Carving Paths: Stories Found in Certain Night ( Part Six )

Carving Paths
Stories Found in Certain Night
Part Six

Lara walking up to them, “Thank you for coming. I appreciate it.” Tucking her stray strand of her hair behind, she hid her dyed red hair under the chef hat, all dressed out in chef uniform which was giving her the professional look. Lara motioned them to follow her, entering into the lively kitchen, as the staff are getting ready to set up for the party.

“Here, you need to pick up the appetizers tray from this table,” Lara checked the group to see if theyre listening. Seeing they are, she continued, “Just serve to people, be polite and gracious. Its pretty easy. Its a fundraiser party. The uniforms are in locker room. Dana will show you where it is. So have fun.” Lara grinned and excused herself as she went back into the kitchen.

Muttering to herself, “It will be a long night.” Tina rolled her shoulders, ready to work. Watching Tina, Amused at her thinking mode. Her emotions always appear in her expression, telling Bette what she is thinking. Buttoning up her uniform jacket, then Bette approached Tina from behind, gently put her hands on her shoulders to massage Tinas tense muscles. Tina relaxed immediately, liking Bettes magic hands. Forgetting for a moment, Tina felt she belonged to Bette. This is wrong; they are not acting like friends. Tina tensed again, moving out from Bettes hands and away from Bette.

Hurt, Bette shut her eyes in disappointment and not trusting herself to be able to act normal around Tina. Tina always have been a source of her weakness, Bette tried to hide her feelings but touching or seeing Tina always bring her emotions bubbling up above the surface. Its getting harder to not being able to express her feelings for Tina, Bette knew if she did reveal that then it will push Tina further away. She couldnt bear that. Think, think about yourself first and work on yourself, Bette admonished herself, and then work on getting Tina back.

Alice and Dana watched the interaction between Tina and Bette; she wanted to do something to relieve the tense atmosphere in the room. Alice and Dana shared a look, which told each other what we are going to do with Tina and Bette, every time they get close more awkward it gets and they keep pushing each other away. Sensing its time to go, Dana walked to the door.

“Lets kick some *****,” Dana said goofily, holding the door open. Bringing a smile to Tinas face, walking out to enter the mass of rich and fancy people. Bette nodded to Danas effort, trailing behind Tina. Noticing Danas attempt to distract, Alice hugged Dana in thanks and wishing her good luck.

*********

Shane walked within a group of people who were looking for serious fun; Shane recognized the fact that they are not even remotely her friends. Jamming her hands in the pockets of her denim jacket, but she needed some company to ward off the loneliness and having no emotional attachment is a bonus too. If her friends care enough to notice, they would have kicked her *****. They arent, too busy being wrapped up in their lives and not noticing one friend is in a desperate need for help. Not giving any ***** about her, what friends they are Shane thought bitterly.

Walking along the railroad tracks, the meeting place is inside of the warehouse. The secret party only used for people who are interested in getting high and partying hard. Shane ignored people around her as they stepped into the shoddy warehouse.

Her eyes taking the surroundings in, impressed that the inside is better than the look of outside. There is a dance floor placed near the stage where the unknown band is playing. Near back of the warehouse there are two doors leading somewhere as the bar is set up middle of the room where the crowd is packed looking for a drink to cool themselves off. Narrowing her eyes while she rubbed her hands, ready to play as she followed people into the dance floor.

****************

As they weave through the crowd, her heart sped up as her eyes settled on a certain someone. Jack standing off the wall and grinning at whatever the man said to him. Still he has affected her, he kept his hair messy as usual with the spiky feel to it but hes dressed in gorgeous black tuxedo, outlining his good body. Damn he really is a chameleon. Jack turned his head, his jade green eyes made contact with her almond brown eyes; his eyes grew wide with pleasure and surprise. Alice felt unsettled. Then Jack turned his attention back to man, explaining to him that he had something to do and the man nodded, letting him go as they shook their hands and parted their own ways. Returning his eyes to Alices, as Jack strode to her as he closed the distance between them, his solemn look liking what he saw.

“Jack,” Alice whispered, Bette followed Alices line of vision, seeing gorgeous man coming up to them, all decked out in a black tuxedo.

“Well, well. I didnt know you were moonlighting as a waitress. Things are that bad” Jack commented teasingly. Alice avoided Bettes questioning glance. Seeing Alice being uncomfortable around him, feeling the need to shake her up. Jack slid his arms around her waist, she jerked in surprise as he brings her closer when he leaned down to kiss her tenderly, tugging on her bottom lip, ” Did you miss me, partner?”

Not wanting to draw any attention to them, Alice knew Jack like to stir something up from her and not caring if people paid any attention to them. Feeling Bettes eyes bore into her back, she flushed a little bit not liking to be flabbergasted and off guard. But Jack knew where to push her buttons and getting the reactions he wanted from Alice, liking the fact she amused him.

“Quit it, Jack. Im working,” Alice hissed back to him. Pushing him away, Alice turned away. Surprised, Bette started at Jack. Not expecting him to be attracted to Alice and not expecting that Alice would have kept him as a secret. Alice took Bettes arm and dragging her away to escape from him, wishing the fluttering feeling in her stomach will disappear.

Heading into the kitchen, picking the trays up. Knowing what is coming, Alice braced herself for Bettes questions
.
“What is going on? Naturally you would have told us about him right away, but this time its different.” Bette squinted her brown eyes at Alice, trying to figure out why Alice doesnt want to talk about him. Alice squirmed under Bettes probing look.

“Whats wrong?” Dana asked, coming in behind Alice, startling her.

“Hes pretty cute.” Tina leaned over the table, had already saw the kiss. Tina admitted shes jealous of what Alice and that guy have, they could steam everything up and their attraction is candidly obvious.

“I think Alice really like him. Its scaring her. Thats why Alice never mentioned him,” Bette mused.

“Come on, guys. We have work to do, remember?” Wanting to avoid this conversation, Alice thought desperately. Not wanting to talk about this now and shes already uncertain enough with Jack. Not knowing what direction Jack and she are heading into, thats scaring her. Usually she could tell if she was meant to be with someone right away or not but Jack is full of gray, she couldnt even tell.

“Sure, but later we will bug you to tell us about that guy. No way of getting out of it,” Bette said with glee, wanting to torture Alice. Alice sighed, getting the taste of revenge since she always badgered them about the intimate details of their lives as they headed back out with trays, ready to serve.

*************

Mirror glittered with colors, as white powder scattered across it as heads changed constantly in the reflection, some dazed, some determined, some are jittery, some are grim. Finally its her turn, as people sat around in a circle, watching people do their thing. Shane leaned over the mirror, dark circles under her eyes making her look like shes a ghost and worn out, her desperate and lonely hazel eyes focused at the task as she made the white powder in a straight line, getting ready to sink into obliviousness.

Sniffling up the cocaine through the straw, Shane shuddered as it hit her hard, her blood pumped with adrenaline and she smiled lopsidedly, as people around her cheered her on. She rubbed her nose, brushing away the remaining of the white powder as she wrinkled her nose in satisfaction. Her hazel eyes looked around in the private room in back of the warehouse in a haze. Feeling alive, Shane got off the couch, entering into the room filled with the pulse with beat and dancing bodies. She staggered through the crowd, but Shane didnt care as she entered into the dancing floor. People and lights blurred in her brain while she danced with a willing body.

*********

Dana gasped as she stood near the entranceway serving to people who just came in. Tonya made her entrance with a guy she doesnt recognize escorting her. Tonya smiled regally, wearing long dark gold dress as the man grimaced, not liking the attention. Her smug smile appeared when people watched them, and then it faded as her eyes fell on her fiance dressed up like a waiter. Dana tried to shrink away from Tonyas disapproving glare. Tonya shooed the guy away when she approached Dana, wrapping her fingers around Danas forearm tightly, dragging her away from this party.

“What the ***** are you doing, Dana? You are embarrassing yourself” Tonya said with sneer underlying in her tone as they stood in the quiet hallway, outside of the dining room.

“Let go of my arm,” Dana said with a quiet tone.

Letting go of her arm, Tonya continued to rant, “You are a tennis star. Its degrading to see you working like a measly worker. Its pathetic.”

Dana bristled, not liking Tonyas insulting comments. “Im doing it as a favor for a friend. There is nothing wrong with doing honest work.”

“Then who are you doing it for?”

“Lara. She asked me for a favor, so I was happy to help out.”

“Youre mine, Dana. Dont even think about getting away from me,” Tonya said with a threat. Dana backed away slowly; the realization dawned on her not knowing who Tonya really is. Dana berated herself for rushing things too quickly, now shes trapped and having no end in sight.

“What are you doing, huh? Scared of me?” Tonya crossed her arms, seeing the fear in Danas eyes. “Good. You know better than to stray, I will know. You belong to me and we are getting married. Now I have to get back to the party.” Tonya blew her the air kiss, her eyes dark and cold.

Shocked, Dana stood in the hallway when Tonya entered back into the party. Dammit, she knows how to control me. How can she get out of this, having no reason left to hurt her but Tonya wont let me go ever, Dana thought gloomily.

************

Lounging around and drinking the beer. Her clothes are completely damp from sweat; her eyes opened and closed several times trying to see everything clearly but remained a blur. Shane rolled her head back; her thoughts scrambled around, as her body remained limp, having no energy left. Shane is so tired, completely worn out. She couldnt even remember what day it is or had a good sleep but her brain is completely wired up, so active.

*************

Smiling thinly, Tina felt people are getting on her last nerve. Her arms are getting tired from serving all night. Service is not her kind of profession, tolerating small talks with strangers, being polite, being ignored because shes a worker.

Someone tapped her shoulder from behind, Tina turned as the hand reached for finger food from her tray and popping in her mouth. Tinas heart started to beat faster, taking in the view of her wearing long, elegant dark green dress that has vintage style and also highlighting her moss green eyes. Her brown-blond hair swept up, as one fallen small curl of her hair on side of her face.

“Emma. What a surprise,” Tina breathed out. Emma stood there with an older man, it seems they share some resemblance having similar moss green eyes, having a dimple appear when they smile, and almost similar facial features but she has soft feminine version, making her more beautiful. Emma put her hand resting on the old mans arm, ” This is Roarke Finn and this is Tina Kennard.”

Suddenly started to smile, “Its a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Kennard. I heard good things about you. Im glad you are being part of our company, you will bring some fresh perspective to our work.” He reached out to clasp Tinas hand in handshake. “Is my daughter giving you any trouble?” he added good-naturedly.

“You are related?” Tina said with surprise. “I mean you have different last name.”

“Emma took her mothers maiden name and its great way to keep her relation to me a secret. Giving us the advantage of having the surprise element,” Mr. Finn chuckled.

Emma shrugged. “Why are you dressed in an uniform and serving to people? You already secured a job.”

“Im doing a favor for my friend, she needed help.”

Mr. Finn turned to Emma. “I like her. Willing to help out a friend, thats a good quality.” Turning back to Tina, “Im looking forward seeing you tomorrow and your work.”

“The fundraiser has a great turnout tonight,” Mr. Finn nodded in approval as he continued, ” Emma, honey. Why dont you keep Ms. Kennard company?” Mr. Finn winked at Emma, leaning to kiss Emma goodbye and waved Tina as he left them alone.

“Typical,” Emma muttered.

Her eyebrows drawing in puzzlement, “What Mr. Finn means he will see me tomorrow?”

“Oh. I forgot to tell you. My dad is the vice president,” Emma slapped her forehead and chuckling at Tina staring at her like she punched her stomach. Emma put her arm around Tinas shoulders squeezing her slightly in comfort, “Its okay. My dad likes you so you got a good start tomorrow.” Tina breathed a sigh of relief, sharing a look with Emma. Emma managed to sneak her hand to snatch another finger food from Tinas tray; her playful smile made Tina liking her more, not realizing what it really means.

Standing close in a crowd, her frown deepened, not liking the sight of someone touching Tina or liking the idea that Tina is moving on. Her smile now fake when people greeted Bette and picking up the food from her tray. As the distance started to widen between Tina and Bette, Bette didnt like it, wanting to hold on her tightly and never letting her go but she has no choice now since everything now has changed. Turning her attention to serving, Bette continued to work with people, chatting with them.

***************

Stumbling along the tracks, catching her breath. Swearing under her breath, she lost the sense of balance. Her vision swayed and swirled around, distorting her mind. Leaving behind the warehouse, she wished she had bought a flashlight to see where she is going at night. Her hands are shaking, feeling aftereffect of cocaine, other drugs like LSD and beer, Shane tried to steady her hands by jamming her hands into her jeans.

Her mind flashed, feeling like a dream as the reality started to elude her as she thought her mind played tricks on her. Seeing the railroad tracks turning into a well-worn dirt path, her instinct telling her to enter onto that path. But reality crashing on her, her eyes opened as her body fell after getting tripped over the track, hitting her head on a piece of rock. Shane groaned, her body shuddered in shock and her eyes closed in pain, feeling the blood trickling down her face from her forehead. Her vision grayed then her mind shut down, as her body went lax, falling into unconsciousness state.

***********

Passing people, carrying the tray. Alice blew her falling strands of her hair out of her face, exhausted. As the party started to wind down, thinking up an excuse to skip work tomorrow. She couldnt bear the thought of working again, her muscles ached from carrying the tray all night and her feet hurt, she barely can stand up. Minute by minute, the room began to get empty, finally everything started to quiet down. Setting the tray down nearby the buffet table.

Alice sat down on the empty chair, feeling the hand clasped down on her shoulder. Looking up, meeting the infamous jade green eyes smiling down to her. He kneeled down to her, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, revealing the smooth skin. Getting into the moment, Alice brought her hand to brush Jacks cheek, Jacks hand moved over hers holding it there. Alice and Jack looked at each other, sharing the tender moment and smiling at each other gently. Alices feelings started to deepen, as she realized shes falling in love with him.

“Ill take you home.” Jack wanted to make Alice to relax, he surprised her by scooping her out of the chair and she wrapped her arms around his neck, Jack felt shes like a feather and easy to carry, wanting to treat her like a queen. Jack brought his forehead against hers, loving her beautiful almond brown eyes and her smell. About to carry her out, but Bette stood in their way.

“Dont worry. Im just giving your jacket,” Bette said with a smile, folding the jacket in half and putting it over his shoulder. Jack smiled at her appreciatively. “I would like you to come over and meet with all of us. We want to get to know you. After all, Alice is our family.” Jack nodded, knowing friends are important to Alice and is the main part of her life. Bette moved to the side, letting them go. Alice waved her hand over Jacks shoulder as her head snuggled back into the crook of Jacks neck as they exited the club.

“Wow. Alice got lucky, finding that wonderful guy.” Tina came up next to Bette. ” They are perfect for each other, Alice has changed a little bit and softening up. Hes good for her, complimenting each other.” Bette murmured in agreement.

“Tina. Were leaving. We will see you tomorrow morning,” Tina turned to Emmas voice; Tina grimaced inwardly at the prospect of long day tomorrow. Emma pulled Tina in a friendly hug; Mr. Finn and Emma waved to her in good bye. Bette frowned at the simple affection Tina and that young woman shared, but Tina need to explore what is out there. Someday hopefully they can find their way back to each other.

Holding her car key out to Tinas view, “Ready to go home?” Accepting Tinas relieved look, Bette and Tina walked out. Bette finally is starting to learn what friendship means and how it works, rebuilding the trust between them and communicating to each other about what is going on in their lives, but admitted that Tina didnt know yet about Bette already quit her job. They are not at that level yet even though eventually they will reach it.

***********

Coming out of the bathroom, Dana entered into the dining room. Everyone has disappeared and the dining room is empty, but the mess remained. Dana sighed, knowing she got stuck with cleaning duty with Lara while their friends forgot about her and promised her to help out with the mess. But it seems everyone is tired and they forgot about it. Oh well, not minding it since she gets the chance to spend more time with Lara. She couldnt shake the foreboding feeling about Tonyas threat, the first time in her life she couldnt tell anyone since her friends tend to rush to confront Tonya and making things worse. No, she needs to figure out how to resolve this situation but right now she is stuck to Tonya. So she needs to pretend everything is fine and dandy.

Picking up the dishes and stacking it up as she started to carry it into the kitchen where Lara is washing the dishes. Lara looked up as Dana standing next to her, putting the dishes down. Then she went back to the dining room, picking up the tablecloths from the tables and folding them away, straightening up the tables the way they were, and Dana stood middle of the room satisfied with the work she did. Turning back to the kitchen, her attention fell on Lara who were watching Dana from the serving window, Dana imitated her as she leaned on her elbows, resting her head on her hands. They stared at each other and the attraction became undeniable, they couldnt hold it back any longer. Lara made the first move, she moved quickly to close the distance between them and crushing her mouth against Danas, feeling that smothered spark between them. But Dana pulled back reluctantly, needing to tell Lara something.

“Lara. Im sorry to tell you this, but Im engaged.” Dana couldnt look at Lara, not wanting to see Laras reaction.

Hearing nothing but stunned silence from Lara then the words came, “Get out,” Lara said quietly, furious at herself being too late and at Dana not telling her any sooner. And Dana gave her false hope. Danas face just fell, her heart scattered as once again she hurt Lara and the honesty she couldnt use to explain the situation. Sensing Lara is serious, Dana turned her back to her and walked away dejected, knowing she deserved this. As Dana left, Lara let her tears fall and berated at herself for letting herself to get hurt again.

**************

Shane winced in sleep; her head pounded like something is splitting her skull open. Shivering in cold bringing her back to consciousness. Shane slowly pushed herself up in a sitting position right middle of railroad track, her body hurt like ***** and feeling aches all over. Viewing the sky becoming dark blue, knowing its like 3 am. Shane sighed, using her hands on the ground to push her off the ground. Groaning, Shane limped slightly, knowing where she will go, her secret place. Shes safe for now. Not liking the idea she has the long walk ahead of her, Shane grunted in disgust.

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Carving Paths: Stories Found in Certain Night ( Part Six )

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