Late Night Talking [h.s.]

five

The Kill - Maggie Roggers

harry: karaoke?

charlie: karaoke.

I had no idea what the atmosphere of this bar would be like. I had no idea what these teacher friends of his were like. And I had no idea if I was actually good at karaoke.

These were the thoughts that filled my head as I finished out my 11:00 am - 6:00 pm shift at the station.

As I drove home, I tried to picture the clothes I had in my closet, and what would be appropriate to wear to a bar, while still managing to not look too fancy.

I ran up the stairs to my apartment as quickly as I could.

When I reached my bedroom, I immediately started my process of getting ready. I pulled my hair back into a tight low bun.

I did my makeup the best that I could. I used neutral colors as my base, and putting a slightly noticeable sparkle in the inner corners of my eyes. I even put on fake lashes, just for the occasion.

Looking in my closet, I had no idea what I owned that would look even remotely decent for a bar. I haven't gone out in so long, I wouldn't have been surprised if I had donated everything

I left the relaxed, straight leg jeans I had on, but still had to find a shirt.

Rummaging around in old clothes I hadn't touched in a while, I found a sheer, sparkly black shirt. The sleeves were loose and flowy, and the bodice of the shirt was structured somewhat similarly to a corset. It was a deep-v, and when I put it on, I felt sexy.

As Sam would say, my titties were poppin.

I sprayed some perfume onto my neck and applied a little lip gloss, then made my way over to the full length mirror that rested against my bedroom wall.

Looking at myself, I felt I was unrecognizable. I was merely a figment of the Charlie I used to be - exciting, adventurous, and always ready to party. Now, I was feeling nervous, like I could throw up.

Still, I felt hot. I tried to focus on the positive.

This night out would be a nice change, an opportunity to meet new people.

There was a part of me that hoped that something would happen tonight with Harry. Another part of me knew that something leads to other things. I didn't want those other things to happen.

I shoved my feet into a pair of Doc Marten's boots and opened my door.

"Oh, hey, I was just about to knock and see if you were ready." Harry was stood right in my doorway, looking down on me.

I glanced at his outfit, trying to decide if I was too dressed up. He had on a blue button down and slacks, probably the outfit he wore to school.

"I think I might change. Give me a minute." My cheeks flushed out of embarrassment. I turned my back so he wouldn't see, and also so I could go back to my bedroom and change.

"Don't," He said. My face burned again. "I mean, wear what you're comfortable in. But what you're in is.. good."

I looked down at myself, and then turned to look at him.

"Okay." I took a deep breath, still not over what he said.

We walked out into the hallway, an awkward silence surrounding us.

I didn't know how to approach a conversation with him. I didn't want to screw things up again by getting my ego in the way of a meaningful friendship.

God, I needed a shot to stop this overthinking.