Heartbeat

Chapter 3- Win

Win finished her shift at The Bank. It had been a good night. In any case, she would head to the Study Hall and try to help so Ertha would be more inclined to give her shifts there. She had been under Zelda's reign long enough, and everyone knew Zelda wouldn't help someone move up in the Widows, and Win had a goal in mind.

She passed Rudy, who was roughly handling a patron who had gotten too aggressive with her. Win would have handled it, but it had been a slow night for Rudy, so she had asked him. She knew Rudy liked something to do. She wanted him on her good side. She mouthed him a 'thank you' as she headed around the building and entered the Study Hall. As soon as she did, she was flooded with noise. The Study Hall remained uproarious long after The Bank closed its doors. A band of musicians was playing on a stage, and there was a lineup at the bar of students wanting drinks. Win began glancing around when someone pulled her hand and spun her around.

"Where have you been?" asked Alivier Ascaht, beaming at her.

Alivier was a son of a wealthy merchant in Ketterdam, always smiling and had straight blonde hair. Finishing his degree in Finance, he took to Win immediately. Win was told as young as she could remember that her looks would cause trouble for her. Her mother had ensured she knew, but Win wouldn't let it deter her. She left for Ketterdam as soon as she could and met Alivier. She made up a backstory about being a student taking a year off for excitement. Not one who had already failed their first few classes. He believed it, and they began going steady. He was nice and respectful but had no real-life experience, hardship, or wisdom. Three months in, she thought she had gotten her ticket. She told Alivier the good news and suggested they wed. He begged her to find another way. He said he wasn't ready for the responsibility, and his family would disown him. She found herself at the door of The Widows, asking them for a service only they could provide.

"Working tonight wanted to learn some of the books. You know how much I love accounting. Have you been drinking, my sweet?" Alivier looked down sheepishly, and she giggled in response, entwining her hands in his.

"Yes, but we all missed you. We can't wait for you to come to the campus next year. We'll get to see each other more."

"I know. Want to dance?" Win pulled out a jays and lit it. All the young workers needed to smoke as much as possible, especially the good-looking ones, to boost sales. Alivier grabbed it from her mouth, put it in his own, and inhaled. Win laughed, putting a bit more effort into it. She always wanted him to feel like the most amusing person in the world. She pulled him to the dance floor, and he spun her around. The music was fast and exciting, but Win's eyes scanned the room. She spotted Sol weaving in and out through the crowd seamlessly, ensuring no girls felt uncomfortable with their male patrons. Everyone knew the key to success in a dance hall was to get the women to come. Sol ensured their safety without them even knowing.

Win danced for twenty minutes, kissing Alivier whenever he pulled her close, flashing her green eyes at him.

"Are you coming back to the campus with me tonight?" He asked closely, trying not to yell too much above the noise. He was not successful, and she could smell the alcohol on him.

"Well...you are dancing better than usual tonight." She could keep her voice steady but heard, and his grin widened. He is such a puppy. Win thought.

Win felt a tug on her skirt and looked down; Sol passed her, putting a note in her hand and taking off. Win spun and opened the message. She saw a large W and the words 'now' written underneath. She chewed her lip.

"I can't tonight. Tomorrow morning I'm taking an early tour of some artisan shops. I had been planning it for ages." Seeing Alivier's disappointment, she made a sad pouty face.