Wake up

Boring. Predictable. Safe. Resolute. Steady.

These words had been used in connection with my name for years, easily since I was 21. I was the one that had to drive so everyone else could drink themselves into blissful oblivion, never thinking that I might want a drink to take the sting out of the fight I just had with a friend.

“Hey Eden, can you cover my watch, please? I’ll pay you” *sigh* “Sure, I guess.” “Thank you, thank you!”

I made $75 off that switch, even though I had really wanted to stay in. I guess, in many ways, I was a pushover too. Didn’t fight back, didn’t always stand up for myself, until I did.

I was 28 and sitting home on a Friday night, contemplating chicken and rice when the phone started chiming. I opened it and read the messages, screenshots of a group chat that I wasn’t in.

“She’s at home, eating pasta and watching silly cartoons or some animation, anime thing. @#$! Weirdo…”

“Means she’s home, sober and we have a DD.”

“Lol, yeah, we do. So 2 am?”

“Nah, make it 3.”

“We’ll text her soon, see if she’s around.”

“She has no life, of course she’s around.”

Another ding and another message, a text.

“They’ll be leaving <name>’s place at 745 and heading for you. Don’t be home, don’t be available. I know you don’t know me, but I know you. Go anywhere, just don’t be home.”

The sense of urgency and concern were clear, even in text format. Something inside told me to run so I did. I grabbed my bag, slid into some flats and bolted for my car, like I was being chased. I peeled out as I left the parking lot, the speedometer hitting 50 before I could catch myself. Sure, 50 isn’t much but if I’m already doing that and I’m only a couple blocks from the house, we have a problem.

I pulled into an empty parking lot, parked it and started to breathe. I was far enough away that if they called, I could say I was out, and it would be a few minutes before I got back. Still, I needed more distance, so I put it in gear and kept going.

It was at this point, when I passed the last light at the city limits, that I realized I was out of my mind. I was far enough away to make a point, but also far enough away to shock and surprise everyone. I was far enough away to start rumors.

Sure enough, at 745, my phone lit up and I pulled into the parking lot for the Olive Diner. Little Italian place, wasn’t terrible. The price was decent, not too expensive and the portions were generous. Staff was nice and the place was clean. Couldn’t complain

“Eden, where are you?”

I let out a breath, “Out. Why?”

I had to have been on speaker or something because there was an uproar on the other side.

“Out? You? The store doesn’t count, now seriously, where are you? We’re in front of your house but your car is gone.”

“Then I guess I’m not home. What do you want?”

“When will you be back?”

“Can’t say, could be 5 minutes, could be an hour. Why?”

“Eden…” drawing out the last syllable of my name, “Come on, why you gotta be difficult right now?”

The next voice was muffled, like they were in the back seats, but I still heard it.

“Tell her to get back here and drive us to the Halo!”

I knew that place, it was their favorite club to drink at. Not tonight though.

“Sorry guys, I’m out. You’ll have to make other arrangements. Had you let me know earlier this week, could have been available.”

I hung up before they could argue with me. I tossed my phone onto the seat and sighed.

“What have I done? I’m out, on a Friday night. I’m by myself. I’m only in this because someone cared enough to warn me and- “. I paused and let those words sink in.

“Someone cared enough to warn me.”

I wasn’t invisible anymore, maybe I never had been. I glanced down at my flats, at the jeans and plain T-shirt I had on. Sensible, comfortable, that was me too. No flashy jewelry, no fitted clothing, plain as white bread. I glanced up at the sign on the building in front of me.

“Common Grounds Lounge. Seems nice. May as well since I’m here.”

I was greeted by a woman, at least I think it was a woman, wearing a black bandana over her eyes, looking like Zorro. She led me to the bar area and left me to the whims of one “Renata”

“What can I get you, dear? We have just about everything.”

“Water, no lemon please.”

“Here you go. You look like you’re running from something. Sure you don’t want stronger?”

“I’m my own DD tonight.”

“Fair. You like pita, spinach and artichokes?”

“All day.”

“Here. Should fix you a bit.”

I ate in silence while she tended to other patrons. She circled back around to refill my water and sat in front me for a minute.

“What’s a pretty girl like you running from? Stupid partner? Overbearing parents?”

“No,” as I set my water down, “Idiot “friends” maybe.”

She studied me for a minute, taking note of my appearance.

“You’re the mom of the lot, aren’t you?”

I laughed but it was the kind when you’ve been stupid, and you just now realize it.

“I was but I think I broke that tonight by being here instead of at home. Someone warned me to get out so here we are.”

She inspected a glass for spots before hanging it to dry.

“You didn’t end up here by accident and I think you know that. You’ve always known those folks weren’t your friends.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

She vanished for a moment, then reappeared with a to go cup of something hot, a small brown bag and a smile.

“Its on the house so you’ll finish the pita, take the tea with you and wake up.”

I shook my head, thinking I misheard her.

“Wake up?”

“Yes. Wake. Up.”

I woke up in my bedroom, heart racing and the cats eyeing me with concern. One of them had his teeth in my hand.

“Ouch! Wait… how…?”

My phone dinged. A message. A link. I froze

“Owners will rebuild. The pinnacle of local nightlife, an electrical fire at Halo has closed the lounge until further notice. Owners say no one was inside at the time of the fire and are cooperating with the investigation. Anyone with any information should contact the local police department.”

I got up, thinking this was all just stress related until I walked into the kitchen. There, on my table, sat a white to go cup with a message written in purple sharpie. The logo was from Common Grounds

“You’re stronger than you know. Wake up and show them. -R”