hold on my darling

Amias didn’t have too look out for anyone else except for himself and even that was a hard task for the young man. He could go about several hours without eating just because he forgot he was hungry or didn’t feel his stomach rumbling because he was busy from work. Nevertheless, the brunette tried his best to be a nice person and give a buck or two to a homeless person on the side of the street or take some time to dog sit for some people but all these things that caused his schedule to become jam packed was tiring at the end of the day. Amias needed a break and to take it smooth for at least a couple hours and ride the waves. 

The brunette slipped on a plain black tee before making his way to a friends party. He had to let loose, he thought. There was no point in going to this party and being awkward and stiff. Thats not how you make friends. As Amias kept criticizing himself, he slowly and carefully maneuvered his way to where the drinks stood. He looked around subtly before noticing a blond women almost trip. He held out his hands, trying to help her with balance. Amias offered a small smile before opening his mouth. “No no you’re perfectly fine.”

Blushing, Lydia stepped back from the man, taking her hands off of his arm. She glanced up, finally getting a good look at his face. He was handsome, undoubtedly, the kind of man she might’ve once been interested in. Not anymore though, there was a reason she’d avoided men since Bea’s dad had taken off. Her daughter was more important than any guy could ever be. Even one as handsome as this one.

Still, ignoring him would be rude, and there was no harm in talking. She was here for grown-up conversation after all. “Maybe this wasn’t the best environment for breaking in new shoes,” she laughed, glancing down at the too-tall heels that had nearly been her downfall. “I’m Lydia, by the way.”

There was a knock on the door, and Lydia was dragged out of her thoughts. She opened the door to find the teenager girl who lived down the hall looking anxious and out of breath. She launched immediately into a series of apologies and excuses that Lydia could barely follow. It didn’t matter anyway, what mattered was that she was here. 

“It’s alright sweetie, I was running late anyway,” Lydia cut in when the girl managed to stop her rambling for five seconds. “Bea’s already had dinner, but she can have a cookie or ice cream later, if she’s good. There’s some movies near the tv that she likes. The emergency number’s are on the fridge, and my number is there too. She should be in bed by 8:30 and all her stuff is laid out in the bedroom and the bathroom. Is that it? I think that’s it.” The babysitter nodded her affirmation, and Lydia slipped on the heels she hadn’t had a chance to wear yet. “I should be back by midnight and if not I’ll let you know!” She grabbed her purse and left before she could change her mind. Although, once she shut the door Lydia paused for a second, straining to hear as her daughter laughed at something the babysitter had said. 

Somehow, she was nearly on time to the party, “A cozy little gathering,” her work friend had told her two days before. The amount of cars surrounding the house hardly looked cozy, and Lydia nearly drove right past. Instead, she steeled her nerves, found a place to park, and walked inside, one hand clutching her purse strap. Inside, the lighting was dim, and the music was loud. It was only slightly more sophisticated than the parties she’d gone to in high school, and the ones she imagined going to in college. Emily greeted her quickly, as kind as ever. She seemed surprised by how many people were there, and surprised by the atmosphere her roommates had chosen. Lydia wanted to reach out and grab onto her, but she was quickly pulled away back into the crowd. She glanced around the room, looking for a familiar face and finding no one. Her eyes latched onto the table with drinks in the corner, and she headed that way. 

As luck would have it, the second she took a step towards the table, another woman turned around and Lydia stumbled directly into a stranger, her hands landing on his arm as she tried not to fall down. “Oh my god, I am so sorry!” she exclaimed, slightly mortified.