Moonlit Crimson Rose

Anxiety was the only thing in my heart as I stood at 42 Saint Louis Street in a brand new gown that many would consider revealing, squirming under the gazes of countless pairs of eyes. I could feel the hunger in the men's gazes, and jealousy from the women. This was a very unsettling experience for me.   The name's Claire, and things have never been worse for me. My boyfriend cheated on me, while my career was not going very well.   I have never had the chance to star in a movie even as a supporting role since my graduation from film school. I was just a faceless extra. After all, talent and looks are not the only important things in the industry. Connections are very important as well, but they are exactly the things I lack.   Starring in a movie was a passion of mine, but I was quick to learn that hobbies do not help put food onto the table. In fact, it put a huge strain on my finances. As an extra, I was literally at the bottom of the barrel of the industry, and it didn't pay well at all.   This should be obvious, but the expensive dress that I was wearing was not something that I could hope to afford, especially with my financial status. It did not belong to me. In fact, it belonged to Stella.   Almost none of my friends knew that I have a twin sister. I grew up with Stella in a sweet home in the countryside. We were inseparable.   My sister was extremely talented. She was able to obtain two Doctorates from one of the world's best universities, and had only graduated last week. She was staying at my place temporarily. Many companies have offered her jobs with ludicrous amounts of pay, but Stella has yet to make a choice.   But she left this morning without even saying goodbye. Even her cellphone is closed.    The only clue she left behind was the gown, a location and time, as well as a short note.   "Dear Claire, I'm afraid that I'll be taking my leave for a while. There's an important date that I'm supposed to attend tonight, I hope you don't mind going in my stead. -- Stella"   And this was why I'm here. Clueless and confused.   Where the hell is Stella?   Who the hell is she supposed to meet?   Will I screw this up?   I glanced at my watch. It was already 6:29pm. One minute left until the appointed time.   Anxiety bubbled within me as I surveyed my surroundings. There didn't seem to be any signs of someone coming to meet me.   Is this a prank from Stella?   But just as my thoughts became a jumbled mess, a black Maybach appears in my view. It turned into 42, Saint Louis Street and headed towards me.   I found myself growing more and more anxious. Could this be…   The luxurious car stopped in front of me. A blonde man in an expensive looking suit stepped out of the vehicle. He was drop dead gorgeous.   "Are you Miss Stella?" He offered me a smile as he made his way towards me.   "N- I mean, yes, I'm Stella." I've seen my fair share of handsome-looking men in my line of work, and quite a number of them had even tried hitting on me. But none of them could even hold a light to the man. His looks, the noble air around him, and his wealth were nothing they could hope to match.   Hmm… It seems that he doesn't know Stella. Relief immediately washed over me. I'm a pro, and the person I'm supposed to impersonate was my twin sister. There was no way I could screw this up, "Shouldn't you be introducing yourself to me as a gentleman?"   "Oh, I'm just your driver. You can call me Kevin." the man smiled as he opened the door to the back seat for me.   This handsome man is just a driver?!   I was still in shock even as the car drove away from our meeting place. It all felt just like a dream to me. There were many questions in my mind, but I had no answers for them.   The pleasant smell wafting in the car did well to soothe my unease. It did not take long for me to calm my nerves. I was even able to close my eyes and enjoy the ride.   But a sudden wave of sleepiness washed over me before I could get anything useful out of the driver, and I drifted off to sleep, as the car headed towards an unknown destination with darkness quickly falling.