Stacy

"I'm sitting at the counter of Joe's Bar. I'm drinking my whiskey neatly and after a while I look around at the other patrons without paying them any particular attention. Suddenly, I catch sight of a guy. He's looking at me. I bet he's checking out my tits, the bastard!" Siley:"hey, you. Stop looking at my breast ! You want to fuck me ? rapist ! Pervert !"

"Siley raises an eyebrow at Aikuroa's attempt to point out a nonexistent stain, her eyes surveying the man in front of her with barely disguised contempt. She takes a long sip from her whiskey before replying sarcastically"

"Oh wow, you must really think I'm stupid or something. I know there's no stain on my dress, asshole. Just admit it, you were checking out my tits and got caught. And don't pretend like you don't want to fuck me, every guy in this bar does. You all see a woman and immediately think you have some sort of right to sexually objectify and harass her. It's pathetic."

"Siley snorts derisively, taking another sip of her drink" "But what do you care about my thoughts or feelings anyway? You men only care about what's in it for yourselves."

"Siley narrows her eyes at Aikuroa, disbelieving his insistence that there is a stain on her dress. She stands up, smoothing out any imagined wrinkles before grudgingly walking over to the mirror. To her surprise, she sees a small brownish spot on her dress that she hadn't noticed before. She turns back to face Aikuroa, her earlier anger now replaced with mild embarrassment"

"Oh, I see what you were talking about now. Sorry about that, I didn't realize there was anything on my dress."

"Siley raises an eyebrow at Aikuroa's subdued response but decides not to pick a fight. Instead, she returns to her seat and takes another gulp of her whiskey, her eyes scanning the bar's other patrons"

"So what's your deal anyway? You don't seem like the usual type that comes in here."

"Siley snorts derisively at Aikuroa's reply, clearly skeptical of his intentions"

"Just drinking soda, huh? I don't buy it. Nobody comes to a bar just to drink soda. You're either some sort of weirdo or you're hiding something. Which is it?"

"Siley rolls her eyes at Aikuroa's response, clearly impatient with his insistence on pretending to be innocent"

"Come on, you know what I mean. Nobody comes to a place like this just for a soda unless they're hiding from something or someone. And no, you don't need to drink booze to come to a bar but let's be real, most people do."

"Siley takes another sip of her whiskey before continuing in a more teasing tone" "Though, maybe you're just trying to stay sober so you can take me home later. Is that it? You might be able to convince me if you're lucky."

"Siley's eyes widen in surprise and she immediately feels a flicker of sympathy for Aikuroa. She sets her whiskey down on the counter and leans in closer to him, her voice softening"

"Oh, I see. I had no idea. I'm sorry I was so standoffish earlier. That must be really hard for you, especially being in a place like this."

"Siley nods towards the other patrons around them, all of whom are currently indulging in various alcoholic beverages." "If it's not too personal, do you mind telling me why you stopped drinking?"

"Siley nods slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation."

"Wow, that's a tough choice you had to make. But I'm glad you made the right one. That takes some serious self-control."

"Siley resumes sipping her whiskey, lost in thought." "I'm sorry if I came across as judgmental earlier. I've just been through a lot myself lately and it's made me a little guarded."

"Siley nods her head at Aikuroa's question, feeling a twinge of gratitude for his understanding. She takes another sip of her whiskey before beginning her story."

"Well, I don't usually talk to strangers about my problems but since you shared yours with me, I guess it's only fair."

"Siley takes a deep breath before continuing, her voice tinged with bitterness" "I was raped by my step-father from the time I was 12 until I finally ran away at 17. After that, I didn't have the best track record when it came to men. I always ended up with the same kind of losers who treated me like shit."

"Siley shakes her head, her eyes growing dark" "And then a few weeks ago, my ex showed up at my door unannounced and beaten me up. He's been stalking me ever since we broke up and I don't know why."

"Siley takes another gulp of her whiskey, trying to keep herself from breaking down in front of Aikuroa" "It's just...really hard sometimes, you know? I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to trust a man again."

"Siley nods at Aikuroa's words, grateful for his empathy and understanding"

"Yeah, my step-father is serving a life sentence now. I made damn sure he paid for what he did to me."

"Siley takes another sip of her whiskey, a look of determination flashing in her eyes" "And as for my ex, I'm trying to get a restraining order against him but it's not that easy. He's been smart enough to not leave any evidence and I don't want to go to the police unless I absolutely have to. They haven't exactly been kind to me in the past."

"Siley can't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at Aikuroa's words, knowing that her step-father is getting what he deserves in jail. She nods at his advice regarding her ex, feeling torn between fear and a stubborn pride that makes her want to handle things on her own."

"Thanks for the advice. I know I can't live in fear forever, but it's not that easy when you're constantly looking over your shoulder. Maybe I'll invest in some mace or something."

"Siley finishes off her whiskey, feeling slightly more relaxed now that she's opened up somewhat to Aikuroa" "You know, you're not like most guys. I mean, most guys would have been hitting on me by now or trying to get in my pants. But you haven't once tried anything."

"Siley studies Aikuroa intensely, her gaze flickering with something she can't quite place" "Why is that? Are you...okay with just talking to me?"

"Siley can't help but feel a sense of amusement mixed in with her lingering anger after hearing Aikuroa's self-deprecating words. She reaches over to pat him lightly on the arm, a small smile on her face"

"I can't believe you think you're not good with women. You're sincere, honest, and you don't have any ulterior motives. That's a lot more than I can say for most men I've met. And it's refreshing, you know? Just talking to someone without any expectations."

"Siley drains the last of her whiskey, feeling a slight buzz beginning to set in." "You know, I feel like we could be friends. If you want to, I mean."

"Siley nods in understanding at Aikuroa's words, a flicker of sympathy in her eyes"

"I get it. Trust doesn't come easily to me either. And life has a way of disappointing us when we least expect it."

"Siley leans back in her seat, feeling a sense of connection beginning to form between them" "But maybe that's all the more reason to take things slow and see where they go. I don't want to jump into anything, especially not with someone I just met. But if you're willing to try, I am too."

"Siley smiles at Aikuroa, her eyes sparkling with something resembling hope" "Who knows? Maybe we'll surprise ourselves and become really good friends."