be free. I packed some clothes, the picture of my grandmother and went out into the night. I travelled for days until I found a little town outside Pennsylvania that got my attention. I rented a room at the motel and searched for work. I didn't have any job experience and I believe that Bob only hired me for my good looks. I was soon meeting everyone when I became the bartender in the pub.
I started off working days until I memorized the drink list. The night shift was tougher then I imagined. "I need a Jack and Coke and a Bud Light Gwen." Liz yelled from the far end of the bar. With a smile I poured the drink and got the bottle from the cooler.
"Here you go." I replied. The bar was loud with pool balls clanking and dance music. I liked the thick smoky air and even the people that my mother would call off color. I looked around and it felt like home.
This was my life for the next 3 years. I became best friends with Liz and enjoyed working hard.
"Gwen it's almost time." Liz said and looked at the clock.
"I guess so." I sighed as I punched in for work.
"Cheer up! You will have a happy hour!" Liz giggled and walked away. I was excited for my birthday but at the same time I wasn't. It was March and cold outside. The pub had not been crowded the last weeks except Thursdays when the bikers came.
"What's the matter Gwen?"
"I have to cancel my birthday celebration Liz."
"Why?"
"I thought I would have a different life but I see it as..."
"Half full?"
I looked at Liz and thought that she had red my mind. She smiled and gave me a hug.
"You have the rest of your life ahead of you. You will have bad times and good times. Tomorrow night will be different Gwen!" I woke up the next day feeling the same as the previous day and had lunch with my friends as usual. I couldn't decide what to wear since I always wore blue jeans and a t-shirt but I needed something new. I searched my closet to find my tiny black dress that I never dared to wear. I changed clothes, finished my hair and makeup. I looked into the mirror and to see an amazing 21 year old woman.
My blond hair hit my shoulders but was all scruffy. The black dress made my pale white skin shine and my makeup made my green eyes sparkle like never before. The dress was too short for my length of 5"9 but I didn't care because it was my birthday. I reminded myself about this as I went to the pub to meet Liz. I smiled when I looked at the sign in front of the pub reading "Happy 21st Gwen!" On my way to the door I saw several bikes on the parking lot and realized that it was Thursday. As I walked into the bar everyone cheered and hooted for me.
"Drink up birthday girl!" Liz smiled and gave me a shot.
I took it and ordered a beer. Soon I was drinking drinks that people were buying for me and things started to go crazy. I was dancing with one of the bikers when Liz grabbed my arm and took me to the bathroom.
"What are you doing Gwen?"
"Having fun and you?"
"I watch you be all over some guy that feeds you with drinks."
"I feel alive and have a good time Liz!"
"No Gwen, I'm worried that he might be bad news."
"Ok I'll calm down."