She is beautiful. Never in my life have I seen a woman so gorgeous. I stare at her like I'm in a trance. I must be, because it's impossible to look away. Her red lips. Her soft closed eyes. He long blonde hair. Her hips. Her hands in the red sparkly...
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Today was a rough day. The kind of day that drags on forever, leaving you feeling drained and weary. I'm so tired I could fall asleep right here on the street. Maybe that's why Thompson let us go early. He probably saw the exhaustion written all over our faces. The cool evening breeze brushes through my hair as Steven, James, and I walk towards the town's center. Steven and James are chatting animatedly, their voices filling the air with an energy I can't quite muster. How do they have so much energy after such a grueling day?
"Me and Steven are going to head back to our room before the nightclub opens. You want to join us, Michael?" James asks, his tone inviting but knowing.
"No, I think I'll just stay here and look around," I reply, trying to sound casual.
"Sure, you will look around," Steven says, a teasing grin spreading across his face before he bursts into laughter.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask, smiling despite my fatigue.
"Oh, nothing," James says with a smirk. "It's not like you're trying to get laid or something," he adds, his laughter trailing off as they start walking away. Those two will never change.
As the night finally arrives, the club becomes a hive of activity. The air is thick with anticipation and excitement. I make my way behind the stage, navigating through the bustling crew and performers. The dimly lit room casts a soft glow on everything, creating a somewhat surreal atmosphere. I find Ashley sitting in front of her makeup table, meticulously applying her makeup. The small mirror reflects her determined yet nervous expression as she adjusts her hair and smooths her gown.
"Hey, Ashley," I say, appearing at the doorway. My voice carries a mix of concern and warmth, hoping to break through her concentration.
Ashley doesn't look up. "What do you want, Michael? I don't have time right now," she replies, her tone edged with impatience.
"Just wanted to check on you. You seemed a bit off earlier," I say, taking a step closer, trying to gauge her mood.
"I'm fine," she replies curtly. "I need to focus."
"Ashley," Lacy interjects as she walks in, immediately noticing the tension. "Oh, hi Michael. As much as I would like for you to stay, you need to leave. We have sponsors out there, and she needs to be perfect tonight."
I hesitate, glancing between Ashley and Lacy. "Alright, I'll go. Just wanted to wish you luck, Ashley."
"Thanks," Ashley mutters, her eyes never leaving the mirror.
As I leave, I can't shake the feeling that something's wrong. She seemed...off. Like she was distracted. Her hand was trembling. I head back out into the bustling club, trying to focus on the night ahead, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Ashley.
After some time, I find myself unable to stay away. The nagging worry won't let me enjoy the evening. I head back to check on her, just in time to see her stumble away from the stage area, looking pale and distressed. She heads for the alleyway behind the club, and I follow her, my heart pounding with concern.
"Ashley, what's wrong?" I ask as I rush to her side, my voice urgent and filled with worry.
She collapses into my arms, tears streaming down her face. "Michael, I can't do this. My father... he's here. I can't focus on my performance if he is there."
Her whole body is trembling, her breaths coming in rapid, shallow gasps. Her father? This thefirst time she has ever mentioned her family. I hold her tightly, my voice soft and reassuring. "It's okay, Ashley. I'm here. You don't have to face him alone."
She looks up at me, her eyes wide with fear and vulnerability. Its like she is made ofglass. So beautiful but so fragile."I've never told anyone this, but my father... he's done terrible things to me and my family. Seeing him tonight brought it all back. You know, you were right about that I'm not from here. My mom was French. My dad flew to France, thought she was pretty, and just took her back home without her consent. She gave birth to me and my brother. He was born two years before me. My dad was always abusive. My mother tried to protect us, but it was no use. My brother ran away. He said he would come back for me, but he never did. Eventually, my mom died. Years of abuse had weakened her to the point of death. When my mom died, all my dad's abuse was turned towards me. So, I decided to run away. Eventually, I found this town, and Richard took me in to work for him. I was extremely lucky. I thought I was never going to see him again...but then he showed up. His disgusting smile made me want to throw up. I don't think I can perform if I see his piece of shit face again."
I listen intently, my heart breaking for her as she unravels her painful past.She doesn't deserve whathappened to her. Her father sounds like a piece of shit. I don't know what I'lldo if I see him hurt her. "You didn't have to explain. Just know that I'm here for you. You're strong, Ashley. You can get through this."
My words seem to offer her a small comfort, and she takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Thank you, Michael. I don't know what I'd do without you."
I gently wipe away her tears, my touch tender and reassuring. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm not going anywhere."
We stay like that for a moment, finding solace in each other's presence. Eventually, she pulls away, a determined look in her eyes. "I need to get back in there. I can't let him ruin this for me."
I nod, proud of her resolve. "I'll be right here, cheering you on."
With renewed strength, Ashley heads back inside, ready to face whatever comes her way. I follow, staying close, ready to support her in any way I can. The night is far from over, but together, we can conquer anything.
