ELLA IN NAKED

Bump into a case.

 The car came to a stop, and Ella peered out the window before turning her gaze toward her sister, arching an eyebrow. "Did we run out of gas or something?" she asked, a chuckle escaping her lips. Alia merely shrugged in her usual nonchalant manner. Her shrugs were always so casual, as if nothing fazed her. "We have arrived at our destination," Alia replied, her tone just as carefree as her shrug. 

 Ella chuckled once more, thoroughly amused by her sister's attempt. Memories resurfaced, like the time Alia had convinced her to dress up for a fake costume party at their neighbour's house. Ella had invested hours in primping, all for the sake of catching the eye of her crush. Yet, Alia's clever distraction had led her to appear at the event in a haphazard outfit. 

The embarrassment had festered for months, a grudge she had borne silently. Ah, the follies of youth. Ella's patience waned as Alia continued to stare outside as though the road was an enigma. She couldn't help but urge her sister impatiently. 

 "Could you move the car already?" "Sis, just enjoy the moment," Alia responded as she finally left the car. A sigh of relief escaped Ella. Maybe Alia needed to use the restroom, and the last thing she wanted was to venture into a questionable establishment herself. Several minutes later, Alia returned, clearly frustrated. Without a word, Ella offered her hand sanitizer, and Alia accepted it, her expression somewhat pitiable.

 "Don't give me that look. You just used the restroom," Ella said, waving the sanitizer dismissively. Alia swatted it away with a dismissive gesture. "Now I see why you're dealing with writer's block. Let's go." Ella had half a mind to respond but thought better of it. Some things were better left unsaid. 

So, with an inward sigh, she followed her sister, grumbling like a petulant child. Curiosity might have killed the cat, but Ella never thought it could apply to her so literally. She felt as though she'd narrowly escaped a close call, even though she wasn't a cat. But that didn't change the fact that she had indeed came close to disaster.

 She was used to routine tasks, elegant dresses, and drab hymns. Occasionally, she even flirted with the handsome pastors, though only in jest and only if they were good-looking. She had anticipated a formal setting, perhaps a restaurant, something soft or Christian friendly. What she hadn't expected was the pole dancing, the provocative moves, and the unabashed display of sensuality. 

 The music was deafening, people were openly flirting, and even Alia seemed to have found her element. Ella took a sip of her drink, hoping that some semblance of normalcy would return. Bars were notorious for attracting the wrong crowd, a scene she typically avoided. Yet, here she was, courtesy of her sister's insistence. As the night unfolded, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for her sins, despite the fact that her sister bore much of the responsibility. She moved to a vacant barstool, replaying the heated argument she had had with Alia earlier.

 "This keeps happening... ladies are prone to fall." Ella was so deep in thought that she hadn't realize the stranger she had just landed in. She looked up from her position on the ground and "Holy moly," she thought, "This one is majestic". She quickly scrambled to her feet, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. His striking eyes and chiseled jawline left her momentarily breathless. She stammered an apology, trying to regain her composure still captivated by his presence. Ella's heart raced as she felt the firm yet gentle grip of his hand on hers. She looked up, meeting his gaze once again, now noticing a faint, smile on his lips.