POSE

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐: 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧'𝐬 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞

The harsh glare of fluorescent lights assaulted Damon's eyes as he trudged through the grimy hallway, the echoes of his mother's shrill voice still ringing in his ears. Another night, another argument – this time over his choice to pursue dance rather than conform to her dreams of him becoming an accountant. The constant clashes had left him feeling suffocated, his dreams of artistic expression and self-discovery suffocated by the weight of his family's expectations.

Damon quickened his pace, desperate to escape the confines of the small apartment and the oppressive tension that permeated every inch of it. As he burst out onto the bustling streets of Harlem, the vibrant energy of the neighborhood momentarily lifted his spirits. The neon-lit storefronts, the cacophony of voices, and the rhythmic pulse of music – it was all so alive, so full of possibility.

Yet, Damon's elation was short-lived, for the weight of his circumstances soon came crashing back down. His eyes burned with unshed tears as he trudged aimlessly, the sting of his mother's words echoing in his mind. "You're a disgrace, Damon. A disappointment to this family." The familiar refrain had become a mantra, a constant reminder of his perceived inadequacies.

It was in this moment of despair that Damon stumbled upon the sound of throbbing music and the distant roar of a crowd. Drawn by the electric energy, he followed the sound, his steps quickening as he approached a dimly lit alleyway. Peering through the shadows, Damon's breath caught in his throat at the sight before him.

A group of people, adorned in vibrant, flamboyant costumes, moved with a fluid grace that captivated him. They twirled and dipped, their movements punctuated by the thunderous applause of an enraptured audience. Damon's heart raced as he watched, enthralled by the sheer power and artistry of their performance.

As the music reached a crescendo, a single figure emerged, commanding the attention of the crowd. It was a young woman, her features framed by a cascade of dark curls, her gaze burning with a fierce determination. Damon was transfixed, unable to tear his eyes away as she moved with a captivating mix of elegance and raw power.

"That's Blanca," a voice suddenly spoke, startling Damon out of his reverie. He turned to find a young man standing beside him, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Blanca?" Damon echoed, his voice tinged with awe.

The young man nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Blanca – she's the house mother of the House of Evangelista. They're one of the fiercest houses on the scene." He paused, his expression turning sympathetic as he took in Damon's bewildered expression. "You must be new to this, huh?"

Damon nodded sheepishly, his gaze drawn back to the mesmerizing figure on the dance floor. "I don't know anything about this world, but..." He hesitated, a spark of hope igniting within him. "It's amazing. I've never seen anything like it."

The young man grinned, sensing Damon's burgeoning interest. "Well, then, my friend, you're in for a treat. This is the underground ball scene – a place where the LGBTQ community comes together to express themselves, to find a sense of belonging. And Blanca and her house? They're legends in the making."

Damon's eyes widened, a mixture of fascination and trepidation coursing through him. The world he had stumbled upon was so foreign, yet it called to him in a way he couldn't quite understand. "I want to be a part of this," he murmured, the words tumbling from his lips before he could even process them.

The young man clapped a hand on Damon's shoulder, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Then you've come to the right place, my friend. Come on, let me introduce you to Blanca."

Damon's heart raced as he followed the young man through the throngs of revelers, his gaze fixed on the captivating figure at the center of the ballroom. As they approached, Blanca's eyes swept the room, and for a moment, Damon was certain she had spotted him. But then, her attention shifted, and she turned her focus back to the performance unfolding before her.

"Blanca!" the young man called out, his voice rising above the pulsing music. "I've got someone I want you to meet."

Blanca's brow furrowed, a hint of irritation flashing across her features, but when her eyes fell upon Damon, her expression softened. "Well, hello there," she said, her voice rich and melodic. "What's your name, darling?"

Damon felt his mouth go dry, suddenly self-conscious under Blanca's penetrating gaze. "I-I'm Damon," he stammered, struggling to find his voice.

Blanca's lips curled into a warm smile, and she placed a gentle hand on Damon's arm. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Damon. Welcome to the House of Evangelista." She paused, her expression turning pensive. "Tell me, what brings you here tonight?"

Damon hesitated, his gaze flitting between Blanca and the young man beside him. "I... I'm not sure," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just felt drawn to this place – to the energy, the music, the way you all move." He swallowed hard, his eyes shining with a glimmer of hope. "I want to be a part of it, if you'll have me."

Blanca studied him intently, her keen eyes searching his face for any hint of insincerity. After a moment, a slow smile spread across her lips. "Well, Damon, you've certainly piqued my interest." She turned to the young man, nodding approvingly. "Thank you, Lil Papi, for bringing him to me. I think this one might just have what it takes."

Lil Papi beamed, his chest swelling with pride. "I knew you'd see it, Blanca. Damon's got the spark – I can feel it."

Blanca's gaze returned to Damon, her expression softening. "Tell me, Damon, what do you know about the ball scene? About our community?"

Damon's heart pounded in his chest as he met Blanca's unwavering stare. "Not much," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I want to learn. I want to be a part of this – to find a place where I belong."

Blanca nodded, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Well, then, Damon, consider this your initiation. If you're willing to put in the work, to immerse yourself in our world, then I'd be more than happy to welcome you into the House of Evangelista." She paused, her lips curling into a wry smile. "But I warn you, it won't be easy. The balls are a fierce and unforgiving arena, and we Evangelistas fight to win."

Damon felt a surge of excitement and trepidation, his heart racing at the prospect of the challenges that lay ahead. But in that moment, surrounded by the pulsing music and the vibrant energy of the ball scene, he knew with unwavering certainty that this was exactly where he needed to be.

"I'm ready," he declared, his voice brimming with determination. "Whatever it takes, I'm in."

Blanca's eyes gleamed with approval, and she grasped Damon's hand firmly. "Then welcome to the family, Damon. Let's see what you're made of."