Twilight Java

Chapter 14

I've only been to one concert before. Really, it wasn't even a concert but a music festival filled with drugged up teens and young adults. It was one of Seattle's big events, and passes for it were pricey but my friends offered to buy me one to go with them. I had mixed feelings on the whole thing. I didn't like the amount of people who succumbed to either alcohol poisoning or heat stroke, or both. What I did enjoy was the unity of those who were simply there for music that lasted from noon to midnight, filling their ears with delight and tantalizing their eyes with enchanting lights.

This gig would be nothing of the sort. Sure, there would be crowds of people and a stifling scent of cheap alcohol, but there won't be thousands of people lined up just to get in, expecting the times of their lives. Just a placid room with the constant clutter of voices and glasses clanking against tables. At least, this is what I was expecting.

In truth, I only made a conclusion about this based on what I saw in low budget indie movies.

Besides not knowing anything about the place Ellis and I were going to, there was something else that was bugging me. The fact that it was 'Ellis and I' made me feel so puzzled and baffled for the reason that I have only known him for a couple weeks.

Besides how absurd this was, it felt simultaneously exhilarating- I was making friends already, I had connections with others. People I have barely known yet already feel unknowingly close to. It was unsettling, but also comforting. It either meant I was changing, or I've begun to find a place I could call home.

"This outfit isn't slutty enough. Change it," Veronica complained, pinching at my denim jacket. She gave my body a distasteful glare, silently criticizing my black pants and prized white Docs. "Shady concerts like this are meant for some hot hook up with a random stranger. Even better if it's one of the band members. But you'll never get any action with this outfit."

I huffed, removing my jacket and tying it around my waist. "I'm not trying to get any action, I'm going to take pictures there," My hands grazed over my face for a gussy up in the mirror. My eyes were too focused on my appearance to even really care about the things Veronica was saying to me. "Ellis knows that I'm trying to become a photojournalist."

"Mhm."

I didn't respond, not wanting to add fuel to the fire that I had unintentionally started. I began to work on my makeup, staring intently through our hung up mirror. It wasn't long into applying my foundation that Veronica's head popped up in the reflection.

"So how are you getting there?"

"We're driving."

I saw her cross her arms. "Aren't freshmen not allowed to have cars?"

"He's a local. He lives off campus."

"Makes sense," She sighed. "Well I don't wanna ruin your makeup. Be safe and use protection. I'm off to a party, see ya." Veronica called, and with that she slammed the door and left.

"A party is the last place you should be at," I mumbled to myself, thinking of our last encounter at a party. I didn't know exactly what happened since that night, but I didn't want my mind littered with thoughts of others that night.

I popped my lips as I finished filling my lips on with my favorite raspberry-colored lipstick. Luckily I managed to nail a cat eye which added to the boldness of my lip color. I shrugged on my jean jacked and snatched my camera off from my desk, slinging it over my shoulder. I quickly scanned my room for anything I might be forgetting. Ellis said he would take care of everything and that all I need to bring is my attitude  and camera. It was a fair request.

So I did that, and I went on my way. I began typing a text to Ellis telling him I'm ready, but I noticed the three little bubbles were already there.