IF ROSES BLED INK

CHAPTER 18: "IT COMES WITH THE OCCUPATION"

Rose was now back in town. I hadn’t yet seen her since she got back, partially because I had to clean up some deliveries around campus.

This was now part of my life. My secret "sneak around without people noticing" lifestyle.

Sounds simple enough.

After her first two days back I finally made time to go see her. As a result of my recent financial boost I was now looking a lot better too. My clothes weren’t just functional anymore, they meant something to the people that admired from a distance. They made me feel powerful.

Rose noticed this without a doubt.

“Carlos! Hey! Damn what happened to you? You’re looking great", She said as she embraced me.

“I’ve been getting around a little more, let’s just say I ran into a pretty decent job!”, I replied.

“I’m so happy for you! This was unexpected", She said with genuine surprise.

“You seem to be awfully happy, how’d your trip go?”

“It was exactly what me and my mom needed. We had some time to adjust to our new situation at home. We bonded quite a bit. Most of all though, we learned to find comfort in eachother", she said.

“That’s great Rose, I’m really happy for you.”

She blushed and looked away for a moment.

“Thanks Carlos.”

“Uhm guys! Let’s go celebrate this sudden turn of luck! Seems like the appropriate time and if you ask me, I don’t really think it’ll last long", Melinda joked.

“Tonight then! Any suggestions?”, Rose asked.

“What about club zero?”, Melinda suggested.

“I like the idea. What about you Carlos?”

“I was thinking a little bigger, let’s go to Kash Lounge", I suggested.

“Woah, okay Carlos, I don’t mean to burst your bubble but that place is super exclusive and also expensive, how are we supposed to get in?”, Melinda asked.

“Leave that to me. Don’t worry about the costs either", I replied.

I said this with an undeniable sense of pride. I was riding a cloud higher than most people at that moment.

“Okay then, we’ll meet you there", Melinda responded with a slight sarcastic tone.

Several hours passed. I made sure I was wearing my best possible outfit and arranged ahead of time with Allen that our place at the club is booked.

Part of the benefits of working with the biggest drug dealer on campus is that clubs look at you like a celebrity.

Part of the lifestyle I guess.

They arrived a few minutes after me and I can tell you now, they we’re they in for a shock.

This is the part where you use your imagination again.

I’m wearing a full suede, burgundy Dolce and Gabbana suit, a 2nd addition Rolex time piece on my wrist, a diamond encrusted Cuban link chain and Full black leather Valentino boots.

They approached the VIP area and were welcomed with open arms by the guests. They felt right at home.

We partied like modern day kings and queens for about 4 hours.

At some point after the busiest part of the night I saw Rose sitting alone and seized the opportunity to go talk to her.

“Hey, you enjoying the party?”, I asked.

“Yeah but not as much as I expected", she replied.

At this point the “Love Hour” began. This was an hour dedicated every night to playing love songs.

"Finesse" by Drake started playing and suddenly the mood in the club took a turn.

“Why, what’s wrong?”, I asked.

She glanced up at me, took my hand and then proceeded to stand up and hold me by my shoulders.

I followed suit and pulled her in close by her waist.

“Rose, you’re still not saying. Talk to me, what’s bothering you?”, I asked.

“Nothing Carlos, Not anymore, I’m exactly where I need to be.”

We slow danced the rest of the hour nonstop. Every song brought us closer somehow.

My night was now complete.