In Our Image: The Hollow

Chapter Five: Jude

"Holy shit how did I let you drag me here? I'm so not ready to die yet." I ask as Trevor drives with increasing speed to the spot.

"Slow the fuck down Trev, this bitch will be spraying in the car, I almost hit an artery!" Lacey yells as she digs her fangs back into the neck of her tag she insisted on bringing with us.

I look behind me in the backseat, between Lacey and Tara feeding and Trevor's driving maybe the club is the last thing I should worry about.

To my relief we arrive and it would be an understatement to say that it's packed. Trev parks the car and after a bit of mental prep I get out. Trev follows behind then Lacey, Tara and the strung out tag. I almost feel bad for her; she looks like she used to be gorgeous. She is smiling and moaning as Tara helps her gain her footing, she thinks she's on cloud nine but she looks like death.

"Maybe you two should give her a break huh?" Trevor asks while nodding at the woman swaying side to side from blood loss but smiling.

Tara looks the brunette over then nods to Lacey, "Yeah... we kinda over did it maybe..."

"I am so damn glad I don't do that to people." Trevor says shaking his head sympathetically at the tag.

"Let's not pretend you are any less savage Trev, fucking four legs." Lacey spouts as Tara helps her pull her short skirt down to look more appropriate.

"So we doing this or we just going to stand in the parking-lot all night like we're seventeen?" Tara says.

I look around and notice people coming and going, I can see one of the bouncers, big bastard, talking into his radio.

"Yeah guys I have a horrible feeling about this, I mean it's bad enough you three are going in but me... like no..." Trevor says hesitantly.

"God damnit Jude, of all the ones to be friends with you had to go and pick the nut-less one." Lacey says laughing and rolling her eyes.

Trevor darts eyes at her, "Bitch... fine let's go, let's do it."

Well here we go I guess

Lacey leads the way with Tara and the tag close behind, Trevor is next and I'm last. We get to the door and the tall, dark skinned bouncer looks us over.

"I.D." He requests sternly.

Lacey smiles at him revealing fangs and twirling her hair seductively, the bouncer nods and opens the door. We begin to walk through and he stops us.

"Wait, this one looks like shit, can't have the aesthetic value of the establishment brought down by an overused tag." He says nodding at the brunette girl wobbling as she stands.

"Fuck." Tara says as she turns to face the woman.

She reaches in her purse wallet and pulls out a twenty then hands it to the tag, "Go across the street, get some food and

juice, juice understand? Wait for us there and well come get you got it?" Tara says pointing to a diner across from the club.

The woman nods in confirmation and with a weak giggle begins to walk to the diner. Tara and Lacey turn to the bouncer and smile sarcastically. He steps to the side while sniffing at Trevor as he enters; he makes a disgusted and confused face as we pass.

Once inside the music is a roar, laughter, screaming and chaotic fun surrounds us. A seductive voice from a passing waitress speaks to us, "Welcome to The Hollow, ladies drink for half."

Trevor looks back at me and smiles, "This is what the fuck I'm talking about! This place is amazing, if we live through it I mean."

Lacey and Tara laugh as they disappear to the dance floor, Trev and I begin to search for the bar. A mob of people are congregating at an area near the center wall, guess we found the bar. We shove our way in and after a few aggressive maneuvers we get a spot near the end of the bar. Thankfully most people are

getting drinks and returning to the lounge and dance floor so actually a few of the barstools are empty. First thing that catches my eye is this girl, looks a bit young but wow.

She has got to be new, given away by the cheat sheet she keeps pulling from her pocket while making drinks. She looks over at me and smiles while a guy yells his order into her ear trying to be heard over the music.

She gives him the three beers he wants and pulls her hair back in a ponytail as she walks over to me.

"Welcome to The Hollow, I'm Madi, what can I get you?" The both cute and beautiful raven haired girl asks.

Wow

I can hear Trevor saying something but I...

"Jude, Jude! You corny ass son of a bi... I'm sorry about him, he doesn't get out much. Can we get two crowns on the rocks please?" Trevor replies for me and saving me from myself.

"Jude there are a hundred women here, at least sample shit

before you fall in love with the first one."

He's right... Jesus pull it together man

"Yeah sorry, I just..."

Trevor puts his hand on my shoulder laughing, "Naw man I get it, she's cute, but act your age... your real age, you could be her dad."

"What the hell ever, I'm not that old you dick."

The black haired bartender returns with our drinks, "Here you go, Crown on the rocks for you... and one for the man of few words." She smiles at me as she sets the drink down.

I shake my head embarrassed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude I just... Think of something good you ass, "You just look like someone I knew once."

She tilts her head and grins, "I get that a lot, guess I have one of those faces."

The other bartender walks up to the one called Madi, "Madison, we're gonna need ice baby girl." She says as Trevor takes notice of the tall, stacked blonde.

"Hey beautiful, I'm Trevor but everyone calls me Trev, and you are?" He asks trying to be smooth.

"Busy" She replies as she turns back to help more customers.

The dark haired Madison begins to laugh, I do too. Poor Trevor, he tried.

"Sorry brother." I say as I look at him laughing under my breath.

Trev shakes his head, "Man whatever, she wasn't the one anyway. Ima go find Lacey and Tara." He replies as he stands up and takes his drink.

The dark haired girl still lingers in-front of us as we both laugh.

"I'm sorry about Mishka, she is kind of 'that bitch' if you know what I mean."

"Yeah I can tell, it's ok Trev is tough, he'll be back out there in no time... for better or worse." I reply with both of us giggling again.

Madi looks over her shoulder at Mishka who is mouthing to her about the ice, "So I have to go back to work, but hey enjoy the drink and let me know when you're ready for round two!" She says as she turns to leave.

Madi... Madison huh