The Angelic Prison

1 | club starlight

It was late but the streets of New York City were still bustling with commotion. Cars light flickered into view dazed by the rainy night. I walked down West 84th Street in downtown Manhattan. I was meeting Lorelai, August, Kohl, and Jessie at the all ages dancing club for my birthday. I turned seventeen today. My parents are finally letting me go to Club Starlight after years of asking.

I turned the corner. My friends were huddled at the end of the street holding balloons and what looked like a birthday sash and crown. I hope it isn't a sash and crown. I don't want the attention even though it was my birthday. Lorelei saw me first and waved.

"Alexandra!"

Everyone turned and surrounded me. August swung the sash over my shoulders and Kohl put the Happy Birthday crown on my head. Kohl gave me a hug.

"Happy Birthday Lex."

He was the only one who called me that. At first I hated the nickname but now I don't mind it. As kids he used to use it to poke fun at me because he knew how much I hated it. Although, he wouldn't let anyone else use that name for me. I am tall for a girl but Kohl towered over me by at least a foot. I smiled at Kohl.

"Thanks Kohl, but was this really necessary?" I said with a laugh while tugging on the sash and pointing to the crown.

"Of course! It's your birthday, Lex, have some fun. Don't be afraid to live a little."

I rolled my eyes at him. Of course these birthday displays were his ideas. Lorelei pulled my hand, "Come on guys we're going to miss the grand opening if we stand here any longer."

The club was a block away. Not a single person glanced at a girl in a crown and sash leading a group of dressed up teenagers. August and Jessie talked about where they wanted to get food during the walk there. We were always talking about trying the newest and coolest restaurants to pop up in New York City. Their food obsessions really put a dent in my bank account.

Club Starlight was an infamous hole in the wall. The outside of the building was sleek. The line was roped off and it was already wrapped around the street corner. Kohl walked up to the bouncer and gave his name. The bouncer pulled the velvet rope back and we walked in.

Club Starlight represented its name well. We went down the stairs. The stairwell was filled with twinkle lights of all colors. I looked up as I walked downstairs with my mouth gaping in awe.

Kohl led us to a roped off seating area. There were couches and chairs circling around a rectangular table. Electric candles were on either side of the table. We sat down on the couches talking while a waitress came and brought drinks. Kohl next to me, Lorelei, August, and Jessie on the other couch lost deep in conversation.

"I have a present for you," Kohl whispered to me.

He reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out a wrapped gift. It was a small wrapped jewelry box. I smiled up at Kohl and grabbed the gift. I tore open the white box. Kohl sat nervously watching as I pulled off the top and took out a necklace. My smile grew wide.

I turned and looked up at Kohl, "Put it on me?"

Kohl let out a sigh of relief. "Yea, turn around" He signaled with his pointer finger.

He brushed my long black hair over my shoulder. His hand brushed my skin as he set the necklace around my neck. It sent tingles down my spine. He clipped the necklace and placed his hands on my shoulder signaling me it was done.

"How do I look?"

"Like a million bucks, Lex." Kohl breathed.

I blushed. The necklace matched my dress perfectly. My black dress barely reached below my hips and the diamond necklace made my outfit look devilish. I looked like a she devil. I took off my sash and crown and set them on the couch.