Elena's POV
I woke up to the piercing ring of my annoying ringtone. God, I seriously need to change that—it's loud as hell.
Still half-asleep, I blindly reached over to my bedside table, grabbed my phone, and answered, slapping it to my ear.
"Hello?" I mumbled, voice thick with sleep.
"BITCH, OPEN THE GADDAMN DOOR! I'VE BEEN KNOCKING FOR AGES! YOU SLEEP LIKE A FUCKING CORPSE, I SWEAR TO GOD!" Summer yelled on the other end.
I groaned, hanging up, and shuffled out of my room looking like death warmed over. Probably looking like it, too.
Opening the front door, I was greeted by a very angry Summer.
"Morning," I muttered in a low voice.
She rolled her eyes and pushed past me like I was in the way. I chuckled, closing the door behind her, and flopped onto the couch next to her.
"Who the hell sleeps until 11 a.m., for God's sake?" she asked, voice full of mock annoyance.
"Me," I shrugged, sipping my coffee.
Summer shook her head and rummaged in her bag, pulling out my favorite coffee and a muffin. God, I love this girl.
"So, what's the plan for today?" she asked, eyes gleaming with excitement.
I looked at her, confused.
"Why? I'm planning on staying home as usual. Need to finish a few series," I said, taking a sip of coffee.
She stared at me like I'd grown two heads.
"You plan to stay home on your 20th birthday? Bitch, are you serious?"
Her scowl made my eyes widen. Oh shit—I totally forgot about that. Truth is, I wish I could forget.
"Oh," I said softly, finishing my coffee.
Her expression softened. Summer was the only one who knew what really happened to my mom and Aunty Lilly.
"Tell you what. I'll take you out tonight for drinks. There's a new club in the city. We will celebrate, and you're not allowed to say no."
I almost protested, but shut my mouth. A few drinks wouldn't kill me, right?
Summer grabbed her staff bag.
"Alright, I gotta go. My shift starts in like 30 minutes. See you tonight."
We hugged tight.
"Bye, Sam. Be safe, alright?" I said.
She nodded and headed for the door, closing it behind her.
I sank back onto the couch, sighing deeply. My hands instinctively went to the key necklace resting on my neck, and tears spilled down my cheeks as I sobbed quietly.
"I miss you, Mama. A lot."
Ten years, and I still wasn't over it. The three gunshots still haunted my dreams. My mom's cries when I left. The way her face looked.
All the memories crashed over me, and I slid down to the floor, a complete mess.
After what felt like forever, I got up and headed to my room. I knew sleep wasn't coming.
Checking the clock: 1:30 a.m.
I slipped into sweatpants and a tight pink crop top, then slid on my sandals. I'd head to the store—grab a few things, maybe some headache meds. Plus, the walk would be a good distraction.
The sunlight kissed my skin, and the breeze whispered as I walked. Fifteen minutes later, I stepped into the store.
The bell chimed as I entered.
"Hey, Lee," I smiled at the cashier as I passed.
He smiled back, smooth as ever.
I grabbed a trolley and slowly wandered through the aisles, collecting everything I needed.
At the coffee section, my eyes landed on my favorite brand. A smile tugged at my lips—until I saw it was on the top shelf.
Shit.
I stood on tiptoes, jumped a few times, but no dice. Defeated, I turned to ask Lee for help—only to bump straight into a hard chest.
I rubbed my nose, wincing.
"Sorry, didn't see you there," I mumbled, looking up—and gulped.
Those honey-brown eyes that haunted my dreams.
Rio.
He bent down to pick up his dropped cereal box, stared at me for a second, then turned to walk away.
"Hey!" I called, just loud enough for him to hear.
He stopped, spun around with a scowl.
"Elena, stop it," I told myself.
"What?" His tone was rude and dismissive.
Scoffing, I crossed my arms.
"No thank you for saving your arrogant ass the other day?" I snapped, anger spilling out.
His gaze flickered down to my chest, then back up.
"I'm not thanking you for shit, sweetheart."
And with that, he turned and left.
I nearly screamed in frustration.
God, why is he so rude .
I've never spoken to anyone like that. I'm usually shy, barely able to start a conversation. Where the hell did this confidence come from?
I sighed, heading to Lee.
"Hey, can you grab that coffee for me?" I asked.
He smirked and flirted his way to the shelf, returning with my prize.
Back at my apartment, I put everything away while some chill music played.
Mood improving.
I fixed a quick lunch, cleaned up, then plopped back on the couch, waiting for the clock to hit 6 p.m.—time to get ready for my night out with Summer.