Blood in Wonderland

Chapter 3: Welcome

The sun was setting down as Sarah and I walked on the sidewalks of the city. The streets were full of teenagers, adults and kids screaming and laughing. It was Saturday, there was always a lot of people that day. To blend in the crowd of the Blood in Wonderland, my best friend and I decided to dress the part. I was wearing a black dress, but not too tight because if it were, I would not feel comfortable. My black high heels made me a few inches taller than normal. My brown hair was curled and hid my tattoo on my left shoulder. I was scared someone would recognize it. I did not even think about it until a few minutes ago when Sarah pointed it out at me. 

"So, you already know Daniel? From where?"

"I really don't know how, but I have this feeling that I saw him somewhere. When I think about it, he seemed pretty familiar with me. The way he talked and acted. It's weird."

"Everything about this situation is weird Val." 

"You're right. By the way, I really like the dress you're wearing, is it new?"

"No, I bought it a few months ago, but thank you."

Sarah was wearing a dress similar to mine, but tighter. It hugged her curves and breast well. She was beautiful. Her brown hair was up, and a heart necklace was enhancing her collarbone. 

"So... What's the plan?"

"We get in, act like we wanna have some fun, get information and get out." 

"And Val, don't forget. We don't drink. Not a shot, not a sip. Nada, nothing, understood?"

"Sure, mom."

Sarah rolled her eyes and passed her arm around my shoulders. 

"There we go." 

We made it to the line. There were only a few people in front of us. I took out my ID from my wallet and showed it to the bouncer. He let Sarah and I in the bar. I was surprised when we entered the place. I remembered some of it, but not everything. The music was so loud that it made the floor shake. Adults were laughing, drinking, talking and dancing all around the big room. The ambiance was nice. The lights were a red colour. On the back wall, there were big neon letters. It was the same colour as the lights, and it spelled Blood in Wonderland. 

"Wow. Why did we never come here?"

"I don't know. I didn't even know it existed until yesterday." 

On the left, there was a big staircase with wire racks as decorations. The steps were illuminated by white LED lights. There were pool tables and regular tables.

"I think we should split."

"What should I do? I didn't even see this Daniel, I don't know what he looks like. 

"Just talk to the employees and show them a picture of me. Maybe one of them will recognize me and will know something."

Sarah shook her and directly went to the bar. On the other hand, I decided to explore the second floor. I went up the stairs and was surprised to see that it was a long corridor with doors. Before that was a big living room where sofas and a nice bar were. There was not anybody except for a guy in a black suit stopping a drunk girl from going further. It was a private area. Quietly, while the girl was arguing with the bodyguard, I jogged past them and down the corridor. It was dark and far from reassuring. All the doors were closed except for one and without further thinking, I pushed that door and went inside. The walls were a dark-grey colour and the light was dimmed. I rolled my eyes when I saw a few posters of girls in bikinis. This was definitely the office of a man. The desk was in the middle of the room. I went near it and started to look around. I opened drawers, went to the stack of papers, and something caught my eyes on the computer screen.  

"What...?"

I clicked on the mouse and opened the file with my last name on it. Pictures and text messages popped up. There were pictures of me last night. I was in this bar and when I rolled down the page, other pictures of me in the motel room showed up. It was messages from last night. Sarah kept texting me, but I did not answer and thought that I had lost my phone. The guy took it from me. 

One of these images was a picture of me, clearly drunk, a knife in my hands.

I was screwed, I was so so so screwed. 

I mean, did it prove that I really killed that guy?

"F*ck"  

My phone rang and I answered.

"Yeah?"    

"Hey, I've found nothing, you?" 

"Sadly, yes, I'll tell you about it later, see you outside in five." 

I decided to take pictures of the file. After, I deleted them on the computer and got up. I needed to get out of here and fast. I pushed the chair toward the desk and put everything back in place. 

"That's cool, I won't have to do housework. Want a tip?" 

I jumped and a scream got stuck in my throat. I didn't even notice Daniel was standing in the doorframe, arms against his chest and this stupid smile on his lips.  

He looked stupid. 

But stupid hot. 

"I knew you would be here tonight. You couldn't resist not knowing what happened." 

"Do you want a pat on the back?"  

"So, did you find anything?" 

"No," I lied through my teeth. 

"So I guess that if I go through my computer, the pictures of you will still be there?" 

I did not know what to say. Daniel walked in the room and honestly, I was scared. He got near me and looked straight at me. 

"Listen, I have to go. Someone is waiting for me."  

As I was walking past him, he grabbed my forearm and pulled me toward him. I put my hands in front of me to prevent my body of touching his. 

"Let go."  

"You're so predictable. I swear-"  

At the same, the fire alarm started blaring. In this moment of distraction, I freed myself from Daniel and ran out of the room.