The Gangster Lady of New York

P.1: Where It All Started

New York City, 2000

4:00 P.M.

"Pant, Pant, Kikay!"

That boy who called me from the distance was Avery, a fellow classmate of mine at the university I'm studying at. We're quite the closest of friends ever since I moved here from the Philippines. As of now, the university is having a very tight schedule, especially when it comes to the beauty science department. We're having a fashion show as a project this semester. All I wanted was a break from all this schoolwork. I love what I do, just not the fact it stresses me out. Anyway, back to the story. Avery was rushing towards me, running from God knows where and now he's dripping with sweat.

"Hah, Kikay..."

I looked at him dully and asked him what he wanted. He started to open the zipper from his shoulder bag and picked up a coupon for a cafe. Just what I needed.

"You want us to go at a cafe nearby? Well that's perfect. I'm dying for a cappuccino." I exclaimed, getting excited for what was coming.

"Oh hell yeah we are, my treat." He said that to me with a happy grin on his face and blush on his cheeks, although, I did wonder why now. He usually goes to cafes alone and never have I ever seen him invite someone to join him, but of course, anything for a free ice-cold beverage.|

We started walking from the field to the cafe. It was just a short distance, and to be honest, it feels like one of those romantic "first dates" I would usually read on novels. Oh how sweet would it be if this where to be like those... yet not really since it usually ends up having them do the do and break up. With Avery though, he acts innocently sweet towards me, and sometimes, I question whether or not he had feelings for me, unless it was all an act. Personally, I'm starting to have.

During our walk, I would look at him and begin to blush uncontrollably. I'm just glad he doesn't see it from the books I'm holding in front of me.
He then starts to pace faster and then stops. He turns to face me with his arm raised to present the place. "Here we are!" I raised my eyes to have a look, and oh my, it looks so different. It doesn't look like a cafe at all.

I looked at him with a glare and asked where exactly we are. He walked closer to me and slung his arm on my shoulder with a sly smile. "Oh.... hahaha, you see, we're at a bar." I stepped back a few steps from him and and looked at him suspiciously. "A bar? Excuse me I don't drink." He started to open the glass doors and entered the venue. I just stayed outside as I muttered to myself "This isn't safe..." I started to worry about Avery and myself. Who knows what's about to happen next.

He then surprisingly opened the door once more, calling me to get in. I mustered all the strength I had and started walking in. Let me tell you, it's just plain nasty.

People who wore tank tops and ripped jeans sat on the high chairs as they held their glasses and had their
toast. Some also seem to gamble by means of poker. There's also an unpleasant smell that is uncomfortable to breathe. Overall, the aura in this place is frankly not so welcoming.

Avery called me and motioned me to sit by his side to get drinks. I went to his side and sat on the chair beside him. The bartender handed us a menu full of alcoholic beverages. I immediately lifted my hand to ask if they have water at their disposal. Sadly, they didn't so I just asked for a drink with the least amount of alcohol and looked away. I stared towards the group who was playing billiards, holding huge amounts of cash. My classmate seemed to tell the bartender his drink and left of.

I averted to Avery and started to ask him questions. "Why did you ask me to join you to a bar? Is this safe? Are you part of so-" He covered my mouth with his palm and whispered to me not to ask questions about anything. With what he did, I got even more terrified.