Venture

Chapter 25: The Beginning of a New Adventure

Hesitantly, Alex stared down at her attire: a raven-black neck swing dress that reached down mid-thigh, a pair of leather, knee-high boots that matched the color of her dress, and finally a clean white, striped, thick kimono that flew down right above her ankles. The dark brown-eyed woman had her curly nut brown hair straightened and topped with a black fedora hat. She had on light, natural makeup that popped out her facial features beautifully. The only jewelry she wore were her piercings.

     She took a huge breath, completely nervous for her first concert. It wasn't a big stage, but it wasn't small either. It was absolutely perfect for artists to start in. Ever since Alex and her bandmates received the record deal from a semi-small company, they practiced their asses off day and night to prepare for the big night. There was no way they'd let this night go to waste.

     Alex, Cole, Trey, Tasha, and Liam already had their songs assembled in an order. Little did her bandmates know that their main singer wrote songs that reminded her of her days in the jungle. Her bandmates tried to push Alex to open up about her struggles, but she rejected their offer. She couldn't put them into words. Therefore, she formed them into the music.

***

Scarlet wore a midnight-black and chalk-white dress shirt with denim ripped jeans, and ivory-white sneakers that hid her ankle bandage. Her thick charcoal, straight hair with light brown highlights fell heavily above her breasts. She set an appointment for a haircut, therefore her hair was much shorter than it had been. The twenty-year-old decided to leave with her bare face, knowing she'd be late if she stayed any longer.

     The twenty-year-old texted Esther to meet up at the cafe in fifteen. They both planned to leave for Alex's concert together. Scarlet was the first to buy the tickets and as a result, she scored front row seats. Alex insisted on gifting them free tickets, but she refused. The youngest wanted to support her friend.

     She slipped her phone into her pocket and made her way towards the door only to be stopped by her father.

     "Scar, do you have your bandage on?" he questioned worryingly, eyeing her ankle.

     Scarlet knew she didn't need the bandage since it was just a sprained ankle, but her father insisted she wore it for a month. It was the first time he showed real concern for her. Therefore, the light brown-eyed woman couldn't resist. She still had a difficult time accepting his change of heart, but she knew he was trying his best.

     Turning to face him, Scarlet nodded and pursed her lips together. "Yeah, Dad. It's on. I'll be leaving for Alex's concert, okay?"

     He nodded and sauntered closer to the door, whipping out his car keys. The man noticed his daughter giving him a confusing look. Sighing, he confidently explained, "I'm giving you a ride. I just want to make sure you'll be okay once I drop you off. Don't argue with me and let's go."

     Scarlet couldn't help, but send him a genuine smile. Not once had he ever offered a ride, claiming that her personal driver was present for a reason. Following her father, the proud daughter muttered, "Thanks, Dad."

***

Esther struggled in slipping on her light denim overalls over her soft gray sweatshirt, constantly brushing out her long bangs and reaching behind her back. A chuckle emerged in the guest bedroom. Twirling in embarrassment, Esther found Hunter leaning against the doorway, watching her in amusement.

     "Need help?" the pretty man offered teasingly, his honey-colored irises glowing in the room. His eyes roamed all over her physical features.