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Taking a deep breath, I pulled my luggage and climbed the porch steps. There was a flowerpot by the door. I dug into the soil and pulled out the keys wrapped in a soft leather cloth. I opened the door to the house and entered. Through the door and into the familiar parlor I went. The house was just as I remember with its high ceilings and wide hallways that led to spacious rooms. The parlor had antique furniture and family photos hanging on walls and some trophies by the TV set. I left my bags in the parlor to look around the house. I was surprised by how everything stayed the same yet how it felt so unfamiliar without the people I love in it. A sense of emptiness permeated the air. I could almost hear my parents’ voices echoing in the house. I entered my parents’ room, it was tidy. The bed had clean sheets laid out on it and by the window were two armchairs and a table. My parents loved to sit there together after supper looking out the window admiring the stars.
I sat on the bed and looked at the family portrait hanging overhead. I laid down and felt the soft sheets welcome my weight. Slowly I fell asleep with tears drying on my face.
The funeral was a somber affair, with family and friends gathered to mourn her passing. It was held at a beautiful church in the heart of the city, with tall stained-glass windows that let in the warm sunlight, illuminating the rows of mourners. I sat in the front row, surrounded by my mother’s friends and family, many of whom were strangers to me. I held a tissue tightly, wiping away the tears that streamed down my face as I listened to the eulogy delivered by the priest.
Earlier, I had seen my mother in her coffin before she was buried. Her face was pale and sickly. She was dressed in white, and her head was wrapped in a scarf due to hair loss from chemotherapy. She looked peaceful in death. I had prayed she would meet my father. That thought consoled me. The priest’s voice echoed in the church talking about my mom’s virtue, I nodded along, knowing that everything the priest said was true.
As the service ended, my heart felt heavy with grief and relief that it was over. I didn’t want to stay around so I made my way out of the church. I was surprised as a lady fell in beside me, walking at my pace. She looked at me with kind eyes and said, “I am sorry for your loss. I never knew your mom, but this is a small town, and we all look after each other. I'm Mirabel. How are you doing?”
I felt touched as she came up to me and checked on me. I sighed and looked at her. She was pretty in a way that made her seem approachable. Her eyes were warm and friendly. I responded. “Thank you. I’m Samantha. It's nice to know there are kind people around.” We stepped out of the church, the sun warm on my face. She had a disarming smile.
“Though it seems we are rare, we exist. I hear that you just came back to town. Don’t ask me how I know.” Her eyes glinted in the light; she was teasing me to cheer me up. “Let me take you to my favorite candy store, they have delicious sweets. Come on, you can’t go home sad.”
Her aura was so infectious I did not resist. True to her words, the candy store had a lot of sweets and cookies that I enjoyed. She took me around town to various fun spots. When I got back home, I noticed how much lighter and easier I felt. Mirabel was becoming a friend I didn’t know I needed in these times.
It has been over two weeks since I arrived in Salt Lake City, and I was still getting used to being alone at home. Though I tried to cheer myself up and out of my mourning, it seemed impossible as I retreated into myself. I thought nothing would snap me out of my funk- until Mirabel’s call entered my phone. I smiled as I picked it up, she has been an angel checking up on me regularly.
“Hey, Bell. How are you?”
“I am feeling great, and I’d like to make you feel the same way. I just have the best idea in mind. There is a party coming up tonight at Hilton Club. I am going and you have to come. This would be your chance to leave home and get some positive energy. What do you say, are you coming?”
I thought about it and felt she was right. It was like I made the house my tomb and I was decaying in it. “Ok, girl. I’ll come. Send me the address.”
Her voice rose an octave, “Yes! And you won't regret it. I'm sending you the address right now. See you later, Sam.”
“Later.” As soon as I cut the call, the message with the address entered my phone. I checked the clock. It was 5 pm and the party started at 8 pm. I had to find something to wear immediately.
Mirabel, from what I've seen of her, was effortless in style and had a magnetic personality. Since she invited me, I wanted to look my best. I rummaged through my closet, trying on different outfits, but nothing felt quite right. I wanted to look beautiful and confident but didn’t want to try too hard.
After trying on several outfits, I finally settled on a stunning black dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. The dress had a plunging neckline and a slit that showed off my long legs. I paired it off with strappy black heels that made me feel tall and elegant. I spent over an hour on my hair and makeup, making sure everything was perfect.
When I arrived at the club, I saw Mirabel waiting for me outside and I went to meet her. She pulled me into a hug. “You look stunning, I knew this would be just the thing to get you back into your element. I'm glad you’re here. Come on, let’s go in.”
“Thanks, and you’re looking gorgeous too.” She had a sparkly silver crop- top that showed off her flat stomach and pale skin, which she paired with black jeans. She smiled at the compliment and pulled me into the club. The place was packed with people dancing and laughing. The music made the atmosphere electric and fun. It wasn't long before Mirabel and I danced and laughed with the others.
I was having the time of my life. Finally, however, I was getting tired and gestured to Mirabel, who was dancing with a long-haired guy, that I was going to the bar. She waved at me, and I made my way through the crowd to the bar.
As I reached the bar, I sat on the high stool to order a drink and that was when I noticed a guy who was nursing a drink in his hands. He looked lost in his thoughts sitting alone. He seemed so out of place with the upbeat energy in the club. I couldn’t help but be drawn to him. There was something about his presence that was both enigmatic and alluring. He was an older man from what I could see. The light from the club did wonders to his hair but I could see the streaks of gray among the black. He noticed me staring at him and turned to look at me. His eyes were a piercing blue that seemed to freeze my thoughts and stared into my soul. Despite his age, he was still handsome, with a chiseled jawline and a well-groomed mustache. His physique was imposing and at that moment he seemed to fill the room.
I felt my heart flutter as we locked gazes, finding myself unable to look away. There was an aura of mystery around him that made me curious about his purpose here. The bartender came to me, forcing me to look away. “I'll have your most popular cocktail.” He nodded and set off to prepare it. I still felt the man's eyes on me and tried to sit straighter to attract his attention to my body. The bartender returned with my drink. I took it and decided to approach the man.
I left my seat and moved towards him. His eyes followed me, when I sat beside him, his eyes lit up with interest. That sent shivers up my body which sent my heart racing with anticipation. I took a seat and faced him; my hand was shaking so I left my drink on the bar partition. “Hi,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. He raised an eyebrow in confusion, I raised my voice and said, “Hello, you seem to need company.” I didn’t know what was coming over me, but I felt like letting out a different side of me with him.
He moved closer to me, I could smell his cologne, it was like the smell of the earth after a rain and there were hints of sandalwood. “Hey, beautiful. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you.” He replied with a smooth and deep voice that sent a delicious shiver down my spine.
There was something captivating about him, almost otherworldly. I shook my head, the alcohol, I thought though I hadn't had much. “You seem so out of place here, why are you here?” I took a sip of my drink but kept my eyes on him. I saw it excited him how I gave him all my attention.
“Getting my mind off things. What about you? This seems like your scene, but you look like a frightened bird around these people.” He had one of his legs between my thighs. My breath caught; this was a dangerous man.
“And will you save a lost bird? I don’t mind a change of scenery with something more exciting.” I was shocked at my brazen flirtation with this stranger.
He smiled for the first time, I liked the fact that I caused it. “I can do that and a lot more. You are awakening something in me which I thought was dead. I will need something more from you, my bird.” His voice had a seductive twang that mesmerized me, low and soothing.
I trapped his leg between my thighs and leaned forward. I didn’t know what I was expecting but I said, “It's only fair you show me this awakening.” I blushed as he brought his face closer to mine. I was expecting him to kiss me, but his lips grazed mine and I perceived the intoxicating smell of whiskey on his breath. A jolt of electricity ran through my body.
He rose, pulling his leg from between my thighs, and towered over me. I looked up to take in the sight of him and felt a fire burning deep within my belly. “Let’s get out of here. Would you like that?” His gentlemanly demeanor charmed me. I did not trust myself to say anything, so I just nodded. He took my hand and I followed willingly; it was like he controlled both my body and mind. I briefly thought about Mirabel, turned to look for her, and caught her eye with a smile and waved. He pulled me with his arms into a crushing hug. I felt like I was being devoured by him and I did not resist. He pulled away saying, “You are driving me crazy; we should leave here, I want you.” The desire in his voice made my mind go blank.
“Mm, Ok.” I could not form more words. My body was heating and his arm around my waist made my legs feel weak. We reached his car and I slid into the front seat. He got into the driver’s seat. The car purred to life. I felt comfortable with the luxurious leather seats enveloping my body. I looked at him, his focus was on the road. His right hand left the steering wheel and began rubbing along my bare thigh. I bit my lip trying to stay quiet. There was a smirk on his lips, this is the type of man that would like me to scream out loud.
