An American Masquerade

I step off at the bus stop, me eyes blinded by the mesmerizing lights. I can't believe I'm here, in the magical city of my dreams, Las Vegas. I walk down the street in awe. Distracted by my wonderful surroundings I miss my hotel and have to turn around. On my way back I bump into a boy. He looks to be about a year older than me. I get lost in his beautiful eyes.

"S-sorry" I stutter. "I've never been here before."

"Don't worry about it." He replies, flashing a smile. "I could show you around, if you want."

"Really?" I ask. "That would be awesome!"

"Sure. I'm Brandon by the way." He tells me while holding out his hand.

"I'm Alice. Nice to meet you."

Later that evening, about an hour before dinner, I meet up with Brandon for a tour of the city. I've changed into different clothes and I notice he has too. He's wearing jeans, converse, and a 'some girls' t-shirt. "Nice 'Joy division' shirt" he compliments me.

"Thanks" I reply with a smile. We continue on down 'Flamingo Road' as Brandon points out different places. We come to a record store and I run up to it. Looking back I eagerly ask "Can we go check it out?"

"Yeah sure." Brandon replies with a giggle. "You love music huh?" He asks with a small smirk.

"Very." I laugh, "can't you tell?"

We end up spending all our time there searching the endless rows of records and CDs. Eventually we decide to leave for dinner.

"We're gonna go meet up with some friends of mine for dinner, if you don't mind." Brandon tells me sounding a bit nervous.

"Oh that sounds fun!" I say, excited to meet more new people.

We walk into the small bar the smell of beer overwhelming us. I look around then follow Brandon over to where a small group of people are seated.

"Alice, this is Dave, Mark, Ronnie, Maddie, and Chloe."

"Hi."

"Hello."

"Hey."

"Hiya."

"Hey."

"Nice to meet you." I say. Obviously I look nervous because Brandon asks if I'm okay.

"Yeah I'm fine."

We sit down to join the rest of the group. Small talk starts up and me being the new girl, I become the topic.

"So where ya' from?" Ronnie asks with a flirtatious smile.

"Umm, Texas" I reply.

"I've never been there. Is it nice?"

"I guess. If you like BBQ and beer, yeah."

"Sounds like my kinda place" Dave laughs, a bit tipsy.

"Well I like the neon lights and desert of Las Vegas, Nevada." Brandon says, his eyes sparkling.

"Uhh I'm gonna go get another vodka. Anyone want something?" After a minute or two he hurriedly gets up and walks off.

While Brandon is gone I start to really look at everyone. I notice how tall Mark is and how little Chloe looks when she sits on his lap. I realize Dave has had a bit too much to drink and can barely stand up right. Also how flirty and playful Ronnie is no matter how hard Maddie tries to control him.

"Alice?"

"I'm sorry. What did you ask?"

"Have you ever been to Vegas before?" Mark asks again.