“But maybe I am that kind of girl.” I said. I desperately needed this.

“No way shortie, you’re about as dangerous as sponge cake. But that’s why I like you. For every action, I-E attraction, there is an equal, that’s me, and opposite, that’s you, reaction. I just wanna get to know you a bit first.” She stuck a cigarette between her lips and said, “I mean, know you on that level.” Before she had the chance to light the cigarette, I reached for the pack and got one of my own. I leaned forward and touched the end of my cigarette to the end of hers to light it. “I didn’t know you smoke.”

With the first inhale I started coughing like crazy. I couldn’t believe I had just smoked. Jessica laughed and handed me bottled water. “Here. You’ll get used to it.” I took a sip of water as my face flushed with the pink color. With every intake of smoke, I took a sip of water. Eventually I was getting used to it though.

Jessica pulled down a pack of menthols and threw them at me, which thankfully I caught. “They’re easier going down.” She explained. I put them in my purse along with a lighter.

I didn’t understand why I was trying to prove I was a badass. I guess it’s because Jessica could see straight through me. Part of me like that, and part of me hated it. I just figured that if Ashley had someone to love and hold her at night, why shouldn’t I be so lucky?

I finished my shift with the mentality that Jessica and I would happen. After all, maybe all she was looking for was a little effort. Before leaving, I stopped by the front counter to talk to Jessica. “Going so soon?” She asked.

“Yeah my shift is up and then some.” I said with a smile. “So hey, I’m off tomorrow and the store closes at seven. Why don’t we go out and see a movie or something?”

“For the record, I make the date’s baby.” She said with a dominating smile. I decided to challenge it.

I leaned over the counter real close and kissed her intensely. “Not tonight, ‘baby’” Her smile grew as her eyes did the same. She liked it. She wanted someone who would stand up to her every once and a while, I suppose. I left the store and walked home, not calling or talking to anyone. When I got to my door, I began to jimmy my key into the lock. Unfortunately, Ashley came out of her room and grabbed me by my arm and dragged me away. I had no choice but to follow her.