Sweet Beginnings (Damien Haas)

Chapter Sixteen:

The days seemed to get longer and longer as it crept closer to the 31st. Monday's appointment went on a lot longer than I expected, Tuesday was filled with catching up on work due to the fact I got in a lot later than expected on Monday. Wednesday was getting the building ready for the next day. After work I was most likely running around, grabbing last minute things I needed for my costume or enjoying different events throughout the city. By the time Thursday rolled around I felt that I spent more time outside of my apartment than I did in.

Wednesday was no different. Having to run to the hairdresser Sarah had recommended in order to change my hair back to it's normal shade for my costume. I couldn't remember the last time my hair was its normal dark brown and not either burgundy, or after losing a bet in high school, blue. My mom almost killed me when I showed up at home after a weekend at a friend's with my whole head dyed blue... Even my eyebrows. But that's a story for another time.

By the time Thursday rolled around, I was more than ready for whatever shenanigans that were going to happen. Thankfully my first costume didn't require all too much as far as getting ready. Deciding on dressing as a S.T.A.Rs agent from Resident Evil. Growing up Resident Evil 4 was the first game I played that really hooked me in. I remember spending countless hours in middle school fighting one bioterrorism war or another. Since the remake for the second game had come out in the beginning of the year, I had these costumes planned out since.

Grabbing my bag from the passenger seat of my jeep and slung it over my shoulder as I exited my vehicle. Brushing my bangs to the left side of my face as I started towards the entrance of the building. Glancing over my shoulder briefly before freezing and turning. Courtney bounded up to me, her hair stuck out in ponytails on the side of her head. My eyebrows raised as I looked over her outfit.

"Do I ask?" I asked as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"I'm Darla! You know, from Nemo?" She said once she reached me. Holding up a plastic bag of water and what appeared to be a toy fish before flashing a toothy grin. Taking notice of the fake braces in her teeth.

"Oh! Now that makes sense."

"You should come watch our video later." She stated as we started towards the front door again. "We're doing just dance, in costume. It's a good time."

Nodding my head as I reached for the door handle. Both of us looked over our shoulders at the sound of someone jogging after us. Smiling brightly when I noticed Damien making his way towards us.

"Morning ladies." he said, once he reached us.

Damien leaned his head towards me for a kiss, which I barely had time to turn my head so he got my cheek instead. Pulling away and frowning down at me, his head slightly tilted. Sighing softly as I looked up at him. Courtney glanced between the two of us, her eyes widened slightly as she grabbed the handle and pulled the door open.

"Uh.. I'll see you dudes inside. We start in an hour or two. Be there or be square." She said the last part to me, pointing in my direction before disappearing inside.

Barely glancing at my friend before she disappeared before turning back to Damien who had a slightly annoyed expression on his face. Smiling weakly at him before glancing over his costume.

"Nice costume." I commented in an attempt to avoid the conversation I knew was probably going to follow.

"You too." He replied, shoving his hands into his pockets. "But what's with the avoidance? It's not like anyone's around right now." he gestured around us as if to emphasize his point.

"But what if someone did pull in? Or walk out? What if one of my bosses did?" Looking up at him as I brushed my bangs from my face. "I know you want to go public. But I still feel like I have more to prove. I don't want people thinking you're the reason I'm still here."