#jacquelyn marek

[miidnightglosss]

Boston Tea Party - Part 1 (Grell Sutcliffe - Chapter 1)

There's a tradition in Boston, Massachusetts, one where every student at the end of their eighth-grade year of school throws their papers and textbooks into a bonfire and parties the night away before their souls are ultimately crushed before going through the trials of high school life. Those who still have their souls, at least.

Grell Sutcliff, 14, had decided to follow this tradition surrounded by a number of her best friends. Her bright red hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail. She pulled down her black tank top ever so slightly and adjusted her white skirt accordingly. Her flip-flops lagged behind as she took a seat next to one of her best friends, Johanna West. "Are you sure you're just gonna stick with Bart Simpson over there? I know, like, thirteen other guys that are way cuter than him," Grell offered, her English accent apparent.

Johanna rolled her hazel eyes as she pushed the bright orange side of her hair (wig technically) out of her eyes. Her tan skin glowed against her sun while her eyes reflected the light. She had a fuchsia and orange split dyed wig that went surprisingly well with the rest of her somewhat toned-down clothing. Johanna had worn just a black cut-off tank top and dark denim shorts, her black Doja Cat hoodie slung over the back of her camping chair. She crossed her legs and bounced her Van-covered foot as she spoke again to Grell. "Yes, for the one-millionth time. And no amount of your criticism is going to change that.

"I'm just saying," Grell continued. "If you weren't promised to him, who would you date?"

Johanna and her boyfriend, Bart, have been promised to marry each other ever since he proposed (kind of) early last school year. They've known each other two years prior and figured "why the hell not?" They were a good pair and bounced off of each other well. Most of the time.

The two girls looked over to the rest of their group, which mostly consisted of boys. Walker Auteberry was playing football with Sebastian Michaelis, Matt Connery, and Ronald Knox.

Walker Auteberry was basically a pure athletic paragon. Tall, blond, fit. Not too terribly muscular. His curls bounced on top of his faded hair as it dissolved to match his tanned skin after a trip to Honolulu.

His face lit up with a smile, which was soon turned to shock as Sebastian tackled him to the ground. His porcelain skin and ebony hair were the perfect contrast to Walker's appearance. Sebastian was a bit leaner than Walker, but couldn't get a tan for shit. He was very punk or e-boy and often wore shades of black and gray with tiny bursts of red or purple color here and there.

Ronald Knox was a mega playboy. He also had blond, almost golden, hair with a few brown tuffs in the front that he somehow managed to pull off. His unnaturally green eyes, those similar to Grell's and William T. Spears's, were lit up with intensity as he chucked the ball over to Sebastian once more, making a touchdown. He was the preppiest among the boys.

Matt, Johanna's cousin, was somewhat of a mix between them. His blond hair had been dyed black, a bit darker than Sebastian's. He was more emo than the two. There's a difference. He wasn't putting in too much effort, but he was enjoying himself nonetheless.

Ciel Phantomhive, son to one of the richest families in Boston, sat beside his fiancee, Elizabeth Midford. Also wealthy.

Johanna smirked. "Probably either Sebastian or Ronald."

Grell furrowed her eyebrows. "What the fuck? Sebastian, hell yeah, but Ronald?"

"What?"

"They're complete dorks."

Johanna shrugged. "I have a thing for dorks."

"Then why are you with that?"

The girls looked over to Bartlomiej von Grimmelshausen, Bart for short. His family was traditionally Polish, but they were also the founders of one of the leading sportscar companies in town, Luxus. He had wavy jet black hair styled with a taper fade and ivory skin. He had around the same build as Walker but had grown a bit colder and more business-focused over the past few years. He had just thrown on a short-sleeve flannel with a white tank top underneath and a pair of black shorts. He stood alone as he fished in the nearby lake.

Johanna sighed. "I don't know. We have history and he's not someone I wanna lose."

"I ain't sayin' she a gold digga--"

Johanna playfully swatted Grell's arm. "Shut up! I'm not in it for the money."

"Then what? In my opinion, any of the other guys here would be more compatible with you."

"Right, like William?"

"Hey, now," Grell started, using her parent voice. "William's off-limits."

"Fine," Johanna finished jokingly. Jacquelyn Marek came over after a conversation with her parents at another site. All their parents were friends and they let them have freedom, but not too much. "Hey, what's up?"

Grell looked up to Jackie. She possessed auburn hair and ivory skin, much like Walker. She'd worn a yellow cropped tube top and black shorts today. She seemed distraught but tried hiding it. "Um... Yeah. Hey, do you guys wanna have a sleepover? You know, one last hurrah before high school starts?"

"Sure. It can't be at my house, though," Grell shouted. "Not after last time!"

"He gave me a weird look," Walker yelled back across the field.

"That's not a good reason to chuck a tube TV out the window," Matt replied

The girls giggled to themselves. "I'd have to ask August and Florence but they'll probably be fine with it." Johanna brushed some fallen leaves off her lap as she stood up. "I have to ask Bart something. Be right back."

Jackie moved in closer to Grell. "So when are you gonna make a move?"

Grell sighed dramatically. "I've already told you, once the time's right."

"Yeah, well, you'd better speed it up. He'll get snatched up quickly, especially somewhere as prestigious as the Phantomhive Academy. The geeky nerd bitches will be all up on him if he lets them." Jackie peered over at the adults to make sure they weren't looking and pulled out a Juul. She took a puff before offering it to Grell. "Wanna try? It's strawberries and cream."

Grell wrinkled her nose. "The fuck it is. And, no. I'm getting enough lung cancer just standing next to you." Jackie shrugged and took another hit. "What do you mean he'll get snatched up?"

Jackie raised an eyebrow. "Are you kidding? Someone like him up at a place like that? His parents are practically begging for grandkids."

Grell gazed longingly at her crush as he sat and scribbled in his notebook. "You're being incredibly vague right now."

"But you do know what I mean, right?"

"Yeah, I know."

Grell's crush, William, was way out of her league. Just like a majority of the people in her friend group, the Spears were wealthy. Will wanted to get into his own business. So did Grell, but while she was thinking of her own fashion line, he was thinking of his own line of supercomputer androids to help humanity. His short dark brown hair was always slicked back and his icy glare could cut through stone. He had a lean build and tall figure to match his business-as-usual aura.

"If you want, I could probably spike everyone's drinks and maybe move things forward a little."

Grell whipped her head towards Jackie, eyes full of disbelief and concern with a hint of curiosity.

"I'm doing it." As Jackie skipped away, Grell couldn't find the words to stop her.

♞

A couple of hours had passed before the parents had decided to give their kids some alone time. As soon as that happened, Jackie called up a local caterer to bring the group a giant bowl of punch. While everyone was busy being preoccupied with each other, she snuck off and poured in a few tiny shots she'd smuggled from the same gas station she'd gotten her Juul.

Grell watched as Johanna and Bart played a game of Marco Polo in the lake. Johanna trod the water as Bart found her hips beneath the waves. The couple smiled having found each other and kissed, right before hearing an "ew" from Matt, and getting splashed by a wave of water. Soon it had turned into a chicken fight, Johanna and Bart versus Matt and Walker.

Grell snapped out of her trance as a red solo cup was presented in front of her. "That could be you pretty soon," Jackie reminded. Without another word, Grell shot down the punch within a few huge gulps and assisted in passing them out, throat burning.

Soon enough, everyone was holding a drink and coming back to the punch bowl for more. Fireflies illuminated the skies as everyone danced to Bottoms Up by Trey Songz.

Jackie marched on top of a stump and raised her free hand. "Attention, assholes of Boston, Massachusetts!" Everyone in the group, including a few others, looked her way. "We're now going to play Truth or Dare now. I go first. Ciel, truth or dare?"

Normally, Ciel would be one of the first to deny a game of Truth or Dare. However, he was under the influence. He shrugged, an arm wrapped around Elizabeth's waist, whose hair had now been taken out of her usual drill tails. "Truth."

"If you were to make out with one guy here, who would it be?"

Ciel eyed Sebastian up and down. "I think we all know the answer to that already." The group let out a chorus of hoots and hollers as Sebastian purred back. Lizzie lazily swatted Ciel's chest.

"Okayokayokayokay-- OKAY!" Jackie silenced them again. "You pick someone now."

Ciel looked up, down, and all-around at the group until his eyes laid on William. "You!" He pointed overdramatically. "Truth or Dare?"

William, giggling like a maniac, had chosen dare. Never took him as a happy drunk, Grell thought to herself. "I dare youuuuu--" Ciel hiccupped-- "to make out with the most attractive person here."

Grell’s cheeks flushed a bright red as she nervously laughed along with her friends, Walker finding it the most hilarious thing in the world and slapping his hand on his knee while he wheezed for air.

She realized two things: one, he could pick someone, literally anyone, but her and confirm exactly what he thought of her. Two, he could kiss her and it would be the start of something beautiful. Either way, it was totally nerve-wracking. It wasn't like Will to spontaneously make out with someone. It wasn't like Will to get drunk without him really even knowing either. It wasn't like him to get drunk.

Grell didn't realize how much she had been overthinking this entire situation until William stood right in front of her.

Shit. Seductive. Go. She tried her best to look playful and flirty despite how much she was shaking right now. She hasn't noticed how much taller Will was to her. At least a good half a foot. Grell decided that it would probably be best to just let herself loose in the moment, so she snaked her arms around William's neck as he wrapped his around her waist. They stretched ever so slightly so that their lips were inches apart until they finally collided with each other.

It was everything Grell had dreamed it would be. His soft lips seemed to fit hers perfectly. Will licked her bottom lip, asking for permission to enter her mouth. She allowed him without hesitation as their tongues wrestled with each other for a good while. Her hands tightened through his hair while his gripped her hips tightly, pulling her closer to his body. Grell could've stayed like that for the rest of eternity--

"Okay, Grell, get you some!"

Johanna laughed at her remark from behind the two as Jackie cackled along with her. William drew away from Grell and opened his eyes, leaving Grell helpless, her eyes longing and her face red.

William smirked as Walker pat him a couple of times on his shoulder and the game continued. Grell couldn't pay much attention, though. She was certain that kiss meant one thing: they were meant to be together.

She couldn't have been more wrong.

[yegarts]

2020 Creators’ Reserve Recipients

In March 2020, the EAC released the Creators' Reserve grant program to support the time artists need to pursue a wide range of creation activities or the substantive revision of a work-in-progress. After reviewing over 600 applications, the final list of 121 recipients has been chosen. Thank you to all of those who applied. Stay well and stay safe! 

Please note, the names are in order alphabetically by first name and the list in written form can be found below the graphics.

Adrienne Dagg, AJA Louden, Alex Linfield, Alicia Proudfoot, Ally McIntyre, Alma Visscher, Amaka Ihejirka, Amber Alexander, Antonio Cabral, April Dean, Aretha Greatrix, Ava Karvonen, Barry Bilinsky, Becca Taylor, Belinda Cornish, Blair Palmer Yoxall, Brenda Draney, Brooke Gonzalez Woods, Celia Taylor, Chasm Houle, Christina Battle, Christina Nguyen, Colin Vince, Dave Clarke, David Cunningham, Dwayne Martineau, Dylan Howard, Ejazz Allibhai, Ella Coyes, Elsa Robinson, Emmanuel Dubbeldam, Enoch Attey, Eric Almberg, Evan Peacock, Everett Sokol, Gloria Mok, Haylee Fortin, Jacquelyn Cardinal, Jane Berry, Jason Abma, Jason Chinn, Jason Purcell, Jasrin Dhatt, Jayroy Makokis, Jesse Beier, Jill Stanton, Joey Lucius, John Estacio, Johnathon Adams, Jordan Bloemen, Kate Stashko, Katrina Beatty, Keith Ka Yin Sun, Keith Walker, Kelly Wolfert, Kim McCollum, Kiona Ligtvoet, Kristy Templeton-Davidge, Kristi Hansen, Kyle Aleekuk, Kyle Beal, Kyle Terrence, Lance Cardinal, Larissa Pohoreski, Laura Hawley, Laura Porter, Lauren Crazybull, Leif Oleson-Cormack, Lucy Lu, Mackenzie Brock, Marek Tyler, Maria Dunn, Marina Hulzenga, Mark Templeton, Martin Kerr, Marty Chan, Matthew Stepanic, Mboya Nicholson, Micheal Cor, Michelle Buckle, Mitchell Chalifoux, MJ Belcourt, Morgan Melenka, Morgan Wedderspoon, Nauzanin Knight, Nicholas Yee, Nichole Moeller, Nik Kozub, niuboi, Oliver Lessard, Olivia Street, Oscar Derkx, Paul Cournoyer, Paul Steenhuisen, Rayanne Haines, Rebecca Campbell, Riaz Mehmood, Richard van Camp, Riisa Gundesen, Robert Uchida, Sarah Feutl, Shann Blanchet, Sharlene Smith, Sharmila Mathur, Shelden Elter, Stefan Kijek, Stephanie Florence Wilson, Stephanie Harpe, Stephanie Patsula, Subash Giri, Sydney Lancaster, Tai Grauman, Tammy Salzl, Tara Kappo, Taryn Kneteman, Tiffany Sparrow Brulotte, Trevor Duplessis, Victoria Wiercinski, Wayne Arthurson, Yinan Li, Zachary Ayotte 

[engenheiragabi]

Decoração de Natal: 170 ideias criativas de como enfeitar a sua casa

O fim do ano já chegou e nessa época todo mundo adora enfeitar a casa e deixá-la ainda mais aconchegante para receber a família e os amigos no Natal. Além da clássica árvore de Natal, há diversos enfeites natalinos para você caprichar na decoração, como as guirlandas e os adornos para a porta e para a mesa. Confira 160 fotos inspiradoras e 10 tutoriais criativos de decoração de Natal para você se inspirar e saber como enfeitar a sua casa para as festas de fim de ano.

Índice do conteúdo:

Decoração de Natal 2018

Decoração de Natal simples e barata

Decoração de Natal para a sala

Decoração de Natal para a mesa

Decoração de Natal para a porta

Decoração de Natal para jardim e fachada

Decoração de Natal artesanal (tutoriais)

Decoração de Natal 2018

Se você sempre gosta de inovar nos enfeites natalinos, veja as tendências de decoração de Natal para 2018. Há adornos para os cantinhos da sua casa, árvores de Natal originais e até decorações para a mesa ou para a porta. Confira:

Farah Merhi

Jodie & Julie

Christmas glitter

cuckoo4design

Myhome402

Patricia Bacchi

dkasa

Flores da sexta

Lisa Woelk

Free People

theEverygirl

Louise Laura

A louca pelo natal

Melaine Rouge

Melaine Rouge

Luiza Burton

Nosso Apê 007

thecozyfarmhouse

Lalá Noleto

Andria Garcia

Ashley

Angelica Brown Alls

Thássia Naves

Nosso Ape 205

Krislyn

Fall and winter collection

Um encanto, não é mesmo? Os laços para a porta e os enfeites para a mesa estão super em alta, já as luzinhas, as guirlandas e as árvores de Natal são eternas e sempre se renovam.

Decoração de Natal simples e barata

Esse tipo de decoração é uma alternativa para quem está economizando nesse Natal ou para quem prefere enfeites simples e discretos. Veja algumas inspirações de como deixar a sua casa com a cara do Natal gastando pouco.

sistersjour

A casa que minha vó queria

christy

estilonordico

theEverygirl

Michelle Morris

Luiza Burton

Luiza Burton

Luiza Burton

Quadradinho 207

douglas leite

Dascoisinhas

Coco Kelley

chic no último

Jayme Squires

cuadormable

the latina next door

Laggon view cottage

Casa 192

asimplystylednest

Jeveretts

Ana Beatriz Vasques

Mariana Moreira

Nidhi

Ivonne

Ivonne

Francianne Silva

Doce Feltro

M&D Artesanatos

Casa 106

In Pink Ink

Sostrene Grene

É possível reutilizar materiais como garrafas de vidro e transformá-la em enfeites natalinos caprichados. Para decorar um canto específico da sua casa, aposte em decorações pequenas como globinhos de neve, velas ou mini-árvores de Natal.

Decoração de Natal para a sala

A sala é o lugar onde reunimos a família para trocar presentes e comemorar o Natal. Para deixar esse cômodo todo enfeitado, confira ideias de decoração natalina para a sala e veja algumas árvores de Natal encantadoras para te inspirar.

Decor.hny

Jessica Beier

Hey Heidi YT

Roseni Silva

Bel Studart Decor

ripeonthevine

Seaside Interiors

Thiago Galvão

Becca Bertotti

Casa 45

Magali Lintanf

stre_cozy

amaris arcus

christmassquare

Jacquelyn Clark

Francesca Di Guida

Fabiana Soares

Farah Merhi

Luciana Knak

Melaine Rouge

Rustic & Woven

World Market

Beatrice Oliveira

Lisa Woelk

Sam Carvalho

Me faz tão bem

Ourcottagehome

A árvore de Natal é o grande destaque do ambiente, então capriche nos enfeites e não se esqueça das luzes. Almofadas temáticas e pequenos quadros natalinos complementam a decoração e deixam o espaço ainda mais aconchegante.

Decoração de natal para a mesa

E na noite de Natal não pode faltar uma uma mesa caprichada para celebrar a ceia. Você pode optar por pratos personalizados, pequenos enfeites natalinos para mesa e até porta-guardanapos. Veja decorações para a mesa e se inspire.

Cliquedecoração

Luiza Burton

onekingslane

sousplat de l’amour

Flores da sexta

Flores da sexta

Adorna

Marlyartes

Porta guardanapos casamento

Chicohome

Kasa 57

Beleza põe mesa

Mesas da Ana Paula

Artes da dai

Artes da dai

Angelica Peixoto

Luxinhos da vivi

Mimos da Dani

Mimos da Dani

Ana Carolina Decor

Patricia Bacchi

Mesandário

Mesandário

Mesandário

Anaeli

Anaeli

Anaeli

Luciana Saffaro

Cliquedecoração

cuckoo4design

Você pode escolher uma decoração para a mesa que combine com a sua ceia. Para um jantar descontraído, opte pelos enfeites simples e divertidos. E para uma ocasião tradicional, invista em louças personalizadas e em um jogo americano de tecido.

Decoração de Natal para a porta

Para a porta, você pode escolher pendurar uma guirlanda clássica ou investir em um enfeite original, como um laço ou um adesivo com temática natalina. Há inspirações de decoração para quem mora em casa e em apartamento. Confira:

Emily A. Clark

Lar da Vani

Fabiana Soares

ap201b

guedes decor

Jacquelyn Clark

apartment34

Jo Galbraith

Kimiko Javery

Kimiko Javery

crochetknitandmix

Floral Oyster

Marc Anthony CO

Érica Dollinger

Das Cunha Artesanato

quinnconstanza

stressfree christmas

Kameily touch

Logan Smith

Kate Dreyer

Shabby Home

Casa 45

Willows attic

Ami allison

Francianne Silva

Eliane Lima

Joyde Pego Nince

Olga Arranjos

Chris Sunahara

Se você gosta de uma decoração mais sutil pode optar pelos quadrinhos, pelas guirlandas menores ou pelos adesivos temáticos. Já se você quer mostrar para todo mundo que adora o Natal, vale apostar em enfeites maiores e que cobrem a porta toda.

Decoração de Natal para jardim e fachada

Além do interior da casa, há quem adore decorar o jardim e a fachada com enfeites natalinos. As luzes de Natal ficam um charme, assim como as guirlandas penduradas ao redor da casa. No jardim você pode enfeitar uma árvore de verdade com adornos de Natal.

Dawn Buie

Maj Hoffstetter

Eliane Leichsenring Paisagismo

Willows Attic

Lauren Snyder

Emily Small stuff counts

Katja Marek

Carmelita

Becca Bundy

emily A. Clark

Dublingirl

thresholdsRVA

Shawn Weigman

Andréa Acras

Megan Massa

Shawn Weigman

Para a frente da sua casa, invista nas guirlandas e em enfeites para pendurar. Detalhes como um tapete temático ou as mini-árvores de Natal deixam a decoração ainda mais charmosa. E para o jardim não se esqueça das luzes!

Decoração de Natal artesanal

Se você é daquelas que ama colocar a mão na massa ou que adora fazer enfeites caprichados, confira 10 tutoriais com diversas ideias criativas e baratinhas de decoração de Natal:

DIY: boneco de neve, mini-árvore e outras decorações de Natal

Veja como fazer diversas decorações de Natal, como porta-velas, boneco de neve, sacolas e mini-árvores de Natal usando materiais como feltro, EVA e fio de lã. São superfáceis de fazer e ficam um charme.

Especial de Natal: 6 ideias para você mesma fazer

Aprenda como fazer diversos enfeites natalinos de forma simples e artesanal. É possível transformar materiais como potes de conserva e tampinhas de garrafa em decorações lindas para o Natal.

6 ideias de artesanato para o Natal

Nesse vídeo vemos diversas ideias de artesanato para o Natal, desde enfeites até lembrancinhas. Os materiais necessários são fáceis de encontrar e é superdivertido para fazer com as crianças.

21 ideias criativas de decoração para o Natal

E se você ama praticidade vai adorar esse vídeo, que nos mostra 21 maneiras criativas de como fazer decorações natalinas. Veja como fazer diversos enfeites para a sua árvore de Natal de forma artesanal.

3 tutoriais de enfeites natalinos

E se você está economizando nesse Natal, veja como fazer 3 enfeites lindos usando materiais simples como isopor e garrafa pet. Ficam lindos para você pendurar na árvore ou decorar um cantinho da casa.

5 decorações de Natal caprichadas para você fazer

Com esse vídeo da youtuber Ana Karina, aprendemos como fazer 5 decorações de Natal caprichadas. Apesar de um pouco mais trabalhosos, os enfeites ficam perfeitos para você decorar a casa toda.

3 maneiras de como fazer sua própria árvore de Natal

Nesse vídeo aprendemos 3 maneiras de como fazer uma árvore de Natal caprichada. Você pode escolher uma menor de biscuit ou uma maior feita de madeira ou espuma expansiva. Ficam lindas, além de originais.

Decoração de Natal com garrafas de vidro

Com esse tutorial aprendemos como fazer decorações de Natal usando materiais simples como uma garrafa de vidro e fitas decorativas. São charmosos, além de baratinhos.

Decoração de Natal gastando pouco

E para deixar os cantinhos da sua casa prontos para o Natal, veja 3 ideias de como montar enfeites natalinos gastando pouco. Os materiais são simples, como caixas de papelão e palitos de sorvete.

Como fazer um globo de neve para o Natal

Veja como fazer um globo de neve natalino usando glicerina, glitter, um pote de vidro, água e detergente. Esse enfeite é superprático de fazer e fica perfeito para você decorar sua mesa ou colocar na estante da sua casa.

Esses tutoriais também são uma alternativa para quem está economizando. Com materiais acessíveis, é possível decorar a casa para o Natal e ainda se divertir fazendo os enfeites.

As inspirações de enfeites natalinos são as mais diversas para todo mundo curtir o Natal do próprio jeito. Com todas essas ideias criativas, fica fácil de escolher uma decoração de Natal caprichada para deixar a sua casa linda.

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[miidnightglosss]

Boston Tea Party - Part 2 (Jacquelyn Marek - Chapter 1)

Jacquelyn Marek - Chapter 1

It was a rainy Saturday night, the one right after the eventful Friday afternoon before. The rusty black Mazda rolled into the driveway of Feminine Vanilla. Its neon pink lights flickered outside the building as disproportionate women and men were way too old to be out on their own walk in and out of the doors.

Viola Kilduff put her lipstick in her purse as she looked over at her friend. "You sure you wanna do this?"

Jackie looked up from her phone. "I don't exactly have a ton of options."

"Yes, you do."

"Then why are you doing this?"

"Because I'm getting paid for shaking my ass. Why wouldn't anyone stop doing it for free?"

Jackie side. She doubted that she truly had a chance, but if all else failed here...

"Whatever. Let's just go."

The two girls stepped out of the car. Their heels clicked hard against the pavement as they made their way inside, gaining looks from nearby customers. Both had worn red bottoms (that Viola had stolen) and matching black outfits, Viola's a slip dress and Jackie's a co-ord of a cropped spaghetti string tank top and mini skirt.

Viola held open the door as her younger, shorter friend stepped inside. "Right this way."

As the redhead walked in, she was immediately flooded with neon lights, martini glasses, and almost naked women as far as the eye could see. In a corner a group was bringing their faces down to the table as the others egged them on as they brought their heads back up, a white powder resting on their upper lips. Girls in seven-inch heels slid down poles all across the building, cigarette smoke filling the air.

Viola motioned towards the back. "I'm gonna change. You coming?"

"Not tonight," Jackie said, "I'll just watch."

"Alright. But we gotta come up with some kind of secret password, a'ight? In case things get too uncomfortable for you?"

Jackie rolled her eyes. "Jesus, V, I'm not a little kid, okay? I'm sure I can handle it."

"Yeah, you sure as fuck wouldn't have gotten in here if you was."

"How did we get in, anyway? Like, I'm obviously not old enough to be a dancer--"

"You'd be surprised," Viola sighed. She gestured to a few girls serving drinks, stripping, even herself. "They don't question too much here. As long as she's willing to give 'im a lap dance, they don't complain."

Jackie nodded. "That's the sick and twisted world we live in isn't it?"

"Well. Your parents kicked you out for likin' pussy and you get to live with me now. As far as I'm concerned, this is an absolute win." Jackie raised an eyebrow. "You know what I mean, though. Right? Look, safe word is 'avocado'. I'll see you in a bit. If I'm not on that stage in five seconds, Leo will have my ass. Literally." With that, she leaned over to Jackie, kissed both cheeks, and made her way through the crowd, waving to coworkers along the way.

Just for a moment, Jackie felt like a little kid who'd just lost her mom in a grocery store. However, she quickly tossed away those feelings and confidently strutted over to the bar. This is how things had to be now. Any good childhood had been stolen away from her and now she had to turn to any form of money or housing she could get, and with Viola making a thousand in one weekend...

She positioned herself on a barstool. Once she got the bartender's attention, she had ordered a One Night Stand. "Really?" She looked over to a blond man sitting next to her.

"What," she barked, already forgetting the previously established safe word.

The man looked up at her. "If you really want to get drunk, you'll get something with a bit of Spirytus Stawski in it."

Jackie rolled her eyes, returning to her own mind. "I'm pretty sure they don't serve those here."

"Then at least allow me to pay for your drink?"

She scanned the man up and down. He had ivory skin and blond hair to just the very tops of his shoulders. He wore a smirk and possessed unnaturally purple eyes, but they did have an intriguing effect. He wore mostly white, a bold move for someone at a place like this. All joking aside, she found him kind of cute.

"Alright," she said, patting the seat next to her. "Let me talk to you."

He got up and approached her. Only then did Jackie realize how much taller he was to her. He signaled to the bartender that he would cover their drinks and held out a hand to Jackie. "Aleister. Aleister Chamber."

Jackie smirked as she shook his hand. "Jacquelyn Marek. Jackie for short."

"I love it. That's beautiful" Why the fuck did that make me blush? You know anyone here?"

"Um..." Jackie briefly searched the stages. "Her. There." She motioned to Viola, who was sliding up and down a pole in only a pair of hot pink panties and clear high heels.

"Ah," Aleister said, nodding. "Would you ever try that?"

This is one of those many things that Jackie knew that she probably shouldn't do, but was going to do anyway. "I haven't decided yet." She bit her lip and looked Aleister up and down. "Could I put on a show for you sometime?"

He chuckled and leaned closer to Jackie's ear. "Keep that up and it'll be more of a hands-on experience."

Jackie giggled and shyly tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. Her chest began to heat up and it was getting a bit warmer between her legs. Throbbing, almost. Her breathing began to get a bit heavier but she tried her best to keep it under control. I'm gonna get myself in some deep shit tonight, she thought. And she was completely right.

It all happened in such a blur. Their drinks had arrived, they talked, drank some more. Jackie couldn't even begin to recall how it all lead to her making out with a mysterious man she had just met in the bathroom. She was enjoying herself, though. He was comfortable, but Aleister was still able to get rough with her.

Afterward, they exchanged numbers, saying that they would meet up again. Yeah fucking right, Jackie thought. She's done this routine before, if only once or twice. You love them for a night and leave them forever, or at least a long time.

Aleister left the bathroom, followed by a nonchalant Jackie. She took a seat up front as she watched Viola complete her performance. However, for some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that this wouldn't be their last encounter.