What Once Was

Chapter 2- Familiar

Charlie POV-

Today had been a great step to advance for the 'Happy Hotel.' Or now called Alastor's personalized version, 'Hazbin Hotel' and probably considered official now.

I felt dizzy from the drinks I had while waiting for Alastor's 'Jambalaya and his recipe that nearly killed his mother.' The smell of the Cajun, chicken, and Andouille filled the air, and made my stomach grumble from hunger. This was my first time having Jambalaya, but smelling this series of ingredients seemed familiar.

I sat in the red couch near the entrance of the hotel. I looked over at Vaggie who sat on the other side. Her head rested in her left arm as she looked away from the guests. Everyone else partied on to the beautiful jazz music Al's shadow friends played. Yet Vaggie remained in the same position since that evening. And not to mention that my approval of Al joining us was more to add to Vaggie's bad mood. I sighed and decided to scoot over towards her.

"Heyyy.." I tried greeting her casually but the awkwardness clearly filled in. That and my breath stunk of alcohol. She looked over at me and gave a me a brief smile, probably stopped breathing to avoid the aroma of the cheap booze. "Hi."

"Are you mad at me?" I asked her as I twiddled my fingers as I saw how her brief smile disappeared and switched to an annoyed yet concerned look. She turned away, only to face me again and hesitated .

"Charlie.." She started as she looked over to the Radio Demon, who was serving Jambalaya to a very intoxicated Angel. As for Nifty, she cleaned after Angel with so much energy it made me drowsy looking at her."You know I want the best for you, and he, helping us with this project of yours... is only going to make things worse. Even this project of yours.. we don't now if it actually works."

Realizing what she had just said I sat up to look at her better."Wait you still think that this won't work?" Although I have known that Vaggie wasn't really on board with the idea, at the moment I felt somewhat irritated.

Noticing I was somewhat irritated, Vaggie seemed to choose words that wouldn't let me be more agitated. "It's just.. Charlie you know I love you and will support you no matter what. But this? This whole project is an outreach to your idealized expectations. That and now you're drinking." She told me sternly.

"You're just like my Dad." I told her a bit aggravated at the fact that she didn't really support me. "I am willing to save my people's souls any way I can. Overpopulation has always been an issue here and I am sick of slaughtering souls every year after year." My voice grew louder as I finished my sentence.

The shadows had slowly stopped playing music and awkwardly stared at both me and Vaggie. I turned to look at our guests and realize they were all looking at us. Alastor fixed his gaze on me as he still smiled at me.

I suddenly got a headache and got glimpses of that same grin. Everything was bright, and I was in what seemed to be a cabin. It quickly switched to a parade, then fireworks, then stars. Something that entirely seemed from another dimension.

"You okay?" Vaggie's question brought my back to reality. "Yeah uhm.. might just be the drinks. I have been feeling a bit dizzy." I confirmed to her as I rubbed my temples.

"I think I'm going to go upstairs and get some rest."

"Here, let me help you." Vaggie insisted as she was slowly raising my left arm so I could lean on her. I yanked my arm from her and stumbled my way to the hall. "I'm fine." I stood up and stumbled my way to the hallway that led to the rooms. The jazz music resumed as everyone slowly and awkwardly went back to what they were doing.

"My Dear, you'll miss my famous Jambalaya" Alastor told me as held out his arm for me to reach when I somewhat stumbled.

"Oh. I'm sorry Al.. maybe later."