by J. L. Ostle
I go to the changing area. I take off my clothes and start trying on the dresses she has given me as well as the shoes that will match. She asks me to come out so she can see. I swear the ones she has picked out are either too short or show way too much cleavage. I’m not confident enough to pull something like these dresses off.
The last one I try on is the red one I liked. I just hope it looks all right on me. I place the dress over my head and down my body; already I love how it feels against my skin. It’s so smooth. I wear the black heels, and when I look in the mirror, I look completely different. Very girly. It shows off my curves in the right places. The shoes make my legs look longer.
I step out and she jumps up and down, telling me I have a good eye and that it’s perfect. The girly part of smiles and I start twirling around. The last time I did anything like this was years ago. If I try anything on, it's just to make sure it fits and that’s it.
But being in this dress. I take out my phone to take a selfie to show Aisha and my mom. The girl offers to take it and she takes a few, then handing me the phone back.
“Thank you,” I say to her after I get back into my normal clothes.
“No, it’s me who should be thanking you. Anyone else would have got me fired, especially with how I spoke to you. I know I couldn’t really afford these clothes and I wouldn’t like it if someone said to me what I said to you.” We place my dress and shoes on the counter.
“It was nice trying on the dresses but I don’t know how girls show so much skin. I felt naked in a few of them.” We both laugh.
We stop laughing when an older woman comes over, looking at me before looking at the girl. “Chasity, everything okay here?” she asks her but looks at me.
No wonder Chasity spoke to me like she did if she has this woman as a role model. She is looking at me like Chasity did when she first saw me.
“Yes. This lady has just bought the red slink dress and black Gianni heels.”
The lady’s face morphs, smiling. “Oh, how lovely. You have very good taste.” She budges Chasity with her hip so she moves to the side. “I hope you were well taken care of.”
I see the nervous look in Chasity's eyes. “I was. She was helpful and made my experience here memorable. I would come back again.”
Chasity smiles.
“That’s good,” the older lady says. “Chasity, why don’t you sort out the stock in the back? I will finish off here.”
Chasity’s mouth opens and closes. “But it’s my sale,” she murmurs.
“Chasity,” the woman says a bit sternly.
What it is with this town and people treating other people like shit? It’s like bully central here. “I want this lady to continue to serve me,” I speak out. You would think I said I wanted to sacrifice a lamb in the middle of the store the way these two women are looking at me. “She is the one who helped me, and she is the one I want to continue to do so.”
“It’s no problem. It will be quicker if I…”
I interrupt her. “No, I want her. She earned my commission, not you. Now let her serve me or I will speak to the owner of this establishment and, trust me, I know who it is.”
Well, I don’t, but I'm sure my parents do.
“As you wish. Chastity, ring this up.” Chasity scurries over. The lady is about to walk away when that impulse hits me. That stubbornness, that part of me I try and lock away, but of course, that part of me wants to come out and play.
“I think I will also get a few more things.” I start walking around the shop, grabbing jeans, dresses, skirts, shoes. I have basically treated myself to a whole new wardrobe. Chasity's mouth is hanging open like a fish with how much stuff is on the counter. “I think I have everything. Well, the stuff I know will suit me.” I chuckle to myself.
Chasity folds everything, put things into boxes and bags, and when she passes me everything, my hands are full. “Cash or card?” she asks.
I place my new things onto the ground. “Card, please.” I pass her my card and she passes it back with a receipt. The lady huffs and walks away, and when she does, Chasity bounces up and down, running around, pulling me into her.
“Why did you do that? You didn’t have to. Especially after how I acted.”
I shrug. “You copied her. You probably didn’t realize you did it, and you did help me today. You deserve that commission. I just hope it’s a good one.” We both laugh.
“It is. You have made my year.” I take out a piece of paper and a pen from my bag and I write down my mother’s number. I pass it to her. “What is this?”
“Your get out of jail free card. Call that number, say Lucille gave it to you and it’s about you looking for a new job. It’s my mother. She knows what I’m like. She will understand why.” I like to save those against bullies.
Well, I try to.
She hugs the paper to her chest. “Thank you.” A tear falls down her cheek. I give her a nod, picking up my bags. I’m about to walk out the door when she calls out to me. “I think you should get your hair and make-up done. Go to Gretta’s on the second floor. Say I sent you. She will look after you.”
“I will do that. Thank you.”
Hair and make-up?
This better be some party.
Chapter Twenty-One
I look at myself in the mirror, not believing what I’m seeing. I have never seen myself like this. It’s like looking at a stranger. My hair is in waves but pinned to one side, flowing down one shoulder. My make-up makes my skin look so flawless and smooth. Because I said I was wearing a red dress, they put dark red lipstick on me, making my lips look fuller.
I take another selfie of me in my dress but with me all done up, and send it to my mother and Aisha who tell me I look like a glam model going down the red carpet.
It’s seven-forty five. I better start making my way down. I could groan because the elevator’s not working. I need to hold the banister tight, my heels clicking and echoing with each step I take. I’m also walking slowly so I don’t trip and fall.
When I reach their floor, I can already hear music playing; it gets louder when I open the door. People are already there, milling out in the hallway and they all stop when they see me. I mean they physically stop what they are doing, staring at me like I’m some sort of alien.
I look down my body to see if there is anything wrong, but I don’t find anything. I start to feel paranoid that maybe I look ridiculous. I sigh in relief when the bicep guy walks over, his eyes beaming. “You look amazing. I didn’t recognize you.” He takes my hand and links it with his arm, guiding me to the first apartment. “This is Axel’s place. Have you been in here yet?”
I shake my head. “Just Lucas’.”
“I’ll give you a quick tour. Lucas is greeting the holy people.” He walks me around; the layout is just like mine. The music in here is more dancey. All the furniture is pushed to one side, leaving room for people to dance if they want to.
He shows me to Elijah’s which seems like it’s turned into some kind of a games room. Doesn’t surprise me that his place would be set out like that. I see a ping pong table with red cups. A bar on the far end with rows and rows of empty shot glasses. I dread to think how many will be poured later.
When we reach Lucas’s place, I get butterflies in my stomach. It’s nerves. I’m going to try to prove to myself that I can keep my big mouth shut and just be a part of the background.
Bicep guy, who I now know as Nathan, walks me to the bar in here and all three guys are there talking to two other guys. As if they can feel I’m here, they all turn to face me and their eyes widen.
It’s when I see them go dark that I get goosebumps up my arms. Nathan continues to take me towards them, and when we arrive, their eyes trail over my body. “Thought I’d show her around while you talked,” Nathan explains. “If you need me, Lucille, I’ll be in Axel’s place.”
I want to call out to him to stay as I felt more comfortable with him than I do right now.
“Lucille, y
ou look mesmerizing.” Elijah kisses my cheek.
“I know you said perfect didn’t exist, but you look beyond perfect.” Axel kisses my other cheek.
“You scrub up good,” Lucas says next. What did I really expect from him? To compliment me like the others did?
“Thank you.” You ass. “You guys look handsome.”
“Lucas, where have you been hiding this gem?” one of the two guys, with messy brown hair and chocolate brown eyes says, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. That’s sweet of you.” He smiles. I know that smile. He thinks I will be sugary sweet to him. That if he says a few nice words, I’ll be drooling over his arm.
“Please say you will be at my side tonight?” I turn to Lucas who has a passive face, but I can see he doesn’t want me to. I can see the anger in his eyes. He wanted us to suck up to these two. Or did he mean just Kimberly and the girls?
Where is Kimberly? Has Lucas talked to her?
I press my hand to my chest. “Of course I will be at your side. I just hope you can entertain me enough to keep me there,” I say sweetly, fluttering my eyelashes.
He links my arm into his. “I’m sure I will find ways to amuse you.” I step into his side. “So, Lucas, have you decided what you will be doing after graduation? Isn’t that the reason you’re having this party? To sweet talk your future businessmen?”
They’re going to be working together?
“I will be following in my father’s footsteps, and yes, I want to get to know the people I will be working with in the future. I thought before we have to deal with the real world that we can enjoy ourselves at one of my parties before we graduate.”
The guy smiles. “It is nice to meet you in person. Your father is a very ambitious man. Since he got help with those investors eighteen years ago, your father has climbed up that business ladder. With the stories I’ve heard about you, you are just as ruthless, which I like. I to like to be the king of the castle as the saying goes. We do what it takes to make sure we stay there. Let’s see how this party proceeds and go from there.” He extends his hand.
Lucas shakes it firmly. “Of course. Mingle, enjoy a drink. I’m sure you will have a good time.” I feel the guy to my side stare at me, but I ignore it. I stare on, looking at Lucas and the guys, even though my body wants to involuntary shiver.
“I’m sure I will enjoy every aspect of this party fully.” Really? I know what he means. I’m sure Lucas and the guys know what he means, but if he lays one finger on me sexually, I may have to throat punch him. “Let’s take a walk.” We all start moving but he then stops. “Just us. I will see you boys shortly.”
I plead to the guys with my eyes to not leave me alone with this guy but when he starts heading out of Lucas’ place, I know they aren’t going to do anything to stop us.
Once we’re alone, he starts talking about himself, bigging himself up to be a wanted man. Trying to impress me with his money and power, but it takes so much not to yawn. I am so bored and he doesn’t ask me anything about myself.
A girl walks by with a tray of shots. I know I don’t do alcohol but I need something to keep me going before I pass out from boredom. I take two from the tray, downing one right after the other, feeling that burn down my throat.
The guy smirks at me before taking two for himself. “I like a girl who knows how to have fun.” He winks at me then downs his. “Let’s go get a drink.”
“Yes, let’s.” We walk over to the bar area and the guy serving looks old enough to be a freshman. He asks what we would like. Before I give the guy next to me a chance to order on my behalf I ask for a vodka lime and lemonade.
My mother went over to Britain and tried that drink there and has been drinking it since. When I turned twenty-one, it was my drink of choice if I ever did order or make a drink. Mr. Boring orders a bourbon neat. When we have our drinks, we start walking and again he continues talking about himself.
This is it for the next hour or so, him talking non-stop, me listening, taking shots and drinking my drinks a little quicker than I like. But it has helped me. I feel more relaxed. We walk back into Lucas’ place and the three of them are still at the bar. The other guy they were trying to impress isn’t there.
Have they not moved?
I’m guided there, and they all stare at me with concern. “Please look after my date while I use the men’s room. I didn’t want to leave her on her own for someone else to swoop her up.” He lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles again.
Once he is gone, Lucas twirls me around so I’m facing him. “Are you drunk?” he asks.
I giggle and wave his hand away. “No, I just needed a little bit of something before I died. That guy is trying to kill me with his stories. I know more about him than I do myself. You have to save me.” I stumble over my foot, falling into his chest, my hands pressed against his stomach. “God, you are made of stone. But you feel so good.” My hands start gliding over him before he takes hold of my hand. “You’re no fun.” I pout out my lower lip.
“Get me some water,” he orders the guys.
I step back, swaying a little. “I don’t want water.” I try and stand still but it’s like my body doesn’t want to. My head feels a little hazy too. “I want to dance.” I beam and run out of the room, with the guys calling out to me.
I reach Axel’s room, and people are dancing. I walk in the middle of them all and move to the music, swaying my hips slowly, letting my hands sway in the air. I love listening to music. When the music changes to Whitney Houston’s Higher Lover the remix version, I give a little scream as I love this song.
A few guys start dancing near me, but I ignore them, I just let go. I feel a tap on my shoulder and when I turn around there is a girl holding a tray with a colorful drink. “This was given to you.” I look at the red, orangey color. It looks so pretty. I take it, thanking her, taking a sip. It tastes just like juice.
I feel dehydrated so I down the contents, taking the glass to a nearby table then returning to the dance area. I’m still shuffling to the music when my body starts to feel lighter. I probably have had too much to drink in such little time. Probably didn’t help that I hadn’t eaten beforehand.
I know you’re meant to line your stomach before drinking but I wasn’t expecting to drink. That bonehead could have put the pope to sleep.
I have to fan myself as I start to feel a little hot. I don’t think that last drink agreed with me. I don’t feel sick, but I know I don’t feel right.
I knew the guys were right behind me. I guess they didn’t care that I ran off. If they don’t care where I am, hopefully they won’t care that I don’t stay here. I really don’t want to be anywhere near that guy. I will probably drink myself into a coma if he starts rambling about himself again.
He probably thinks he has gotten lucky.
I walk over to the doorway, poking my head out and looking both ways before running to the stairway. I take a few steps up, my feet hurting a little. I stop, take off my shoes, then continue. When I reach my floor, I bask in the silence.
Taking my key out of my bra, I try to open up but it takes a couple of tries. I drop my heels to the ground, stumbling over to the kitchen area and grabbing myself a large glass of water, downing most of the contents. I know I’m going to feel this in the morning.
I take a seat at the breakfast island, sipping the water when there are loud bangs on my door. I swear if that’s anybody at the party trying to wake up everyone because they’re drunk and bored, I will stab them in the eye with my heel.
The banging continues until I sloppily open the door to see the three trio standing there, each of them look angry.
I guess they do mind that I left.
“Oh come on, if you have come up here to have a go at me, can it wait until tomorrow, after I deal with whatever hangover I am going to get?” I hiccup on the last part. God, it is way too hot.
Lucas stands in front of me, grabbing hold of my arms. “H
as anyone ever told you to tell someone if you’re leaving?” he shouts at me.
I shake out of his hold. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I was running away from your stupid party. I wanted to go home.”
“How would we have known if you made it back here okay or if you are outside in the dark getting molested? Someone could have taken advantage. You need to tell one of us, send a message, anything. Just so we know you’re safe.” His jaw ticks.
I tap his cheek, smiling. “Aww, look at you pretending you care about me.” I giggle. “Besides, this outfit doesn’t have any pockets, so I had no phone. If anyone tried to touch me, they wouldn’t be able to have children in their future.”
“Lucille, next time please tell us if you’re going,” Elijah chimes in.
“Why? So you can order me to stay? Tell me that I can’t go? I don’t think so.”
It is getting way too hot. I start rubbing my chest, feeling a little constricted even though this dress is very thin.
“She’s drunk,” Axel says. “Let's just leave it until tomorrow.”
I walk over to him, flinging my arms around his neck. I lean into his neck, inhaling him, just like he always does to me. “You smell really good.” I pull back a little. “I like your voice.” I giggle.
“Yeah, she’s drunk.” Axel laughs.
“Lucille…” Elijah comes to our side.
“Elijah, the guy who can be so soft and caring when you aren’t around dickheads.” My arms sling over to him. “You are broken, just like me,” I try to whisper, but I don’t think I managed it.
“Lucille, let’s get you to bed.” Elijah takes hold of my hands.
I start stepping backward, shaking my finger at them. “Ah, you want to get me into bed.” I smile at each of them. “Yeah, we have had our moments. You three are good kissers, and maybe in my dreams I could picture us having sex.” I pause for a moment. “Have you ever had a foursome? How would that exactly work?”
“Lucille,” Lucas says my name, but I ignore him.
“Would you be rough with me or gentle? I’m probably so tight as I haven’t had sex in years,” I say quietly. “But I do like to play with myself. Does that count?”
