Tainted Desires | 18+

41 - Shadows

Mirabelle Morrison

As Emily and I got dressed for the show, I couldn't help but feel like Emily was doing this just to pity me. I had given her back the tickets to go with Khalid, the bartender who took an interest in her, but she insisted I was more important.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, doubts gnawed at me. Emily noticed my pensive expression and approached me, concern etched on his face. "Is something bothering you?"

I sighed softly, trying to push away the doubts. "It's just... I know you're also excited to go to the show, but I can't help but feel like you could have enjoyed it more with Khalid, you know?"

Emily's eyes softened, and she took my hands in hers. "Listen, I genuinely want to be there with you. You're my sister, Khalid is secindary and your happiness is important to me."

"But–"

I opened my mouth to protest, but she continued, her voice filled with sincerity. "Besides, I'm not staying in the country for long. Who knows what the future holds for Khalid and me? This time together, experiencing things with you is what matters most."

A warm smile tugged at my lips as I squeezed her hands in return. "Thank you, Emily." I pulled her into my arms and gave her a hug.

She hugged me back tightly. "Of course, Morisson, it's nothing. I can't let a guy stand my friend up and not do anything about it." She released the hug but kept her hands on my shoulders. "Now, let's finish getting ready."

We finished getting dressed, carefully selecting our outfits for the evening. Emily helped me with my hair, creating an elegant updo that complemented my dress perfectly. She had a knack for styling, and her attention to detail always amazed me no matter the years I've known her for.

With a final adjustment to my outfit, one last touch of lipstick, and a spritz of perfume, we hurled ourselves into my car. The engine purred to life, mimicking the excitement bubbling in the air.

As the car glided through the city streets, Emily and I chatted animatedly, discussing our expectations for the evening. The anticipation grew with each passing minute, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of adventure as we navigated through the bustling city.

The venue came into view, its grandeur and elegance illuminated by the soft glow of the surrounding streetlights. We found a parking spot nearby and made our way towards the entrance, joining the throngs of people eagerly awaiting the start of the show.

The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere. As we approached the entrance, the ushers welcomed us with warm smiles and guided us to where we would get our masks.

"Emily Williams and Mirabelle Morisson," I said, stating our names to the lady behind the front desk. She nodded after searching the system and quickly located our VIP passes and masks, handing them to us with a friendly smile.

"The doors aren't opened yet. Would you like to look around for about ten to fifteen minutes?" The lady smiled apologetically.

"No problem," I replied with a smile, taking the VIP passes and masks from the lady. "Thank you."

Emily and I stepped away from the front desk, taking in the grandeur of the surroundings. The venue was beautifully adorned with intricate decorations and elegant lighting, creating an enchanting ambience.

We strolled through the foyer, admiring the stunning artwork displayed on the walls and the ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Conversations buzzed around us as other guests mingled and enjoyed the pre-show atmosphere.

As we wandered further into the venue, we stumbled upon a small gallery showcasing photographs and memorabilia from past performances. Each image captured a moment frozen in time, a glimpse into the rich history of the theatre.