1.1 Bridgeport

Hey. I'm Bryce Reed. I moved to Bridgeport from Sunset Valley a couple days ago; this is my little apartment. I know, it's pretty shabby, but I'm new here and I don't have a lot of cash. I always had dreams of making it big, and acting is one of the only things that makes me happy, so I decided to scrape up some money a while ago and use it to get me started here. I guess I should back up a little bit. When I was a teenager, I had a drug problem. I would do anything that was handed to me, regardless of what it was. I got my shit together, though, and I've been sober now for a few years. I still smoke though; cigarettes are my vice. Anyway, yeah. That's my story.

I haven't been inside the door for more than two minutes when someone buzzes my bell. Who's that? I think. I don't know anyone here. I sigh internally. Whatever, just meet the people, it could be someone cool.

"Hello, I'm Bryce Reed. And you are?" I smile as I shake hands with the stranger. "I'm Steve. I live just down the block. I heard through the grapevine we were getting some new blood in the industry, and I thought I'd make myself known." This guy seems kinda weird, but whatever. I guess it's a nice thing to do.

I'm about to make some more light conversation when he stops me. "Listen, kid, I know what you're thinking. You're here to play hard in the big leagues, right? Shoot all day and party all night. I'm here to tell you, that lifestyle ain't cut out for most people. I've seen too many people come to this town to make it big and end up squandering their whole lives. I don't want to see another, you understand?" Sheesh. It's not like you're my dad, old man. "Yes sir, I hear you." I see someone else enter from the sides of my vision.

I turn and talk to the newcomer. "Hey, I'm Bryce. Nice to meet you." I offer my hand, but the guy just stares me straight in the eyes. Creepy. His skin glows, too. And his eyes. Majorly creepy. "I'm William. Any wrongdoing, I'll know about it." He continues to stare at me. Mom was right, Bridgeport is filled with weirdos. I wait about a half hour, and they're gone.

Wow, I could NOT wait until they had left. I was craving one of these bad boys since I left Sunset Valley. Yeah, yeah, technically smoking isn't allowed in my building, but I don't really care too much. There isn't a smoke detector, and I don't think I even have a super. After a while of doing nothing, I look at my watch. 5:00 already? It's night time. I'm going out.

Alright, alright, I know what you're thinking. Bryce, you just told us you were sober! I am, but it's a special occasion. I moved and I got a small acting gig, I think that's cause for celebration! "Hey, could I have a drink? Whatever's the special tonight, I don't really care." The bartender looks at me. "Are you 21?" I sigh. "Yeah, here's my ID." Damn these looks.

Eh. It's an average drink. "This is great, thanks so much." While I'm sipping, I look around the bar. Maybe I could find someone here tonight. Another blast from the past: my girlfriend fucked my older brother after we'd been dating for two years in high school. Another reason I did drugs, another reason I left my family. Tada! I haven't had a serious relationship since; just a bunch of casual encounters. I don't really see any reason to change my ways; I don't like relying on someone emotionally and girls are drawn to my naturally good looks. Why fix what's not broken? I spy a girl alone, order another drink, and make my way over.

"You thirsty tonight?" She nods and accepts it, sending me a flirty look. I'm in. "What's your name?" I smile and ask her. "I'm Jun Xu. What about you?" "Bryce Reed, I'm new in town." We bullshit the night away for a few more hours. She flirts outrageously, touching my arm and shoulder, complimenting my hair, and I return the sentiment. We order more drinks and play pool.

At about 11, I decide to go for it. "Hey, hanging out at this bar is fun, but what do you say we take this party back to my house?" I slip in one of my patented Reed smiles. "Sure," she grins, "let's go."

We make out in the cab, and by the time we get back to my apartment, I know she's into it. Man, she's really into it. She grabs my shoulder and whispers in my ear. For the sake of you guys, I won't repeat what she said, but it got really graphic really fast. That rocks for me, though. 

Like I said, really graphic. Really fast.

We finish, and I immediately fall asleep after. I guess I was more tired than I thought. I do remember, though, waking up in the middle of the night and she wasn't there. I don't really care; she knew what she was getting into and she let herself out.

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That was my first day in Bridgeport, and wow, it was a wild one. I feel kinda bad for breaking my sober streak, but hey, I'm in the city that never sleeps. Shit's gotta get a little crazy sometimes. I know why I'm here, though, and I won't forget it. 'Til next time.

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Author's Note: Sorry for the cut away walls, I forgot to put them up when I was taking screenshots. I'll be more careful in the future.