Nothing Fantastically Absurd

By Christina Hart

When Trevor, a lonely 24 year old who
lost his mother at a young age and swore
off love, meets a young, free spirited girl
named Amira, he has to look inside and
understand why he is the way he is and
how he can learn to change to become
the man he is meant to be.
Trevor has been lonely and broken since
his mother died when he was a child.
He has learned to cope by shutting
off to the world and not opening up to
anyone, not even himself. He drinks to
numb his pain until he meets the one
girl who changes everything, including
herself. She isnt perfect either; stubborn
and strong-minded. Together, they
grow and learn to accept each other
in this quirky, off-beat romance that
focuses on why individuals are the way
that they are.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479711505

Christina Hart

Christina Hart has previously published a poetry book, All the Unknown Colors, and a short novel titled Nothing Fantastically Absurd. She is currently studying Creative Writing and working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts for Fashion Design. She wishes to inspire others in all aspects of her work. Please send correspondence to the author at: [e-mail]

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jello & whipped cream

The sound of the stars, whispering him to get up, made him jump up out of his slumber. He sat up and saw the girl sleeping soundly on the ground. She was lying on top of a sheet, wrapped in a hand knit blanket his mother made him for his birthday when he was 10. He was 24 now. She was at least 18, he hoped.

He didn’t remember much. He knew he got the sheet and blanket out of the trunk of his car. He remembered taking his last tequila shot and walking out of the local dive bar. He lost his job that day. When he stumbled out of the bar, wait, he remembered this girl, this stranger approaching him. He closed his eyes and put his hand to his forehead.

Got a light? she asked.

He lit her cigarette and then his own. He continued to stumble away.

Where you goin’?

I don’t know. I’m just going. he said.

Can I come? I don’t know where I’m going either.

Without hesitating for a response, she grabbed his arm and stumbled right along with him. They walked in silence for a few moments.

I’ll take that as a yes. she finally said, grinning. So, you’re pretty drunk aren’t you?

It’s that obvious then.

Yeah, plus you reek of booze. Got any more?

Are you even old enough to drink lady?

It’s that obvious then. She grinned, again.

He didn’t remember the rest of their conversation, but there must have been some that led them here. He wasn’t sure where they were. He just knew they were alone by a lake, covered in a blanket he’s had since he was a boy.

Still lying there, she rolled to her side facing him.

That was great, wasn’t it? she said, smiling softly.

He wasn’t sure what to say. He just knew he should put his clothes on.

What’s the rush? I thought you would at least take me to breakfast. she said.

Oh, yeah. You’re hungry? he said, pulling his jeans on.

Mmmm hmm. she said seductively as she watched him get dressed.

Well, put some clothes on then. he said as he threw her clothes to her that he found next to a tree about ten feet away.

He shook his head as they both finished getting dressed. He was too embarrassed to ask where his car was.

Lead the way. he said with an unsure smile as he gestured his hand for her to walk ahead of him.

Okay. We can go to my favorite little diner. It’s only a few blocks from here, not too far from the bar.

When she swung her head back around and kept walking, he finally noticed how pretty she was. He was actually quite taken aback at that moment. She had long, dark hair and her eyes were big and brown. Her figure was quite nice too. She had a long, slender body at about 5’4, but she had legs for days. And he thought how lucky he would have been to remember what it was like to sleep with her, and what a fool he was.

When they got to the diner, she held the door open for him. That was a first.

Two please! she said.

Okay right this way. the host said, grabbing two menus.

Smoking section. she added.

"Okay, right this way." he said, turning around and heading the opposite direction.

You could hear his sigh of annoyance. He did it on purpose.

There. He plopped down the two menus. Enjoy your meal.

As the host walked away, she took a pack of cigarettes out of the pocket of her jacket.

Want one? she asked.

Sure. But where did you get those? You were just bumming them off me last night.

She lit her cigarette and laughed.

Don’t you remember… you bought us each a pack?

Oh, right. he said, lighting his own.

You don’t remember, do you?

He looked at her with an honest face.

I didn’t think so. Want me to sum up the night for you? she asked, tilting her head in a pitiful way.

Please. he said.

Well, too bad. I guess you’ll just never know everything you told me, everything you did for me… She laughed. "And well, everything you did to me."

He looked at her sideways. He couldn’t believe this girl.

Well, will you at least tell me your name?

Amira. she said, as she took a drag of her cigarette and sat Indian style in the booth.

Hm. That’s a nice name. Is it just me or do you feel like we’re doing everything in reverse here?

She looked at him for a moment with a slightly puzzled but amused face.

Doing things the same way in the same pattern gets boring, Trevor. Can’t live in the same god damn routine all the time or you’ll go nuts. You pretty much did last night any way. I think it’s a good thing you got fired from your job. It sounded like you hated it. You can’t just go around being miserable getting drunk all the time.

I don’t get drunk all the time. Just most nights. he said in defense. And I did hate my job, but it was the only one I had.

Why’d you lose it anyway? That was one thing you never told me.

I don’t want to talk about it.

Oh come on. You pretty much told me everything else about your life. Why’d you get fired?

I said I don’t want to talk about it. he said, obviously getting frustrated.

He picked up the menu and started looking through it.

Fine. she replied, also opening her menu and browsing through it. Then I guess you don’t want to talk about where your car is either.

What? Where is it? Isn’t it still at the bar?

She just laughed.

I think I’ll get strawberry jello with whipped cream. And waffles. Yes, definitely waffles.

He shook his head, grinning in a frustrated way.

Seriously, Amira, where is it?

Why did you get fired? she said, staring at him.

Because they’re all pricks, that’s why.

Ah, pulling the old self-defense trick, huh? You never did anything wrong, they just misjudged you, right? she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

Right. Well, sort of.

What did you do?

The truth was that he was too embarrassed to tell her the truth. He lost his job because he showed up most days as she had said, reeking of booze. He was often late. And the reason behind it all was mainly because, just as she had said, he hated his job.

Fine. I was late, almost always. And I went in hung over, a lot. You’re right. I did hate it, so I just didn’t perform to the best of my ability. I didn’t try because I hated it. Happy? he said, voice low.

Yes, I am. And if it makes you feel any better, well, you performed to the best of your ability last night.

That made him smile, but considering the fact that he didn’t remember, he didn’t know what to say next. Instead of saying anything, he called the waitress.

Two coffees, please. I’ll have a bacon egg and cheese breakfast sandwich and the lady will have strawberry jello with whipped cream and waffles. He folded his menu and handed it to her.

No coffee for me, thanks. Just water is fine. she added, also handing her menu to the waitress.

You don’t drink coffee I presume?

Correct. she said, smiling.

So you’re just naturally this energetic and peppy, huh?

Correct again! You’ve just won yourself a car.

She winked at him. He laughed as their drinks were brought to them.

So, Amira, do I dare ask where you work?

You just did, didn’t you? How dangerous, you are. she said.

Well?

Well what? she asked, confused.

Where do you work?

Oh. Right. I’m a stripper. she said, nonchalantly taking a sip of her water.

No, really. Where do you work?

She laughed before changing expressions.

No, really, I’m a stripper. she said it with a straight, serious face.

He wasn’t sure what to say. Typically, strippers weren’t his type of girl, and he wasn’t the kind of man to go to a strip club. He only went on his 18th birthday because his friends dragged him. He didn’t have any trouble getting girls, so he had no reason or want to go.

He also found it rather sad that those women would sell themselves that short. He had no room to pass judgments though, due to the hard fact that he hardly valued himself.

Oh. No offense, but did I use a condom last night? he asked calmly, but he was a bit nervous in his head.

No. But don’t worry, the Chlamydia symptoms won’t show for at least 1-3 weeks. she replied.

He looked at her with his mouth open.

I’m kidding! Yes, you used a condom. You’re lucky I had one by the way. I don’t have Chlamydia, and I’m not a stripper. I work at a little consignment shop across town. The pay sucks but I get discounts on everything. I really had you going there for a minute. The look on your face was priceless. She laughed. Man, you’re too easy.

That was cruel. he said. He laughed too, but it was more out of relief than amusement.

Their food was brought out.

Your breakfast smells like shit. she said. Bacon is gross.

He laughed, but this time he meant it.

What? Bacon is the best thing in the world besides women.

Oh wow, it’s that close of a call? What is your world coming to, Trevor? She asked playfully, shaking her head and taking a bite of her jello.

When she asked him that, he stopped for a minute and realized something.

You know what, you’re right. What the hell is my world coming to, Amira? I really don’t know anymore.

Well, let’s eat. Then we’ll figure it out. Okay?

He looked at her and nodded. He smiled, and then he picked up his fork and took a bite of her jello. Maybe she was exactly what he needed. He forgot how good jello was.

He paid the bill and tipped the waitress.

That was quite scrumptious. Thank you, sir. Amira said as she curtsied.

Anytime, fair lady. Now, to the automobile. he said as he pointed to the door with dignity.

She laughed with contentment as they walked out the door and started heading down the street to his car.

Finally! You’re loosening up. I was beginning to think you were a rigid old bull. she said, smiling.

I have my moments. How old are you anyway? You never told me.

Does it matter? she asked.

Not as long as you’re over 18.

I am. I’m 21 as a matter of fact.

Then why were you sitting outside the bar instead of in it? he asked, curious.

Because I didn’t feel like drinking. And I don’t like to spend money on drinks. I think it’s a waste. Why go to a bar and spend five dollars on a beer when you can get a six pack for the same price? It makes no sense.

Well, there are lots of reasons. Social interacting, for one. It’s a great way to meet people you normally wouldn’t. When people have a few drinks in them, it normally makes them a little more friendly and open and willing to socialize with strangers. They have draft beers for less than five dollars, and to top it all off, you’re a beautiful girl, you wouldn’t even have to pay for any of your drinks.

Well, you’re right. I wouldn’t have to pay for my drinks if I wanted to socialize with strangers. But usually, I don’t. Plus, if I let a guy buy my drinks all night, he’ll assume I’m going to sleep with him.

And you wouldn’t?

Hey, you didn’t buy me anything last night besides cigarettes, asshole. And I tried to buy them myself but you wouldn’t let me, in case you don’t remember. You just opened up to me, and it made me trust you. And at the moment, it was what I wanted. See, I’m not like you, Trevor. I’m not afraid to go after the things that I want.

What are you trying to say? he asked.

Nothing. Your car is right over there. Have a nice day.

She started walking away. He called after her.

Wait, Amira, I didn’t mean it like that! he said as he caught up to her.

Then how did you mean it?

He didn’t say anything. He couldn’t think of anything to say until words finally just blurted out.

I don’t know, I’m sorry.

Don’t be. she said, turning away again. She kept walking.

He stood there for a moment, watching her walk away. He couldn’t do anything but watch her go. He just made her feel like a tramp. He knew it. But he didn’t mean to. He didn’t know what he meant when he said that, or why he even said it in the first place. She kept walking. He didn’t know what he could possibly say. He didn’t know how to stop her. But he wanted to.

Amira! he called after her.

She stopped and turned around. His mind went blank. He stayed silent.

That’s what I thought, Trevor. You wanted to know what your world was coming to, right? Well, this is it. Good things come into your life and you just let them slip away. You even said it. Why don’t you try doing something about it instead of just thinking about it so damn much?

She turned back around and kept walking. She was right. He stood there and thought about it. Every optimistic opportunity that had come along, he just let slip away. Any offer for a better job, he let go, because staying at his was comfortable, even if he hated it. Just like staying here, watching her go, was more comfortable than trying to change it. She was right. He didn’t even know this girl. But what he did know, he liked. And he just let the only exciting thing in his life just come and go. Typical Trevor. She was right.

Trevor got in his car and started it. The blanket he owned when he was a little boy was still in the woods somewhere. He would probably never see it again. He felt some part of him was missing. Whether it was the blanket, the girl, or part of his self, he wasn’t sure. He just knew he didn’t feel right.

He found the pack of cigarettes he must have bought