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Chapter Two

"What the fuck?!" Sierra yelled out in surprise as she fell onto the ground next to Nora's bed. However, the surprise subsided rather quickly. Nora was standing on the bed and her laughter was practically heard throughout the entire building. Sierra groaned into the furry rug, "You're a complete ass, you know that?"

"Oh yes I am, and it is so worth it." Nora tried to say with a straight face above her, but little giggles kept coming out making her look precious. Her cousin moved to leave the room, but then stopped, "by the way, you've got three and a half minutes. I want to be right in the front row for this band." She said with a smirk and then finally stepped away.

Sierra let out a series of 'old man noises' while trying to get up in her groggy state. Feeling a little rushed, she looked in the mirror to make sure that she was presentable enough, then proceeded to go to the closet to grab her black combat boots.

Those shoes were like an old friend. She'd had them for years. Parts were faded, and the soles were a tad bit worn, but she loved them. Sierra laced them up around her ankles and grabbed the small black purse she had left in the living room before swinging back around to get Nora.

She turned around and slammed into something hard with a grunt, "Damn it. I was just coming to get your weird ass. Now come on." Nora said while Sierra's head was still in a bit of a daze from the impact. She just shook it off while Nora grabbed her arm, and dragged her down the down the hall toward the elevator.

Nora hit the down button multiple times, almost like a child, until the usual *ding* sounded. She swore her older cousin wasn't actually thirty two, but that's just how she loved her. Slightly immature, but radiant and caring. Sierra rested her arms back against the railing as the elevator made its descent.

"Want to drive?...or Taxi?" Nora questioned already knowing the answer. Sierra had turned twenty one about a month ago, so they'd been taking taxis frequently at night so they could drink at the bars. Neither of them could stand the thought of drinking and driving, especially since Sierra's mother was killed by a drunk driver.

"Taxi, of course." Nora nodded her head to nobody in particular and hopped out of the elevator. Sierra could tell she was excited about this band they were going to see. It was written all over her face.

The two cousins walked out of the lobby, each waving goodbye to Steve, who was still sitting at his usual security post. He hadn't moved since Sierra had gotten there. She noticed, however, he was almost done with his crossword puzzle... maybe she'll pick up a new one for him tomorrow.

Nora quickly whistled to call over a taxi, and one pulled over almost immediately. Ella jumped in, followed shortly after by her cousin. The driver looked back in the rear view mirror, "Where you off to tonight, ladies?"

The cabby was a slightly older man, probably around sixty. Sierra gave a polite smile to the driver and buckled in, waiting for Nora to give the address. Nora was more of the conversationalist of the two anyway.

After about a ten minute cab ride Nora paid the cabby the fee with a nice tip, "Have a good night." Sierra said giving another nice smile before exiting the taxi. Nora followed behind and stepped onto the sidewalk next to her as the taxi drove away.

The club was one that Sierra hadn't been to yet. Kind of hidden away, yet still in a nice part of town, they were going to a place called "The Lounge".

Simple, but effective.

"So, Nora...tell me about this band." She looked at her cousin, who's grin spread wide across her face with joy, "goodness it's like your a teenage fangirl!" Sierra couldn't help but laugh with a wide smile. Her cousin was just too cute.

"Shut up I am not!" Nora responded with a slight blush in her cheeks, "they're just really really good. So good. Well, and they're attractive. So attractive. Just perfect." Sierra burst out laughing at Nora's attempt at describing the band they were going to see.

"Alright, well sounds great! I guess I'm excited too!" Sierra slung her arm around her cousin's shoulder and they walked together up the stairs to the front entrance where the bouncer was, "Hi there!" She greeted with a smile. Nora was fishing through their purses for identification, but the big (and slightly scary) security dude just nodded to let them through. Both of the girls just shrugged it off. It happens every so often that they get a superficial bouncer, at least this one wasn't creepy.

The inside of The Lounge was dark with just the right lighting for a club. Everything looked so well put together and sleek. She really liked this place already. Hopefully they had some decent booze.

Sierra's train of thought was stopped immediately though as soon as she heard Nora squeal and become engulfed in a hug by a strange man. Her face scrunched a little in confusion as they had a small conversation until she made an awkward coughing sound.

It was as if Nora had suddenly remembered Ella's presence and her eyes grew slightly too wide, "Oh! Oh! Sierra! I totally forgot! This is Richard, he owns this place. I also work for his spa over on State Street!" The man turned to her and she relaxed a bit. He seemed nice, just a middle aged man. Probably around forty five if she had to guess...and she also noticed a wedding ring. Good. Sierra didn't need any other older men creeping around their place after the last one. She shook his hand a little too tightly and smiled. He pretended not to notice.

"Nice to meet you, Sierra! Your cousin is such a delight, one of my best employees that one! She's just so fantastic." Richard said and put his hand on Nora's shoulder. Sierra saw her cousin flinch a little, but she didn't say anything. He owned the place after all, but she had another idea.

"You too, Richard...actually..can I call you Dick? I heard it's a nickname for Richard, I'm sure you use it." Now Richard looked a little awkward. He just sort of swallowed and nodded his head, "But, we were actually just on our way to grab some seats for the band so she'll have to talk to you later, Dick. Probably at work."

He gave her a tight grin, "You ladies have a good night." Richard walked away rather quickly.

She felt a slap on her side, "Sierra you don't have to be that rude you know." Nora said and then looked down a little. Her beautiful cousin still had a big smile on her face, though, "but thank you for getting him off my case for a bit. He's a little..much sometimes. I can handle it though." Nora grabbed her hand and led her to the bar to grab a few drinks before walking toward the large crowd of people in the pit by the stage.

Sierra and Nora decided it was best to hang by the side left near the wall. That way they wouldn't have to deal with any moshing that might happen during the show. At least they were somewhat in the middle so they still had a good view.

By 8:00 around 150 people were there for this band, and Sierra was starting to wonder just how good they were. Usually local bands didn't bring out this many people? Suddenly the club music cut off and the lights went black. Four people were on the stage. A drummer, a lead guitarist, a bassist, and the lead singer who also played guitar. Sierra couldn't move her eyes from the lead singer though. He looked so angelic, yet intimidating and dangerous.

They burned with heat as he finally walked up to the microphone.

"I'm Asher Jay, and this is Shock Waves."