Episode 2
1043 Words
Stella's POV
“No Celine, this time is a little different. He made love to me, and it felt so real” I said, solemnly, interrupting her.
Her eyes widened in interest. "Ooh, juicy! Do tell! Do tell.” she squealed.
I hesitated, feeling a little embarrassed. "Well, it's kind of personal, but let's just say that it was... intense," I said, my cheeks turning red.
Celine grinned, nudging me playfully. "Sounds like my kind of dream! But seriously, though, are you okay? You seem a little rattled."
I took another deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. I seem to be the only one taking it seriously. “Yeah, I'm okay. It was just a dream after all. I'll get over it," I said, giving Celine a reassuring smile.
Celine nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Okay, cool. Well, we had better get going if we don't want to be late for work. Are you ready?"
As Celine and I left the comfort of the orphanage, we embarked on a journey to navigate the vast expanse of life on our own. We had been each other's pillars of support for as long as we could remember, and our bond was stronger than blood. We were more than friends; we were basically sisters at this point.
This ordeal started when I turned eighteen. I started seeing him—the mysterious man from my dreams. Most of the time, it was as if he was there to take what belonged to him. He would appear at the most unexpected times, always lurking in the shadows, watching over me. There was an undeniable connection between us, a bond that I couldn't fully comprehend. Somehow, I always felt safe in his presence, like he was there to protect me. My own guardian angel.
But I doubt he was an angel, he seemed to have a dark side rather than an angelic side.
Celine knew all about my encounters with this enigmatic man. I had confided in her, sharing every detail of our encounters. She had seen firsthand the effect he had on me and understood the strange mixture of excitement and unease that he stirred within me. She was my confidante. The only person I could talk to.
It was our first day of work at CLUB ROYALE in New York City.
New York Nightlife is packed with the hottest, jazziest, and glamorous after-dark action. It is one of the best places on earth to be truly alive when the sun goes down. New York always remains energetic, even during the day. Yet a different form of vigor wave hits the city when the night dawns upon it. And club royale is one of the best, and we got a job there!
Celine and I looked at ourselves, with a shot-eating grin on our faces.
"Are you ready?" Celine asked as we stood outside the club.
"Not really". I swallowed. "But we are definitely stepping in there."
"That's the spirit baby!" she hollered.
To passersby, it seemed like we were going to have the best night of our lives. Trusted Celine to make things seem that way.
We entered the bustling bar, and the rhythmic beats of music enveloped us and vibrated through our bodies.
The air was thick with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses. It was a scene that was meant to draw people in, and it just did a great job at that. People were dancing and mingling, their energy contagious.
We made our way to the Vip section where we were expected to take care of today, embracing the atmosphere that pulsed with life.
"Here are your aprons" the manager said, handing a brown apron to us both. "Experience, you both have experience with this, I will leave you both to do your thing," and he walked away.
"What an asshole, man didn't even give us a drink to celebrate our employment"Celine scoffed.
I smiled, still looking around the club. "We should be grateful he even gave us a chance to work."
"Alright, I will go to the other VIP section. And you stay here" she paused. "We are to meet back here okay?" Nodding my head, I watched as she made her way towards the opposite end of the club to another VIP cubicle.
The Vip section was one of the worst places you could be stationed. Being constantly watched was one thing and having thugs and men who like to throw money around breathing down your neck was another. Getting hit on was perhaps the worst event.
But all of a sudden, amidst the pulsating energy, a mild scuffle erupted in the middle of the dance floor. People's voices grew louder, and a sense of tension filled the air.
It was almost tangible. I could even hear a pin drop.
I felt my heart skip a beat as my eyes scanned the chaotic scene, trying to make sense of what was happening to me. And then, in the midst of it all, I saw him.
There he stood, his presence commanding attention. It was him—the man from my dreams. My breath caught in my throat, and time seemed to stand still. I was rooted to the spot, unable to tear my gaze away from him. The world around me faded into insignificance as my eyes locked with his, a flood of emotions rushing through me.
Was this real, or was I insane?
It was as if the lines between dream and reality had blurred, merging into one surreal moment. The familiarity in his eyes mirrored the connection we had formed in my dreams. It was an electrifying encounter, and I couldn't help but wonder what it meant. Was he just a figment of my imagination or something more?
"S-Stella, is everything OK?" Celine asked, walking up behind me. "Stella?!"
"Celine” I muttered, unsure if she could hear me, not bothering to know why she came back.
“Stella, what's wrong?” She asked again, her hands shaking my shoulders to snap me out of the trance I had found myself in.
“He is here, Celine, and he is looking right at me!” I blurted out with fear written all over my face.
- Writer
