SHINE, The Knowing Ones

Chapters Seven and Eight

Chapter Seven

"How about this?"

Sam didn’t even bother looking this time. It was seven forty-five p.m. Sam was ready to go to Vig’s show and took a few minutes to finish up an English paper while Anna argued with her wardrobe.

Sam was typing when Anna came out in her third, perfectly acceptable ensemble.

"It’s fine," she said, still typing.

"You didn’t even look."

Sam glanced up, thoroughly irritated. "You look just as great as the first two times, Anna. All three outfits are spectacular. Choose one."

Anna groaned, throwing her hands up. "You are so not helpful."

"Mm hmm," Sam mumbled, still typing. A few seconds later Anna reappeared.

"Okay, if I wear this one, should I put my hair up or leave it down?"

Sam’s head dropped back in exasperation.

"Anna, are you serious?"

"Yes. Come on, up or down?"

She stared at Anna’s hair. "Down."

Anna huffed. "You’re just saying that to shut me up."

"Yes, I am," Sam said. "Vig already knows what you look like and he loves you."

Anna dropped her shoulders and sighed. "I just want to look good for him."

"Anna, you look awesome. Every outfit you’ve tried on looks great." She got up and walked into Anna’s room. "Leave this outfit on and leave your hair down. It’s one of your best assets."

"Well, yeah,” Anna replied. She walked to her vanity, picked up a brush, and began brushing her best asset.

Sam shook her head, checking her watch. "You realize it’s eight o’clock."

Anna threw her a panicked look. "We’re going to be late!"

"Not if we end the fashion show and leave now."

Anna pulled the brush through her hair one last time and grabbed her bag from her bed.

"Okay. Let’s get out of here."

She grabbed Sam’s hand and dragged her out of her bedroom toward the door.

Sam reached in vain for the table where her own bag was. "Excuse me, purse."

Anna released her long enough to get her bag, then snagged Sam by the arm and pulled her out the door.

∞∞∞

Anna was already bouncing to the pulsing rhythm of the music as they entered the club. Crash was by far the hottest spot in the city. All the major bands played there and it was always packed. Cocktail tables and sleek chairs surrounded a large dance floor, all facing a generous stage filled with the best lighting and equipment.

Looking down on its grandeur was a second floor balcony that bordered the entire perimeter of the club. Both levels boasted fully stocked bars, spectacular stage views, and an amazing sound system.

"I’m going to find Vig," Anna shouted over the pounding volume.

Sam scanned the massive crowd of auras. "He’s over there."

Anna turned and found him standing at the bar chatting with the bartender. She flashed a smile at Sam. "I’ll never understand how you do that," she said. "Let’s go." She grabbed Sam’s arm, dragging her across the crowded floor.