Shadowed

Karaoke

I was doodling on my notebook as the voice of the professor blended to the background. Suddenly people started to pack their bags which made me realize that the class already ended. I started to gather my belongings as I asked Luka, "Any plans for this weekend?". He closed his bag as he answered, "Nah". I scrunched my eyebrows together confusedly and asked further, "No clubbing?". He shook his head as a no and said, "Nah, I'm done with hooking up".

I looked at him confusedly as I asked, "you are done with hookups?". He nodded and put his hands over his chest. I put my bag over my shoulder and looked at him while squinting my eyes, giving him a nod. Weird.

"So how has school been? You've been at Anastasia's quite a lot", my mom said as we were looking at different kinds of milks. "It has been good, we're working on a project", I explained as I placed my hands in the back pockets of my jeans. "That's good, keeping you busy", she said as we continued walking. I clenched my jaw as I knew that she didn't like it when I drank so she likes that I don't have time for clubbing.

Suddenly I noticed an older man approach me. "I'm sorry but I need to ask, are you Victoria?", he mumbled. My chest rose heavier as I glanced at my mom. "I heard that you could offer-" he started before I interrupted him by saying, "Sorry, I'm not Victoria". The old man raised his eyebrows and said, "Oh...my mistake, enjoy your evening". I let out a big relieved breath as he left.

"What was that about?", my mom asked me. I shrugged my shoulders and said, "I don't know", before letting out a nervous chuckle.

"You want chocolate?", Alex, my older younger brother asked me as he walked back to us. I shook my head as a no and said, "But I could take some cucumber". He nodded and went to look for one.

I also have another younger brother, Anton, who is 7-years-old. Alex is 14-years-old and I have become more close with him. His real name is Alexei but he doesn't like anyone to call him by his real name.

I walked into the bar, my body filled with excitement. I felt like I was about to explode. I was wearing a black short dress with silver detailing. I wanted to look sexy but not like a whore. The music filled the air as I looked around, spotting Anastasia already chatting with the bartender. I walked up to her.

"Please, one picture!", she begged. "Fine, one!", the bartender said. Anastasia took her camera out excitedly and took it with a flash, making the victim pose. "Perfect, thank you!", Anastasia said before she put the camera back into her denim purse.

"Hey Kiki!", she said and smiled widely. "Hey", I answered and gave her a small smile. "Do you want champagne? One guy bought me this bottle earlier", Anastasia explained. "Sure!", I said as the bartender started to pour a glass for me.

"What song are you singing tonight?", Anastasia asked as she took a sip. "Hm...probably Back To Black", I pondered. Anastasia clapped her hands together excitedly and said, "Amazing!".

I finally finished the song, a wide smile forming on my lips. People clapped at me as I took a bow. Some guy whistled. I laughed as I went back to Anastasia who hugged me tightly and laughed along.

"Excuse me miss", a man said as he tapped my shoulder, making me turn around. I gave him a nod to continue. "I saw your performance and I have to say your voice is extremely unique", he said. "Oh thank you very much", I said and let out a chuckle.

"I own a jazz club just a block away. My previous singer just quit...would you like to perform there some evening, for a payment of course", he explained. I raised my eyebrows in surprise and said, "I'd love that, thank you". He took a card from his jacket pocket and handed it to me. "I'll text you the info tomorrow", he explained as I took the card from him. I gave him a nod before he left.

I turned around to face Anastasia. "Oh my fucking god!", she screamed. I couldn't help but laugh. Anastasia raised a glass and said, "To my best friend, a legendary singer!". I raised my glass too as I gave her a hug.

The city was quiet but I could hear drunk singing from somewhere far away. People were talking outside the club and I could smell cigarettes and weed. The rain had stopped but the streets were still reflecting the city lights. I was walking down the river which passed through our city. I breathed in the fresh air, closing my eyes.

After a while I opened my eyes. My heart started to beat heavier as I noticed Luka sitting on the other side of the river. He blew smoke out of his mouth as he noticed me. I gave him a small wave. He stood up and started to walk towards the bridge. I rolled my eyes as I thought he ignored me.

I kept walking before I heard a voice say, "Hey". I turned around as my eyes widened. I looked at him in the eyes before I whispered, "Hey". He started to walk next to me as we walked slowly.

He grabbed my hand, making my chest rise heavier. I bit my lip as I tried to hide my smile. Suddenly I felt more sober than ever. He gave my hand a small squeeze, making me lean on him gently as we started to walk towards my apartment.

We held hands the entire walk which was extremely rare for us but...I liked it. We didn't say a word but words weren't needed. He was that kind of person who it was easy to be quiet with.

As we arrived at our door, I turned to look at him after I had opened the door. "Thanks for walking me home", I said quietly. He looked at me quickly into my eyes and answered, "No problem". I gave him a small smile before saying, "Good night Lukey". He gave me a small smile also and said quietly, "Good night Kie". I gave him one last look before I closed the door behind me.

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Words: 1 066