The Tragedy Of Us

She loves the rain; the way it erases traces of everything. For her, it's a symbol of a slate being cleaned; a new beginning. And that is what keeps her alive. For now, at least. Standing outside a cozy bar, she lets the downpour soak her from head to toe, making her white dress stick to her like a second skin. She has nothing except a tattered small black sling bag. Her long black hair hangs around her face like a wet curtain. After a moment of staring through the glass doors, she finally steps inside. As soon as she walks in, heads start turning in her direction. Despite the disheveled appearance, she exudes an appeal that is even more magnified by her drenched figure. She goes straight to the bar and tries to order a gin and tonic. "Uhm, do you have an ID?" the bartender eyes her small stature, attempting so hard not to stare at her see-through dress. "I don't have it with me right now," she mutters under her breath. The bartender gives her a look.

MIA’S POVWhen Mia hears the sound of the shower running, she finally gets up from her bed and thuds toward the kitchen to make some breakfast. Last night, she was not able to sleep a wink without feeling ashamed. Ava’s words have kept echoing in her brain making her feel worse about herself. Even though Roman has told her not to take her words seriously, she knows she was just spitting facts. Whatever the history between the two, it was not of her concern. She is leaving anyway. Between the hidden handgun and the crazy girl best friend, she decides it is better not to get entangled in their affairs. “What’s this?” Roman comes out of the bathroom, drying his dripping black hair with a towel. He glances over the table with interest. It is laden with a plethora of bacon, hotdog, fried rice, eggs and toasts, and coffee. "Just a little thank you. I know it’s not much but it’s all I can do for you, for now.” He looks at her amusedly as she immed

MIA'S POV"I might be a little late later," Roman says, reading messages on his phone. It pings again for the 10th time over breakfast. Mia eyes his vibrating phone. "You don't have to pick me up every day." He looks up at her. "Of course," he says stiffly, putting his phone down. "Plus, I picked up an extra shift. So, I'll be done by 9," she says, avoiding his eyes. Mia feels the need to lie about her date with Killian. It's not like they're in a relationship but for now, her guts tell her to leave it out of the conversation. "I should be able to pay you enough by the end of the month." It is good news but Roman doesn't think so as his lips form into a thin line. "I wished you'd stop seeing me as your landlord." "How should I see you, then?" His mouth works but no words come out, caught off-guard by her straightforwardness. Roman clears his throat. "A friend." He seems embarrassed saying it.

MIA'S POV Mia has not asked how he is going to help her. Killian is a university student and the president of their central organization. He has better things to do than to snoop around some unidentified crazy motorcycle rider. By the end of the week, she hopes it will be out of his mind. As long as that criminal stays out of her business, her past will be safely tucked to where it belongs: in the past. But not only is the criminal up in her business; Roman as well. She has not seen him since their awkward conversation but she can feel that he’s bursting at the seams with questions. What she is doing right now is only delaying the inevitable. This morning, Mia works alone. Ava studies at the same university as Killian, only she is a freshman and he is a graduating student. Still, she finds herself envious of Ava that it makes her consider seriously en

MIA’S POV “Is this your brother?” Mia asks, holding the photograph up to Roman. He looks disgruntled at being woken up just as he is about to fall asleep. The drowsiness on his face disappears as his eyes land on the picture. “With Killian?” Mia prods on as he doesn’t say a word. “You went through my stuff?” “I bumped into your books and it fell.” She shifts on her feet. “Why do you have a picture of them together?” He tries to sit up but the small effort brings discomfort to his fresh wound. His nose scrunches up in a grimace. “Remembrance. My brother’s dead, you see.” “I know. Killian told me.”