HELLFIRE - Old Flames Burn Brightest [a specterverse valentines day short story]

Chapter THREE

~Harley Greyson~

... later that evening ...

"Oh gosh! Why'd I let you talk me into this, Harlz? There are way too many people here!" Alex West squeezes my hand nervously and I glance over at the golden haired preppy princess who had been my best friend all through highschool..

She is all modesty and tradition, a lace and frills kind of girl, Alex is sweet and innocent and super smart.. Meanwhile I am a dark denim, ripped-T and combat boots kind of girl, with dirt under my nails from working on bike engines.. I'm way more spice than sugar and certainly a far cry from the prissy innocence of my best friend..

The two of us couldn't be more opposite, yet there's nobody who I adore quite like Alex.. She's just a sweetheart..

"Because Felix is off at Fort Phoenix and you have nothing better to be doing on a Friday night!" I tease her with a soft nudge to her shoulder as we approach the festival gates.. A bassy thud vibrates through the ground to travel up my legs as excitement courses through me..

"Uhh- Yes I do! I should be at home studying contract law!" Alex protests gently, anxiously resisting the currents of dance music that pull us towards the warehouse district.. She has always been the shy type and I had always been the one to push boundaries.. I think that's why we needed each other as kids.. I made her more adventurous and she always knew how to calm me down..

"Zzzz! Boooooring!" Avalon 'Peaches' Paxton snores and boos dramatically as she dances around us in a circle in her most slinky and sparkly red dress.. The glittering ruby sequins cling to her willowy frame as her strappy silver stilettos tango over the tarmac.. "You're both here because I haven't had a night out since Olive was born and Axel is finally home to watch her! Woohoo!" Peach throws her hands up in the air with a squeal as we reach the gate and a big beefy security guard grins at her.. It's no surprise that she's the one he notices, with her radiant ruby curls and silver stare she is the kind of vibrant beauty that draws the attention of men everywhere she goes..

Not that I'm some hideous witch, but with my long black hair, plump figure and sharp feline features I'm well aware that I'm not exactly the barbie-doll type that my friends are..

"Hey there, Beefcake! You gonna let us in for free?" Peach flirts shamelessly with a saccharine smile and the burly security man practically swoons for her..

"Oh My God, Peach! You're terrible!" Alex giggles in embarrassment, looking over at me as I roll my eyes with a scoff and a smirk..

"Seriously, don't encourage her.." I snicker.. Peaches has always been a sassy smart ass and even though we're friends I have to admit, I have gotten jealous of her from time to time.. She is the kind of girl who is so used to getting her way and I can't help but hold a little resentment for how easy she makes everything seem..