Fated Trips Across the Oceans

‘Every morning there's a halo hangin from the corner of my girlfriend's four post bed’ I rolled over and shut off my phone. I sat up on the side of my bed with my head in my hands. The bed shifted and Jai wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me back down the lay next to him. “I have to get up now.” I commented as he pulled me closer to him. “No, you’re so warm.” He complained. “Alright, you got until my next alarm goes off.” I said as he kissed the end of my nose. I snuggled further into the crook of his neck and kissed the skin there.

We laid in that position for about 15 minutes before my alarm clock sang again. I stood up this time and headed over to my dresser. “Don’t leave me.” Jai whined dramatically causing me to laugh with my clean close in hand and turn to him. “I have to, I have to go to work.” I said and kissed the top of his head. “Besides you have to get ready too. The club opens up in 2 hours.” I walked out of my room and into the bathroom in between our bedrooms. Jai was my roommate but it seems we’ve evolved to more than that even though he hasn’t asked me out or anything.

We enjoy each others company is all. I step in and start the water for my shower. Jai opens the door and walks in. “Hello, bout to take a shower here.” I said placing my hands on my hips. “Good well you won’t mind if I brush my teeth.” He smiles at me as I roll my eyes. I grab my towel and throw it over the rail and strip down and step into the shower. “Am I allowed-” “No, Jai. Let me take my shower, you get in here and I will be late.” I said giggling. “But please?” “Nope, sorry.” I said smiling even though he couldn’t see.

I washed my body and wrapped myself in a towel then stepped out. I walked over to the counter and pulled out my hair dryer. I slipped on my work attire and and started doing my hair. I did loose curls and put on some make up. Jai got out of the shower and I tossed him a towel. “Why do you always do that?” I asked as he wrapped the towel around his waist. “What?” “Forget a towel.” “I don’t know.” I rolled my eyes and brushed my teeth. “Why do you always do that last?” He asked back. “What, brush my teeth?” “Yeah.” “That when I leave they’ll be nice and fresh.” I said and left the bathroom.

I went into my room and pulled out my shoes and grabbed my phone and wallet. “Alright, headin out Jai.” I yelled going out to the living room. “Want a ride?” I asked. “Yeah actually.” He said running down the steps. He tripped on the last one and I held out my arms and caught him but we both still fell to the ground. “Thanks for breaking my fall.” He said leaning over my body, his hands on either side of my head. “You’re a good mate, you know that.” He said leaning down and pushing his lips against mine. We laid on the floor in front of our stairs for a few before I pushed him away.

“We got to go.” I said and stood up, brushing off my butt. He groaned and stood up with me. I grabbed my keys and we walked out to my car. “What time do you get off?” He asked hopping in the front seat. “2am. You?” I asked starting the car leaving the parking lot of the apartments. “I work till close.” “Look at that, good timing on our schedules part.” He smiled at me and I turned on the radio. A couple songs later and a few stop lights and I pulled up outside of the club where Jai worked. “I’ll head down when I finish and meet you at the bar, alright?” “Yeah, sounds good.”

He shut the door and I pulled off and headed towards the bar where I worked. I pulled into a spot and looked around just as the sun was setting behind some buildings. I shoved my hands into the pockets of my hoodie and walked into the bar. “Good evening, Paige.” “Evening, Craig.” I said patting his shoulder. He became a regular at the bar after his wife and son died in a car crash two years ago. I walked into the back and put up my jacket and walked back out. “Bobby, I’ll take over now. You go home.” He smiled at me. “Thanks.” “Welcome.” He was the other bartender at the Inverness. The Inverness is the name of the bar down here. I started when it first opened up after I moved to Australia.

I’ve been working for a couple hours and really I enjoy it. I’m a good bartender, I took a few classes and can do all the fancy things with it and people enjoy it. I’ve done one or two competitions and won a few. “Hey, can I get three amber liquids?” A tall guy asked. “Certainly, what type?” “Melbourne Bitters.” I poured three and passed them off. “That’ll be 21 dollars.” He pulled out his wallet and gave me the cash. He walked away and I wiped off the counter. “Excuse me ms.” A woman said walking up the bar. “Yeah.” I said turning back. “Two blokes are having a blue near the bathrooms.” “Uh, thank you.” I said and ran over to our bouncer, Jim.

“Jim, We got a situation over by the bathrooms.” He nodded and headed off that way. I went back over to the bar. Then over the radio that I could barely hear Ben King’s, Stand By Me started to play. I couldn’t help but sing along and dance around a little as I got more drinks and cleaned up a little. “How are you, Paige?” Craig asked with a hiccup. “I’m good Craig. And you?” “Never better.” He said sarcastically.” He patted his hand and he smiled. I went back to getting more drinks and what have you.

It’s about 12:30 and It hasn’t slowed down at all. It’s Saturday night and no one wants to go home. I laughed watching people dance. “Excuse me can I get 6 shots of FireBall and 6 shots of Jack Daniels.” I started to pour the shots. I turned back around passing them over. “Anything else?” I asked looking at the guy who was ordering. He was tall with a blonde streak in his hair. Shit, it was Jack, like Jack Jack. Play it cool, you look different, act natural. “Can I get a couple beers too. Just whatever you think I’ll like.” He said with a wink.

I nodded and turned around but bumped into someone. “Bobby? I thought I told you to leave?” “You did, Denis called me back because Mariah quit, so until we get her replacement he asked me to cover her.” He smiled at me. “But I was wondering if you would cover for her cause you’re more of a people person where as I’m more of a bar kind of person.” “Wait...you want me to wait on the tables?” “Yes, please, please, please.” He begged kissing my hand. “But
Bobby-” “Paige, please.” “Fine.” I said grabbing my tip jar and grabbing a half apron. I shoved straws in it and a order pad.

“You fucking owe me.” I said and dumped my tips into the pocket of the apron. “Beers, I need 6 Little Creatures.” He poured them and I set them on a try and walked over to the table where all, ALL the guys were sitting. I set them down. “Alright, the amber liquids called Little Creatures Pale Ale and it’s a bit on the darker orange side in the way of color, it has a large head on it but it goes down quickly, It has a strong hops and grapefruit taste. Just a really smooth Ale with a little bit of lingering bitterness.” I passed out the beer. “Wow… what are you some sort of beer connoisseur?” Rian asked making everyone chuckle. Of course I don’t wanna blow my cover so I’m not gonna say anything. “Yeah, actually I am.” They all just looked at me. “I’m a mixologist, with a degree and everything.”

Zack smacked Rian’s arm. I chuckled. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll be your server. Would you guys like anything to eat while I’m here?” “Uh… I really just want a cheeseburger.” Alex said. “That sounds awesome.” Matt said. I stared for a second and watched him, he looked grown up, like a real adult and his smile was still big as ever. “Yeah, that sounds good.” “Ok, so does everyone want cheeseburgers?” I asked, they all nodded. “Let me tell the cook to throw those on and I’ll be back.” I said smiling and turning away. “Wait, so what’s your name?” Alex asked. I turned back.

“M-my name? Um…” They all looked at me. “I’m… I’m Paige and I’ll be your server.” I said and ran off towards the kitchen doors. I placed the order and stood back there for a few. I walked out and headed towards my section of tables. I took orders and such until all the burgers were done which I did not want to deliver. But I picked up the orders and made my way over to their table. “Alright, here are the burgers, all cheese all have fries except for Zack’s cause I know he doesn’t really enjoy fries as much as the rest so he got coleslaw.”

I placed his food down and everyone was staring at me. “What..?” I asked and looked around me. Then I realized what I said. “Shit fuck, disregard that.” I said quickly and tried to walk away. “Wait! I’m really confused-” Matt started but then Jai walked through the door. I smiled as he waved. “Paige!” Jai yelled. I quickly walked over and hugged him. “I’m so glad you walked in.” I said and sat him at a seat at the bar. “Want the usual?” I asked. He nodded and I grabbed a beer and ordered him a turkey melt, even though it’s from our lunch menu, rico, the cook doesn’t really care.

“How was work?” I asked. “Boring. How was your shift?” “Ugh, Jai it’s been such a long one. First there was a fight then Mariah quit, and on top of that I saw some old...acquaintances that I didn’t want to see, and now you’re here and I’m ok again.” He looked shocked. “Yeah you beat my vomit story.” He said making me laugh. “How much longer till you can get out of here?” He asked pulling me in for a hug. “Like 45 minutes, that when we shut it down.” “Good, I rented your favorite.” “Really!?” I asked jumping up and down.

“Yeah, the Princess Bride.” I kissed his cheek and ran over to the register. I printed out the check and walked around passing them out. I got back to the guys table and placed the check down. “Is it really you?” Alex asked. I turned around. “If I say no, can I go back to my life.” “You could but we wouldn’t believe you.” Jack started. “I mean you’re still wearing the necklace I bought you, so I know it’s you.” he said standing up. “Still?” I said to Jack. “I wear it everyday, there’s not a second that I don’t think about you guys but now I have a job, I’m not longer an alcoholic and have a place for myself. I went to college, granted it was a two year, but still.”

They were all standing. “Can we just talk, like catch up? You left in such a hurry, and without notice.” Alex said. Zack was the first to move, he stepped forward pulling me into a hug. I hugged back tightly. He smelled familiar and I loved it, they were a big chunk of me that was missing. We pulled away. “You’re taller.” Matt said. “Yeah, it happens.” I said back. He had tears in his eyes. “Please, don’t cry.” I said and took a step towards him. “Ladies and Gents, we will be closing in 15.” Bobby said over the whole bar. You could hear chairs screech and peoples shoes against the floor.

I pulled him into a hug. “You disappeared. I couldn’t help but blame it on me, you were my responsibility and-” I pulled away. “Matt… No one could control what was happening to me that’s why I left, you did nothing but care for me. Maybe a little too much at times but,” He laughed. “I needed it, thank you.” “Paige, are you ready to go?” Jai shouted. “Yeah, one sec.” I shouted back. “You guys can follow me to the apartment, if you want.” I said taking a big breath. “Ok.” Matt said. I smiled and headed over to Bobby.

“You’re cleaning up for me, you owe me.” I said pointing a finger. “Ok, seems fair.” He said back. I walked to the back and grabbed my jacket. I came back out. “Is that really what you wear to work?” Alex asked. “Yeah, gets me more tips.” I said shrugging. We headed over towards Jai. “This guy gives me the biggest tips.” I said jumping on his back, piggyback style. “Yep, you know it woman.” I jumped down. “Alright, Jai-” “Is this your brother and the gang?” Jai interrupted. “Yes. Alex, Matt, Zack, Rian, Vinny and Jack.” I said motioning to all of them.

“I’m Jai.” “He’s my roommate, took me in when I had nowhere else.” “Come on, we can still have a movie marathon.” Jai said taking my hand. “Just follow me.” I said back to the guys. They all sorta looked confused. We left and walked out to my car. Jai drove home cause that’s the deal one drives one way the other drives home. I noticed a car with a rental licenses behind us. “How did they find you?” He asked completely shocked. “I guess they have shows in Aus right now.” I said smiling.

He took my hand in his. “Are you happy now?” He asked. I smiled and leaned over kissing his cheek for no reason. “So happy, they don’t hate me.” “No one could hate you.” Jai said pulling my head over and kissing my head. We pulled in and parked. We got out. “While you go change I’ll put on the billy and get you so hot chocolate goin.” Jai said. I did a little dance and walked up to the door. I unlocked it and ran up to my room. I threw off my work clothes and put on a random t-shirt, which happened to be Jai’s and came back downstairs now in some socks.

“With or without marshmallows?” Jai asked as I came into the kitchen. “How long have you known me-” “I know, no marshmallows.” I smiled at him. “Do you guys want some hot chocolate?” I asked the guys. “Sure.” Jack said. I grabbed two mugs cause Jai doesn’t like hot chocolate that much and poured us the water. I did them up and handed him his cup. “So, start. Go, I’m interested in what happen since you left.” Zack said. “Well, I came out here and search for a place to stay and found Jai so I moved in, I went to counseling and got my alcoholism under control.”

“When did you get into alcohol so hard, I feel like a terrible brother.” Matt said. I took his hand in mine. “No, no. It’s fine, I’m good now. Jai helped me get through college and here I am with some what of a degree a job and a nice apartment in a country I’ve always wanted to go.” “Not to interrupt but you guys can use my room if you wanna stay, we have a guest room and a pull out couch.” Jai said. “Where will you sleep?” Matt asked Jai. “Where I normally do, Paige’s room.” He said going up the stairs to get changed.

I smiled at the guys as he walked up stairs. “Are you guys together?” Zack asked. “No… I just, we watch movies and eat dinner together-” “And sleep together.” Alex said with his arms crossed over his chest. “So what if we are. I’m an adult, he’s an adult, we make adult choices.” “Alex, calm down. That’;s part of the reason she left in the first place.” Matt said. “And I will not lose my sister again.” I stared at Matt. “So do you guys wanna stay?” I asked. “We go and get waffles on Sundays for breakfast.” I added. “I’m in.” Rian said.

“If Rian says yes everyone stays.” I said throwing my hands up. “I’m gonna take my hot chocolate and go to my room. I’ll get you guys some clothes and whatever you want to change into and I’ll give it to you.” I said running up stairs. I looked through my drawers pulling out every article of guys clothing I owned. I owned a lot. I took it down stairs and Jai set up the sofa bed already. “Vinny, Matt. First choice. Sorry if it’s all sweats.” I said. They took some and I headed to Jai’s room and the guest room. “Here you are.” I said handing them all some clothes. “I can also wash whatever you want.” I said smiling.

Alex’s hand went through my hair. “Your hair’s so much lighter.” “Yeah, I go to the beach a lot.” I said smiling. “Good, you love the beach.” He gave me a smile back. I walked over and pulled him in for a hug. “Missed you, best friend.” “Missed you, too.” I pulled away walked off towards my bedroom. I stepped in and closed the door. Jai was already laying across the bed and I slipped off my pants and crawled under the covers, covering my head. “What’s wrong.”He asked moving back the covers.

“I missed them, I don’t want them to leave.” He smiled at me and pulled me closer to his body, making me cuddle with him. “Wanna put in the movie?” He asked. “No, too tired and too lazy to let you move.” He chuckled and pulled the chain on the lamp on his side putting us in darkness. “Night, night.” I said to Jai. “Night.”

Notes

Alright, this is the beginning of a sequel to if you could choose. Tell me what you think. Y'all are awesome and if I got any of those Australian terms or uses wrong sorry, I know I'm not the best. :P As always with love!!!:)

Outfit:http://www.polyvore.com/bar_my_life/set?id=111944475