The Alpha's Luna

    The bright lights stung my eyes as I tried to open them unsuccessfully. I fluttered my eyelids opened and noticed I was surrounded by bright white walls, lights, and beeping sounds ever so present in my ears. As my eyes came to focus, a tall figure entered into the room.      "Leilani, I am Doctor Willaims," he said.      "Where am I?" I asked.      "You are at St. Francis General Hospital. You were in a terrible automobile accident," he replied. "You have three broken ribs and multiple contusions and lacerations. We expect you to have a full recovery in a few months.      "Where are my parents?     He took a deep sigh. "Leilani, he said with a somber look on his face. You and your family were in a head-on head car crash, and, unfortunately, your parents did not survive the accident. Your aunt Camila and uncle Samuel will be taking you home, and you will live with them and their two children," he replied.      "I would like to be left alone, please," I said, as rolled over and stared out the window, tears falling from my bruised cheeks. Doctor Williams rose from the chair and left me alone, as the silence engulfed me as my memories started to flood my mind.      I woke up a hot mess. Man, I haven't had that dream in a long time. Life with my aunt and uncle was challenging and complicated. I felt like I was different, an outcast, and very unwelcomed. They made sure to let me know how much of a burden I was every day.     It was the eve of my 30th birthday, and I viewed it as any other day, nothing special. I shook off the dream as I began my day as usual. I took a shower and wrapped myself with a towel. I walked to the closet and began to select my outfit. I chose a baby pink peek-a-boo shoulder top and paired it with a black pencil skirt that stopped just below my knees. I grabbed my favorite black stilettos, got dressed, and headed to the bathroom to do my hair and make-up.      I applied hair products and began diffusing my hair. When my hair was dry, I used some mascara, nude lip gloss, and some pink blush. I was a natural beauty and did not like wearing heavy make-up. I put on gold tear-drop earrings with a matching necklace, bracelet, and sprayed on light perfume. I grabbed my purse and walked out the door.       I took a deep breath and mumbled to myself, "Today will be a long day at work." I know my co-workers will make a fuss over my birthday, and I just dread it. As I stand on the sidewalk, getting ready to enter my car, my phone rings. I look at my phone and notice that Matt is calling.      "Good morning Matt."     "Leilani, you need to be at the office in five," he replied, hanging up the phone. I get into my car and drive to work. As I enter the building, Matt is standing there waiting for me.       "What is the big rush, Matt?"     "Our company received an invitation to The Grand Masquerade Ball, and I want you to go. All of our biggest clients will be attending," He replied.     "Can't Lucy go instead?", I asked in an annoyed tone. Lucy loves these types of corporate events.      "No!" Matt replied.      "You are the best, and I need you there to wine and dine. You are our Vice President of Brand Management of Mikado Advertising, and this is a charity event. Your representation will look good for our company. We need to make an everlasting impression on our future clients. I have cleared your schedule, so go prepare for tonight. You will need a gown, mask, and the usual accessories. Please charge all expenses to the company. The details for the party have been sent to your email."      Matt walked away, leaving me standing there with a bewildered look upon my face. This day just got worse; I thought to myself, I walked out of the building and returned to my vintage 1969 RS/SS black Chevy Camero. Why is this party so special anyway, she thought to herself. All I wanted to do was get some important design concepts completed and go home and relax. But now I have to get all dolled up. These types of events make me uncomfortable and remind of my parents.      They loved to host parties all the time. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of them as small tear graces my cheek. I grab my phone texted to Sophie.       Girl, you are not going to believe what happened at work this morning!"     "Dish!" Sophie replied.      "I have to attend The Grand Masquerade Ball at the Old Union Station. I can take a plus one, would you like to go with me?"      "You know I would not miss out on something like this," she replied.     "Meet me at Blush Boutique downtown in 30-minutes," and I hung up. Blush Boutique has all the designer gowns and one of the kinds. It is the best place to purchase what we need for our evening event.  With all the craziness that has occurred this morning, I forgot to eat breakfast. I stopped by my favorite coffee shop Flor's, purchased a Turtle Latte, and a white chocolate raspberry scone. I gobbled it down and headed the boutique.      As I pull-up to the store, Sophie is already waiting for me with excitement in her eyes. Sophie is a beautiful Polynesian woman, with long radiant black hair, honey brown eyes with a green fleck, and a curvaceous body. Sophie and I have been through thick and thin, and if it was not for her, I do not think I would have overcome my parent's death. She was really there for me. She is my best friend, but we act more like sisters.     "Hey Soph', I said, walking up to her and giving her a hug. Shall we? I asked as I opened the door.      "How may I help you, ladies," an older lady behind the desk said. She was pretty with fair skin and some graying hair around her temples.        "We are attending the Grand Masquerade Ball this evening. We need a complete look from head to toe," I replied.      "Come with me please, my name is Lori, and it will be my pleasure to assist you. Here is our selection of evening cocktail dresses and ball gowns."      Sophie and I look like two little girls in a candy shop trying on dresses.      "Soph, I think I have found the one I squealed. As my mood about this evening is shifting slightly. I step out of the dressing room in a floor-length black asymmetrical one shoulder evening cocktail gown. The dress has one sleeve that stops at my right wrist, leaving the left shoulder and arm bare, exposing my tattoo on my shoulder. This exquisite gown accented all my curves in the right places; it appeared to be see-through in areas, but it was not. It was covered in vintage aspired appliques and lined beadwork that flowed with my curves, and a slit that started mid-thigh to the floor.      "You look stunning!" I will be right back, shrieked Sophie. Try these on, Sophie handed me some red stilettos, a red and black beautiful, unique swan phantom filigree laser cut Venetian mask. It featured a swirly black swan with red diamonds reflecting the bird's wings on the right side that reached right below my forehead and stopped below my eye. The bridge of the nose had a tear-drop diamond pendant that rested on my nose. The left side features the same style of the pattern as it is only covered right above and below the eye.      Lori approached us with a look of approval on her face.      "Leilani, that dress was made for just for you. I do not think anyone else would complement that dress the way you do". I have the perfect jewelry set for you.      She placed around my neck a victorian inspired crystal choker. The divine necklace eludes elegance with its mesmerizing large diamonds, which sparkle with the slightest movement. It is accented with beautiful filigree parts with tiny gold roses and Rubies in the middle. The magnificent part of this piece is the dangling tear-drop diamond to enhance its exceptional beauty.      The choker is paired with matching diamond tear-drop dangle earrings with rectangle jewels adorned with tiny flowers. These earrings epitomize old school elegance and victorian allure. She then placed a ring with a giant sparkling diamond on my middle finger. It sits gracefully in the middle of an absolutely charming filigree base attached to an intricately detailed filigree band to complete my look.      As I gaze at myself in the mirror, I barely recognize myself. Astounded by my own beauty. I look flawless. Sophie beams at me with approval. I had been so engaged with my attire, I did not notice that she had picked out a black plunging v-halter satin jumpsuit that featured an elegant beaded train. She has never been the type that loves wearing dresses.      She placed a black Venetian filigree mask that covered her right eye and went above her left eye, leaving her left eye and cheek exposed; it was adorned with diamonds. She wore a platinum princess-cut diamond solitaire pendant necklace, matching diamond stud earrings, and bracelet. Keeping her look simple but elegant. Her shoe of choice was silver lacey wedges that had little diamonds upon the lace.      "Ladies, you are showstopping, you both look like you have walked out of a fashion magazine!" exclaimed Lori.      We paid and left the boutique.      "Now for claws and paws," Sophie said with a questioned look upon her face.      "Of course," I said. Any place, in particular?     "I saw this quaint salon around the corner. Want to check it out?"      "Sounds lovely," Let's go.      We walked down the street and around the corner and came upon "The Spot." Not only did the place offer manicures and pedicures, but it has spa and salon services as well. It was a one-stop-shop. It was sleek and modern inside with jet black walls with colorful art deco paintings on the walls. We walked to the receptionist to book our appointments.      I choose a black french tip manicure with a red rose on my index fingers and a black pedicure with the same rose but on my big toes. The pedicure and manicure were relaxing. Sophie went with a baby boomer pink ombre nail design with a full Swarovski pixie index finger and her toes, just the same pink ombre design.      "Let's get more tranquil and get massages while we are here," said Sophie.      "I could use some extra distressing, I'm down," I replied.      Man, I feel like a light and fluffy cloud. Soph, this place is absolutely incredible. Great find!"     I looked down at the time and noticed we have skipped lunch. I did not realize I was so hungry as my stomach let off a low rumble.      "How about we grab a quick bite before we head our separate ways?, I asked. "What sounds good?"     "Tacos," she replied.      "Alrighty, meet me at La Puerta," I respond before getting into my car.      La Puerta is your typically whole in the wall mom and pop restaurant featuring colorful walls with matching tables and booths. The most fantastic decor to this place was how it looked like the wall was falling off, and you could see brick underneath the sheetrock. We walked through the doors, and all the delicious aromas hit our noses, reminding us how hungry we are.  "How many?" asked the hostess.  "Two," I replied.  She sat us in the back corner next to a window. This is my favorite place. It's quite, and the food here is to die for. They brought us chips and salsa before ordering our drinks.  "Hola, I'm Miguel. I will be serving you. What would you like you to drink?" he asked.  "Water for us, please. We are ready to order, as well," I replied.  "I would like to have the Cancun Chicken, please."  "And you miss?" He asked Sophie.  "I will have the Taco plate, please."     In a matter of minutes, our food had arrived. In front of me was a sizzling hot plate with grilled chicken and shrimp, smothered in queso and topped with pico de gallo, sided with rice and beans.      "Ummm," I moaned. This is scrumptious.      Sophie is already inhaling her carne asada tacos. "Man, this place is where it's at," she said.      "I cannot believe I have never been here before," she said with a mouth full to tacos.      I looked at her a let out a small giggle. We finished our meal, paid the ticket, and left the restaurant feeling satisfied. I checked the time, and it was now past five in the evening.      "We only have a few hours until the ball. It is time to go get ready. I will pick you up in the limo at 8:00 pm", I told her.     "See you later," Soph, as I smiled, getting into my car.      Ah, home sweet home, I thought to myself. I took my bags to my room, hung up my dress, and placed my shoes near my bed. I laid out my accessories on my vanity.      I turned on my favorite playlist and headed to the bathroom. I turned on my bathtub and let it begin to fill. I added coconut, vanilla, and lavender bath bomb.      I remove my top and bra and let my skirt fall as it pools at my feet. I slip out and step into the tub. As I soak, I let all my worries melt away. I let off a sigh of relief as I felt my edge slip away.     I wash my hair and body. I stepped out of the tub and wrap a towel around my naked body. I grabbed my favorite lotion that smells like coconut, shea butter, and vanilla and applied it to my skin. I walk into my closet and choose a red lace thong with a matching strapless bra.     I turned to enter my bathroom, I used my hair care products and diffused my hair. I pulled my long brown tight curly locks into a low one-sided ponytail, allowing my long bangs to frame my face. Satisfied with my hair, I applied my face moisture then light foundation. I picked up my eye shadow palette and went with a natural look using brown and pink shades. I finished by adding some pink blush and applying some false eyelashes.      I walked into my room, unzipping my dress from the garment bag before slipping into it. God, this gown makes me feel like a goddess. I appeared in front of my floor-length mirror and put on my jewelry and mask. I smiled at myself, pleased with my appearance, and stepped into my stilettos.     My phone rang, "Hello," I said.      Miss. Cruz, I'm Brad, and I will be your chauffeur this evening; the limo is parked outside," he said.      "I will be out shortly."     I grabbed my clutch, turned out the lights, and locked the door behind me. I walked towards the limo, and an eager Brad was looking at with lust-filled eyes. His eyes wandered up and down before meeting mine.      "Brad, do you have the address for our next stop?" I asked, with an annoyed toned.      "Yes, ma'am, he replied, opening the door for me, with an embarrassed look upon his face once he realized I saw him ogling me.      I sent Sophie a text message, letting her know I would be there shortly. As we pulled up to her house, Sophie walked out. Her make-up resembled mine, light, and natural, and her hair was styled in an elegant low chiffon bun with strands of hair framing her face. She looked stunning.      Brad did not glance at her, which was probably for the best as he opened the door for her. Sophie glided into her seat.      "Are you ready to make this a night to remember?" Sophie asked.     I'm ready for this night to be over," I replied with an eye roll.      "Cheer up, It is going to be your birthday in a few hours, and I sure it is going to be one you will never forget," Soph said with a smile on her face.