Chapter 01 (1)

The bar was very noisy with loud music blaring from the speakers. Eliot Rick carefully navigated his way to the counter past the packed bodies on the dance floor.

        Eliot was small for his age with light brown hair that turned golden in the sunlight. His wide hazel eyes were framed with thick, long lashes. The kind that girls would kill for. He was slim to the point that his bones could be counted, and his skin was pale, almost translucent.

        He generally disliked crowded places, but this bar was an exception. He knew the manager of the bar, Mr. Dan, since they used to live in the same neighborhoods. That was before Eliot decided to move out to live by himself. But they still kept each other in contact and when he opened the bar, Eliot became a regular. And as he paid special attention to Eliot and took great lengths to make sure nothing happened to him, Eliot felt quite safe with him.

        "Oh, Eliot!", Mr. Dan called to him when he finally managed to get through the bustling crowd.

        "Mr. Dan", Eliot replied smiling by way of greeting, his voice soft and his gentle smile lit up his face which further enhanced his beauty. "I've told you to not call me mister", Mr. Dan sighed while passing Eliot a glass of water as per his custom with a plate of snacks. "I'm used to calling you like that", said Eliot, accepting the snacks, "besides, you're way older than me. It'd be weird if I call you just by your name".

        After downing the glass of water, he ordered a glass of cider. His eyes swept across the throng of customers while waiting for his drink to be ready.

        "Err... Eliot", Mr. Dan started hesitantly, "how're things going with your family?". Eliot's eyes darkened at the question. Family was a sensitive topic for him. He'd never gotten along with his family well. Even after moving out, there was no real peace.

        "Still the same", he sighed looking down at his hands which were locked around his glass, "but don't worry, I can take care of myself". Mr. Dan nodded in understanding, "if it's too much for you to handle, I'm here for you alright?". He just couldn't help but worry despite the assurance.

        He'd witnessed helplessly as the sweet, innocent child slowly disappeared throughout the years. He'd watched on as the eyes which were once filled with childish innocence, filled was a sadness so profound that it wiped out all other emotions till, eventually, it too disappeared leaving blank eyes behind. With a heavy sigh, he got back to work but still keeping an eye on Eliot who was once again watching the crowd. The poor boy was forced to grow up too soon. He had gone through so much in his 20 short years of life than even people older than him had gone through.

        As Eliot was observing the crowd, his eyes were drawn towards a group of three people. All three of them were good-looking and clothed in designer brands from the looks. They seemed quite unbothered by the stares that the other customers were giving them.

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