Lou

CH 1: STAGE

Wednesday

"Lucy Lou, you're on next," Gabby mumbles into Lucy's ear, giving a small nudge on her back towards the stage. It was practically pitch black stageside as she grabs for the cold metal handle to the stairs. By the fourth step, she was ready, stepping into the music and cheers. Tonight the club was crowded, but most nights were. The combination of red lights, the smell of alcohol, and lack of personal space felt different from most individual's nine-to-five reality. The club helped you escape without having to leave town. Busy was always a good thing—strutting towards the shiny titanium pole in the center of the room, she reminded herself to breathe. In the beginning, she heard whistles and calls from drunk men and curious women. All the extra noise began to dissolve after a few minutes into the track. She moved her body along with a popular The Weekend remix that drunk turned on people seemed to love. Lucy could feel the stage beneath her becoming softer. Money flooded around her feet; sliding down the pole, she opened her eyes. She took a moment to remind herself where she was, not making eye contact with those around her. A few brave hands attempted to caress her but failed, thankfully. Three minutes, she had three minutes left in this set—only one more song. Burning stares watched her graceful body dance seductively around. All the attention in the room was on her, and she loved it.

After three more sets, later in the night, she hastily changed her clothes and paid her dues. She left knowing she would be back to dance Friday night. Unlocking the door to her BMW, she tossed her bag into the back, checked for anyone hiding in her backseat, and started towards home. She had a love-hate relationship with driving at night. The street lights passing by and by made her dizzy at times, which she disliked. Though she did enjoy that there were rarely any cars on the road when it was late, she felt alone and at peace. Turning up her music, she lightly sang along while attempting to make a mental to-do list for when she was home. Homework, laundry, and a little picking up. After it was all done, she would be free to sleep until 9:00 am when she woke up for class and started her routine all over again.

Friday

"Professor, doesn't it depend on the cultural relativism of the subject?" A blonde in the front row asked. "Exactly my point, and on that note, you're dismissed." Professor H. announced, relieving his lecture hall full of students. Niall erased the chalkboards, grabbed his satchel, and walked back to his office. Unlocking the door and tossing his belongings down, he sat behind his large desk, in his dark leather office chair, and called his wife. "Hi, honey, was your day?" Niall sighed into the phone while undoing his tie. "Oh, okay, sorry to bother you. I didn't know you were still at work. I was just calling to remind you about my going out with the guys tonight." She must have been distracted because she didn't respond until he called her name, and even then, her response was short. He thought she was upset that he was going out with his friends for his birthday. "Alright, I will see you when I get home. Love you. Bye." After exchanging love you's, he hung up, locked his office, and left campus.

Pulling into his friend's drive, he honked his horn, calling them out. If they didn't hurry, they would be late for dinner; reservations were at 9:00, it was already 8:30. While checking his phone, a tap on the passenger window made him jump a little. "Oi, Happy Birthday, bro," Greg, his tall, broad, raven-colored hair, friend practically yelled while getting in. "Yeah, Happy Birthday, Niall." Tommo seconded while sliding into the back seat. "Let's go all out tonight!!" Scott chimed in, pulling out his flask and taking a quick swig of vodka. "Good thing it is Friday because we are going to make this birthday the best yet" Niall turned towards Greg with a doubtful look on his face. "All right, mate, whatever you say," Niall replied with a slight roll of his eyes. It had been at least two years since he'd gone out clubbing. Niall didn't mind, though. He preferred to spend time with Elizabeth, his loving wife than to go out with his bachelor friends partying at every available chance. Though for some reason, tonight felt different.