moon child

pretty poison

-Sex by The 1975 is playing loudly through the speakers-

Polina

"Hey! pull over to the nearest gas station," I say to Onyx. My hair was rustling through the wind of her jeep, beer in hand. We're on our way to a boat party but another twelve-pack is much needed.

I turn up the music raise my arms out of the top and tilt my head back. It Is spring in Antelope Valley and the weather is perfect. I jokingly raise my shirt up insinuating a flash and wildly stick my tongue out at the same time.

Onyx and I burst out laughing. Just before I get the chance to fully expose myself we pull into the gas station. "Mightswell fill up while we're here." Onyx hops out and goes to fill up her tank. I walk into the store and it smells of incense with a hint of cleaning supplies. I grab a bag of chips and beer.

Before I made it to the counter loud engines revving into the parking lot stole my attention. I glance out of the window and notice Onyx is done pumping the gas, and there are a group of guys parking their bikes. Two of them start making their way inside the small gas station. I bite my lip and walk toward the front of the store.

I set my items on top of the counter and pull out my wallet to pay, "Can I please have a pack of Marlboro menthols."

The sound of a bell can be heard as the men enter the store. She grabs my cigarettes, scans them, and slides them over to me. I feel slightly offended that she didn't ask to see my ID, but I am in a rush so I don't overthink it too much.

"Anything else?" The cashier was an older woman with half her head shaved and dyed pink.

"That's everything," I respond. The two men that came in and are standing behind me. Their presence lingers as they wait for me to finish my transaction. My items are bagged as I pay and then leave the store.

I open the pack of cigarettes while walking towards the Jeep, pulling one out and putting it up to my lips, I light it and take a long drag.

"All gassed up and ready to go," Onyx hops in after me.

"Wait, has that flyer been here the entire time?" A tan piece of paper stuck inside our windshield wipers blows in the wind. Onyx shakes her head and looks around.

"No one came up to the car while you were inside," She reaches out of the car ands grabs the paper. We read it together; puzzled.

"A party?" My head turns back and forth looking intently for the person who placed it there.

The parking lot is a ghost town.

"This might be one of those sex trafficking scams. Let's get out of here."

I take another drag and then throw my cigarette out as Onyx starts the car and we drive off.

I'm still confused by the flyer but slightly intrigued because of the design. It looks like a promotion for a witchy rock concert.

"Why are you still holding on to that?" Onyx looks over at me. "I'm thinking we should go,"

Her eyebrows raise and she lets out a scoff, "You're joking,"

"No, seriously. It looks like some band is performing in town for 2 nights. It could be fun," Onyx is obviously weary about my spontaneous idea.

"Polina..."

"C'mon it's a fancy dress party," I mock the statement on the flyer. "We should show up in casual clothes just to go against the grain," She laughs.

"Okay, deal."

I smile with contentment at my persuasion. For some reason, I have a good feeling about tonight.

_________________________________

if you made it to the end thank you, here's a hidden gem:

"healing is not an overnight process, wounds will reopen, wounds will close, but always allow yourself to feel what you feel. it's okay."<3